2015 Bethesda Big Train Roster Preview

2015 Roster Preview

With just over a week until the first exhibition game, we bring you season stats and information on the 2015 roster that will prepare every Big Train fan for the upcoming season. 

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Big Train Players in Pro Ball and College Round up

Big Train Players in Pro Ball Longtime Big Train historian and volunteer Bill Hickman has done a great job of keeping up to date with all the Big Train alums who are playing professional baseball around the county. Mike McKenry (BT 2004), featured above, is one of the alums that is in the MLB and seeing a lot of playing time for the Colorado Rockies. Below you will find recent information and stat lines from every former Big Train player that is playing professional baseball.                                                                                           Martin Agosta, RHP (BT 2011) San Jose Giants (California Lg. - Hi A) 1-1, 9.00 ERA in 4 games. Cody Allen, RHP (BT 2008 & 2010) Cleveland Indians (American League - MLB) 0-2, 3 saves, 14.40 ERA in 6 games. Serves as the team's closer. Matt Bowman, RHP (BT 2010-11-12) Las Vegas 51's (PCL - AAA) 0-3, 10.93 ERA in 3 games.  Mike Costanzo, 3B (BT 2003) Camden Riversharks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) Season begins April 24. Ryan Doran, RHP (BT 2012) Visalia Rawhide (California Lg. - Hi A) 1-0, 4.91 ERA in 2 games. Brian Dozier, 2B (BT 2006) Minnesota Twins (American Lg. - MLB) .214, 12 hits, 1 HR, 4 RBI in 15 games. Chris Duffy, 1B (BT 2007) Ottawa Champions (Canadian-American Lg. - IND) Season begins May 22. Nate Fury, RHP (BT 2010) Lakeland Flying Tigers (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) no record yet. Ryan Garton, RHP (BT 2011) In extended spring training with the Tampa Bay Rays. T. J. Hose, RHP (BT 2004) Camden Riversharks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) Season begins April 24.  Alex Hudak, OF (BT 2011) Camden Riversharks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) Season begins April 24.    Matt Long, OF (BT 2006) Colorado Springs SkySox (Pacific Coast Lg. - AAA) .277, 13 hits, 5 RBI in 12 games. Joe Mantiply, LHP (BT 2010) Erie SeaWolves (Eastern Lg. - AA) 0-1, 1.93 ERA in 4 games. Michael McKenry, C (BT 2004) Colorado Rockies (NL - MLB) .294, 5 hits in 7 games. Brennan Middleton, SS (BT 2010-12) Hagerstown Suns (So. Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) .174, 5 hits, 5 RBI in 7 games. Mitch Morales, SS/2B (BT 2012) Tri-City Dust Devils (Northwest Lg. - ss-A) Season begins June 18. Mason Morioka, C (BT 2009-10-11) Rockford Aviators (Frontier Lg. - IND) Season begins May 15. Jimmy Reed, LHP (BT 2010) Palm Beach Cardinals (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) 1-0, 2.84 ERA in 2 games. Hunter Renfroe, OF (BT 2011-12) San Antonio Missions (Texas Lg. - AA) .133, 6 hits, 1 HR, 1 RBI in 11 games. Kelly Secrest, LHP (BT 2011-12) St. Lucie Mets (Fla. State Lg. - Hi A) 1-0, 2.45 ERA in 3 games. Danny Stienstra, 1B (BT 2008-09-10) Amarillo Thunderheads (American Association - IND) Season begins May 21. Justin Wright, LHP (BT 2008) Springfield Cardinals (Texas Lg.- AA) 1-0, 6.23 ERA in 5 games.

BT College Round Up: 4/24/2015 Calvin Copping (BT '15) on the mound for Cal State Northridge This week of college baseball featured some good outings from Big Train players including walk-off hits, good pitching, and solid overall performances.  Read More

Big Train Players in Pro Ball

Updated on August 18, 2014 Cody Allen (BT 2008 & 2010) -picture above- has emerged as a key relief pitcher for Terry Francona's Cleveland Indians this year. Earlier in the season, after Francona removed John Axford from the closer role, Cody Allen won the job and has proved to be a reliable stopper out of the pen in the 9th inning.  Allen has converted 15 out of 16 save chances and recorded 9 holds for the Indians during the 2014 season.  Martin Agosta, RHP (BT 2011) Second time with San Jose Giants (California Lg. - Hi A) 3-2, 8.58 ERA in 10 games; after going onto disabled list, he did a rehab assignment with the AZL Giants (Arizona Lg. - Rookie) 1-0, 4.50 ERA in 4 games. Cody Allen, RHP (BT 2008 & 2010) Cleveland Indians (American League - MLB) 4-2, 15 saves, 1.88 ERA in 58 games. Leads team in saves and is second in pitching appearances. Adam Barry, OF/3B/1B/RHP (BT 2011-12) With Trinidad Triggers (Pecos Lg. - IND) for second time this year .240, 18 hits, 2 HR, 19 RBI in 29 games; 1-0, 7.00 ERA in 7 games as pitcher; earlier in season was traded to Fort Worth Cats (United Lg. - IND), where he hit .196, 11 hits, 1 HR, 5 RBI in 18 games, and then was released. Matt Bowman, RHP (BT 2010-11-12) With Las Vegas 51's (PCL - AAA) for third time this season 2-1, 1.88 ERA in 4 games; has been with Binghamton Mets (Eastern Lg. - AA) four times this season 7-6, 3.11 ERA in 17 games. Collin Cargill, RHP (BT 2007) With Jacksonville Suns (Southern Lg. - AA) four times this year 3-1, 3.90 ERA in 25 games; promoted three times to New Orleans Zephyrs (PCL - AAA) 0-1, 6.92 ERA in 11 games, and returned to Jacksonville. Mike Costanzo, 3B (BT 2003) Louisville Bats (International Lg. - AAA) .194, 25 hits, 4 HR, 15 RBI in 43 games; on disabled list. Ryan Doran, RHP (BT 2012) South Bend Silver Hawks (Midwest Lg. - Lo A) 1-0, 1.06 ERA in 3 games; began season with Hillsboro Hops (Northwest Lg. - ss-A) 4-3, 2.56 ERA in 10 games. Brian Dozier, 2B (BT 2006) Minnesota Twins (American Lg. - MLB) .235, 119 hits, 20 HR, 53 RBI in 119 games. Leads his team in runs scored (84), stolen bases (19), total bases (194), and HR. Brian leads all major league second basemen in runs scored and HR. Is sixth among second basemen in Wins Over Replacement Value. Chris Duffy, 1B (BT 2007) Sioux Falls Canaries (American Assn - IND) .256, 81 hits, 13 HR, 47 RBI in 86 games. Nate Fury, RHP (BT 2010) West Michigan White Caps (Midwest Lg. - Lo A) 1-0, 1.17 ERA in 5 games; after earlier stints with GCL Tigers (Gulf Coast Lg. - Rookie) 0-0, 0.00 ERA in 1 game; and with Lakeland Flying Tigers (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) 0-3, 3.65 ERA in 9 games. Ryan Garton, RHP (BT 2011) Charlotte Stone Crabs (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) 5-2, 4 saves, 3.30 ERA in 35 games. Ben Griset, LHP (BT 2012) Bowling Green Hot Rods (Midwest Lg. - Lo A) 2-6, 4.24 ERA in 12 games mostly as a starter; after beginning season with Charlotte Stone Crabs (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) as a reliever 1-1, 0.71 ERA in 5 games. Justin Hepner, RHP (BT 2013) GCL Marlins (Gulf Coast Lg. - Rookie) 0-0, 16.87 ERA in 2 games. T. J. Hose, RHP (BT 2004) Camden Riversharks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) 4-7, 1.92 ERA in 38 games. Leads staff in pitching appearances. Alex Hudak, OF (BT 2011) Camden Riversharks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) .287, 82 hits, 7 HR, 39 RBI, in 82 games.  Brenden Kalfus, OF (BT 2011) Vancouver Canadians (Northwest Lg. - ss-A) .151, 8 hits, 2 RBI in 22 games. Matt Long, OF (BT 2006) Arkansas Travelers (Texas Lg. - AA) .250, 34 hits, 3 HR, 9 RBI in 37 games; after starting season with Salt Lake City Bees (PCL - AAA) .261, 63 hits, 5 HR, 29 RBI in 64 games. After suffering an injury, Matt had rehab assignments with AZL Angels (Arizona Lg. - Rookie) .333, 1 hit in 1 game and with Orem Owlz (Pioneer Lg. - Rookie) .667, 2 hits in 1 game.  Joe Mantiply, LHP (BT 2010) Erie SeaWolves (Eastern Lg. - AA) 0-0, 1.93 ERA in 4 games; after starting season with West Michigan White Caps (Midwest Lg. - Lo A) 6-3, 8 saves, 2.40 ERA in 38 games. Named to the Midwest League All-Star Game. Michael McKenry, C (BT 2004) Second time this season with Colorado Rockies (NL - MLB) .347, 34 hits, 4 HR, 14 RBI in 36 games; has twice been with Colorado Springs SkySox (Pacific Coast Lg - AAA) .313, 26 hits, 3 HR, 12 RBI in 23 games.  Brennan Middleton, SS (BT 2010-12) Hagerstown Suns (So. Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) .259, 52 hits, 14 RBI in 61 games. Ethan Miller, RHP (BT 2012) Salem-Keiser Volcanoes (Northwest Lg. - ss-A) 5-1. 3.93 ERA in 12 games. Mitch Morales, SS/2B (BT 2012) AZL Padres (Arizona Lg. - Rookie) .125, 2 hits, in 8 games. Mason Morioka, C (BT 2009-11) Rockford Aviators (Frontier Lg. - IND) .218, 29 hits, 1 HR, 11 RBI in 42 games. Daryl Norris, RHP (BT 2011) With Lakeland Flying Tigers (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) for third time this season 0-1, 10.57 ERA in 3 games; after earlier stints with GCL Tigers (Gulf Coast Lg. - Rookie) 1-5, 1 save, 7.43 ERA in 7 games; and with Connecticut Tigers (NY-Penn Lg. - ss-A) 0-0, 4.05 ERA in 4 games.  Cole Norton, OF (BT 2012) On June 16 (pre-season), Cole was re-assigned from the roster of the Grand Junction Rockies to the Colorado Rockies extended spring training camp. Jimmy Reed, LHP (BT 2010) With Palm Beach Cardinals (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) for second time this year 5-1, 3.77 ERA in 7 games; after promotion to Springfield Cardinals (Texas Lg. - AA) 1-1, 4.91 ERA in 2 games; and earlier stint with Peoria Chiefs (Midwest Lg. - Lo A) 3-3, 3.88 ERA in 13 games. Hunter Renfroe, OF (BT 2011-12) San Antonio Missions (Texas Lg. - AA) .231, 40 hits, 4 HR, 17 RBI in 46 games; after starting season with All-Star performance at Lake Elsinore Storm (California Lg. - Hi A) .295, 82 hits, 16 HR, 52 RBI, .935 OPS in 69 games. Went 1 for 2 in the 2014 MLB Futures Game. Kelly Secrest, LHP (BT 2011-12) Brooklyn Cyclones (NY-Penn Lg. - ss-A) 3-0, 1.40 ERA in 15 games.  Danny Stienstra, 1B (BT 2008-09-10) Palm Beach Cardinals (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) no record, on disabled list since season started. Nick Vickerson, 1B/2B/3B (BT 2010) Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Carolina Lg. - Hi A) .144, 14 hits, 2 HR, 7 RBI in 33 games; after starting season with Hickory Crawdads (South Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) .299, 50 hits, 4 HR, 25 RBI in 51 games. Matt Wickswat, LHP (BT 2006) Sioux Falls Canaries (American Assn - IND) - 3-7, 6.11 ERA in 19 games. Justin Wright, LHP (BT 2008) With the Memphis Redbirds (PCL - AAA) for the third time this year 3-0, 7.50 ERA in 9 games. Had three stints with the Springfield Cardinals (Texas Lg.- AA) this year, having a sensational record of 2-1, 9 saves, and 1.50 ERA in 31 games. Thanks to Bill Hickman for collecting all the information.

Best of Bethesda Voting Open! Bethesda Magazine's Best of Bethesda "Reader's Poll" is now open! Voting continues until September 15 and the Bethesda Big Train could be considered for a few of the categories. Voters will also receive a $10 coupon to Roof Bethesda restaurant.  If you love the Big Train and want to give us some props,  the survey can be found here.

2014 CRCBL Standings    TEAM W L % GB BIG TRAIN  31 9 .775  - Baltimore Redbirds 25 15 .625 6 Rockville Express 24 16 .600 7 Gaithersburg Giants 23 17 .575 8 Alexandria Aces 23 17 .575 8 Youse's Orioles 18 22 .450 13 Vienna River Dogs 18 22 .450 13 FCA Herndon Braves 17 23 .425 14 D.C. Grays 15 25 .375 16 Baltimore Dodgers 13 27 .325 18 SS-Takoma TBolts 13 27 .325 18

Big Train Pick Up Win #21 in Vienna; Dozier in MLB HR Derby

Big Train Win In Vienna Wes Rea's Game-Winning Home Run. (Video: Alan Dobbins)   The Bethesda Big Train traveled to Vienna on Tuesday afternoon and improved their record to 21-5 after picking up a 6-4 win over the Vienna River Dogs.   After Vienna scored three runs in the bottom of the 8th inning to tie the game, Wes Rea (Mississippi State) hit the game-winning two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning, driving in Tony DiLeo(Eastern Michigan).    The two teams were set to play the second game of the double-header, but severe weather prevented that from happening. A make-up date will be announced shortly.

Dozier In Home Run Derby   Brian Dozier (BT '06) was one of eight participants named Tuesday to the MLB Home Run Derby at Target Field. Dozier leads the Twins and all MLB second basemen with 16 home runs. "It's something you watch as a kid growing up and you [now] have an opportunity to do it," Dozier said. "Especially at Target Field in front of the home fans, it should be a lot of fun." Dozier will join Athletics outfielder and defending championYoenis Cespedes on the AL side, along with the Blue Jays' Jose Bautista and the Orioles' Adam Jones. The NL will have the Dodgers' Yasiel Puig, the Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton, the Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki and the Reds' Todd Frazier.

2014 CRCBL Standings    TEAM W L % GB BIG TRAIN  21 5 .808  - Baltimore Redbirds 14 8 .636 4.5 Alexandria Aces 16 11 .593 5.5 Rockville Express 15 11 .577 6 Vienna River Dogs 13 11 .540 7 Youse's Orioles 12 14 .463 9 Gaithersburg Giants 11 14 .440 9.5 FCA Herndon Braves 10 13 .435 9.5 SS-Takoma T-Bolts 10 16 .385 11 D.C. Grays 9 17 .346 12 Baltimore Dodgers 7 18 .280 13.5

Bethesda Big Train Matt Bowman Promoted to Mets Triple-A (Las Vegas)

Matt Bowman Promoted   Matt Bowman (BT '10-12) is yet one step closer towards achieving his dream of pitching in the major leagues. After being selected by the New York Mets in the 13th round (No. 410 overall) in the 2012 MLB Draft out of Princeton, the Chevy Chase, MD native has worked his way up the Mets' farm system in a hurry.  After stops with the Brooklyn Cyclones (New York-Penn League) in  2012 and the Savannah Sand Gnats (South Atlantic League) and St. Lucie Mets (Florida State League) in 2013, Bowman started 2014 with the Binghamton Mets (Eastern League). In 14 appearances with Binghamtom this season, Bowman notched six wins while posting an ERA of 3.50 to go along with 77 Ks in 79.2 innings pitched.  Bowman was a crucial piece of the Big Train's 2011 National Championship Team in which he posted a 5-2 record to go along with a league-leading 0.82 ERA.  Bowman will report to the Las Vegas 51s, the New York Mets Triple-A Affiliate that plays in the Pacific Coast League.

2014 CRCBL Standings    TEAM W L % GB BIG TRAIN  18 4 .818  - Rockville Express 15 9 .625 4 Baltimore Redbirds 12 8 .600 5 Alexandria Aces 13 10 .565 5.5 FCA Herndon Braves 10 10 .500 7 Vienna River Dogs 10 10 .500 7 Youse's Orioles 10 13 .435 8.5 Gaithersburg Giants 10 13 .435 8.5 SS-Takoma T-Bolts 9 13 .409 9 D.C. Grays 9 15 .375 10 Baltimore Dodgers 6 17 .273 12.5