Once the season starts, we’ll use this space to highlight top performers and notable events of the previous week but for now we’ll catch up on some off-season news from around the league.

Bobblehead Bracket

Altoona is using fan voting on their Facebook page to decide bobblehead giveaways of players from three different eras of Curve baseball. In the 1999-2003 bracket, Sean Burnett defeated Adam Hyzdu and his likeness will be given away on Saturday, June 8th. The next round of voting for players who played between 2004 and 2008 is down to Andrew McCutchen, Brad Eldred, Neil Walker, and Jose Bautista.

Shot Himself in the Foot Leg

After a solid season last year in Portland (.296/.355/.478, 17 HR, 76 RBI), Bryce Brentz was primed for his first spring training in major league camp. Unfortunately Brentz has been removed from the camp invites after he shot himself in the leg when his handgun accidentally discharged while cleaning it in early January. Although not serious, the injury was enough to set Brentz’ preparations back and upset Red Sox GM Ben Cherington.

Baseballtown Promos

The Reading Baseball Club unveiled their top 25 promotions of the season and some of the highlights are a Carlos Ruiz “Chooching” Garden Gnome, a Mike Schmidt Mustache Coffee Mug, and a Crazy Hot Dog Vendor Pillow Buddy.

The Drive to Five

The Erie SeaWolves will partner with the United Way of Erie County on “The Drive to Five” to reduce poverty in the region. For each new full-season ticket package purchased through the end of February, the SeaWolves will donate $25 and if they sell at least 100 the SeaWolves will double their contribution to $5,000.

A New Voice Added in Portland

The Portland Sea Dogs have announced that they’ve added Matt McCarthy to team up with Mike Antonellis on their broadcast team this season. McCarthy recently graduated from Ithaca College and this past summer called games for the Bourne Braves of the Cape Code League.