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Winnipeg Free Press
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Peters posting career numbers with Durham Bulls
Tristan Peters is flourishing in the Tampa Bay Rays system. Earlier this week, the Winkler product — who is posting career numbers for the Durham Bulls of the AAA International League — came up with his latest web gem, leaping above the wall in centre field to rob an opponent of a home run. This is the type of play that has Peters among the top outfield prospects for the Rays. Gerald Herbert / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winkler's Tristan Peters is posting career numbers for the Durham Bulls of the AAA International League, the Durham, N.C., located affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. 'I've been working on it a lot,' Peters said in a telephone interview from Georgia, where the Bulls were set to face the Gwinnett Stripers. 'Especially with reaction time with my first step. Those plays are a lot of fun to make. There's a lot of opportunities in centre field to make those plays.' Peters, 25, has been making a lot of them this season, including a diving, highlight-reel grab in the right-centre field gap — a catch that caught the attention of many as it made the rounds. Like many ball players, Peters grew up as an infielder but he's adapted nicely to roaming the outfield. 'I was always a shortstop growing up in Winkler,' said Peters, who played in the Manitoba Junior Baseball League with the Pembina Valley Orioles. 'Starting as a shortstop, you're usually more of an athletic player, so you can play anywhere. It made my transition to the outfield a lot easier when I was in high school. I played a little bit of infield in junior college. 'Centre field is where I've landed this year. I've proven that I can play that at a really high level, but I'm also very capable in the corners as well. I like the aspect of being in charge in the outfield, moving people around if we need to. We've got a solid outfield here. I don't often have to do that. They know what they're doing. I do like the amount of freedom that I have. I have priority over the ball, too. I like it a lot.' Asked if there was any correlation between his vertical jump and his ability on the basketball court, Peters provided a harsh scouting report. 'I'd have to say that basketball was my worst sport,' he said. 'I'm not very good at it.' Originally chosen in the seventh round of the MLB draft by the Milwaukee Brewers, Peters has taken significant strides offensively. Going into weekend action, Peters was hitting .289 with 24 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, 57 RBI, 11 stolen bases and has a .376 on-base percentage through 101 games. Many of those numbers already represent career-bests, with other marks about to be replaced in the coming days and weeks during the stretch run. 'I've been feeling good in the box. Just relaxed,' said Peters, noting he had a strong month in June. 'As for the power numbers, I haven't intentionally been trying to hit homers. I've been sticking to my game plan. Just hitting the ball to all fields. The path of my swing has helped to increase some of those home run numbers.' Given the increased importance on power and hitting the ball out of the park, Peters admitted he went through a challenging stretch last season, but he's done a good job of finding the balance — thanks to an improved approach at the plate. 'I did kind of sacrifice my average last year for power or what I thought would be more power and I found that I didn't hit many more homers last year than I did the previous year,' said Peters. 'Swinging for the fences, for me, just took away from my game more than it added. Having my all-fields approach has helped me to hit home runs to all fields as well. With where my swing is at, I have a better launch angle for more consistent homers and doubles and stuff like that.' Now in his third major league organization, Peters is enjoying the familiarity of being in the Rays system for a third consecutive season — including a second campaign with the Bulls, a historic franchise that was featured in the movie Bull Durham. 'Starting as a shortstop, you're usually more of an athletic player, so you can play anywhere. It made my transition to the outfield a lot easier when I was in high school.' – Tristan Peters 'It's pretty surreal,' said Peters, who was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in November of 2022. 'I'm very fortunate to be able to play there. It's an iconic team, because of the movie and the city is so great. We live right by the ball field, so we walk there every day. It's a fantastic setup. I'm very grateful to be able to play here.' Peters was a non-roster invitee to Spring Training this spring and among the highlights for him were hitting his first spring homer off Detroit Tigers pitching prospect Matt Seelinger on Feb. 27 and suiting up in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 9 at the Blue Jays complex at Dunedin, Fla. The Blue Jays were Peters's favourite team growing up and watching the playoff runs in 2015 and 2016 helped increase his passion for baseball. 'It definitely did. That was such a great team to watch and it made me want to get out there and play more,' said Peters. 'The team has changed a lot since the teams I watched growing up. But everything about the Blue Jays, seeing the uniforms and playing against them was super cool. Then watching the broadcast after, that was really fun to hear my name on the Blue Jays broadcast. 'I hope to play against them in the big leagues one day as well.' It's impossible to know when that moment might come, but Peters is well on his way to being the first Manitoban to play in the majors since Corey Koskie of Anola retired. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'I mean, obviously I would love to get called up tomorrow if I could — or today,' said Peters. 'A September call-up is realistic, at least, but you never know. We've got a really solid outfield group up there, so I'll try and do my thing and wherever that takes me, it takes me.' Peters would also love to connect with Koskie at some point, to exchange stories about the journey and to bond over their small-town roots. 'I know who he is, but I've never been able to watch him or met him or anything,' said Peters. 'I think that would be really cool, being able to connect over where we're from.' X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld Ken WiebeReporter Ken Wiebe is a sports reporter for the Free Press, with an emphasis on the Winnipeg Jets. He has covered hockey and provided analysis in this market since 2000 for the Winnipeg Sun, The Athletic, and TSN. Ken was a summer intern at the Free Press in 1999 and returned to the Free Press in a full-time capacity in September of 2023. Read more about Ken. Every piece of reporting Ken produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Axios
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Weekender: 28 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including Queen's Feast
If you're hungry for events, Charlotte has plenty of food-related activities like Queen's Feast and Festival Colombiano this weekend to satisfy your appetite. Friday, July 18 🍽️ Dine at 125-plus participating restaurants across Charlotte for three-course menus with prix-fixe prices for Queen's Feast. | Free | Runs through July 27 | Details 🤣 Laugh the night away at a stand-up comedy showcase at Tip Top Daily Market. | Donations encouraged | 8–10pm | Details 🛍️ Go thrifting at Thrift Pony's night market with a DJ at the Boileryard in Camp North End. | Free | 5–9pm | Details 🎶 Listen to live music over a couple of cocktails at Blue Door in South End. | Free | 9:30pm | Details 🎬 Test your knowledge of movies with trivia at The Suffolk Punch for a chance to win a cash prize. | Free | 7–9pm | Details 🧑🔬 Explore Discovery Place Science in an adults-only space with hands-on labs, animal encounters and drinks. | $18–$22 | 6pm | Details 🌟 Head over to Romare Bearden Park for a post-game glow show with performances after the Charlotte Knights and Durham Bulls game. | Free | 8:30–10:30pm | Details 🎤 Listen to a band play Tom Petty hits like "Free Fallin'" and "American Girl" at the Carolina Theatre. | $28+ | 7:30pm | Details 🤑 Play The Game Show Challenge with friends for a chance to win a $100K prize. | $36 | Times vary | Details ⚾️ Take the kids to see the Charlotte Knights play the Durham Bulls at Truist Field. | $34+ | 7:04pm | Details 🎭 Catch Broadway's "Ain't Too Proud," a jukebox musical tribute to The Temptations, at Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Arts Center. | $46+ | Runs through Sunday | Details Saturday, July 19 😆 Enjoy high-larious jokes at Crowntown Cannabis in NoDa. | Free | 9–11pm | Details 🛍️ Shop at a night market with more than 20 vendors, food trucks, desserts and vintage clothes. | Free | 4–8:30pm | Details 🐶 Find an adoptable dog at Vaulted Oak Brewing and stick around for a beer. | Free | 3pm | Details 🎤 Listen to seasoned comedians or test out some of your own jokes in an open mic comedy session at Birdsong Brewing | Free | 7pm | Details 🛍️ Pull up to Seoul Food Meat Co.'s vendor market and let your pup run in the bark park. | Free | 12–5pm | Details ⚽️ Play in a street soccer tournament at Victoria Yards in Uptown or watch the game while you enjoy music, food and drinks. | Free | 10am–2:30pm | Details ⚽️ See the Charlotte Independence play the Portland Hearts of Pine at American Legion Memorial Stadium. | $13–$66 | 7pm | Details 🤠 Slip on your cowboy boots for an all-you-can-eat brunch, country music and mimosa bar at Sycamore Brewing. | $35 | 10am–1pm | Details 🍹 Attend the Charlotte Margarita Festival at Suffolk Punch Brewing South End for a tasting contest, food vendors, music and giveaways. | $25+ | 12–6pm | Details 🇨🇴 Join thousands of people at First Ward Park in Uptown at Festival Colombiano for music, performances, an artisans market and food. | Free | 12pm | Details 🛥️ Pull up by boat to Black Boat Weekend on Lake Norman for a full party on the water and stick around for the vendors and water activities. | Prices vary | 11am–7pm | Details Sunday, July 20 🍽️ Enjoy a multi-course Sunday supper at L'Ostrica, one of Charlotte's best restaurants, that takes your taste buds on a trip to the Oregon coast and wine country. | $75 | 5:30pm | Details 🕯️ Learn how to make a candle that you can take home at 7th Street Market. | $30 | 3pm | Details 📚 Pull up a chair to read in a silent book club at That's Novel Books in Camp North End. | Free | 9:30–11am | Details 🎤 Party into the weekday with 2 Chainz at Stats Restaurant & Bar. | $23+ | 8pm–12am | Details 👑 Experience a fierce drag show at Platform Sports and stay to adopt kittens and enjoy drink specials and a brunch menu. | $23 | 11am–2pm | Details 🍴 Cosplay for an anime food truck festival with goodie bags, games, tournaments and more in NoDa. | $7+ | 12–8pm | Details
USA Today
26-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How former LSU baseball star Tre Morgan is faring in the minor leagues in 2025
How former LSU baseball star Tre Morgan is faring in the minor leagues in 2025 In his first Triple-A season, former LSU baseball star Tre' Morgan continues to shine with the Tampa Bay Rays' minor league teams. The first baseman made 25 appearances thus far in 2025, only sitting out due to a stint on the seven-day injured list. With the Durham Bulls, Morgan is doing what he did at LSU. Flashing the glove and producing runs at the plate. Morgan bats .300 with 27 hits, 16 walks, 15 runs, and 12 RBI. The lefty owns a .422 on-base percentage and slugged six doubles two months into his third season of professional baseball. In 2024, Morgan broke out among the minor league's best prospects. He finished the year on the All-MiLB prospect second team, along with selections for the Futures Game and Skills Showcase. Ending the season in Double-A, Morgan batted .324 with 121 hits, 72 runs, and 68 RBI across three levels. The Rays selected Morgan at No. 88 overall in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft. He finished his career at LSU as a national champion, hitting .316 with 85 hits in 2023. Morgan spent three seasons in Baton Rouge.
Axios
03-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
Durham's new rooftop restaurant The Lenny sets opening date
The Lenny, a new restaurant with a rooftop view of downtown Durham and the Durham Bulls stadium, plans to open April 9. The latest: The Lenny will be located on the top floor of the 555 Mangum building in downtown Durham. The restaurant is the latest venture from the Ibarra brothers, Joel and Charlie, who have been behind other restaurants like the now-closed, but much loved Cortez in downtown Raleigh as well as Chido Taco, Jose and Sons and La Rancherita. Zoom in: The restaurant plans to lean into its downtown location. The Lenny will offer sunset hour specials during dusk every day and host vinyl-only DJ sets on the weekend during dusk hours. Highlights of the menu include: a seafood tower, multiple charcuterie boards and a selection of grilled meats, including a tomahawk steak. You can expect craft espresso drinks and a rotating cocktail menu, featuring sips like a whipped espresso martini and a Morita chili-infused version of a Last Word. 📍Location: 555 S. Mangum St., 11th floor, Durham The Lenny validates parking in the 555 Mangum parking deck. Hours: 11am-11pm, daily. The restaurant will also offer a brunch menu on weekends, from 11am-3pm, and sunset hour specials from 3pm-5pm.
New York Times
31-01-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Rationalizing the Ryan Brasier decision in the crowded Dodgers bullpen
LOS ANGELES – The 2013 Durham Bulls featured a former No. 1 overall selection and a future American League Rookie of the Year. It's a ridiculous Baseball Reference page and a feather in the cap of Tampa Bay Rays then-executive Andrew Friedman in his penultimate year before leaving to run baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Advertisement Twelve years later, Friedman has crafted a goliath, with another member of that 2013 Bulls roster working under him as his general manager. On Friday, that general manager, Brandon Gomes, was on hand to introduce his former teammate, Kirby Yates, who had signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the reigning World Series champions. It was the feather in the cap of an offseason where the Dodgers again captured the conversation. For Yates, it was full circle. 'He taught me a lot,' Yates said of Gomes. 'We had a lot of fun, and he was an awesome teammate.' 'This one,' Gomes said, 'is especially fun for me.' The Dodgers and the veteran reliever had circled each other for years before finally putting pen to paper this week. For Yates, it's a hope to correct a career trend: Of the 412 1/3 innings he's thrown in the majors, just one has come in the postseason. Thrice now in four years, Yates has signed with a reigning World Series champion. The 2022 Atlanta Braves crashed out in the NLDS. Last year's Texas Rangers didn't even make the postseason, despite Yates enjoying a stellar year (a 1.17 ERA in 61 appearances). Now, Yates joins a bullpen that ran into an anomalous problem: having seemingly too many good options on paper to fit onto an actual Opening Day roster. Even when factoring in Brusdar Graterol's injury, the Dodgers had an odd man out from what will be a seven-man bullpen to start the season. Just 12 months ago, the Dodgers signed Ryan Brasier to a two-year, $9 million deal that represented just the eighth multiyear free-agent contract that Friedman has ever given to a reliever. Thursday, he was designated for assignment, the reliever eliminated from a crowded picture. 'It's a good thing when your roster is that talented,' Gomes said. 'But it obviously creates difficult decisions.' The Dodgers' Opening Day bullpen is set, barring injury. Blake Treinen just re-signed on a two-year, $22 million deal. Tanner Scott got four years and $72 million, the second-largest outlay Friedman has ever given a reliever. Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech and Alex Vesia (the only reliever of this bunch with a minor-league option year left) are locks. Anthony Banda doesn't have any minor league options and was a potent left-handed option last year. Advertisement 'I mean, on paper, it's probably as good as you can get, really,' Yates said. That left Brasier — who is owed $4.5 million this year, plus incentives — as the one getting cut. Brasier remained every bit of an effective reliever a year ago, trusted enough to start multiple bullpen games last October and putting together a 3.54 ERA (with better underlying numbers) in 29 appearances despite missing months with a calf strain. At the price, he still appeared to be a relative bargain. The Dodgers could have looked elsewhere to clear a 40-man roster spot and simply kicked the can on a decision until spring, when injuries (with Los Angeles or elsewhere) could've provided a more clear-cut need for Brasier. A seven-man Opening Day bullpen will expand to eight whenever Shohei Ohtani joins the rotation. Instead, they cut Brasier now rather than sacrifice an optionable reliever and flexibility in the future. 'We would've needed a roster spot in some way, shape or form,' Gomes said. The Dodgers had reportedly been shopping Brasier as they finalized a deal with Yates, and can continue to do so over the next handful of days. It would certainly behoove the Dodgers to find a trade partner or someone who would claim the last year of Brasier's deal; after all, they are far enough over the competitive balance tax threshold that they will have to pay a 110 percent overage in addition to Brasier's $4.5 million. Brasier's recent production would make him a strong fit for a contender. But at least one rival evaluator was skeptical of the Dodgers' ability to find a trade partner, particularly when clubs could conceivably wait until he's released and sign him for the league minimum. The relief market has moved in recent days, with Scott and Yates coming off the board along with others such as Carlos Estévez and Tommy Kahnle. Others remain unsigned, such as former Dodger Kenley Jansen and veteran closer David Robertson.
