Looking a little deeper reveals some interesting data. Small sample size, but in six starts on the road, Duane has allowed just 9 earned runs in 32.2 innings. At home, in 2 starts, he’s allowed 10 earned runs in just 9.2 innings. Also of note, left-handed hitters are actually hitting better (.306) against Duane than right-handed batters (.262). That’s a trend that is usually reversed.

Overall, Duane has been an ok #3 starter for Lakeland this year, but he will definitely need to become more consistent if he is to be viewed as a potential major leaguer. I personally think he will at some point, but a .272 batting average against with a pretty good number of walks doesn’t look good on a resume. Hopefully his trend of good pitching lately continues. We’ll take another look at Duane in a few weeks.

Top prospect Rick Porcello will be pitching tonight against the Vero Beach Devil Rays at 6:00 PM. There will be fireworks after the game for an early Mother’s Day Celebration. Tickets are only $6.

In other news, pitcher Juan Cedano was promoted to Erie. A replacement has not been assigned yet, but I would speculate that new acquisition Zach Simons will take his place.

•  Pitcher Jason Grilli was traded to the Rockies for minor leaguer Zach Simons, who was originally assigned to Lakeland but is currently missing from the roster.
• Jay Sborz has been placed on the roster, while Santo De Leon is back from the DL and Pedro Cotto has most likely been sent back to Extended Spring Training. Also, Cale Iorg is back from suspension.
• Matt O’Brien pitched a one hit complete game on Saturday, adding to the long list of remarkable pitching performances by a LFT starter.
• Former Flying Tigers closer Freddy Dolsi was promoted from Erie to Detroit this week. He has yet to see any gametime.

We apologize for not posting some of this sooner. Check back in for more updates in the near future.

Over his last three starts, Luis Marte has pitched 21.0 innings, giving up just 0 runs on 7 hits, 4 walks, and 22 strikeouts. On the season he has a 2-1 record with a dazzling 1.24 Earned Run Average.

A few weeks ago, I was told that someone within the organization thinks he has near-unlimited potential. That’s not something that is just tossed around lightly. He isn’t as likely to reach his potential as a guy like Porcello, but Luis certainly has a very good arm and is a player that is going to start drawing a lot of attention over the next year. I expect him to be promoted to AA Erie in the next month or two.

While no details have surfaced yet, it appears as if Cale Iorg was suspended - at least according to the online roster he is. Iorg was batting .267 with three home runs and nine RBIs before the suspension. We will keep you updated when more information becomes available.

Attention all fraternities, sororities, and service clubs! Come see the Fort Myers Miracle face the Flying Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium this Saturday, April 26th at 6:00 p.m. To celebrate College Night, we will be offering ticket, beverages, and hot dog specials. Tickets are only $3 with student ID. Beverages and hot dogs are only $1 with student ID as well. To top it off, fireworks will follow at the conclusion of the game courtesy of The Ledger and 97 Country WPCV (weather permitting).

One $500 prize will be awarded to the largest service group in attendance! Do not miss this opportunity to earn money for your group while enjoying a baseball game with your friends. A minimum of 50 people is required to be eligible for the prize.

Tickets can be purchased by phone at (863) 686-8075 or in-person at the Joker Marchant Stadium Box Office located at 2301 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland. Box office hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased this Saturday at the box office beginning at 3:00 p.m.

For more information, please call the Flying Tigers at (863) 686-8075.