Former Baby Bomber Mitch Hilligoss (pictured right) has responded well to his new organization this summer.

Trades are part of sports. For many observers, it’s a different world compared to the one players live in. One in which they’re constantly on the move and don’t know if they’re coming or going.

Take former Staten Island Yankee Mitch Hilligoss, who in 2007 had an outstanding season with Single-A Charleston that featured a new South Atlantic record 38-game hit streak, All-Star MVP and honors while emerging in the Yankee organization. In fact, he was nearly packaged to the Twins in a deal that would’ve sent Johan Santana to the Bronx. Instead, the 25 year-old Windsor Illinois native the Yanks tabbed in 2006 sixth round slumped- struggling in Tampa to show the form that made the third baseman a hot commodity.

Eventually, Hilligoss fell out of favor in the organization and was finally traded this past winter to the Rangers for Triple-A outfielder Greg Golson. Thus far, the scenery change has sparked the former Purdue standout who finally moved up from A to Double-A. After hitting .293 with two homers, 19 RBI’s and a .352 on-base percentage in 45 games with Bakersfield of the California League, he was promoted to the Frisco Roughriders where the ex-Baby Bomber continued to display solid form before an injury sidelined him earlier this month.

At the time, Hilligoss hadn’t slowed down- hitting .304 (24-for-79) with five extra base hits (four doubles, triple), 10 RBI’s and 11 runs scored in 24 games, also posting a .391 OBP. On the mend, he took time out to discuss what it’s been like with his new organization along with life out West compared to home.

Hitting Back: What was your reaction to getting traded?

Mitch Hilligoss: My initial reaction was just total shock, but excitement. I was coming off the injury and really two down years. It was the farthest thing from my mind. When it sank in though, I started thinking about all of the guys I played with and really having to start over with meeting everyone from coaches, instructors, to teammates.

HB: Joining a new organization, how much did the change motivate you?

MH: A lot. I looked at it as a total positive. I assumed I would be able to come in and get a chance to prove myself for this season.

HB: You’ve had better success thus far. What do you attribute it to?

MH: Well, I’m getting consistent playing time unlike last year. But over the last two winters, I’ve made big adjustments to my swing in hopes that it will produce at higher levels.

HB: Talk about making the jump to Double-A. Any differences?

MH: It’s great. Unbelievable ballparks and there are actually fans again. Probably the biggest difference is top to bottom the pitching is better. There is better starting pitching, but definitely better bullpens. Guys run it up there at that level without a doubt.

HB: You recently had a setback. How close are you to returning?

MH: We really don’t know how serious it is. It’s one of those things that takes time and if something is needed to fix it, I’ll be ready for next year.

HB: How have your new teammates/managers helped in the transition?

MH: They have all been great. I have learned so much from all of them. This is a great organization, as are the Yankees. They both have so much talent and great staffs. I learned a lot by playing with some of the older guys in Spring training and during the season.

HB: You noted that there have been a lot of good road trips. What stands out?

MH: Well, the one that stands out is a twelve game road trip with three 4 game series, 8 hour drives in between and no off days. That was tough. I don’t care how experienced or how tough you are. That works on you. We played great, clinched the first half and started the second on a tear. So, you can’t complain about it.

HB: You played a little first last year. How did it go?

MH: First is harder than most people think, but it went well. It just makes me a better baseball player being able to play more positions with familiarity.

HB: Do you still keep in touch with former teammates?

MH: Of course. You know those guys are what make the minor leagues. I talk to a ton of guys. They are like family. We talk about good times and bad. I’m going to a couple of weddings this year and am excited to see everyone.

HB: When you see some of the success a few have had, does it serve as extra incentive?

MH: Sure. I mean you want to be at their level, no doubt. You always think you can play with anybody. And if you don’t, you are not a competitor. I’m happy for those guys, but it still drives a person.

HB: Talk about how different life is back home. More laid back?

MH: I’m from a really small town and I love it. It’s a great place to get away to in the off season. I enjoy the slow pace and no stoplights or traffic. That’s how I was raised and what I will probably always want to go back to. At the same time, I love some of the places I’ve had the advantage of playing at. The Charleston, SC and Frisco, TX. Both are beautiful and I could live there.

HB: When away from the ballpark, what do you do to clear your head?

MH: I love to hang with the guys, catch a good movie, and get my rest. It’s a grueling season and down time is important. The offseason is working on the farm, hanging out with friends and family, and deer hunting.

HB: How have the fans been?

MH: Fans are great. The last few places I’ve been have been to were tough because there is really not many. Like Bakersfield and Tampa. They are what get you going day in and day out. Even when you don’t feel your best, they give you energy.

HB: What’s in your Ipod?

MH: My Ipod is full of country. I’m big on Eric Church and have been for awhile. [Seth] Fortenberry actually introduced me to Texas country. So I’ve been listening to quite a bit of that. Bands like Randy Rogers and Eli Young.

HB: Favorite movies/quotes.

MH: I love history. So I like war movies. I’m a big fan of Varsity Blues too. As far as quotes, none really stick out. I have a couple mentioned on Facebook and I like what those mean.

It was a memorable day for former SI Yank Colin Curtis in yesterday's Yankee win over the Angels.

Imagine your team is up by two runs in the bottom of the seventh and looking for insurance with two runners on. Then, the unthinkable happens when your outfielder buddy who you know well from the minors gets ejected for the first time after falling behind 0-2.

Suddenly, the skipper calls your name and you must inherit the count before plenty of screaming Yankee fans in the Bronx. Not too much pressure, eh? Apparently, that was the case for Colin Curtis yesterday after he stepped in for Gardner and hit a clutch pinch-hit three-run home run into the right field stands, increasing the Yanks’ lead to 10-5 in a game they’d win 10-6 to square the series versus the Halos. Did we mention it was the 25 year-old former Staten Island Yankee’s first major league homer? What a way to get it. Plenty of columns on the Yanks’ 25th man today, including from Cooperstown bound Bill Madden of The Daily News.

“He’s had a ton of big hits for us without a lot of starts,” a pleased Joe Girardi explained. “That’s not easy for a young man that’s used to playing and getting at-bat after at-bat. To come into that situation down 0-2 and hit a home run, that’s some kind of at-bat.”

“To take three pitches like he did … it was an amazing at-bat,” Girardi added of the scrappy player, who had a similar at bat in a great come from behind win over the Dodgers last month. “But that’s the one thing he’s shown. He’s gotten pinch-hits in key situations and puts a lot of long at-bats on people.“

Hustling overachiever Brett Gardner is one of a few former Baby Bombers to make the bigs.

It really is cool to see some of the players I covered here making an impact. Remember when Brett Gardner was just a fourth outfielder? Uh. Might want to rethink that one. The kid’s been money all season, pacing the Yankees in stolen bases while hitting over .300 and proving to be a tough out. Oh. And he can play a little D too. Kudos to Joe Girardi for having faith in Gards. The 2005 Staten Island Yankee Penn League champion center fielder making good.

Lots of love for my boy Cisco, who continues to be a solid backup catcher. Able to give Jorge Posada a day off, Francisco Cervelli has swung the bat decent and continues to be superb behind the plate. It’s really great to see the kid from Venezuela who wasn’t highly thought of make it. Out in Staten Island at Richmond County Ball Park in St. George, Cisco proved to be a Penn League All-Star, joining teammates Mitch Hilligoss, Seth Fortenberry, Wilmer Pino, George Kontos and Nick Peterson. Still fresh in my mind was a piece I did on them for NYSD. At the time, Cervelli didn’t speak a lot of English but did give me a couple of lines which I used. The once shy backstop now speaks much more fluently and even has come on WFAN for interviews. Good stuff.

Another former Baby Bomber who finally debuted in the bigs is outfielder Colin Curtis. The former Arizona State standout who played an excellent center for the repeat NY-Penn champs has progressed nicely through the organization. Possessing a steady bat along with good tools, the 25 year-old Curtis was in his second year with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre batting .280 with a .357 on-base percentage before getting the call. Only hitting .200 (5-for-25), most of his success has come as a pinch-hitter, including a couple of big base knocks. Most memorable was a long at bat he had against Dodger closer Jonathan Broxton. After falling behind 0-2, he kept fouling off pitches, eventually working the count full before his RBI fielder’s choice tied the game as the Yanks rallied to stun Joe Torre’s Dodgers 8-6 on June 27. Such a quality at-bat had to make an impression, which probably is why he’s still up for the time being.

Other players who had brief stints include setup man Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy, who has done alright since being dealt to Arizona as part of a blockbuster three-team trade that sent Curtis Granderson to the Bronx and former top prospect Austin Jackson to Detroit where he’s a Rookie Of The Year candidate.

For players like Hilligoss (now in A’s organization playing for AA Frisco Roughriders), rehabbing ’06 Bomber hero George Kontos, utility man Justin Snyder, former Grand Street High School star Dellin Betances and Zach McAllister, it has to be a good motivator moving forward.

Patience is the key. Each must continue to persevere. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll hear their names called over the loudspeaker.

Staten Island Yankee right fielder Deangelo Mack takes his lead from second.

STATEN ISLAND, NY-When you’re hot, you’re hot. That’s the feeling the Rob Lyerly and the Baby Bombers had again following the third baseman’s clutch two out walkoff hit, sending Staten Island (5-6) to a 4-3 win over Aberdeen in 11 innings for its fourth consecutive victory last night before a fifth home sellout (7,171) in St. George.

“The pitchers did a great job getting the game,” the hero said in the winner’s dugout after being mobbed on the field by pumped up teammates. “We got 10 hits and everyone in the lineup hit and hit well. Great game. Great win.”

His big hit gave those who remained for all 11 innings following a 62-minute rain delay something to be happy about. And why not? After all, the loyal fans showed tremendous patience waiting for someone to break the 3-3 tie which lasted four and a half innings.

Till that point, right fielder Deangelo Mack’s sixth inning opposite field run scoring two-base hit seemed like forever by the time this well pitched game had reached the 11th. Would someone finally breakthrough? Aberdeen squandered chances in the ninth and 11th including leaving the bases loaded after Staten Island reliever Griffin Bailey momentarily lost the plate with two out. However, the righty recovered to fan Mike Mooney putting up another zero for the Baby Bombers’ pen.

Following a Kyle Higashioka one out walk, it didn’t look like much was doing when earlier RBI man Neil Medchill flied out for the second out. But like they’ve done during this streak, the gritty Bombers stayed with it thanks to a Mack clean single to center moving the winning run into scoring position. After pinch runner Emerson Landoni came in for Higashioka, first baseman Luke Murton put together a great at bat fouling off pitches before earning a walk to load the bases.

That set the stage for Lyerly, who wasted little time lining a sharp single to right off IronBirds reliever Jose Barajas, who took the loss.

“I was lucky to be up there. Just fortunate. Like I said, it’s not me. It’s God,” Lyerly observed.

“Kyle had a great at bat. D-Mac had a big hit. Murt had a great at bat. It was a great inning. When Mech hit the ball, I thought it was gone. But it was a great game. Great win. And I just feel blessed.“

The night started off well for the home club, who put up a quick two spot following a 1-2-3 first from 19 year-old starter Arodys Vizcaino, who in his third outing pitched well striking out seven in four frames- allowing a two-run homer to Mooney in the third. Otherwise, he was near perfect tossing 70 pitches.

Before Mooney went yard off the top of the right center wall, Staten Island jumped out in front thanks to Higashioka sacrifice fly and a Medchill RBI double just inside the first baseline, plating Zoilo Almonte after he’d swiped second.

With the game still tied, the IronBirds went ahead in the fifth off Bomber reliever Kelvin Perez courtesy of a Blake Davis sac fly. However, despite starting with a single and double with Perez even botching a pickoff that allowed Mooney to move to third, that’s all they could muster. Perez buckled down by getting Tom Baxter to ground out to short and then got Tyler Townsend swinging to escape further damage.

That was it for Aberdeen as Perez settled in tossing two scoreless before handing the ball over to Ryan Flannery (1 IP, 2 K’s), Ryan Marte (2 IP, 2 H, 3 K’s) and Bailey, who got the win despite loading the bases.

“We got a great group of guys. We’re getting along great. Having a lot of fun in the locker room,” Lyerly noted.

And even though we’ve been together for 12 games now or something, I feel like we’re really getting to know each other better and having a lot more fun.”

If they’re all like this, he could be onto something.

Notes: Staten Island pitchers combined to strikeout 15 IronBirds. On the flipside, Aberdeen pitchers only K’d five S.I. Yanks. … Ironbird starter Patrick Kantakevich pitched alright, holding the Bombers to just two runs though he walked four in four and two thirds. … Scott Mueller tossed two scoreless for the Birds before Barajas gave it up. … Four Bombers finished with multi-hit games including Higashioka, Medchill, Mack and speedy second baseman Jimmy Paredes, who swiped two more bases hiking his total to seven which is tied for the NY-Penn League lead.

… Due to the rain plus extras, the game took a combined four hours and 43 minutes (3:41). … Staten Island visits Lowell for three before the Spinners return the favor starting Saturday night on Independence Day with first pitch at 7 PM. Sunday’s game is a matinee and Monday concludes an odd half dozen against the Red Sox affiliate.

Staten Island Yankee starter Shaeffer Hall prepares to deliver pitch.

STATEN ISLAND, NY-It took a while but things are finally coming together for the Baby Bombers (4-6), who posted a third straight win by taking care of the Ironbirds 5-2 in front of a packed house (7,171) at Richmond County Bank Ball Park in St. George.

“It’s been a great couple of days,” said third baseman Rob Lyerly in the winner’s dugout following a three hit night. “We just gotta keep rolling here.”

One of those hits (leadoff double) started a two-run third that put the Bombers ahead to stay. He scored the go-ahead run on Kelvin Castro’s RBI single. With 1-2 punch Jim Paredes and Castro in scoring position, center fielder Zolio Almonte tagged one to the right field track but Aberdeen’s Jason Rook perfectly timed it taking away a home run. Instead, each runner got back to the bases tagging up with Paredes easily scoring to make it 3-1.

“I was fortunate. I had to struggle a little bit. So hopefully, I get rolling,” Lyerly modestly noted while heaping praise on the Staten Island pitchers, who nursed a one-run lead until first baseman Lyle Murton delivered two huge insurance runs when he crushed a two out eighth inning two-run home run to deep left that wound up as the final margin.

Staten Island got a solid outing from Shaeffer Hall, who worked the first four and two thirds splitting a pair of runs while striking out seven. Most impressive was the southpaw’s command tossing 52 of 70 pitches for strikes.

“I just went out there and I felt really good. Just being able to throw in front of the home crowd, it was really nice,” he said.

“Overall, I felt good. All my pitches were working. Tried to mix in a few more change ups than I did last outing. Just trying to build every start. I wanted to be better than my first outing. … Overall, I felt really good. Got some run support and we played very well.“

Hall also got help from a trio of relievers including winning pitcher Gavin Brooks (1-0), who came in with the tying run at second and got Booker to fly out to end the threat. He tossed one and a third scoreless K-ing two before giving way to Ben Watkins (2 IP, 2 H, 2 K’s) and Ryan Flannery, who closed it for his first save.

“The pitchers pitched great once again. They’ve been dealing. … We had only a one-run lead but they kept getting people out inning after inning after inning,” Lyerly pointed out.

“They did a great job. They did what they were supposed to do out there. They threw strikes. I know I had a couple of errors. Should have made a couple of plays that I didn’t make. But they did a great job throwing the ball there,” added Murton.

Still nursing a 3-2 lead, the Bombers blew a chance to pad it leaving the bases loaded in the seventh. However, they finally got the key insurance when Murton went yard with a runner on the next inning.

“It felt really good. Obviously, it was my first professional home run which was  nice to get it out of the way. … It was good to come up in the eighth inning with two outs and able to get a couple of insurance runs.”

Following Murton’s second miscue of the night, Flannery picked his teammate up by getting the final out with the first baseman appropriately enough, atoning with an unassisted putout.

“I think the other night made us feel a little bit better. Last night was just a great win,” Murton assessed of Staten Island’s five-run comeback in a wild 8-7 walkoff that saw them score six in the final two innings.

“The pitchers have been pitching great all year. And to pick them up yesterday. To comeback and win the game, it gave our team a lot of confidence. It gave our pitchers confidence that they’re gonna get the job done cause we’d struggled. And we know that they’re gonna get the job done for us if we struggle.”

“Come out. Take advantage of another good hitting performance and another good pitching performance. And come out with a win.”

Notes: Staten Island wraps up the six-game homestand later tonight when they aim for the sweep versus Aberdeen with first pitch at 7 PM. They’ll then kickoff a rare home-and-home by traveling to archrival Lowell for three before the Spinners visit the Ferry Terminal for three beginning on the Fourth of July with plenty of fireworks to follow. … S.I. Yanks have soldout four of the first five games. They had 16 sellouts last season.

… Of Paredes and Castro who wreaked havoc at the top of the order combining to go 4-for-6 with two runs along with two walks and a stolen base (Paredes 5th), Murton stated:

“Those guys are awesome. Once they get on base, they wreak havoc. Like tonight, Jimmy stole the first pitch. Foul ball. Next pitch, he goes and steals again. They’ve done a great job for us. They’ve been awesome.”

Baby Bomber starter Arodis Vizcaino delivers a pitch in the second inning to a Renegade.

STATEN ISLAND, NY- Finally, they got going at the Ferry Terminal. There would be no rain this time.

However, that didn’t prevent the Renegades from spoiling the fun putting a damper on the Baby Bombers’ 2009 home opener- outpitching Staten Island (1-5) 3-1 before a disappointed packed house (7,171) at Richmond County Bank Ballpark in St. George Thursday night.

“It was nice. The fans did a good job of supporting us. It was nice to finally get a game at home but…would like to have had a different outcome but it’s early in the year,” Baby Bomber DH Luke Murton said.

The night began alright for losing starter Arodys Vizcaino, who retired the first six including an impressive five in a row by strikeout. However, the righty lost composure in a three-run (all unearned) Hudson Valley third. Given a one-run lead thanks to a wind aided two out second inning run scoring double by right fielder Zoilo Almonte, Vizcaino couldn’t handle prosperity committing a pair of costly errors that led to the only runs the Renegades scored.

Following a leadoff walk to Dustin Biell, a botched pickoff immediately put him in scoring position. Center fielder Chris Murrill followed up with an RBI single to left, tying it on Hudson Valley’s first hit of the night. A little disjointed in an otherwise sparkling debut, Vizcaino failed to field a sacrifice bunt and then loaded the bases with another walk. With nobody warming up, he got the next batter to pop out to short right and fanned Tyler Bortnick for the second out. But just one away from limiting the damage, he allowed a two-run base hit to Eli Sonoqui putting Staten Island behind for good.

That’s cause the Bombers had their hands full with Renegade starter Albert Suarez, whose only hiccup in four-plus came in the second. After Almonte’s RBI double, he retired the last nine batters before departing with two out in the fifth due to a leg injury which prevented him from getting the win. But Kyle Ayers came in and did a solid job tossing two and a third scoreless to pickup his first win.

“[Suarez] pitched well. He had good stuff. He threw a lot of his pitches for strikes. He did a good job but there were some times where maybe we could’ve done a better job swinging the bat as a team. But you gotta give their pitchers credit,” Murton added.

While their hitting shoes weren’t on held to a run on five hits, Staten Island certainly got inspired pitching from Vizcaino and a trio of relievers in Mike Solbach (2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 K’s), Gavin Brooks (1 IP, 0 HR, 0 R, BB, 2 K’s) and Ryan Flannery (2 IP, 2 K’s) with each giving them every opportunity for a comeback.

“I felt good today,” Solbach assessed while referencing a rough outing the day prior in a loss. “It was good to get back out there and throw the ball well.”

“The bullpen did a good job tonight keeping it at 3-1 like we’re supposed to do, trying to give the hitters a chance to come around. We’ll get it all figured out.”

While there weren’t a ton of chances, Staten Island twice brought the tying run to the plate in the seventh and eighth but couldn’t capitalize.

“We gotta stop stretching ourselves,” pointed out first baseman Rob Lyerly, who paced the home club with a pair of singles including a lead off hit to start the seventh before the next three went in order. “We’re still getting acclimated to everything around here. Especially to the curveball. So it’s a little bit of an adjustment here.

“We got a great team here. We just gotta start playing better.”

The Baby Bombers had one more chance after left fielder DeAngelo Mack’s double to start the eighth. But after being sacrificed to third by second baseman Hector Rabago, he was stranded there. Renegade closer Rich De Los Santos buckled down getting center fielder Francisco Santana to chase and shortstop Carmen Angelini to bounce into a 5-3 putout.

De Los Santos tossed a 1-2-3 ninth getting catcher Kyle Higashioka to bounce out to third, notching his third save.

New skipper Josh Paul emphasized how it’s the organization’s job to guide these kids along with many first-year players new to pro ball. The former veteran backstop has been around the block and understands what his pupils are going through.

“Exactly. That’s a perfect point,” he remarked to our insight about how pro ball gives players the chance to bounce back the next day. Something that’s not as prevalent in college. “Teams are gonna say, ‘Okay. That one’s over. Let’s move on.’ … The guys that succeed move on. So we got something to teach them.”

Notes: Vizcaino took the loss falling to 0-2 with all three unearned on three hits, walking a pair and fanning seven. In nine innings, Baby Bomber pitchers struckout 14 Renegades. … The start of the game was delayed nine minutes due to opening ceremonies. It took a manageable two hours and 27 minutes still finishing 15 minutes before 10. For one night at least despite hazy conditions, the rain held off.

… Following the game, traditional fireworks were set off lighting up the sky. They’ll also be on display later tonight when the same two teams get together. Cory Arbiso will get the start out of the pen and is on a 55 pitch count. … On this six-game opening homestand, the Bombers will host the Renegades twice more including Saturday before Aberdeen comes in for three starting Sunday afternoon at 4.

Despite losing last night, things aren't looking so bad for the Mets.

-The reality is the Mets have dropped three of five since losing a home series to the division leading Phillies. If you factor in that they lost the last two in that series, that’s a 2-5 record. They’re three over .500 or the same record as the Giants after getting swept by the red hot Halo’s. The big difference is the Amazin’s only are three out despite no Jose Reyes or Carlos Delgado while the Giants trail the first place Dodgers by eight and a half. So, it has more to do with how Philly’s played since losing four of five to Boston and Toronto so far. That’s why now a year on the job, Jerry Manuel should feel alright about his team’s chances.

-Hard to believe it’s been a year since the Mets unceremoniously dumped easy target Willie Randolph with the news not coming in until 3 AM here with WFAN’s Tony Paige getting the news with them on a West Coast trip. Of course, it was embarrassing to say the least. But a year has come and gone and now Willie is a bench coach with the first place Brewers. So, can you really feel bad for him these days? Exactly.

-In listening to Mike Francesa go on and on about his ‘centerfielder’ Nate McLouth, you’d think the Braves would be on a tear. Oh. What’s this? They lost yet again 4-3 to the Reds making it four straight losses, dropping them four under. Wake us up when McLouth makes a big impact in the NL East.

-Speaking of which, Andrew McCutchen went yard for his first major league dinger in a Pittsburgh 8-2 win over Minnesota. With a pair of hits, RBI’s and a run scored in the leadoff spot, the 22 year-old centerfield phenom continues to excel. In other words, the Pirates aren’t missing McLouth that much. Tell ya something else. With the improved run production from third baseman Andy LaRoche, who came over from L.A. in the Manny Ramirez/Jason Bay trade, suddenly Pitt’s getting a decent return. Especially with Delwyn Young also contributing. You start to look at that Pirate lineup and suddenly, given some of the kids in it including speedster Nyier Morgan along with a bounceback year for Adam LaRoche, it’s not bad. When they get back starting backstop Ryan Doumit, that should only help. Proven middle infielders like Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson aren’t bad either. Both could be available next month.

The Pirates (31-34) have also gotten good pitching from ace Zach Duke. They possess some strong arms including Ian Snell, who pitched better last night going six frames of two-run ball for only his second win. Paul Maholm ain’t bad either and former Yankee Ross Ohlendorf has given them some solid innings winning half a dozen. John Grabow has been a solid setup man and closer Matt Capps has saved 16 of 18. It’s true that Pittsburgh will likely sell at the trade deadline. However, if they play their cards right and continue developing players, eventually we might see them compete in that NL Central.

-If the Mets are looking for a more affordable first base option, try Seattle where bargain basement vet Russ Branyan is having a great year hitting over .300 with 15 homers, which would easily pace the Queens club. It’s worth exploring instead of overpaying for injury prone Nick Johnson or defenseless Aubrey Huff. Besides, it’s highly unlikely the Padres would give away Adrian Gonzalez. Another possible solution could be proven vet Kevin Millar (Mill-ah) if the Blue Jays fall out of the race. Who wouldn’t want a professional bat like his?

-Kudos to Long Beach, NY native John Lannan on baffling the Yankees- pitching into the ninth allowing just two earned on four hits walking one and fanning four for his fourth victory on the lowly Nats. How do you lose to a team that’s 30 under in your own launching pad? Was it any surprise Robinson Cano didn’t deliver in a big spot, instead bouncing into a 6-4-3 twin killing against retread Mike MacDougal with the tying run 90 feet away? The second baseman’s got good numbers but he’s hardly dependable. A-Rod ain’t the only Yankee that leaves fans scratching their heads.

-How did Joe Girardi’s continued faith in Chien-Ming Wang work out?

5 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 91 pitches

And he took the loss falling to 0-5 with a 12.65 ERA. In the same game, Phil Hughes continued to make a strong case tossing two scoreless while fanning a pair. When does Girardi wake up?

-With a homer and his 28th stolen base, Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury continues to improve daily.  How about a top of the order of rating AL MVP Dustin Pedroia and Ellsbury before big boppers Kevin Youkilis, Bay and Mike Lowell? And that’s with Papi hitting sixth finally showing signs.

-MVP caliber:

2B Ian Kinsler .271-17-47, 47 Runs, 13 SB

All while batting leadoff for the surprising first place Rangers.

-So Sammy Sosa becomes the latest former slugger to test positive for steroids. And this is news?

-The NY-Penn League kicks off tomorrow night in Coney Island with one of the best rivalries reuniting when the Staten Island Yankees visit the Brooklyn Cyclones. The Baby Bombers will be hosting Media Day later today and will have their home opener at the ballpark by the Ferry terminal Saturday night versus the ‘Clones. Looking forward to a great summer!

SI Yankee starter Casey Erickson makes a pitch.

This was taken during last night’s SI Yankee game versus the Crosscutters. Here, Baby Bomber starting pitcher Casey Erickson gets a Williamsport batter swinging:

Erickson fans Crosscutter

Staten Island third baseman Marcos Vecchionacci gets ready in the field.

STATEN ISLAND, NY- With his team trailing by a run, Staten Island Yankee left fielder Dan Brewer knew he put a good swing on a Tyler Cloyd one out offering. His solo home run to dead center sparked teammates as they went on to bat around scoring six runs in the fourth en route to a 10-7 series opener win before 5,404 at Richmond County Bank Ball Park Saturday night in St. George.

“I thought I hit it well,” he noted of his second homer with both coming before the home crowd. “I was just working on trying to put the ball in play. I put the barrel on the ball. I had a good swing and got a good pitch and it went out for me.”

“It felt good. We did well as a team tonight. We battled as a team. Guys put good swings on the ball and we had a big inning. We were able to come up with two out hits.”

Catcher Mitch Abeita kept it going with a triple which eluded right fielder Brandon Haislet. Following a Jahdiel Santamaria infield hit and a Ray Kruml walk, leadoff shortstop Addison Maruszak was plunked on an 0-2 pitch forcing in the go-ahead run. Though Cloyd got David Adams swinging for the second out, he couldn’t earn that final out.

Instead, DH Brian Baisley laced a two-run single to center making it 6-3. Third baseman Marcos Vechionacci followed with another base hit to center plating Maruszak for the fifth run of the inning knocking out Cloyd (3-2). The Baby Bombers weren’t done as right fielder Jack Rye delivered the sixth run with an RBI single off Williamsport reliever Sean Grieve putting his club five ahead.

“It just takes one guy to get us going you know,” Abeita indicated following a pair of hits, walk plus a run scored. “Brewer did a great job. There were a bunch of guys who had great at bats. Dave Adams. Jahdiel Santamaria. Some great at bats. We got some guys who see some pitches and get pitch counts up there and get them tired.”

Leading by five in the home eighth, it looked like the extra run Kruml created by leading off with a double and coming into score on a Maruszak RBI single to right would just be window dressing. However, the Crosscutters refused to die mounting a furious two out rally lacing five consecutive hits off Josue Selenes plating three runs courtesy of a Cody Overbeck two-run double and a Jim Murphy RBI single forcing closer Pat Venditte into the game with the tying run at the plate.

Venditte made quick work of pinch hitter Steve Susdorf needing only four pitches before striking him out swinging to notch his 13th save.

“We had a lot of confidence in our bullpen,” Kruml said after a productive two-for-three night with three runs scored plus a walk. “If someone’s not going to get the job done, someone else will. It just made the game more exciting for the fans.”

“We’re playing a lot better. So keep on doing this for the rest of the season.”

Notes: All nine Bomber starters in the lineup had at least a hit with Vechionacci paving the way with three hits, a couple of runs plus a base knock. … Casey Erickson went the first four allowing three earned on seven hits while walking one and fanning six escaping numerous jams. … RP Jason Kiley came on and tossed two and a third scoreless whiffing two for his first victory of the season. … Bombers roughed up Cloyd for eight of the 10 runs on nine hits in three and two thirds. … The game took three hours and 21 minutes to complete. … With their fifth straight win, Staten Island (31-20) now leads both Brooklyn and Hudson Valley by four games in the division. … Game 2 is today at 2 PM with the series finale Monday morning at 11.

Staten Island Yankee right fielder gets ready during first inning versus Brooklyn.

STATEN ISLAND, NY- Do the Cyclones have the Baby Bombers’ number? You won’t hear a peep from Brooklyn skipper Edgar Alfonzo, whose team got a big four-game weekend series off on the right foot by pitching their way past their Verrazano rival 3-2 before a seventh consecutive sellout (7,171) at Richmond County Bank Ball Park Friday night.

“That’s not true,” the veteran Brooklyn (23-21) manager modestly expressed outside the winner’s dugout after his team pulled within two along with Hudson Valley of the first place Bombers (25-19), who dropped their third straight while falling to 4-7 in the season series with three left. “They’re a good team. Sometimes, you take your chance when they make mistakes, you got to take your chance and score some runs like that. They are tough. They are tough to beat. They come at you until the last out every every game. They give me a headache sometimes.”

After the teams traded runs in the third and fourth, the game was still hanging in the balance when some wildness from Staten Island reliever Daniel Kapala contributed to the Bombers’ demise in the seventh. The second-year right handed reliever started the frame by plunking Jason Jacobs and Jose Jimenez to quickly put himself in a bind. Following Eric Campbell’s successful sacrifice, some bad luck allowed the Cyclones to go ahead when a Kirk Nieuwenhuis swinging bunt was fielded too late by first baseman Jahdiel Santamaria allowing Jacobs to score from third.

With runners on the corners, Staten Island manager Pat McMahon went to reliever Drew Shetrone but with Sean Ratliff batting, he uncorked a wild pitch allowing a second run to come in.

On a night in which the Bomber bats were silenced with runners on base, they didn’t go away easily as hot hitting designated hitter Brian Baisley went to the opposite field in the home half for his club-leading fifth home run off Brooklyn lefty reliever Roy Merritt. The ball just cleared the right field fence out of a leaping John Servidio’s reach to cut the lead to 3-2.

Merritt settled down to get the final two and pitched into the ninth after getting Santamaria to bounce into an inning ending 6-4-3 twin killing. He started the inning by getting struggling center fielder Ray Kruml chasing a pitch out of the zone. However, the Bombers mounted a rally thanks to consecutive line drive singles from shortstop Addison Maruszak and second baseman David Adams putting the tying and winning runs on first and second.

That’s when Alfonzo wisely went to closer Yury Santana, who had his work cut out for him facing Baisley and solid hitting third baseman Mike Lyon. It didn’t matter because Santana brought a wicked slider which he used to get Baisley swinging on a 2-2 pitch and then quickly got Lyon behind 0-2 on balls down and away before he hit a soft liner right to second baseman J.R. Voyles to end matters.

“It was tough,” Lyon lamented. “That kid’s got a pretty good slider. I knew he was trying to get ahead of me with the slider and I kept pulling off it. And then the last one, I made contact just knocking it down. I came up at the end and swung down. It started up and in. And I just started getting concerned about it coming into my hands like a fastball. Just went back up and ended up getting it off the end.”

“That was a good game. That was some good pitching from both sides. That was a good game. It was a good win,” a happy Alfonzo noted. “[Santana] did well. He did well. He threw a couple of good sliders and a couple of change ups. He pitched away and threw the breaking ball and threw strikes.”

“Very tough,” was how Maruszak described his club’s close defeat after finishing with a pair of hits but failing to get a runner in from third with one out in the home sixth due to a 5-2 fielder’s choice. “We battled them the whole way. So did they. It was a grind for both teams.”

The Bombers got pretty good pitching from starter David Phelps, whose only mistake in five innings was a Matt Smith two out home run to right in the third which gave the Cyclones a 1-0 lead. His teammates got it back for him in the fourth cashing in on some shoddy D. Adams singled and advanced to second on a Chris Schwinden wild pitch. The Brooklyn starter made more of a mess for himself with an errant toss during a fielder’s choice allowing both runners to arrive safely with an out.

Lyon, who a couple of frames earlier got caught napping off second atoned with a sac fly. However, it turned into a bizarre 7-6-4 double play when Ratliff relayed to Smith, who then tossed to Voyles, who applied the tag on Baisley to end the inning.

“We made a couple of mistakes throughout the whole game that could’ve put us right back in the ballgame,” the third baseman said after a 1-for-3 RBI night. “It was a couple of key situations with hard hit balls and mental lapses. I had a mental lapse getting picked off second. I didn’t realize how far off second base I was and ended up getting picked.”

That was all they could manage against Schwinden, who tossed an effective six yielding just an unearned run on four hits walking nobody and striking out seven for his first win.

“You have to tip a cap to [Schwinden]. Their pitcher commanded both sides of the plate very well with his fastball and that makes his offspeed that much better. He did a good job,” praised Maruszak.

“[Phelps] did the same thing and unfortunately, we lost tonight because we had not very good hitting. We had chances to. They had three errors but we didn’t capitalize on them. … I got up there with a runner on third and one out and grounded out. That’s not good. I should have – Should have. Could have. Would have. But it’s part of the game. Hopefully, next time I can come through again.”

Instead, their comeback bid fell short and now they’ll look to rebound later today in Keyspan Park.

“We just got to bounce back from today’s game,” Maruszak pointed out. We play them three more times. So, hopefully, we can get the next three and that would be nice to put them three more behind us.

“That’s what we’re going to plan on doing and keep battling through for the rest of the season.”

Notes: Phelps went five allowing a run on three hits walking nobody and striking out four to get a no-decision. … Kapala fell to 1-1 working an inning and a third giving up two earned on one hit with the two hit batsmen proving costly. … Despite a wild pitch which turned into the winning run charged to Kapala, Shetrone put up zeros for two and two thirds on two hits fanning a pair. … Maruszak and Adams, who hit 1-2 in the order paved the way with multi-hit nights finishing with four of the team’s seven on the night. … Merritt went 2.1 IP giving up one earned on three hits while walking the only batter for either side and whiffing four. In fact, BK pitchers fanned 12 while S.I. pitchers issued no walks with six K’s. … S.I. stranded 10 while BK left eight. … The contest took a very manageable two hours and thirty five minutes before a 13th sellout. … Game Two is later tonight in Coney Island with Old-Timer’s Day preluding a 6 PM start on Sunday back at the Ferry Terminal.