By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA And so the Alexander Nylander era in Western New York has come to an end. Rochester Americans fans are no doubt Google-mapping a parade route at this very moment. Nylander arrived with high expectations and a high opinion of what he could do, which is just fine. There's nothing wrong with confidence. Unless you don't back it up. Three years later, … [Read more...] about Sabres obviously grew tired of waiting for Nylander to shine
Rooker pursues the impossible dream
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Brent Rooker is three months into his first season of Triple-A baseball, three months into being just one step from the majors. A desire to take that one more step is why the Rochester Red Wings rookie outfielder is at the ballpark every day, hours before first pitch. He's swinging a bat in the cage to improve his already-solid hitting. He's partaking … [Read more...] about Rooker pursues the impossible dream
Guilmet a happy camper as Wings rally to win
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Over the course of an 11-year professional career, Preston Guilmet has called a lot of places home. He has pitched for 19 different teams, and along the way earned promotions to the big leagues with six clubs. Needless to say, he understands the off-season free-agent process quite well. As well as the apartment-search/move-in regimen when spring … [Read more...] about Guilmet a happy camper as Wings rally to win
Hilton’s Schwind will be Josh Bell’s HR Derby pitcher
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Jon Schwind's playing career came to an end after the 2017 season, before he ever swung a bat in an official Major League game, yet he'll still be in Cleveland for the MLB All-Star festivities. Pittsburgh Pirates slugging first baseman Josh Bell chose Schwind to be his pitcher during the Home Run Derby on July 8 at Progressive Field. Schwind, a … [Read more...] about Hilton’s Schwind will be Josh Bell’s HR Derby pitcher
Sometimes the Triple-A team must bite the bullet
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA When you're the Triple-A manager or pitching coach, you're always closely monitoring what the parent team is doing. When the big league team wins, you're happy. After all, in small ways, you're contributing to that success anytime players are promoted. There's one thing you never want to see, however: games that won't end. When the big club plays … [Read more...] about Sometimes the Triple-A team must bite the bullet