Baseball

Murphy made his big-league debut on Sept. 12, at age 24. According to Baseball-Reference.com, he became the 18,635th player in major-league history. Murphy, however, has a chance to be much more than another forgotten catcher. That's the consensus of those who've gotten to know Murphy, including Colorado reliever Adam Ottavino. Though he missed most of last season with an elbow injury, Ottavino took time out to tutor Murphy, teaching him some of the finer points of catching, including what pitches to call against major-league hitters.

According to D-Ray's bay With McGee gone, Geltz has to be seen as a top candidate for setup duties. Should he earn the role, the Rays will benefit from having him under control through 2020 and only being arbitration eligible for the first time in 2018.

A shortstop and top-of-the-rotation guy for the Lumberjacks, O’Connor possess all of the positive qualities a coach at any level would want in a student-athlete.

Turvey, who is heading for his second season with the ‘Jacks, said that UB is getting a winner in more way than one. The coach said O’Connor is the epitome of hard work and character.

"Mike is just that," Turvey said. "He handles himself well on the field as well as off. I don’t have to worry about him getting into any trouble or anything like that. He has a great attitude. When he walks into practice, he’s a player. He’s a baseball player."

The RedWolves are part of the Coastal Plain League, one of a number of amateur collegiate summer leagues across the country.

South Range senior right-hander Greg Dunham joined Crestview lefty Michael McDonough (who signed with Ohio State) as a Division I recruit when Dunham signed a national letter of intent on November 16 to continue his athletic and academic careers at the University of Buffalo. "It's great to know that I have a place to play in college heading into this season," Dunham said. "I didn't want to have that hanging over me. Now I can just focus on baseball."

Three options for what to do with Murphy. Bring him up on day one, bring him up in June, or leave him in AAA next year.

3 home runs and eight RBI's in 6 major league games.

Congratulations to Bo Nesci who has committed to play baseball and catch for the University of Buffalo.

— Dickie Woodridge (@DickieWoodridge) August 1, 2015

Nesci is from the Syracuse area. His Sports Zone Academy club also claims Mike Abrunzo, Anthony Mogovney, and Vinny Mallaro as alumni.