Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Baron to play in NBA Summer Leagues

Frank Carpano

When it comes to the NBA Draft, if a player isn’t going to be drafted in the first round, in some cases, it’s better to not be drafted at all. The first round brings guaranteed money, the 2cd round does not.
URI’s Jimmy Baron was one of those kids who was borderline on draft night. He ended up not being drafted. But their is an upside. Jimmy is now a free agent. He weigh offers from different NBA teams and then accept an offer from the team that gives them the greatest chance to play.

With that here’s the latest from URI regarding Baron and his pro aspirations.

Jimmy Baron to play in two NBA Summer Leagues
Baron to play with the Utah Jazz at the Orlando Pro Summer League and with the Wizards at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas

June 30, 2009

Click here for the 2009 Orlando Summer League website
Click here for the 2009 NBA Summer League website

KINGSTON, R.I.—Jimmy Baron will be taking part in two of the NBA’s official summer leagues over the next few weeks.

Baron will play with the Utah Jazz summer league team at the 2009 Orlando Pro Summer League at the RDV Sportsplex, from July 6-10. The 15-game event will feature the Jazz, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics and a split squad between the New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.

From July 14-19, Baron will play with the Washington Wizards at the 2009 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Games will be played at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the campus of UNLV.

With between four and seven games daily, the Summer League provides younger NBA players, undrafted free agents and newly drafted rookies the chance to get head-to-head NBA experience.

Summer League games play with a slightly different set of rules from regular NBA games. The games have four, ten minute quarters with an eight minute halftime and players don’t foul out until their 10th personal foul.

Wide-open and high-scoring, the NBA Summer League should feature many of the lottery selections from the 2009 draft.

2009 Orlando Pro Summer League schedule
July 6 - Utah vs. Boston - 7 p.m.
July 7 - Utah vs. N.J./Philadelphia - 5 p.m.
July 8 - Utah vs. Indiana - 3 p.m.
July 9 - Utah vs. Orlando - 5 p.m.
July 10 - Utah vs. Oklahoma City – 11 a.m.

2009 NBA Summer League
July 14 - Washington vs. Cleveland - 6:30 p.m.
July 15 - Washington vs. Denver - 10:30 p.m.
July 17 - Washington vs. Minnesota - 8 p.m.
July 18 - Washington vs. L.A. Clippers - 8:30 p.m.
July 19 - Washington vs. New York - 4 p.m.

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Ken Ryan Interview

Frank Carpano

Ken Ryan is a former major league pitcher with the Red Sox and Phillies. Ryan grew up in Seekonk, Ma and operates Ken Ryan Baseball Academy in Pawtucket. He recently appeared on NBC 10’s Sports Extra Program. Here’s the transcript of the interesting things Ken Ryan had to say.

Ken Ryan Interview

o Carpano -  What has surprised you most about the Boston Red Sox this year?

Ryan – Well I think their bullpen has been fantastic. It has been a key ingredient so far early in the season. Their offense has been pretty good. Jason Bay, I think everyone is surprised and excited by what he has been able to bring to the team, 14 homeruns, and just solid offensive production. Their rotation is starting to come around. I think the key and strength to this team is its pitching.

o Carpano – the bullpen is clearly the component of this team that is clicking on all cylinders.

Ryan – The bullpen is unbelievable with Papelbon has been lights out. Ramirez has been pitching terrific and Okajima. It’s solid. There are a number of guys down there doing a terrific job. You get that lead going into the seventh inning and they have been pretty much lights out. 3:03 The starting rotation is really starting to come around. We have seen Beckett the last two starts have been fantastic. Lester pitched a very good game today as well.

o Carpano – Do you think that Matsuzaka’s participation in the World Baseball Classic is the cause of his problems this season?

Ryan – I think so. The intensity of that early in the season and playing at that emotional level by going out there and trying to represent your country. I don’t care what they say. They’re going to go out there and go full out. I think obviously it took its toll early on and at this point just trying to get back in the mix, get that rhythm again, get on that mound and feel good about yourself. He’s going to need a couple starts to get himself there.

o Carpano – Whats next if Big Papi doesn’t begin to produce at the plate?

Ryan – Well hopefully he will produce. It is frustrating. He got a good hit yesterday but just a 1-5 day today and he had a couple strikeouts last night. I think you just got to hope this comes around. If we get closer to the all-star break or if it’s the all-star break and he is hitting .185 with 1 homerun, they’re going to have to make a move. They have already moved him down in the lineup like you have mentioned. But you know the talk is why is it happening? Is it his eyes? Is it a steroid thing? Right now I think it’s none of that. It’s up here in his head. If he can get out of it, they’re going to need him down the stretch.

o Carpano - You’re doing color commentary on minor league games on NESN , who are some guys on the farm we should be keeping an eye out for?

Ryan – I think Aaron Bates a guy in Double A. He’s playing very well, a position player. But right now in Pawtucket it’s Michael Bowden, Clay Bucholz outstanding. The strength down in Pawtucket is their pitching. These are two guys that could probably pitch in the big leagues right now. They’re going to be wanted by a lot of organizations. We talk about David Ortiz struggling. If they decide to go out and get themselves a big bat, they have the luxury of possibly dealing one of these guys to take care of that situation.

o Carpano – (Manny Ramirez is currently serving a 50 game suspension for steroid use) What is your opinion regarding whether Manny Ramirez should play in the All Star game if elected. He’s currently fourth in voting.  Isn’t this supposed to be based on your first half accomplishments?

Ryan – I think it is. We know the whole Manny situation. He’s tested positive for steroids and so forth. But the fans are voting and I guess in the end fans have the last say. But the whole situation is a really sad situation, the situation he is in. Any chance he will do the right thing and say no thanks I’m not going to play? 5:57 Ryan – Well Manny being Manny how many times have we heard that. How many times has he done the right thing in the past? Hopefully this time he will.

o Carpano – Talk a little about the Ken Ryan Baseball Academy.

Ryan – We have our summer camp coming up July 13th-18th. Our website is KRbaseball.com It’s a great camp for anyone who is interested in a baseball summer camp. Ages 9-12 and 13+ at Slater Park in Pawtucket. All the information is on our website at KRbaseball.com or they can call us at 401-724-7555