Montgomery Biscuits
From BR Bullpen
- Location: Montgomery, AL
- League: Southern League 2004-present
- Affiliation: Tampa Bay Rays 2004-present
- Ballpark: Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium
- Notable Alumni: Joey Gathright, Scott Kazmir, Evan Longoria, Andy Sonnanstine, B.J. Upton, Delmon Young
The Montgomery Biscuits began play in 2004 as a Tampa Bay Devil Rays affilate after the Orlando Rays relocated to Montgomery, Alabama, and have been a Rays farm team ever since. They captured back-to-back league titles in 2006 and 2007.
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[edit] Year-by-Year History
[edit] 2004
In their inaugural season, the Biscuits posted the worst record in the Southern League and finished in fifth place in the West Division in both halves of the season. Despite their poor performance, several players were called up the the majors, including Joey Gathright (who .341 in 32 games with Montgomery), B.J. Upton (who hit .327 in 29 games), and Scott Kazmir (who went 1-2 with a 1.44 ERA in 4 starts). Other notable performances included Jason Cromer, who went 9-11 with a 4.15 ERA, and Chris Seddon, who went 9-10 with a 4.39 ERA. The team was also a huge success at the gate, drawing 322,946 fans.
[edit] 2005
In 2005, the Biscuits improved to 67-70. The club was led by Delmon Young, who hit .336 with 20 homers and 71 RBIs while being named Southern League MVP, and Jason Hammel, who was 8-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 12 starts. Third baseman Rico Washington hit .300 with 19 home runs and 77 RBIs and was named a league All-Star along with Young.
[edit] 2006
The next year, the Biscuits posted a 36-33 record in the first half before winning the South Division title with a 41-29 mark in the season's second half. They swept the Jacksonville Suns in the playoffs before defeating the Huntsville Stars 3 games to 1 to capture the league championship. Second baseman Elliott Johnson led the offense, hitting .281 with 10 triples, 15 homers, 50 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. On the mound, Andy Sonnanstine won 15 games, struck out 153, posted a 2.57 ERA, and made the circuit's All-Star team, while closer Juan Salas saved 14 games and did not allow an earned run in 23 appearances before being promoted to the AAA Durham Bulls.
[edit] 2007
In 2007, the Biscuits captured a second consecutive Southern League title. They went .500 in the season's first half and finished in fourth place in the South Division but went 46-24 after that to grab the second half crown. After defeating the Mississippi Braves in the first round of the playoffs, they again beat Huntsville to take the league championship. Third baseman Evan Longoria hit .307 with 21 home runs and was named the circuit's MVP, and Chris Mason was named the Most Outstanding Pitcher after going 15-4 with a 2.57 ERA in 28 starts. They were joined as All-Stars by reliever Dale Thayer, who led the league with 21 saves, and catcher John Jaso, who hit .316 with twelve homers.
[edit] 2008
The Biscuits slipped just below .500 in 2008, going 69-70 and finishing second in the Southern Division in the first half and third in the second half. Third baseman Chris Nowak hit .290 with 35 doubles to lead the team's hitters, and first baseman/outfielder Gaby Martinez hit 20 home runs. On the mound, Wade Davis went 9-6 and struck out 81, and David Price went 7-0 in 9 starts before being promoted to AAA.
[edit] Year-by-Year Record
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 57-83 | 10th | Charlie Montoyo | |
| 2005 | 67-70 | 5th | Charlie Montoyo | |
| 2006 | 77-62 | 3rd | Charlie Montoyo | League Champs |
| 2007 | 81-59 | 1st | Billy Gardner Jr. | League Champs |
| 2008 | 69-70 | 6th | Billy Gardner Jr. |
