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Broncs break team wins, league saves record

San Antonio (AP) - September 28, 2009

The San Antonio Broncs went 18-10 in the final chapter to complete their best season in franchse history, winning 102 games in 2009. That record surpassing the 99-win mark of the Phoenix Predators in 2002. That mark will earn the Broncs an additional 3.3M toward the salary cap.

Broncs' closer Cory Wade broke the BDBL record for saves in a season with 63, besting Eric Gagne's mark by one. Gagne set that record for Los Altos back in 2004. "It's a record we never thought would get broken," Undertakers GM Jed Hoyer said after the record-breaking save against Los Altos.

Next up for the Broncs is the Ozzie League Divisonal Series where the Broncs (102-58) will face off against the New Milford Blazers (95-65). Because the Broncs are the OL Wild Card, the Blazers will get home-field advantage and Game 1 will be played at Nestle Field. The Broncs were 8-4 against the Blazers in 2009.

In the other OLDS matchup, the Undertakers (113-47) will take on the Las Vegas Flamingos (79-81).

Broncs slip to second place, land Feliz

Salem (AP) - July 28, 2009

The San Antonio Broncs started the second half of 2009 by stumbling a bit to a 13-11 record. With the Los Altos Undertakers managing to notch 20 wins this month, the Broncs four-game lead turns into a three-game deficit.

In order to right the ship, the Broncs acquired Brian Roberts to hit lead off, Tim Hudson to spot start and added uber-prospect Neftali Perez in return for taking on Brett Myers contract.

"We had some holes to fill and we think we were able to do that at that the deadline," Broncs GM Greg Newgard said. "Getting Feliz was really, really sweet icing."

Haren, Rodriguez perform at All-Star Classic

Salem (AP) - June 28, 2009

The Broncs got off to a 56-24 first-half start and were rewarded by having their top pitcher and top batter elected to start in the 2009 BDBL All-Star Game played in Sam Adams Stadium in Salem.

Danny Haren, now a three-time All-Star, compiled an 11-2 record with a 3.52 ERA in 120 innings of work and was chosen to start by the BDBL owners.

"It's always an honor to make this team," Haren said. "It's an even greater honor to be named to start."

Haren responded by pitching the first two innings in scoreless fashion, allowing three hits and striking out two in just 25 pitches.

Also named as an All-Start for the 10th time in 11 seasons, Alex Rodriguez was named to start at 3B. It would be ARod's 9th start and he went 1-for-4 with a solo HR and a walk.

"This is always so special, to represent the league," Rodriguez said.

The Ozzie League lost the game, 8-7.

Broncs add three RP to bullpen

San Antonio (AP) - June 25, 2009

Feeling they need to add some arms to their bullpen, the San Antonio Broncs made three trades in June to do just that.

First, the Broncs shipped prospect Ryan Perry to Marlboro in exchange for Damaso Marte.

"It's classic deal to sacrifice some tomorrow for today," Broncs GM Greg Newgard said.

Next, the Broncs turned their target to Salem and picked up Billy Wagner in exchange for RP Chad Durbin and prospect Hector Rondon.

"We had a chance to add another strong lefty at a very affordable price."

Thought to be done, the Broncs made one last move with the Akron Ryche to land Taylot Buchholz and prospect Faustino de los Santos in exchange for prospects David Hernandez and Dominic Brown.

"We thought we were done. We were wrong."

Broncs extend Griffin lead

San Antonio (AP) - June 25, 2009

The Broncs entered Chapter 3 with a slim one game lead over Los Altos in the Griffin Division. Thanks to a 10-2 finish, the Broncs leave Chapter 3 with a three game lead.

"Seeing Los Altos stumble a bit, we decided to pull out most of the stop and add three quality arm to the bullpen to try and steal this thing away from them," Broncs GM Greg Newgard said.

After slumping the first two chapters, the Broncs were lead by two key outfielders in posting their best June showing ever (previous best was 16-8 in 2006).

Jayson Werth posted a .178/.273/.303 triple slash line with just 5 HRs and 15 RBIs. In Chapter 3, he posted a .333/.379/.590 with 4 HRs and 15 RBIs, nearly matching the first two months of production.

Vernon Wells had also posted a poor first two months with a .246/.291/.348 line with 3 HRs and 25 RBIs. But a .333/.400/.580 with 5 HRs and 18 RBIs.

Those two performances help mitigate the letdown of ARod. After an unreal Chapter 2 performance, the Broncs 3B came down to earth, posting a .276/.421/.434 with just 3 HRs and 11 RBIs, but drawing 18 walks.

As a team, the Broncs hit .276/.334/.452 with 31 HRs and scoring 124 runs.

From a pitching standpoint, the Broncs continue their strong effort. Ryan Rowland-Smith and Edinson Volquez team up to 6-0 in 9 starts. Volquez earns the nod for Pitcher of the Month with his 4-0 record and 3.44 ERA.

Danny Haren continued to watch his ERA climb as he posted a 4.46 ERA in Chapter 3 and his season mark stands at 3.52. But his 11 wins leads the team in addition to his 120.1 innings pitched.

Broncs extend Griffin lead

San Antonio (AP) - May 29, 2009

After a 19-9 start, the San Antonio Broncs built on that momentum and posted a 20-8 record, which ties a franchise record for best chapter, and still maintain a one-game lead in the Griffin Division.

Alex Rodriguez hit 14 homers and posted a .380/.496/.860 line with 31 RBIs in his first 28 games as a Bronc.

"We like what ARod has brought us," Broncs GM Greg Newgard said. "He's really given us a potent bat and allowed us to shore up our overall team defense by moving personnel to better positions."

Danny Haren managed to up his record to 9-1 with a 6-0 record, despite posting a 4.72 ERA.

"It's weird, we hit better and pitched worse from a numbers standpoint, but we improved our record."

Broncs land Rodriguez

San Antonio (AP) - April 23, 2009

On the eve of a big divisional battle with division-rival Los Altos, the San Antonio Broncs announced this evening that they've managed to land 3B Alex Rodriguez in a nine-player swap with the Marlboro Hammerheads.

Bolstered by the hot start and with a desire to keep the pressure on the Undertakers, the Broncs land ARod along with OF Chris Dickerson, prospect Oscar Tejada and RP Pat Neshek.

"ARod fits in at third, Casey Blake with slide over to first and Conor Jackson will now start in left," an excited Greg Newgard said during the press conference. "We were looking for an impact free agent bat and of all the names that were, ARod made the most sense, if we got the right type of deal. We negotiatetd on and off with Marlboro for several weeks and we were never sure if it was going to happen."

In exchange, the Broncs send LF Pat Burrell, OF Travis Buck, SP Andrew Miller, prospect Chris Carter and C Taylor Teagarden.

"Obviously, we loved the guys were dealing, but we decided to make a run for it and felt we could part with this package. Burrell was the one piece that was contributing this year and is a three true outcome-type hitter and we were able to land a more rounded bat in ARod. Being able to get rid of Burrell's contract next year gives us a shot at resigning ARod in the auction too."

Dickerson will join a very strong bench with Nelson Cruz, Chris Davis and David Murphy. Neshek will be cut in the offseason sine he just went on the 60-day DL and is out for the year. Tejada gives the Broncs a high-risk, high-reward prospect in the middle infield, a weakness of the current farm squad.

Marlboro receives the Broncs top power prosepct outside of Davis in Carter, who is ticketed for AA this season. Burrell gives the Hammerheads a replacement bat that should be able to help the Hammerheads win games if they decide to stay in the race in the Benes. Buck is primed to push past his injury history and play a majority of RF for Oakland while Miller is ticketed for the Marlins rotation despite the club tinkering with his delivery. Teagarden will get more time behind the plate than a normal backup in Texas, if Saltalamacchia truly wins the starting job as expected.

"We're giving up a lot here, but we feel like we're getting the best bat in the league and will be a key piece in keeping us in the thick of the playoff hunt," Newgard added. "It's the biggest name we've acquired since I've been here and we can't wait for May to start so we can see this team in action."

The Broncs only give up about 37 VORP in this deal, so they have plenty of space to be able to a reliever or two to bolster a mostly no-name bullpen, at lease compared to Closer Central over in Los Altos.

Burrell powers Broncs to top of Ozzie standings

San Antonio (AP) - April 20, 2009

After the first 20 games, the San Antonio Broncs have jumped out of the chute and posted a strong 15-5 record. After splitting the open against Sylmar, the Broncs have been on fire and have lost the five games by a grand total of six runs.

"It's a great start, but we thought we got off to a good start last season (17-11) and fell apart," Broncs 1B Conor Jackson said. "We're getting great pitching and the offense is clicking. The longer we can keep this, the better chance we have to make the postseason."

The strength of the showing has come from nearly all facets of the game. The Broncs have hit .265/.331/.463 with 29 homers and scored 106 runs. Not great as BDBL offenses, but that output represents a big upgrade on what the Broncs usually produce. They've also started off stealing 15 bases in 16 attempts.

Pat Burrell has hit eight long ball, including three in one game against Marlboro, to help pace the Broncs. He leads most offensive categories.

But it's been pitching and defense that have been the bread and butter. The Broncs staff has compiled a 3.19 ERA and are allowing just 10.5 runners per 9 innings. Danny Haren leads the staff with a 1.45 ERA and a 3-0 record. Cory Wade has racked up 11 saves as well. The defense has committed seven errors and has a .990 fielding percentage while turning 6 double plays.

"We've always concentrated on those areas (pitching and defense), and we probably always will," Broncs manager Tony LaRussa said. "But this season, it looks like we're getting some solid offense to go with it. This is a good recipe and we have to keep at it."

The Broncs have two series remaining against Griffin Division foes, including preseason favorite, the Los Altos Undertakers.

Opening Day sees Broncs split with Pads

San Antonio (AP) - April 4, 2009

The San Antonio Broncs opened up the 2009 with their traditional Griffin Division rival, the Sylmar Padawans. And as it typical, the series featured four tight games and ended in a split.

"No matter is going on, this series has always been exciting," Broncs manager Tony LaRussa said. "We expected a dogfight and we certainly got one."

Danny Haren lead things off with seven innings of shutout ball and earned the victory in a 3-0 game. Haren scattered seven hits, walking two and striking out five. The Broncs defense also looked a little shaky, committing two errors, but RF Jayson Werth was up to the task as he cut down runners at the plate in the first and sixth innings.

Edinson Volquez showed some nerves in his first BDBL start as he was tagged for three runs in six innings and the Broncs fell to the Pads, 2-3. Jose Lopez hit the first Broncs homerun of the season with a solo blast to lead off the fifth.

Clint Barmes lined an RBI single in the 10th inning off of Padawan closer Frankie Rodriguez to lead the Broncs to a 5-4 extra-inning victory. The Broncs had falled behind early, 4-2, as Jesse Litsch struggled in his debut for San Antonio. But in the 7th, the Broncs tied the score when David Murphy hit a 2-run pinch-hit homer, setting the stage for Barmes's heroics.

In the finale, the Broncs bullpen blew a late lead as the Pads rallied from four runs in the 7th to earn a 8-6 victory and a split. The Broncs had rallied from another early deficit and held a 5-4 lead after five innings. But in the 7th, three relievers teamed up to allow five hits including home runs by Garret Atkins and Geovanni Soto.

Broncs 2009 draft board

San Antonio (AP) - January 15, 2009

Broncs land Teagarden as free agent

San Antonio (AP) - January 15, 2009

After completing a strong farm draft, the San Antonio Broncs finally had the opportunity to draft a player in the 2009 Free Agent Draft and they managed to land the player they had been targeting the whole time.

With the 5th pick in the 11th Round, the Broncs selected catcher Taylor Teagarden from the Texas Rangers. Teagarden will make 2M in 2009.

"With the lack of quality options projected to be available in Round 11, we felt we had to try and grab a player with upside who was major-league ready and we think we did that with Taylor," Broncs GM Greg Newgard said. "We had a feeling that he would not be around had we passed the 2M and tried to nap him at 1M and after hearing stories from across the league after the pick, we're glad we grabbed him when we did."

Teagarden will join a crowded situation behind the plate. The Broncs selected two catchers in the Farm Draft by taking Adam Moore and Travis D'Arnaud. The Broncs also landed catcher Jason Kendall in a preseason trade to go along with current catchers Miguel Montero and Curtis Thigpen.

"This move does seem to add more depth to a stacked position, but we felt with Teagarden's potential, we had to land him. With Montero, Moore and Teagarden, we're confident we'll be able to fill the position more than adequately after Kendall's contract expires."

Broncs start 2009 by drafting Perez

San Antonio (AP) - January 1, 2009

The San Antonio Broncs opened their 11th BDBL season by drafting Martin Perez as the 5th pick of the 2009 Farm Free Agent Draft.

Rumors are that this pick was made on behalf of the St. Louis Apostles as part of their trade to land pitcher Jesse Litsch. "I can only saw that if we do trade farm players, it will be in a seperate deal from the Litsch deal, as to not break any league rules," Broncs GM Greg Newgard said.

Perez is the first of 10 farm picks that the Broncs need to make after nearly empting their farm system with offseason trades. "It's not going to be an easy process, but we had a good draft last year and with most of the league concentrating on talent in certain areas, we think our current draft model will continue to reap us benefits similiar to our outstanding 2008 draft."

Broncs wrap up offseason by making seven trades

San Antonio (AP) - December 24, 2008

The San Antonio Broncs had their busiest offseason in history by completing seven trades before Cutdown Day.

After dumping Kearns' contract, the Broncs quickly shipped off Adam Dunn to Cleveland for Pat Burrell and Jason Kendall, filling a void at catcher. They then sent prospect Gerrit Cole to Allentown for RP Heath Bell. Later, the Broncs sent another prospect, Jordan Zimmerman, off to Southern Cal in exchange for Jayson Werth who project to start in RF for the Broncs.

In a questionable move, the Broncs consummated a deal to land struggling SS Khalil Greene from Southern Cal for RP Ryan Franklin and a prospect. The Broncs continued emptying the farm by landing Darren Oliver from Villanova for Kasey Kiker.

The final move may have been the biggest as the Broncs sent of CF Adam Jones and RPs Brad Ziegler and Huston Street to the St. Louis Apostles for SP Jesse Litsch, OF Vernon Wells and RP Aquilino Lopez.

"We sat back at looked at the draft class for '09 and was not excited about it," Broncs GM Greg Newgard said, "so we decided to make most of our moves via trade. We upgraded two of our OF positions, landed a catcher, and picked up several bullpen arms at the expense of some good young talent. We intend on putting pressure on Los Altos this season as well as push for a playoff spot, so we felt we needed to do what we could now."

The Broncs finished with just 2.7M left in the budget but only needing three players to complete the 35-man roster.

"We spent most of our draft money by picking up reasonable priced veterans and we think we got better value that had we just saved money for the draft. Time will tell if it was a wise choice or not. The downside is our farm is pretty bare and we'll have to bring on 10 kids to help fill it out, so we hope our core of young talent at the major league level can carry us for a few years."

Broncs start offseason by dealing Guthrie, dumping Kearns

San Antonio (AP) - November 1, 2008

Today the San Antonio Broncs cut ties with Austin Kearns after two lackluster years of service. Kearns was dealt to New Milford along with starter Jeremy Guthrie in a move designed to free up salary cap space.

Kearns played 310 games in a Broncs uniform after being acquried in the 2007 preseason. He hit a paltry .248/.319/.390 with 34 homers and 132 RBI in those two campaigns. Kearns was brought on board in the middle of an 8-year contract and was traded with three years left to go on that deal with nearly 27M left on it.

"We took a chance on Austin hoping for a turnaround," Broncs GM Greg Newgard said. "We didn't get it. I hated to deal a quality starter like Guthrie, but sometimes you have to pay a price like this to improve the club. We don't have a lot of needs, so this money should go to finding quality upgrades and a catcher."

In addition to Guthrie, the Broncs sent minor league catcher Max Ramirez to the Blazers. The Broncs got reliever Ryan Franklin in return. The move will free up over 7M to the cap going into the draft.