Extra work helps Gradoville find success

Like most backup catchers, Chris Gradoville is rarely recognized in a Rangers system loaded with top prospects. But the Omaha native did a lot of work to help the talented Frisco pitching staff in 2009. Lone Star Dugout sat down with the 25-year-old Creighton product.   Full Story

Nardi Contreras, the Yankees Minor League Pitching Coordinator, sits down with PinstripesPlus.com for a long Q&A session. In Part Three of our multi-part series, Nardi talks about if he liked the way Dellin Betances was progressing before he got hurt, just how good D.J. Mitchell's secondary pitches are, just how far Hector Noesi's game has come, and much, much more.   Full Story

We sat down with Charleston Riverdogs Manager Torre Tyson for a Q&A session to get his thoughts on how different Abraham Almonte was in his second year in Charleston, how good he thinks Manny Banuelos could be, what he likes most about Jose Pirela, what he saw from Andrew Brackman once he was moved to the bullpen, and much, much more.   Full Story

Some marvel at his ability to pitch with both arms. Others continue to question just how strong a big league prospect he really is. Venditte himself shuts both sets of pundits out and focuses on doing his job.   Full Story

The Frisco RoughRiders' offense appears to be breaking out of its slump, as they scored 15 runs on Tuesday night. Lone Star Dugout takes a look at all of the day's minor league action.   Full Story

CHARLESTON, SC - Switch-pitcher Pat Venditte is having the type of season most minor league relievers would dream of. Even though he is dominating the South Atlantic League, however, he still has some kinks to iron out before moving up a level.   Full Story

Major league coaching and scouting assignments made by the St. Louis Cardinals for the 2009 season.   Full Story

In baseball, games and sometimes seasons can come down to those final few innings when managers become more like chess players than baseball coaches. They have to figure out which pinch-hitter to use and which relievers to bring in to have that perfect lefty or righty matchup. The Staten Island Yankees haven't had to deal with that problem so much this year.   Full Story

We sat down with Yankees' 20th round pick, Pat Venditte, for a Draft Day Q&A session. Find out what the pitcher from Creighton University, who throws both right-handed and left-handed says is his best pitch from each side, how he feels being drafted by the Yankees again, what his best baseball moment has been so far, and more.   Full Story

As expected, the St. Louis Cardinals announced Monday that all members of Tony La Russa’s coaching staff are set to return in 2008.   Full Story

We sat down with Yankees' 45th round pick, Pat Venditte, for a Draft Day Q&A session. Find out who the pitcher from Creighton University compares his game to, if he plans on signing with the Yankees, what he felt like being drafted by the Yankees, and more.   Full Story

It's year five for Nebraska women's basketball head coach Connie Yori. Since the day she arrived, she's been looking forward to the time where her challenges were about growing a team rather than just finding one to play with. With her best team yet, Yori is excited about this year as she says they can compete with anyone.    Full Story

After making a name for himself just ten days ago, Charleston RiverDog utility man Tony Roth is starting to prove himself to be more than just a trivia answer. On May 20th, Roth was called to the mound in the 17th inning. He went on to pitch two perfect innings while even recording a strikeout.   Full Story

PinstripesPlus.com analyzes the Yankees' third base prospects. Which third base prospects has the highest upside? Which are the ones ready to make a Major League impact soon? Who needs to make their mark quickly?   Full Story

A look at St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan's first impressions of; Alan Benes, Josh Blaine Neal & John Riedling.   Full Story

InsideTheDome.com has learned that the Toronto Blue Jays have signed several more players to minor league deals, and have invited some of those players to major league camp.   Full Story