Major leagues: June 2008 Archives

Former major leaguer Frank Castillo has returned to York and could pitch as soon as this weekend in a three-game series in Lancaster according to York manager Chris Hoiles.

"We've heard nothing but good things," Hoiles said about Castillo's offseason throwing sessions. "We just have to figure everything out with Wayne leaving."

A right-hander who is able to dominate with pinpoint control and his ability to mix speeds, Castillo earned 82 major league victories during a 13-year big league career. He last appeared in the majors with the Marlins in 2005.

He provided a big boost to York during last season's second half. He went 8-4 and had a 3.75 ERA.

But Southern Maryland claimed the rights to Castillo in this winter's expansion draft, begging the question how did York re-sign him?

Former Orioles outfielder Jay Gibbons will join the Atlantic League later this month, but he turned down offers to play in York ... in part because he wanted to avoid the Orioles fan base.

He has heard about away games, right?

Nobody is saying where Gibbons will play, but former major leaguers usually have one destination in the league. For the record, Long Island travels to York June 27-29.

It will be interesting to see how the Orioles fan base -- or in other words, the people he wanted to avoid -- treats him.

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that Jay Gibbons will play in the Atlantic League this month.

Gibbons told Sun reporter Dan Connolly that he chose to play with a team that was not located inside the Orioles fan base.

"I want to continue my career and start over," said Gibbons, 31. "This is an opportunity, and that is all I have been looking for."

The Revolution contacted Gibbons in spring training about playing in the league this year. It seemed like a logical for Gibbons, with former bullpen coach Sam Snider joining an all-Orioles coaching staff in the offseason.

"Sam Snider was instrumental and he was in contact with Jay," Revolution Director of Baseball Operations Adam Gladstone said. "From Day 1 Jay said he would consider York because of Sam and (manager) Chris (Hoiles) and Tippy (Martinez)."

Brooks Robinson will return to Sovereign Bank Stadium Tuesday, July 1 to accept the third baseman award for the Rawlings All-Time Gold Glove Team. He will be honored on the field before the Revolution's game against the Newark Bears, and one of his 16 Gold Gloves will be on display at the stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m.

At the suggestion of Robinson, the ceremony will be held in York, where Robinson made his professional debut for the White Roses in 1955. It will be the only minor league stadium to host one of the all-time award presentations.

And while Robinson has made it apparent he has a special place in his heart for York, this move can be viewed as another swipe at the Peter Angelos-owned Orioles.

The Revolution lost its second player to affiliated baseball during its three-game series with the Southern Maryland Crabs. And the latest one hurts.

The Boston Red Sox purchased the contract for left-handed starting pitcher Dave Gassner (2-3, 3.06 ERA) and assigned him to Double-A Portland.

“With the high level Dave was playing at, it’s not surprising the Red Sox were interested,” Revolution Director of Baseball Operations Adam Gladstone said. “It’s tough to lose a guy that has been throwing that well for us, but we wish him the best.”

Fans at Sovereign Bank Stadium saw one of the best pitching performances in the stadium's 11-plus months of business.

Former major league left-handers Dave Gassner and John Halama faced off for the second time in six days, and the two combined to allow three earned runs. Halama lasted seven innings, and suffered his first loss of the season -- despite a commanding performance. He struck out six and didn't walk a batter.

Gassner earned the win, striking out six and walking two through eight.

But one big question remains: Why are both these pitchers still in the Atlantic League?