By Kevin Oklobzija Mike Quade contends he hasn't dug far into the depths of Sabermetrics or analytics and discovered numbers that will revolutionize how he constructs his end-of-season lineup for the Rochester Red Wings. "I'm not a baseball whisperer," he said with a smile. He does, however, know Matt Hague is a darn good hitter against left-handers (.299 heading into … [Read more...] about Hague adapts to leadoff role as Wings close in on playoff berth
Enticing Spot Play Hot Plays for Saratoga, Batavia
By Kevin Oklobzija Spot Play Hot Plays for Labor Day weekend First we'll start at Saratoga for a couple horses on my watch list: Saturday, Sept. 2 Race 5 No. 13 Lucullan. He'll need some luck in the form of a scratch to even start, since he's on the also-eligible list. If he does draw in, though, he'll be a major player. Was flying late to be third in his last … [Read more...] about Enticing Spot Play Hot Plays for Saratoga, Batavia
Hoping SPHPs can stay hot
By Kevin Oklobzija The Spot Play Hot Plays for Wednesday, Aug. 30 at Batavia Downs Race 4 No. 2 Roll With Faith (5/2 morning line). Comes out of the New York Execelsior Series. Not a fan of fillies against the boys, but this one has talent and speed. I'm boxing in an exacta with the No. 6, and using on top in small exactas with Nos. 5 and 7. Race 5 No. 8 Cam's … [Read more...] about Hoping SPHPs can stay hot
Slegers wins IL-best 14th, Wings pad wild-card lead
By Kevin Oklobzija When the Rochester Red Wings bats couldn't produce clutch hits on Friday night, a recent trend in the wake of recalls to the Minnesota Twins, manager Mike Quade insisted his team would nonetheless be just fine. They'd continue to lean on pitchers, he said. After all, the Wings have the International League's best team ERA. But who knew he was talking … [Read more...] about Slegers wins IL-best 14th, Wings pad wild-card lead
Offense, defense betray Wings
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Derek Falvey, chief baseball officer for the Minnesota Twins, made his first visit to Frontier Field on Friday night. He couldn't have liked some of the things he saw from the Rochester Red Wings, his Triple-A affiliate. While starter Stephen Gonsalves and relievers Nik Turley and Michael Tonkin pitched well, the Wings couldn't get a clutch hit, they … [Read more...] about Offense, defense betray Wings