This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#31 Post by Sandgnats »

This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

Notable Transactions Off Season Transactions
By: Stephanie Dole
December 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM CST
11/25/25 - Sandgnats Trade for RP Jonathan Francis

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RP Jonathan Francis
11/25/25 - Sandgnats Void Contract Option of CF Jeffrey Wolfe

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CF Jeffrey Wolfe
11/25/25 - Sandgnats Void Contract Option and release CL Ramón 'Doberman' Contreras

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CL Ramón 'Doberman' Contreras
12/1/25 - Sandgnats Trade for Closer Joshua Hall

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CL Joshua Hall
12/3/25 - Sandgnats Claim 3B Patrick Hansen off waivers from Amsterdam

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3B Patrick Hansen
Given that there is some stability to the Crystal Lake roster the next couple of seasons, there were still a couple of needs that have been addressed quickly this off season. Crystal Lake's bullpen was inconsistent blowing over 7 saves this season and losing many one run games, despite respectable statistics. Notable was Doberman's outspoken feelings that he did not feel like he fit in Crystal Lake's squad. Hard to believe he could be upset given that the last 2 seasons his team won the championship, made the finals game 7 and he had the largest contract for a closer in PEBA. Well, GM RJ Ermola did him a favor and voided his $17.8M team option and released him to free agency. Then, quickly made two deals acquiring Bakersfield's young closer Joshua Hall for prospects and draft picks. Kentucky reliever Jonathan Francis was acquired for a prospect and pick.

Hall had an outstanding 2025 season converting 37 of 39 save opportunities, 1.69ERA, 1.17 WHIP, .235 BABIP and no home runs surrendered, which has been a Crystal Lake weakness over the past 2 seasons. Francis is a skilled veteran that will likely replace the departing RP Roberto Bustamente. Francis has a life time 3.31 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .09 HR/9, 2.9 BB/9, 10K/9 over 6 seasons at the PEBA level. He has entered his last arbitration contract for 2025 with a $3.5M salary, lower than the $9.8M that the aging Bustamente had been making last season.

Veteran CF Jeffery Wolfe's team option was voided and he will see free agency. The center fielder was brought to Crystal Lake in the 2023 season to start at the position. His strong defensive skills were helpful to over look his average offensive performance. After a disappointing 2024 riddled with injuries, he ended up being regulated to a bench role in 2025 to come in as a defensive substitution in the 8th or 9th innings. His offensive contributions became a liability and not worth the $7.5M salary he was scheduled to make next season. Crystal Lake will either be bringing up some of the depth they have at outfield or looking for a defensive specialist in free agency.

Lastly, in an interesting move the Sandgnats claimed Patrick Hansen off waivers from Amsterdam. The 3rd baseman, has defensive skills to play each infield position with competency, even at shortstop. Joining the 40 man roster, he will probably start the season at AAA following spring training. The 26 year old will need to prove he can hit at the PEBA level as he has only put up average numbers at AAA. After being called up last season he did bat a .250 average with a .280 OBP over 101 plate appearances.

With free agency quickly approaching questions regarding depth in the outfield will continue.

GO GNATS.
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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#32 Post by Sandgnats »

This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

GM Ermola visits Mr. Dole at Dole Mansion
By: RJ Ermola
December 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM CST
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On an abnormally warm winter day in Crystal Lake, I was summoned to visit team owner Sydney C. Dole to visit Dole Mansion which was built by his great-grandfather, Charles S. Dole in 1863. Charles Dole is credited with moving to Crystal Lake when it was mere 25 years old when he purchased over 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) of land overlooking the lake. It was his dream to construct an elaborate estate that would reflect his position as a successful businessman. He was an early member of the Chicago Board of Trade, being associated with Armour, Dole & Co. in Chicago. To carry out his plan, he built a three-story mansion with adjoining gardens and stables. European craftsmen were imported to lay parquet floors, fashion archways and carve interior wood work from black walnut trees grown on the property. As a final touch, he brought in Italian artisans to build several marble fireplaces. According to Mr. Dole's obituary, construction costs exceeded $100,000, an enormous amount of money in those days. After Charles Dole passed the mansion was turned into an art gallery before Sydney Dole repurchased it after his first profit after investing in the Sangnats during the creation of PEBA in 2007. After PEBA's great success, the Dole family again has risen to prominence not seen since Charles Dole was investing in the ice business during the 1800s. The present ownership is credited with spending the last of the great Dole fortune on purchasing the Sandgnats and taking a chance on a young new baseball league.

He was very pleased with the Sandgnat's success and profit this season. He was pleased to take $1.9M in cash from profits this season and spend them on a renovation of Dole Mansion. He was not happy about the failure to sign Ramón 'Doberman' Contreras to an extension and my failure to upgrade at left field this past season, but quickly forgot as we sipped champagne and watched highlights of the 2024 and 2025 seasons in the brand new movie theater within Dole Mansion. We also visited the Crystal Lake Brewery, went fishing in Crystal Lake and discussed renovations to Crystal Lake's little league field named after local Architect Doug Knoeppel who designed the renovations of Dole Mansion.

One of the most memorable moments from our visit to Crystal Lake was while Mr. Dole and I were 5 bottles deep discussing our love of Jim 'Bizarre' Klein and Mr. Dole randomly exclaimed, "It took the old Cubs 100 plus freaking years and we did it in 17! - take that Ricketts, etc!"

These are photos of my visit. It was a thrill to visit Crystal Lake. My wife, I can say, was quite less thrilled, but took pure enjoyment (and laughs) from my excitement.

Mr. Dole and I did discuss one major decision for this season... we are going to bring back Sandgnat mascot "Gnate" leader of the dance crew the Gnaturals! The old mascot of the old Philadelphia Phillies, the Phantatic, is still looking for a job and was hired as a dance team trainer for the 2026 season.

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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#33 Post by Borealis »

Sandgnats wrote:One of the most memorable moments from our visit to Crystal Lake was while Mr. Dole and I were 5 bottles deep discussing our love of Jim 'Bizarre' Klein and Mr. Dole randomly exclaimed, "It took the old Cubs 100 plus freaking years and we did it in 17! - take that Ricketts, etc!"
Wait - the Cubs won a World Series???

I guess that was just on another level of the Tower... there are other worlds than this...
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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#34 Post by Sandgnats »

Borealis wrote:
Sandgnats wrote:One of the most memorable moments from our visit to Crystal Lake was while Mr. Dole and I were 5 bottles deep discussing our love of Jim 'Bizarre' Klein and Mr. Dole randomly exclaimed, "It took the old Cubs 100 plus freaking years and we did it in 17! - take that Ricketts, etc!"
Wait - the Cubs won a World Series???

I guess that was just on another level of the Tower... there are other worlds than this...
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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#35 Post by Sandgnats »

This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

Tryout for Gnate and the Gnaturals Dance Team
By: Stephanie Dole
December 8, 2025 at 9:00 PM CST
This is the official announcement that the Sandgnats are creating a Dance Team / Promotional Squad for the 2026 season and tryouts for the inaugural squad will be held at the Dole Futures Stars Sports Training Center, December 28, 2025, from 6-9:30 p.m. The tryouts will begin at 6 p.m. and conclude at 9:30 and be held on a first-come, first-dance basis with applicants encouraged to arrive by 5:30.

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The squad will be present at 2026 Sandgnats home games providing energy and entertainment to the crowd throughout the game.

"We pride ourselves in creating an environment that fosters excitement and entertainment throughout the game," said Vice President RJ Ermola. "We look forward to the Gnaturals Dance Team to really add to the environment and engage the crowd both at and away from Ellison Field at Dole Park."

In addition to performing at Ellison Field at Dole Park during Sandgnats' games, team members will serve as community ambassadors, appearing at events throughout the Crystal Lake area to promote the Sandgnats and the game of baseball.

"By having the Dance Team also serve as a Promotional Squad, we will be able to accept more community appearance invitations and only further increase our presence in the community," said Ermola. "We know that Gnate is looking forward to some company on the road."

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All potential dancers must be 18-or-older and bring a $15 registration fee to the tryouts. A headshot is preferred, but not required. Stretching will begin at 5:30 and tryouts start promptly at 6 p.m. the unemployed Phantatic, is still looking for a job and was hired as a dance team trainer for the 2026 season.
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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#36 Post by Sandgnats »

This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

Sandgnats Trade for Depth
By: Stephanie Dole
December 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM CST
12/9/25 - Sandgnats Trade for 2B Earl O'Quinn (AAA)

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2B Earl O'Quinn
The Sandgnats announced that they have made a minor league transaction to solidify some depth at the middle infield positions with a trade with Canton for 2B Earl O'Quinn. O'Quinn was drafted in the 2020 first-year player draft (Round 3, Pick 16, 69th overall pick) by the Duluth Warriors out of the Oregon State Dambusters. In his Sophmore year he was selected to the USCBA All-Star Game. The same year he won the GNL AA CAAL Player of the Week Award. Impressive for a first year player to quickly move up to AA ball. He was selected to the 2022 Great Northern League All-Star Game, but then his career began to stall after he was involved in the trade by the Duluth Warriors to the Canton Longshoremen, along with SP Matt Allison, in exchange for CL Julián Olivares. The following year he won the GBB AAA AML Player of the Week Award. He made his PEBA debut in 2024, by putting up pedestrian numbers .176AVG/.240OBP/.269SLG/.509OPS over 119 at bats. His AAA numbers have been impressive posting .269AVG/.301OBP/.472SLG/.773OPS over his AAA career. However, he did impress Crystal Lake scouts with his PEBA numbers this season. In 2025 he posted .260AVG/.283OBP/.526SLG/.809OPS with 7 home runs and 19 RBIs in only 154 at bats.

O'Quinn will bring depth for a Crystal Lake need for right handed batters that can hit left handed pitching. Because he can play also play short stop with good defense, he will be able to compete with SS Spencer Lewis who was average at best last season after the revolving door at back up SS last season. It will be interesting to see who makes the Active Roster this off-season, Lewis or O'Quinn. With 2B Jack Speed the favorite to stay at DH, especially against right handed pitchers, O'Quinn could be asked to play Speed's role to step in against left handed starters this season at Short Stop or DH. While Lewis is clearly the best defender, O'Quinn will need to show he can out perform Lewis offensively this Spring Training.

The trade will send the ever selfish 1B Brandon Johnson and prospect 1B Marshall Ackland (SS-A) to Canton. After an explosive performance in 2024, Johnson just did not fit in the 2025 roster last season and was out of option years for the 2026 season.
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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#37 Post by Sandgnats »

This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

2025 Sandgnats by the Numbers
By: Stephanie Dole
December 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM CST
This past season let's see how the 2025 Sandgnats stacked up.

Hitting in the SL:
-4th with 4.44 runs/game
-Tied 3rd with 189 HRs
-6th with 485 Walks
-8th with 1325 total Hits
-8th with 29 triples
-9th with 97 Stolen Bases
-9th with 235 doubles

Pitching in the SL:

-2nd with 380 Walks
-Tied 2nd with 1.14 WHIP
-3rd with 3.76 runs/game
-4th with 1278 Ks

Ticket Prices: $28.00 Tied for 7th in the SL
Highest: Yuma $45.00
Lowest: Shisa $15.00

Batting Leaders
Jerry Long 4th in the SL / .385 OBP
Jerry Long 3rd in the SL / .544 SLG
Rubén Memde 3rd in the SL / 39 Doubles
Jerry Long 3rd in the SL / 8 3Bs
Raúl Uribe 4th in the SL / 98 RBIs
Jerry Long 4th in the SL / 82 BBs

Pitching Leaders

D. López 2nd in the SL / 84 Games Played
J. MacCowan 4th in the SL / 189 Ks
Dean McNeil 3rd in the SL / 5.69 Strikeouts/Walk
Dean McNeil 5th in the SL/ 0.69 HR/9IP

By the Line Up:
1 - SS Orlando Barrón
Orlando joined the team on the June 2nd trade from Yuma so its difficult to look at his gross production numbers to see how well he did. However, his .358 OBP with Crystal Lake was on par with his PEBA career average. His .382 OPB against left haned pitchers was important against the left heavy pitching against SL rivals. His 69 total walks this season was his highest number since the 2022 season.

2 - 2B Jim 'Bizarre' Klein
The field general of the Sandgnats improved his OBP percentage this season while posting 47 walks this season compared to 72 last season. However, his on base percentage was up to .275 closer to his career PEBA average.

3 - CF Jerry Long
Jerry had a career year this season hitting 31 HRs and driving in 96 runs this season. His 82 walks and .292 batting average were also career highs.

4 - RF Jarrod 'Merlin' Ricks
After signing a huge free agent deal to stay with Crystal Lake, Merlin continued to work his magic at the plate. At the clean up position, he put up 29 home runs and 88 RBIs, not his career best, but drove his batting average upward compared to last season.

5 - LF Raúl Uribe
Uribe in his second year starting at left field improves his numbers over last season, hitting 36 homes runs and 98 RBIs. As a boom or bust hitter, his average did fall slightly, but his role is power hitting and driving in runs.

6 - 3B Ed Brown
Ed made his PEBA debut as a started in May of this season. His .622 OPS and .293 OBP percentage were enough to earn his starting role along side a strong defensive performance. Ed is rumored to be tagged to be sent to winter ball this off season to work on his batting skills.

7 - 1B Rubén Memde
Memde returned to the Sandgnat organization in the off-season last year. He hit a career high 39 doubles and 73 RBIs - his most RBIs since 2020. He provided a respectable .711 OPS and good fielding at first base.

8 - C Tony Parker
After being sent to winter ball last off season to improve his defensive ability, Tony was called up and took over the starting catcher position in June. His stats were less than stellar with a .581 OPS. in only 93 at bats. His breakout performance which showed the Gnats future was a 2025 Divisional Series MVP for Parker.

9 - DH Jack Speed
Jack was an off season acquisition who filled in at second and third base and DH most of the season. His .317 OBP and 54 walks were an added plus to his defensive versatility.
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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#38 Post by Sandgnats »

This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

Sandgnats Quiet Thus Far in Free Agency
By: Stephanie Dole
January 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM CST
12/23/25 - Sandgnats Acquire RP Rusty Messer

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RP Rusty Messer
With most Sandgnats key players signed for the 2026 and 2027 season, we have seen few moves by management this off-season, especially compared to last year's roster rebuild. However, Sandgnats have announced that they have signed RP Rusty Messer to a $1.5M deal that will auto-renew next season until Messer is possibly arbitration eligible in 2027. Messer was drafted in the 2019 first-year player draft (Round 1, Pick 21, 21st overall pick) by the Yuma Bulldozers out of the Horizon HS Huskies. About to now turn 25 years old, he spent his entire professional career in the Yuma minor league system. Messner has had mixed success in the minor leagues, but he is known for a very high intelligence and high work ethic - always the first guy to arrive at practice and the last guy to leave. He's well respected by his teammates.

The Sandgnats were very impressed with his movement and control, especially against left-handed batters. He has an excellent cutter and has a high potential to develop a curve ball that is just as good. It is rumored that he may be sent to winter ball this off-season and will start off in AAA before being called up.

"Well, We just like good quality guys and he's 25.", stated GM Ermola. "I like guys who work hard and have a brain. Rusty has potential and I believe he could be a part of our big league bullpen in the future."
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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#39 Post by Ghosts »

Nice signing, we offered him a PEBA deal as well. You got us on the salary. He looks ready - not sure why the Bulldozers let him walk.
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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#40 Post by Sandgnats »

Bears wrote:Nice signing, we offered him a PEBA deal as well. You got us on the salary. He looks ready - not sure why the Bulldozers let him walk.
You out bid me on a couple others so I was able to spend more than I would like to on him.
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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#41 Post by Sandgnats »

This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

Gnats Closer Joshua Hall signed to 1 year - $2.4M Extension (26/2)
By: Stephanie Dole
October 18, 2026 at 5:37 PM CST
The Sandgnats and Closer Joshua Hall announced today that an agreement has been reached to avoid arbitration as Hall will receive a $2.4 million dollar deal for the 2027 season. Hall converted 36 of 40 save opportunities this season appearing in 75 games for the Gnats. The 2026 off-season acquisition led a bullpen that was 1st in ERA in the Sovereign League. Hall's 2026 ERA was 2.86 with a career high 87 strikeouts. He quickly took over the closer position in May after proving his worth as a set up man.

Although, his first season of playoff baseball included only one save in 3 chances, the 26 year old has a lot of PEBA ball ahead of him. Hall will not be free agent eligible until the 2031 season.

The Denver, Colorado native, Hall is a 2018 first round supplemental pick (39th) by the Bakersfield Bears out of Klein-Collins High School.

"I'm very happy to have the confidence of the Sandgnat organization and not have to worry about hearing from my agent this off-season and just work on my pitching," stated Hall as he walked out of Dole Mansion after signing the deal.
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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#42 Post by Sandgnats »

This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

Gnats Attendance Hits Record High (26/3)
By: Stephanie Dole
October 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM CST
The next couple of weeks will be a review of "the numbers" for the Sandgnats Organization in 2026. This week's edition will be a discussion of the growth of attendance at Ellison Field at Dole Park.

The Gnats posted a record attendance of 4,675,767 for 2026 which is 3rd in PEBA only behind Aurora at 2nd with 4,792,152 and West Virginia just shy of 5 million. This attendance number is a 20% increase over last season which saw gross attendance at 3,895,001. As a result revenue per game rose to $1,616,315 over $1,346,420 from last season.

"We attribute the increase in attendance and revenue to a few factors", stated Mr. Dole at his annual state of the franchise address. "Obviously the addition of Rob Raines in the off-season increased fan interest, bringing the more casual fan to Dole Park. Next, the addition of 10,000 seats this year, helped us let more people in the stadium, per the Crystal Lake fire marshal. We will be looking to expand Dole Park again this off-season given the very good loyalty and interest from our fans. We have some other more 'Astronomical' sized markets to compete with compared to the 'Big' Market of Suburban Chicago. The addition of a special Metraline rail route on game days will help us also in 2027 and beyond. We are thankful for the loyalty of our fans and support. We will continue to work hard to put out the best entertainment value in the Chicago metro area."
Last edited by Sandgnats on Sat Feb 24, 2018 5:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#43 Post by Sandgnats »

This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

Transaction News (26/4)
By: Stephanie Dole
October 31, 2026 at 09:34 PM CST
The Sandgnats were very active on October 28th resigning 22 minor league players to extensions. Too long to list here, but if you were at the Dole Training Center a couple days ago, you would see a line-up of players and their agents coming in to sign deals to keep them in the Gnats system with hope that they will make it to PEBA level play. All 22 players signed extensions with no additional compensation. They will be playing for free for a shot at their dream.

Today, RF Miguel Campoy to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $620,000. Campoy was eligible for arbitration this off-season, but his agent and the organization were able to come to an agreement to increase his salary from the league minimum by $110,000. Campoy was a 2018 second round pick out of Marshall. Campoy has been a bench and designated hitter in the PEBA level since 2022, putting up respectable numbers around the league average .264/.355/.377. The now veteran Campoy is known as the most humble player in the organization, always willing to play his part and help younger players. He runs the clubhouse poker tournament reach year. His affordability, matched with decent ability made sense for this resigning. Campoy will remain arbitration eligible for the 2028 and 2029 seasons.
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Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

#44 Post by Sandgnats »

This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

2026 By The Numbers (26/5)
By: Stephanie Dole
October 31, 2026 at 11:50 PM CST
This past season let's see how the 2026 Sandgnats stacked up compared to 2025.

Hitting in the SL:
2025 -4th with 4.44 runs/game; 2026 -4th with 4.44 runs/game
2025 -Tied 3rd with 189 HRs; 2026 -4th with 195 HRs
2025 -6th with 485 Walks; 2026 -1st with 553 Walks
2025 -8th with 1325 total Hits; 2026 -7th with 1442 total Hits;
2025 -8th with 29 triples; 2026 -5th with 29 triples;
2025 -9th with 97 Stolen Bases; 2026 -8th with 91 Stolen Bases;
2025 -9th with 235 doubles;2026 -4th with 256 doubles;

Pitching in the SL:
2025 -2nd with 380 Walks; 2026 -1st with 400 Walks
2025 -3rd with 3.76 runs/game; 2026 -3rd with 3.51 runs/game
2025 -4th with 1278 Ks; 2026 -3rd with 1270 Ks


By the Line Up:
1 - SS Orlando Barrón
Orlando's performance at lead off was a disappointing .319 OPB down from .358 OPB last season. His .OPS was also down from last year. He has entered his last season of arbitration eligibility and will be the biggest question mark of 2026 and beyond.

2 - 2B Jim 'Bizarre' Klein
The field general of the Sandgnats batting stats slightly declined from last season. However he improved his amount of walks from 47 to 66.

3 - CF Jerry Long
Jerry spent a considerable time on the disabled list this season. His numbers were more average coming off a career season in 2025 where he posted 31 HRs and driving in 96 runs.

4 - RF Jarrod 'Merlin' Ricks
Merlin the Magic Man was also injured somewhat this season leading into a decline of his number to 26 home runs and 70 RBIs.

5 - LF Raúl Uribe
Uribe entered his 3rd season at outfield with declining numbers because of injuries. His 23 home runs and 67 RBIs were a decline over last season.

6 - 3B Ed Brown
Ed started PEBA for his first full season in 2026 after being called up last season. Known for his defensive abilities, Ed was able to improve his batting statistics slightly to .669 OPS and .311 OBP.

7 - 1B Rubén Memde
Memde entered this season sharing time with Rob Raines. Memde faced on right handed batting mostly this season and was able to blast 19 home runs in 71 less at bats than last season where he hit 18 home runs.

8 - C Tony Parker
After his breakout performance in 2025, Tony made a blast with 28 home runs and 79 RBIs and .860 OPS.

9 - DH Rob Raines
The legendary Rob Raines proved that he is the embodiment of the fountain of youth. Rob increased his statistics with 34 home runs and his most RBIs since 2017 with 97.
Last edited by Sandgnats on Thu Mar 01, 2018 1:45 am, edited 1 time in total.
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#45 Post by Sandgnats »

This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats

Jerry Long Returns to Good Health in Time for the Off-Season (26/6)
By: Stephanie Dole
November 6, 2026 at 11:50 PM CST
Jerry Long spent quite a bit of time with the injury bug this season - the worst being the Hamstring Injury that occurred on September 30, 2026 which cost him 5 weeks and the playoffs. He also was bothered with back tightness for one week in April, a sore knee in June and calf soreness in August.

Jerry was not alone this year spending more time with the trainer than on the field as the injury bug seemed to hit league wide this season with a record number of players on the disabled list and games missed. Final statistics will be available once stat lab is updated at the conclusion of the season. "It almost reminds me of the flu season back in 2018," stated Natsu Kanno "No matter what we did, all the trainers league wide have complained to me about the frequency of injuries."

Thus, Mr. Dole, owner of the Sandgnats, has announced that Crystal Lake Diagnostics, which provides a direct-to-consumer service for athletes measuring their health and guiding them to improved performance through nutrition and exercise physiology, has partnered with The Dole Organization to build a new sports science laboratory that the two will use for research. The Sports Science Laboratory at the Dole Center for Health & Human Performance will research and develop new innovations that combine human athletic performance and recovery research with Crystal Lake Diagnostic’s technology from "Blueprint for Athletes", its biometric testing service for competitive and professional athletes. The goal of the newly formed collaboration, which is an extension of a relationship the two have had for the past few years, will be to accelerate understanding of how diagnostic information can aid in an athlete’s health and performance.

Their first research projects will focus on blood-based biomarkers, which are measurable substances in organisms used regularly in clinical trials, such as vitamin D, creatine and glucose that influence protein synthesis, energy levels and wellness. They’ll also look at new point-of-care micro-sampling technologies and determine how they might expand hormone analysis.

Only time will tell if these new advances in technology can stop injury bug version 18 as its being called after this season.
RJ Ermola
Vice President and General Manager of Baseball Operations
Crystal Lake Sandgnats

*2024 PEBA Champions*
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