Manhattan University Athletics

'Jaspers on Deck' - Minor League Baseball Blog 

RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? The Manhattan College Athletic department has launched its inaugural web blog on GoJaspers.com entitled ?Jaspers on Deck' which tracks the progress of former baseball standouts in their quest to reach the Major League.  Jasper alumni Chris Cody ?06, Nick Derba '07, Matt Rizzotti ?07 and Jesse Darcy '07 will be featured in this blog series, as each player will keep Manhattan fans updated with their progress throughout the 2008 season. Additionally, the blog will enlighten Jasper fans on the everyday life of a minor league baseball player.

Cody, a lefty from Brewster, N.Y., began the 2008 season pitching for the West Virginia Power, a Class A South Atlantic League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. He has compiled an impressive 1.74 ERA and struck out 31 batters over 31.0 innings of action. Cody has posted a 2-1 overall record, held opponents to a .174 batting average and walked just three batters this season. For his efforts, Cody was selected South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week on June 8.

Derba is stationed with the Palm Beach Cardinals of the Class A Advanced Florida State League. His professional career started in 2007 when he was selected in the 30^th round of the MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. He has appeared in 26 games this season at catcher.

Rizzotti was selected in the sixth round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. He spent the 2007 season playing for the Williamsport Crosscutters of the New York-Penn League, before advancing to the Lakewood Blueclaws organization of the Class A South Atlantic League, an affiliate of the Phillies. Rizzotti has registered 46 hits over 55 games this season, including 11 doubles and three home runs. He drove in 26 RBIs to date.

Darcy, a 38^th round selection in 2007 of the Tampa Bay Rays, is aligned with Class A South Atlantic League affiliate Columbus Catfish. Darcy has recorded a 1.82 ERA, along with 44 strikeouts over 54.1 innings of action. He holds a perfect 2-0 record this season over 15 games, including five starts. Darcy has limited his opponents to a .204 batting average. Additionally, he spent last season with the Hudson Valley Renegades.

To access ?Jaspers on Deck' Minor League Baseball Blog click here.