April 9, 200521 yr http://www.al.com/barons/birminghamnews/in...65333176060.xml New-look team high on potential Thursday, April 07, 2005 DOUG SEGREST News staff writer Razor Shines looks down the 2005 Birmingham Barons roster and sees it loaded with prospects. Abundant prospects mean great potential. But in the world of the Southern League, potential doesn't always equal good results. "We're young," Shines said. "We'll have seven people on the field who've never played higher than Single-A. But I tell you what, opposing teams better tighten their cleats when they play us." The 47-year-old Shines returns for his second season with the Double-A Barons. Last year, the Texan led the club to a 73-66 record, the second-half Western Division title and a team-best fifth straight postseason. That came after boldly predicting the Barons would be a cinch to return to the playoffs. The new-look Barons open the season tonight in Jacksonville against the Suns, a Los Angeles Dodgers farm team. The first pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. CDT. While Shines avoids any hype for his team, he's quick to praise his personnel. What the Barons lack in Double-A experience, they make up for in promise: Pitcher Jim Bullard - "He's going to get the ball opening night," Shines said. "He could've easily been our best pitcher last year." Bullard went 8-4 as a part-time starter last year. "Truth is, he should be in (Triple-A) Charlotte," Shines said of Bullard. Pitcher Kris Honel - The right-hander pitched only six innings before shutting down the 2004 season with arm trouble. Now, "he's good as it gets," Shines said. Pitcher Corwin Malone - The former UAB football signee and Thomasville native hasn't pitched in two years and is coming back from Tommy John surgery. "I'm telling you right now, this guy is back - and he's the real deal," the manager said. Pitcher Sean Tracey - "This guy is explosive. He gets the baseball in his hand and fears no one." Third baseman Josh Fields -The former Oklahoma State quarterback was Chicago's first-round pick last summer. "He's single and he's got a lot of money. He's an outstanding baseball talent, as well. He has the chance to be really good," Shines said. First baseman Casey Rogowski - "I'm going to put the pressure on him right now. He's going to carry the load offensively. He's going to have the kind of year you haven't seen here in a long time." Outfielder Jerry Owens - The speedster stole 30 bases in Savannah last year. "They say two-thirds of the world is covered by water. Jerry Owens covers the other third." Outfielder Ryan Sweeney - "A lot of people believe he has what it takes to be a Major League superstar," Shines said.
April 9, 200521 yr Author QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Apr 9, 2005 -> 01:19 PM) That would be your usual pre - season let's build em up article. Now, if only the guys lived up to half of Razor's hype, most would be in Chicago by the end of the year
April 9, 200521 yr QUOTE(beck72 @ Apr 9, 2005 -> 05:20 AM) http://www.al.com/barons/birminghamnews/in...65333176060.xml Pitcher Kris Honel - The right-hander pitched only six innings before shutting down the 2004 season with arm trouble. Now, "he's good as it gets," Shines said. Funny he should use a quote that resembles of one of the most overrated movies of the last 10 years.
April 9, 200521 yr Lol Gene. On a sidenote, Razor is quite the guy. Definately keeps his players loose.
April 9, 200521 yr QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Apr 9, 2005 -> 03:38 PM) Lol Gene. On a sidenote, Razor is quite the guy. Definately keeps his players loose. Razor is a great manager and never says anything bad about his players that was why last year when we had inferior talent we still won 73 games and the 2nd half title. Good guy
April 10, 200521 yr QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Apr 9, 2005 -> 09:38 PM) Lol Gene. On a sidenote, Razor is quite the guy. Definately keeps his players loose. Not so Jason. Razor was as hard lined as I have seen in a Minor League manager last year. The players knew what to expect and if they strayed he let them know it. When he said jump, they said how high. His players played hard on him, but he was for more strict in terms of rules/discipline than most other minor league managers. At times last year, he seemed to have them wound pretty tight. especially early in the year. Edited April 10, 200521 yr by Rex Hudler
April 11, 200521 yr QUOTE(Razor Shines @ Apr 9, 2005 -> 06:20 AM) Pitcher Jim Bullard - "He's going to get the ball opening night," Shines said. "He could've easily been our best pitcher last year." Bullard went 8-4 as a part-time starter last year. "Truth is, he should be in (Triple-A) Charlotte," Shines said of Bullard. Even though he posts here, I would have to agree. Bullard has been in AA too long.
April 11, 200521 yr QUOTE(knightni @ Apr 11, 2005 -> 01:41 AM) Even though he posts here, I would have to agree. Bullard has been in AA too long. I believe sox's fault, I am not sure what they seen from Philips over Bull. Those two spots should have been switched. That is a mistake Edited April 11, 200521 yr by BHAMBARONS
April 12, 200521 yr QUOTE(Rex Hudler @ Apr 10, 2005 -> 02:39 AM) Not so Jason. Razor was as hard lined as I have seen in a Minor League manager last year. The players knew what to expect and if they strayed he let them know it. When he said jump, they said how high. His players played hard on him, but he was for more strict in terms of rules/discipline than most other minor league managers. At times last year, he seemed to have them wound pretty tight. especially early in the year. Are you saying this a good thing or bad thing?????? C
April 12, 200521 yr QUOTE(minorsfan @ Apr 12, 2005 -> 12:33 AM) Are you saying this a good thing or bad thing?????? C just stating a fact...... not passing any judgement at all..... It was a different style than what I was used to seeing, but it worked, so who am I to judge?
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