Minor league baseball teams like the San Jose Giants are used by the major league teams for rehabilitating injured big league players, particularly pitchers. As players come off the disabled list, they need to regain their skills by with game time playing at a lower level.

Proximity is a key advantage for the San Jose Giants. It’s much easier to bring a player back up by rotating them from the San Jose A club to Fresno AAA then to San Francisco, rather than flying them to the AA club in Connecticut. Both Russ Ortiz and Shawn Estes have pitched this season in San Jose on their way back to the majors. And being able to see these players in action, without the major league ticket prices, is a treat for minor league baseball fans!
Host Mom, Jean

It’s time for late season moves….Wayne got called to go to the Augusta Green Jackets in the South Atlantic League for the rest of the season. He’s a closing pitcher, so we didn’t get a chance to see him actually play. Then he had injured his shoulder, so hadn’t gotten much game time. This move will give him more game time and pitching, then he expects to move back to San Jose next season.

In typical baseball fashion, he found out during afternoon practice, and had to stay for the game that evening. Then he told us when he arrived back at the house about 10:30 in the evening. He had to leave the house 7 hours later to catch a flight with two stops to join the team on the road in Hagerstown, Maryland for the evening game. He grabbed the opportunity to wash his clothes, made arrangements to have his family pick up his car, and said good-bye! We wish him good luck….And this is why experienced ball players learn to travel light, and keep their belongings organized!
Host Mom, Jean

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Lisa wrote: Hello!
My son is a sophomore player for a Division 1 college. Two days ago (two weeks before school is to start) the coaches told him they have a roster spot for him but he will probably receive very limited playing time due to current players not taking their draft options and injured players coming back.

They have suggested he go JC to get the at bats and field time he deserves. Of course, he would rather play at another D1 school. Is is so late now- any suggestions?

Do D1 schools take transfers this late in the game? Will going down to a JC help or hinder future recruiting?

Great kid,great player- just needs a spot. Any ideas are welcomed!

From the Baseball Pro:
Lisa,
Your son is in an interesting postion. I have always felt that the only way to improve and get better is to play. Obviously his chances of playing in the current situation do not sound that good. So the choice comes down to him and his goals. Does he just want to be part of a team or actually play? Is he deserving of a starting spot? These are questions for you and him to answer.

I went to a JC then left and went to a different JC my sophomore year. Then I went on to a four year program. So transfering is not a bad option you, just have to make sure you transfer into a good situation. Going the JC route will not hinder future recruiting. Every division I coach in the country wants to win, and if your son can help them do that, they will recruit him. As for transfering to a DIV 1 school I believe his current coach would have to give him a release. This is something that you might have to fight for but in this case you should be able to achieve it.
Your Baseball Pro, Steve Holm

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Martin wrote:
I’ve seen you play this year at Dodd Stadium and you certainly deserved to be a 2007 Eastern League All Star. At the minor league level, how much does a catcher’s calling of the game factor into what the pitcher actually throws… and what is it like dealing with two of the most talented and fastest rising broadcasters in the business in Rory Duyon and Bobby Morales?

From the Baseball Pro:
Martin,
Thanks for the compliment. When it comes to calling the game the catcher will do 99 percent of it. The pitchers do have the ability to shake off after the catcher has put his sign down. The amount this happens depends on the pitcher and the catcher and how much they have worked together. As for the broadcaster question, I certainly think they are both tremendous broadcasting prospects. I would like to add though that having watched them both actually play on the field, Rory Duyon is a much better athlete. In fact, Bobby Morales’ glove had holes in it and it looked like his dog chewed on it. That can not be tolerated!
Your Baseball Pro, Steve Holm

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Chaz wrote:
I am transferring from 4 year to a Junior College to play Baseball and Basketball. I did not play any sports my freshman year at the 4 year college. I passed a total of 17 credits of a total attempted of 29 credit hours. My basketball coach says I must have 24 credit hours passed to be eligible. My baseball coach says it is no problem. Everything I read says that the 24 hours of credit only applies to student athletes. I was not an athlete. Do you know about this rule? Thank you for any and all advice!

From the Baseball Pro:
This is without a doubt not my expertise. I do not feel qualified to counsel you in any way when it comes to NCAA rules and regulations. They are constantly changing their rules so your coach or athletic counselor would be the best advisor.
Your Baseball Pro, Steve Holm

P.S. Eligibility would not be a problem if you passed more classes! Seriously, focus on the academics. Steve made a very smart move by taking an extra year in the off season to complete his degree–so he is eligible to become a college baseball coach after the pros. It’s a good career……but colleges do require that their coaches set an example for players!
Team Mom, Jean