JJ FURMANIAK

Game Winner!

2007-03-12T14:18:00.000-05:00

Oakland Athletics' J.J. Furmaniak drives in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe, Ariz., Sunday, March 11, 2007. The Athletics won 7-6

Two Spring Games In

2007-03-03T12:29:00.000-06:00

JJ has played in the first two spring games getting 3 AB's. Flyout, Walk and Single to right. Photos from Spring Training coming next week.

Super Bowl Photos

2007-02-15T08:56:00.000-06:00

Photo Taken at Gersh Sports Party.

Hawaiian Tropic Girls

Super Bowl Photos

2007-02-15T08:53:00.000-06:00

Some photos from Super Bowl Weekend.
Taken at the Gersh Agency Hawaiian Tropic Party

Toi Cook (President Gersh Sports Division) and JJ

Headed to Arizona

2007-02-15T08:45:00.000-06:00

JJ is on his way to Spring Training.

Today February 15th 2007 JJ is on his way to Arizona for the start of a new season. We wish him all the best. Keep checking back in for daily updates of Spring Training. And Super Bowl Party Pictures.

Scout.com Article

2006-11-30T13:41:00.000-06:00

Contributed by Melissa Lockard
Earlier this month, the Oakland A’s inked infielder J.J. Furmaniak to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. Furmaniak joins the A’s from the Pirates chain, where he had spent the past one and a half seasons. A former Division II collegiate player, Furmaniak has been an underdog-who-made-good throughout his career. We recently caught up with one of the A's newest acquisitions…

J.J. Furmaniak has taken the road less traveled on his way to the major leagues. The six foot tall middle infielder was raised in the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook, a place normally associated more with high school football talent than baseball talent. He then went to college at Lewis University, a Division II college known more for academics than baseball prowess. However, he played well enough at Lewis to be noticed by the San Diego Padres, who drafted him in the 22nd round of the 2000 amateur draft.
Furmaniak quickly stripped away any doubts about his ability to compete against Division I collegiate athletes in his first professional season, when he hit a blistering .343 with five homers and 10 stolen bases in 62 games for the Padres’ Pioneer League affiliate. He was named a Pioneer League All-Star that season for his efforts. According to Furmaniak, playing Division II baseball helped him prepare to be a professional.
“I think it did a lot to help me work ethic-wise. I knew that I was being viewed as a longshot, so I had to work extra hard to stand-out.
Once you begin to realize that you are as good or better than a lot of guys who played at Division I schools, the difference doesn’t seem to matter anymore,” Furmaniak said.
Furmaniak began rising through the ranks of the Padres’ system, posting another All-Star season in 2003 (his .314 batting average in
78 games in High-A before being promoted to AA earned him a California League All-Star nod) and reaching AAA by 2004. That season, Furmaniak hit .294 with 17 homers and 73 RBI in 120 games for the AAA-Portland Beavers. Those numbers put Furmaniak in the discussion as one of the Padres better shortstop prospects.
Those numbers also set-up Furmaniak for the most tumultuous season of his career: 2005. Now established as a promising prospect, Furmaniak had gone from being a relative unknown to someone that other teams asked about when calling to make a trade. When Padres starting catcher Ramon Hernandez was knocked out with a knee injury after a misadventure trying to block home-plate, San Diego was desperate to acquire an everyday catcher to replace Hernandez. They decided on David Ross, who was playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates asked for Furmaniak in return and suddenly he was traded away from the only organization he had ever played for.
Furmaniak says that it was an adjustment moving to a new organization.
“The first transition was a little tough because I had been with San Diego for five or six years and I had made a lot of friends along the way,” Furmaniak said.
“At first [when he arrived in Pittsburgh], I was a little quiet in the locker room, but I think this time will be a lot easier because I have had that experience of changing teams and I have played against a lot of the guys [in the A’s organization] so I feel a little more familiar with them.”
The trade did open up an opportunity for Furmaniak that he may not have had in San Diego, a chance to play in the big leagues in 2005.
Furmaniak was a September call-up for the Pirates that season, and he got a decent amount of playing time that month for the Bucs. He appeared in 13 games for Pittsburgh, collecting five hits in 26 at- bats and driving-in a run. He also walked four times.
For Furmaniak, playing in the big leagues was the culmination of a dream that some likely thought was a stretch when he was playing collegiate baseball.
“It was unbelievable. I got to face a lot of great pitching when I was up there. My first game was against [Chris] Carpenter, so that was amazing and then I believe the next time I played it was against [Roger] Clemens. I also faced [Mark] Prior, so it was great to see so much top-flight pitching,” Furmaniak said.
“I felt like I got my feet wet a little bit and I am looking forward to hopefully getting some more experience at the big league level this season.”
Part of Furmaniak’s major league experience was the opportunity to play at Wrigley Field, home of his childhood team, the Chicago Cubs.
“That was unbelievable [playing at Wrigley Field]. Just stepping on the field was an amazing moment. You know, when you are a kid, you think that it would be great to have it work out that you are a Cubs player. It didn’t work out that way, but it was still amazing to be able to step on that field,” Furmaniak said.
The 2006 season wasn’t as kind to Furmaniak. He spent the entire year at AAA-Indianapolis and had the worst offensive season of his career, hitting only .213 with six homers in 371 at-bats. He also missed time with a strained oblique muscle, although he insists that the injury is not an excuse for his poor season. Instead, he points to some adjustments he made to his swing and to his offensive approach that he feels threw him off of his game.
“I tried to make some adjustments this season to be less aggressive and I think it hurt me. I think when you have been at AAA for a few years like I have you sometimes think that you have to change things about your style to make it to that next level,” Furmaniak said.
“I tried to be that guy who took a lot of pitches and I shortened my swing and was just trying to get on-base. I think it was too many changes. I took a lot of pitches I should have hit. I’m looking to get back to being that guy who supplies some power, is aggressive and drives the ball into the gap.”
Despite those poor 2006 numbers, the Oakland A’s still liked what they saw in Furmaniak’s game. In addition to having some homerun power (Furmaniak hit 18 and 14 homers in AAA in 2004 and 2005, respectively), he is a solid defensive player who is capable of handling third, short and second with aplomb, although he prefers the challenge that playing shortstop presents him.
“Shortstop is my home. This past year was the first year that I played shortstop primarily. In past seasons, I would get a lot of games at short, but I’d see time at second and third, too. This year, I was at short day-in-and-day-out. I think I like the shortstop position the best because it is the most difficult position to play, but I have become comfortable at all three spots,” Furmaniak said.
Based on his past exploits, the A’s looked past his 2006 struggles and wasted no time this off-season pursuing the minor league free agent. That recruiting effort was rewarded when Furmaniak chose to sign with Oakland over several other teams that were interested in him.
“I thought that the A’s were a great fit for me personally. It also helped that the A’s pursued me a little bit. They called my house and were aggressive in trying to have me join the organization, so I felt it was a good match,” Furmaniak said.
“I’m very excited to be with the A’s organization.”

Head West Young Man

2006-11-02T22:35:00.000-06:00

JJ has reached an agreement to play for the Oakland Athletics next season. The deal was finalized today.

"It is a good fit for me, I will be ready to give it my all when spring training opens" JJ said. "There were a couple of other offers but I felt that Oakland was a the right place"

Hello White Shoes!

One Game One Time

2006-09-05T14:49:00.000-05:00

Down to one game in the International League Division race. Who will rise to the occassion? JJ? You bet.

Looking to revive the WOOD

2006-06-26T14:12:00.000-05:00

In an effort to revive JJ's bat. Take 4 strands of grass anytime that you are home and shake it 4 times and then toss in the direction of the sun.

It is an old indian tail that was used to revive wood.

Furmaniak, Indians take out Bulls

2006-05-05T08:39:00.000-05:00

J.J. Furmaniak homered and scored three runs as Indianapolis beat Durham, 7-4, on Thursday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
With the first-place Indians (15-12) trailing, 2-0, Furmaniak led off the top of the third inning with a single and scored on a sacrifice fly by Rich Thompson. He hit a one-out single in the sixth and scored on a three-run double by Thompson that put Indianapolis on top, 6-2.

Furmaniak, who entered the game batting .213, capped the scoring with a solo homer in the eighth. Carlos Maldonado finished 3-for-4 with a double and a run.

Brandon Duckworth (4-2) picked up the win, giving up four runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings. He walked four and struck out four. Matt Whiteside pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his sixth save and lower his ERA to 1.35.

Edwin Jackson Jr. (1-2) took the loss, surrendering four runs -- three earned -- while walking four and fanning one in 5 1/3 innings.

Darnell McDonald and Brent Butler hit two-run homers for the Bulls (15-12). -- Zack Hample/MLB.com

It's Alive

2006-05-04T22:25:00.000-05:00

JJ went 3-4 last night with his first home run of the season. Hitting steak stands at 5 game and is hitting .545 in May. Indy at Durham 6pm Friday Night.

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!

2006-04-21T09:06:00.000-05:00

JJ went 2-4 yesterday with a double and raised his average to .188 getting there. Need some more multi hit games. Indy plays Ottawa tonight at 6pm cst.

FINALLY!

2006-04-17T11:10:00.000-05:00

After a slow start there is something to write about.
Left-hander Sean Burnett allowed just two runs over five innings in game two Saturday night as Indianapolis posted a 3-2 victory over Syracuse at Victory Field. Right-hander Ty Taubenheim allowed just one run over six frames in game one as the SkyChiefs registered a 4-3 win over the Indians.

Syracuse moves to 4-5 on the season, while Indianapolis is now 5-4 on the campaign.

Burnett (5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO), who tossed five scoreless innings in his first outing on April 9, picked up the game two win. Indians SS J.J. Furmaniak led the offense, going 2-for-3 with an RBI.

In the nightcap, Indianapolis plated the game-tying and winning runs in the bottom of the fourth. 2B Yurendell de Caster drew a base on balls before RF Raul Gonzalez and Furmaniak hammered back-to-back doubles.

2006 Season Under Way

2006-04-10T08:54:00.000-05:00

JJ has started the year off playing shortstop the first 4 games of the season. Indianapolis is 2-2 on the season after taking on the Pawtucket Red Sox.

JJ has been hitting the ball real well but they are not falling yet. Things will pick up when the weather gets a litter warmer at night.

Indianpolis takes on Ottawa tonight at 6:05pm
(Ottawa Canada that is) Expected game time temp is 34.

JJ Hits Game Winning 3 Run Homer!

2006-03-20T08:12:00.000-06:00

Pirates at the plate: Center fielder Chris Duffy, who was sidelined for a week by a mild concussion after being hit in the head by a pitch on March 11, doubled down the left-field line in his first at-bat and struck out in his final three plate appearances. Bucs All-Star left fielder and Canadian native Jason Bay went 2-for-2, including a two-run home run in the fourth inning. J.J. Furmaniak's three-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning put the Pirates ahead to stay.

JJ Homer's in Pirates Win

2006-03-14T15:38:00.000-06:00

Pirates at the plate: Rajai Davis led off the Pirates attack with four hits, including an RBI double, and two runs scored. Jack Wilson drove him in both times, including a squeeze bunt in the fourth inning that caught the Tigers defense off-guard. Freddy Sanchez had three hits and three RBIs, and J.J. Furmaniak capped the outburst with a mammoth solo homer in the ninth.

JJ Appears in First Video Game

2006-03-14T11:58:00.000-06:00

For all of you that love to play video games. JJ is in the new MLB06 The Show Video Game. It does have his actual photo in the game.

The days of creating JJ are over.

JJ Hits 3 Run Homer!

2006-03-01T16:10:00.000-06:00

Oliver Perez pitched two perfect innings and J.J. Furmaniak hit a three-run homer to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates past Manatee Community College 8-1 Wednesday.

Furmaniak Heads to Spring Training

2006-02-17T16:15:00.000-06:00

JJ has landed in Florida and is ready to begin his 2006 jour
The stage is set for JJ to win over new manager Jim Tracy as camp open next Tuesday. It will be a long shot for JJ to make the team out of spring training, but should it be any other way.
The battle for the last spot comes down to JJ, Jose Hernandez, Mike Edwards(huh?) and the new wonder child Yurendell Decaster(the prospect they thought so much of they did not bring him up in September).
So let's compare:
Jose Hernandez: Can play almost anywhere on the field and stop the ball but does not play anywhere good. Strikes out more than Ray Charles did when he played baseball and he was blind. Can steal bases (Note: Played for Tracy in 2004)
Mike Edwards: Can play only 3rd base and maybe 2nd in a bind, but mostly avg at best. Cannot steal a base and has two left feet.(Note played for Tracy in 2005)
Yurendell Decaster:
Where did he come from? He was in AAA last year and hit .280 with 11hr's. Saw him play and was not overly impressed with him. Solid hitter but almost like they needed to hide him in the field. Can't play any great just average.
We will see how it turns out. I think Hernandez makes the team just because Tracy knows him. Then JJ goes to Indy and tears it up and then in 2 months goes to Pittsburgh and stays the rest of the year. Keep checking in to find out.

JJ Clears Waivers gets Spring Training Invite

2006-01-16T13:04:00.000-06:00

JJ cleared waivers and has been given a Spring Training Invite. If he does well he has the chance to make the 25-man roster out of spring training. If he does not make the 25-man roster then he will go to AAA Indianapolis.

JJ Designated for Assignment by Pirates

2006-01-04T22:44:00.000-06:00

With the signing of Burnitz, the Pirates today designated JJ for assignment. What this means is that any team has 72 hours to claim him off waivers and place him on there 40 man roster. It probably will not be until Tuesday that he learns his faith. A team could claim him tomorrow or wait until Tuesday. If no team claims him then he goes back to the Pirates and gets assigned to AAA. Hope for the best.

JJ make Pirates 40 Man Roster

2005-11-22T14:36:00.000-06:00

JJ continued to stay on the Pirates 40 man roster. It was released on Friday the 18th of November. JJ hopes the Pirates have him in there plans for this year and the future. He is working out hard to get in the best shape possible. He is also conducting some clinics in the area. When I get some information from JJ I will add it to the board.

A Terrific Season Comes To An End

2005-10-03T12:59:00.000-05:00

The season of a lifetime came to an end yesterday with JJ getting into the game in the 9th inning as a defensive sub. On Saturday JJ went 2-4 with a single and a triple and got his first rbi.

It was a great season with the early part of the year being a very up and down ride. JJ started the season with the Padres, at there AAA Portland Team. JJ started of slow but rebounded to make the All-Star Team for the Pacific Coast League. He had a great showing at the All-Star game and thing were looking good. On July 28th JJ was traded to the Pirates and went off to Indianapolis. He did well by playing great defense and collecting a 17 game hitting streak along the way. On Sept 12th 2005 JJ got the call to the big leagues and on the 13th made his debut against the Cardinals going 1-4 with a double. JJ finish his big league run with a .192 average 5-26 with a double, triple and 1 rbi. JJ is poised to stay in the big leagues and will be working hard this off-season. JJ has not finalized his winter plans, playing in Mexico or the Dominican or just working out. We will keep you up-to-date when we hear something. Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Day 2 At Wrigley

2005-09-28T21:22:00.000-05:00

JJ got the start today and at shortstop and went 1-3 with a run scored. He faced Mark Prior and singled in the 3rd. Then he flew out to right, struck out looking and then walked. It was a great two days with a lot of friends and family. JJ actually looked like he was having fun.

Thnaks for everyone who made it out over the last two days.

THE DAY I HAVE DREAMED ABOUT SINCE I WAS A KID.

2005-09-27T12:05:00.000-05:00

Today is the day that JJ will step on to the field that he has dreamed of playing on since he could swing a bat.

We have the easy part as fans going to the game and cheering him on. Can you imagine what is going through his stomach and his mind today. Sure he could tell us that he is not nervous, but he should be it is expected. Think of all the times we have dreamed about being in a place that seems so out of our personal being. It might be standing at the poduim to recieve and Emmy, it might be playing guitar in front of 80,000 screaming fans. It might be getting that movie star livestyle that everyone has dreamed about.

JJ YOU HAVE TAKEN A DREAM AND MADE IT A REALITY.

Enjoy the Moment you Deserve It.

Night Before Wrigley

2005-09-26T22:14:00.000-05:00

Well hoping that JJ would not play tonight so he would start tomorrow does not look like it is going to happen. He is starting at second base tonight. So far 0-1 with a ground out to shortstop.

Anyone who is going to the game we are meeting at HITOPS at 4:30pm and going into the game at 6pm. JJ said that they are not taking batting practice!

Head West Young Man

2005-09-23T09:20:00.000-05:00

JJ played yesterday and went 0-3 grounding out to second and flying out to center twice. He is putting the ball in play but nothing to show for it. The Pirates are headed out to play the LA Dodgers, so maybe the California air can get some of those hits to fall for him. Since he played yesterday he might get another start on Sunday.

Countdown to Wrigley 5 days.

FACING A LEGAND

2005-09-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

JJ and the Pirates faced future hall of famer Roger Clemens last night. The Pirates won 7-0 and JJ went 0-4 on the night. However, he did put the ball in play against Clemens. Grounding out and Flying out to Center twice.

JJ also made a nice play at second base and was on ESPN Top 10 plays at #9.

Thanks From JJ!

2005-09-18T19:10:00.000-05:00

JJ wanted me to pass along his THANKS to everyone who called, e-mailed, watched, listened, etc. He said he wished he could call or e-mail everyone who has sent there best but he knows he would forget someone. The biggest thing he wanted me to mention is the support that everyone has showed him getting to the big leagues. He is not done yet this is just the beginning. Keep supporting him because it does make a difference.

He is really looking forward to his visit to Wrigley Field and can't wait to step on the field. It will be a very emotional but exciting day. For all of you that are going to the Cubs game on Tuesday we are planning a little get together before the game. The place is not final yet but I will keep everyone up to date.

Not a Bad Start

2005-09-18T19:06:00.000-05:00

JJ had the start on Friday night of the doubleheader and went 0-2. He pinch hit on Sunday and had a single. 2 for 8 now sitting at .250 The pirates face the Houston Astros tomorrow and Clemens is on the mound. Hopefully he gets a start?

A Success!

2005-09-14T19:09:00.000-05:00

1-4 with a double in the big league debut. Pinch hit today and struck out. What an amazing day.

Answering the BIG Call!

2005-09-13T16:44:00.000-05:00

Monday September 12, 2005. The biggest day of your life enjoy it.

JJ was called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates last night and will make his Major League Debut tonight in St. Louis. Getting the start at second base.

Good Luck Big Guy everyone is so proud of you
And thanks for letting us all be a part of it.

Final Game?

2005-09-11T13:27:00.000-05:00

Game 4 was won by Indy 4-1. JJ made some great plays at short. He was 1-5 with a HR and 2 rbi's. He is hitting .294 in the the playoffs. Game 5 tonight 5pm

Where Have you Been?

2005-09-09T22:07:00.000-05:00

I know I have not updated everyone on the progress of JJ. Sorry.

Game 1 of the Playoffs.
JJ went 1-4 and the Indians lost 5-1.

Game 2 of the Playoffs.
On site for this one. 6 hours in the car but needed to see the kid. JJ went 1-5 on the night and the Indians lost 6-5. By the way after the game dropped a little hitting advice to the little bro. Did he listen?

Game 3 of the Playoffs.
He listened! JJ went 2-3 with a triple and a double and 2 rbi's. And he did take the advice and used it a little.

Game 4 Tonight at 6pm. Buffalo leads the series 2-1 Best of 5

Player of the Month!

2005-09-05T10:01:00.000-05:00

JJ was awarded Player of the Month for August by his new team the Indianapolis Indians. He had 35 hits for the month. Nice job for coming over to a new team. He was given a watch for his accomplishment.

Last night JJ went 2-6 with an rbi. Indy made the playoffs and will play Buffalo in the first round.

It is all about 1 at bat at a time!

2005-09-02T22:14:00.000-05:00

To make it to the big leagues you have to forget about your previous at bat and come through when it counts. Well JJ's night started out like this: Strikeout, Strikeout, ground out to pitcher, Strikeout. Then when Louisville came to bat in the 9th trailing 7-2 you would have thought it was over. Well Louisville tied the score at 7-7. JJ was going to come up third in the 9th. Do you think he would Strikeout. Well the game he was having you would think it. After a leadoff double by Cesar Crespo and one out JJ stepped to the plate. Remember what I said about forgetting about your previous at bats? Well JJ came up and smashed the ball to left center field and hit it off the 418 sign to drive home the winning run. As bad as it looked JJ finished 1-5 with and rbi.

Big leaguers forget about the previous ab's so if JJ can keep that in mind he will be a great big league player.

Indy is still one game up in the wild card race. Lets hope that JJ gets his shot in the bigs after the playoffs.

Losing Streak at 6

2005-09-02T10:17:00.000-05:00

The Indians have lost 6 straight and are one game up in the wild card race. JJ was 0-3 last night. Game can be seen online at www.indyindians.com

7pm cst

It Finally Comes to and End

2005-08-31T22:59:00.000-05:00

JJ's 17 game hitting streak ending in the first game of the double header tonight. He was 0-3 with three groundouts. Great run.

In the second game of the double header the streak started again. JJ went 2-4 with 2 rbi's and made another crazy play at shortstop diving to his right and throwing the runner out at first.

Note: No news on call up, might not happen this year we will see. Be patient

What Else Do I Have to Do?

2005-08-30T08:12:00.000-05:00

With the Sept 1 day approaching JJ is making it hard on the Pirates. He extended his hitting streak to 17 games last night and raised his average to .313 with the team. Not sure if he will get the call tomorrow or in the coming weeks but why would they keep him in Triple A. What else does he have to prove after two great years back to back in Triple A. We will see.

Star of the Game

2005-08-26T09:24:00.000-05:00

JJ posted a 2-4 night to extend his hitting streak to 13 games. He pick up 2rbi's with a bases loaded single in the bottom of the 8th inning. He was also named the Indians Star of the Game.

Back at it!

2005-08-25T10:21:00.000-05:00

After some time away back to updating the blog. JJ was 1-4 last night in a 2-1 Indy loss. JJ currently has a 12 game hitting streak where he is hitting over .350 He also belted his 16th Homerun of the season on Monday Night.

Back to Back 1-3

2005-08-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

JJ has had two nights of 1-3 outings. Yesterday Indy won 4-1 and JJ continued to play outstanding defense making 2 highlight real plays. Pops was in attendance to JJ play and he did not disappoint.

Note: Pirates assistant GM was in attendance at Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's game.

Are we a little PO'd?

2005-08-15T21:50:00.000-05:00

Well after word got out that Kahil Greene got hurt and San Diego called up a scrub, Wilson Valdez. JJ proved why he should be in the big leagues someday. Even though a Padres move does not even bother JJ, I am sure it burns his hide a little. JJ went 2-4 last night againt Durham and made three outstanding plays in the field. First, he went deep in the hole between short and third and planted and threw a bullet to first. Second, he made a diving stop up the middle to stop a rally to force a guy at second. Finally, the best play of the night he darted up the middle dove by the second base bag to snag the ball. Tagged the base from his stomach and then popped to one knee and threw the runner out at first. All around good game.

Opening Series in Norfolk

2005-08-14T12:28:00.000-05:00

JJ went 2-4 last night and had a double but was thrown out trying to stress it to a triple. Indy lost 2-1 in 10 innings. JJ has been putting together a couple of multi hit games lately. He has raised his average in Indy to .281. Hopefully he can keep it going trying to make that push to get called up Sept 1st

1-5 In Durham

2005-08-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

JJ went 1-5 last night but it should have been 2-5. JJ hit the ball up in the infield and no one made a play on it but they gave an error. Indy is in Norfolk tonight 6pm cst

Hit the Bull win a Steak

2005-08-12T08:22:00.000-05:00

Well imagine watching Bull Durham as a kid and seeing the Bull in right field, well it is in a new park now in left field and I bet JJ was shooting for it in batting practice.

JJ went 2-4 last night with a triple and 2rbi's. His triple came in the 7th after he hit one off the 25ft wall in leftfield.

Indy lost the game in the ninth 5-4 after taking a 4-2 lead into the ninth.

Next game: Tonight 6pm cst against Durham Bulls

Bump in the Road

2005-08-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

Funny Photo of the Year. JJ in spring training this year. Gotta love the mustache.
JJ was 0-4 last night and played second base and moved to third base in the 7th inning.
He is hitting .250 with 2 doubles 2 triples 1 HR and 4rbi's since joining the team. He has a hit in 9 of the 11 games he has played. Hopefully he can get a two hit night to being his average back up. Combined stats for the year .266 batting average 19 doubles 6 triples 15 hr's and 51 rbi's. Not bad for a middle infileder.

BIG Night in Louisville

2005-08-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

JJ got he stroke back going 3-4 with 2rbi's a HOMERUN, his first as an Indianapolis Indian, and he collected a triple off the left center field wall. He was facing a good friend, Justin Germano, who got traded from the Padres to the Reds in the Randa deal. Justin was JJ's road roomate all of last year so I bet it was nice for him to Homer off his buddy. I bet they will have a good beer over this one.

Looks like niece Syndey's lucky penny worked tonight. Hopefully it works and he takes it with him to Pittsburgh.

Back and Forth to Indy

2005-08-08T08:43:00.000-05:00

JJ had a long and tiring Saturday. First game of the doubleheader he played short and went 1-4 with a double, that should have been a homerun but the umpire called it a ground rule double. By the way the game went 14 innings. Game two, scheduled for 7 innings went 13 and JJ was 2-5 with a triple.

Also, went to yesterday's game and it was the first game since joining the Pirates that JJ did not get a hit. He was 0-4. Did hit the ball hard all 4 times at the plate.

Just a little side note. JJ's niece Sydney did give JJ a lucky penny for the road trip so look out.

Off Night

2005-08-06T12:44:00.000-05:00

JJ was off last night but did get a pinch hit in the 9th and drew a walk. Went to the game last night and the field is awesome. Double header tonight and JJ is expected to play at least one game. Might be going to Sundays game at 2pm

Game One at Indy, Making first Visit

2005-08-05T08:09:00.000-05:00

JJ went 1-5 last night but hit the ball hard 4 other times. Still playing solid defense and swing the bat well. Hopefully he can scratch out 2 hits tonight.

Making the first trip to Indy tonight to see JJ.

Home to Indy

2005-08-03T16:47:00.000-05:00

JJ went 1-5 last night and made a highlight real play a shortstop. He has a hit in his first 4 games with the Indianapolis Indians. Today is an off day and back at it for his home arrival. Going to the game on Friday so should have some pictures of the new uniform on Saturday or Sunday.

One more night in Buffalo

2005-08-02T08:27:00.000-05:00

JJ went 1-5 on the night and Indy won 9-8 in 10 innings. JJ is still getting used to the time change and I think once he gets to Indy he will start to heat up.

Solid Debut

2005-08-01T08:12:00.000-05:00

JJ started at shortstop Saturday and Sunday and went 1-4 both nights. Saturday he had a double and 2 rbi's, which proved to be the game winner. Sunday he had a single.
He has made solid plays at short considering he has been playing most of the year at thirdbase.

Indianapolis plays Buffalo tonight at 6:05pm cst.

It will take some time to get used to!

2005-07-29T19:55:00.000-05:00

First picture in a Pirate uniform

First Stop Indy then Pittsburgh?

2005-07-29T13:12:00.000-05:00

Crazy night last night, as I wrote that JJ was traded to the Pirates Organization and will report to Indianapolis Triple A.

Spoke with JJ last night and he is excited to be going to a team that wanted him in the trade. He spoke with Kevin Towers, GM for the Padres and player development from the Pirates. JJ's biggest concern was how he fit in to the Pirates organization, shortstop, third, second. He was told he will be playing short and then they will go from there. This is just another challenge in the long road to the big leagues. Not sure if he will be in the line up tonight with Indy. He was flying to Washington, DC and then to Syracuse, NY. and getting to the park around 7pm.

Go Bucks!
P.S. Look out when he comes to Wrigley Field!

Off To Pittsburgh!

2005-07-28T17:40:00.000-05:00

JJ just called and has been traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He will report to AAA. Will keep you updated.

Back at it again tonight

2005-07-28T12:20:00.000-05:00

JJ went 0-5 last night but put the ball in play. Was one of those nights.

Portland looks to get back on track tonight at 9:05pm cst.

The Iowa Cubs play a 4 game series in Portland starting Saturday. That right the Cubs, JJ's favorite team. Maybe he could tell Mr. Patterson to get back to the Big Leagues and help the Cubs win a world series.

Back in the Groove

2005-07-27T14:50:00.000-05:00

JJ had a productive night last night. Returning to shortstop for the second night in a row and only the 3rd time since June 10th. JJ showed how versatile he can be to a professional baseball team. He went 2-4 at the plate with a double and 2 rbi's. JJ has 13rbi's in his last 11 games. He will look to continue his strong finish for July and possibly a September call-up. Let's keep are fingers crossed.

Rough Night

2005-07-26T08:17:00.000-05:00

JJ had a rough night at the plate yesterday going 0-5 with 2k's. He also left the bases loaded twice. Grounding out to short and second. No biggie he had a great series though 7-19 .368 and 2hr's.

Tonight the Beavers take on Omaha and JJ will probably be moving back to short with Sean Burroughs coming down to play thirdbase.

Shipment of Wheaties Has Arrived!

2005-07-25T07:58:00.000-05:00

Looks like someone has been eating there Wheaties. For the second night in a row JJ hits a home run.

Portland got on the board early as JJ hit his 14th home run of the year a 2 run shot in the first. JJ finished the night 2-5 with a double and 3 rbi's. JJ is hitting 7-14 .500 in the series with two homeruns. Can he make it three games in a row with homeruns? Gametime is 9:05 cst.

Furmaniak's Big Splash!

2005-07-24T08:24:00.000-05:00

JJ was 4-5 Last night with 4 runs scored two singles a double and a homerun that landed in the hot tub in left center field. Portland takes on Fresno tonight at 8:05pm cst

Return to the blog

2005-07-23T21:17:00.000-05:00

JJ had a 1-4 night last hoping to get back in the grove in Fresno. Hopefully he will hit one out at the hitter friendly Fresno.

The Cape was great met with some prospects and had good meetings hopefully something will come out of it.

OFF TO THE CAPE

2005-07-20T22:24:00.000-05:00

Well I think it is time to reveal who is behind this blog. I am JJ's brother John Jr and thought it would be a good idea for friends and family to have a place to track JJ's progress. Currently I work the #2 security company in the US and have been working with JJ's agent on becoming a player agent. I have been involved with his firm (Paragon Sports Management) for two years. I am making my first trip to the Cape Cod league tomorrow and am looking forward to meeting with the players that I have spoken too.

Hopefully, I can get a couple of them signed and things will take off from there. I am not Jerry McGuire but I do care about the athletes that I will be representing, just like I care about my brother and how he is treated. As of 10:30pm cst JJ is 1-2 with a single and a stolen base. I will try to post while I am out in the Cape for the next two days. Keep checking back in.

Tuesday Night in the Rose City

2005-07-20T06:59:00.000-05:00

Portland beat Sacramento 2-0 behind great pitching from Justin Germano, a complete game shutout. JJ was 1-4 on the night with a single in the 6th. Currently JJ has a 3 game hitting streak 4-11 .364 batting average with 1 hr and 7 rbi's. Portland takes on Sacramento again tonight at 9:05pm cst.

Monday In Portland

2005-07-19T10:34:00.000-05:00

Last Night the Beavers knocked off the Sacramento Rivercats 7-3.
JJ was 2-4 with a double and an rbi. Portland takes on Sacramento tonight at 9:05 cst

Future Padre Site

2005-07-18T13:09:00.000-05:00

http://padresminors.blogspot.com/

The link above is to another padres minor league blog that talks about the up-and-coming padres in the minor league system.

Tacoma Series

2005-07-18T12:46:00.000-05:00

JJ had a pretty good series at Tacoma, Washington over the weekend. He went 4-12 with 1HR and 6 rbi's bring his totals to 12hrs and 39rbi's

Portland takes on Sacramento's starting on Monday at 9:05pm cst.

JJ Flashes the Leather

2005-07-14T11:11:00.000-05:00

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/events/allstargames.jsp?mc=_triple_a

Go to the above link and then under Triple A multi-media select Furmaniak Flashes the leather.

FURMANIAK SHINES IN ALL-STAR GAME

2005-07-14T09:09:00.000-05:00

JJ Furmaniak went 2-2 with two singles and a run scored as the Pacific Coast League defeated the International League 11-5 Wednesday at Railey Field in Sacramento California.

Furmaniak came in to play shortstop and made an unbelievable diving play up the middle to steal a hit away from Jake Gautreau. Even the announcers had to say "Wow".

Also, at the end of the game announcer Steve Phillips said "Conor Jackson was the player most ready for the big leagues". Buck Martinez said "JJ Furmaniak was a guy who impressed me today. He is a real spark-plug"

Keep it up JJ.

About This Blog

2005-07-13T16:38:00.000-05:00

This blog will track the progress of JJ Furmaniak, Triple-A infielder for the San Diego Padres.
We will have daily box scores of his game and random thoughts on his progress through the minors and into the Major Leagues. JJ is currently on the Padres 40-man roster. On occassion we will have JJ post an article or two along the way. Hope you enjoy it.

JJ Furmaniak 2005 Triple-A All Star

2005-07-13T16:35:00.000-05:00

On June 30th 2005. JJ was added to the 2005 Pacific Coast League All-Star Roster.
"It is a nice reward for the first half of the season" JJ added. "I am going to only get probably one at bat and I am going to try for a home run".

Hoping that comes true

Game is Tonight 9pm CST on ESPN2