Jun 04 2023: The Rise Of Sherman - by dwindacatcher on July 12th, 2015
Former Alpharetta top prospect Roy Sherman was called up earlier this week and he hasn't disappointed thus far. Going 5 for 13 and tossing out two of three would be base stealers we can see why he has been dubbed "The King". With the pickup of Ralph Townsend and the rest of the young stars the Vikings are fielding there is a lot of hope for the offense.
But pitching continues to worry the Viking fan base. They should be happy to see Alan Flanagan promoted with Sherman. He is still far from polished, but he has a pretty good upside. Expect him to be a middle of the rotation arm in the future.
All in all the Vikings have had a solid first third of the season and fans should expect even more from them the rest of the way. This looks like a team ready to move up to IV to me, but we will have to wait and see. Interleave play starts later this week. This is always the most trying time on a bullpen. If the bullpen can be ready for the increased workload I think we can see a good sized lead in th coming weeks.
Jun 27 2022: Callum Davis called up - by dwindacatcher on May 1st, 2015
Callum Davis was called up yesterday. Looked upon as one of the Vikings top prospects for a few years, now he will join Seirra, Wells, and Vega as the nucleus of the lineup that will lead this team for years to come.
Davis is a speedster who projects as a 1 hitter of the future. Manager Brad Fontana has said he will bat 9th for now to get his feet wet. Look for him to move to 1 come next year.
Jan 20 2022: Big Changes - by dwindacatcher on March 23rd, 2015
The changes sweeping the Vikings roster are extensive. Carmona out as manager after a terribly disappointing year. Rookie manager Brand Fontana will see if he can fair better with this young team. And long time pitcher Bobby Owens was given his release after nine great seasons for the Vikings. He has been a stabilizing force in that bullpen for the last three years and will be missed. But the biggest changes is the release of Sergio Carrasco and the retiring of the Goat, Ken Owen. Carrasco didn't transition well to the bullpen and asked the team for his release so he can hopefully get one more year as a starter. Alparetta was not happy to let him go, but wanted to give him a chance to do it and wished him well.
What can we say about Ken Owen? Over 200 wins, 3300 innings, 2900 Ks, and a 3.15 ERA. He might have digressed the last two years, but He will be missed. His leadership this past season was huge for the young pitching. Alpharetta has asked him to come back as a special coach this spring.
And the spring is still young. Owner Dwin has said that there could be more cuts. We know who we think is on the hot seat, but we will have to wait and see.
Oct 24 2020: Third Place Finish 'Not a Loss' - by dwindacatcher on December 22nd, 2014
"We had a good season. Our biggest goals for the season was to develop our players and all of out players made great strides. Three of our pitchers reached the majors. Holland had himself a heck of a year. Some of our players didn't have the best seasons, but we are still happy. The only thing I am really disappointed in is that we ended the season with a negative run differential. I look forward to what we can do next season. I expect us to compete with Tom's river and whoever comes down to our little league. I can't wait for next year." Owner Dwin's remarks were widely supported by his players.
Mar 14 2020: Alpharetta Calls Up Clyde Hale - by dwindacatcher on October 24th, 2014
Just released this morning, Clyde Hale will be join the big league club to start the season. With is 0.00 Era this spring and .105 BAA it's hard to argue that.
Manger Steve Newton on the call up, "We are excited to have him come up. We think he has the ability to be a great setup man, and possibly a closer. For now we are going to put him in low leverage situations to get his feet wet and go from there."