Photo from barnstablepatriot.com

Lowell Park (home of the Cotuit Kettleers) is one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country, and it will be even better in 2013. Construction work on the new Kettleer Kitchen and restrooms is slated to be complete by June 1, 2013–just in time for the 2013 season.

The renovations include a new Kettleer Kitchen, which will now serve burgers, salads, and wraps in addition to hot dogs, chili, chowder, and lobster rolls. The updated restroom facilities will feature a trophy and memorial case built into the outside wall.

For more on the renovations, check out The Barnstable Patriot’s story and see CapeHomepage.com’s photos on Flickr.

Since our last post, Jackie Bradley Jr. (Hyannis, 2009) has started six games so far for the Boston Red Sox, going 3 for 21 (.143). Due to his slump, it is expected that he will be sent down to the Pawtucket Red Sox once David Ortiz completes a rehab assignment.  As Over the Monster blogged, it is even more likely that Bradley will be sent down due to the success of Daniel Nava and Jonny Gomes.

On the plus side, this gives Red Sox fans near International League (AAA) parks the chance to see Bradley before he inevitably returns to the show.

Jackie Bradley Jr. at bat for the Hyannis Mets in 2009. Photo is from the Hyannis Harbor Hawks Archive.

Boston Red Sox fans are anxious to see Jackie Bradley Jr. (Hyannis, 2009) in the bigs; there is even a #KEEPJBJ hash tag on Twitter. In Spring Training thus far, Bradley is leading the Sox in average (.429), hits (21), runs (9), and walks (tied with 8). The problem is the Red Sox already have a center fielder: Jacoby Ellsbury (Falmouth, 2004). And right field is occupied by The Flyin’ Hawaiian, Shane Victorino. So, Bradley may be stuck starting the year in left field with the Sox, or in center field with the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA).

The Barnstable Patriot published an interview with Bradley this week. Bradley mentioned that he is still in contact “everyday” with the Cape family that hosted him back in 2009 (Tino and Terri DiGiovanni). Bradley also said that CCBL players should try not to worry about impressing scouts and just enjoy the experience.

Friendly’s Ice Cream has inked a deal to become the title sponsor of the 2013 CCBL All-Star Game and the official ice cream of the CCBL. This year’s All-Star Game will be on Saturday, July 27, at Red Wilson Field in South Yarmouth (Home of the Y-D Red Sox). According to a Friendly’s press release, Friendly’s was the first ever title sponsor of the CCBL All-Star in 1992 at Whitehouse Field in Harwich (Home of the Harwich Mariners).

In January 2012, Friendly’s emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection (Wikipedia). They closed 100 restaurants since their bankruptcy filing. Cape Cod has three Friendly’s restaurants: Hyannis, Falmouth, and Sagamore Beach.

The Bourne Braves’ announcer Kevin McGonagle auditioned in January to become the next Fenway Park public address announcer. Unfortunately, it does not seem likely that McGonagle will be selected for the position since the Red Sox should have already flown him down to Fort Myers to try his voice out in Spring Training. The Enterprise/capenews.net has the full story on their site with a fascinating look into the process.

Here is the link to the 2013 Orleans Firebirds roster:  http://www.orleansfirebirds.com/roster-2/

At this time, only 13 players appear on the roster. It looks like Vanderbilt LHP Philip Pfeifer is the only returnee. UMass-Lowell RHP Garrett Cole was on the early-season roster for Orleans last year, but he did not play for the Firebirds.

North Carolina head coach Mike Fox has indicated that RHP Trevor Kelley may open the season as the closer for the Tar Heels.

We will take a closer look at the roster as more players are added.

Here is the link to the recently released Hyannis Harbor Hawks roster:  http://harborhawks.org/roster/

It looks like Stanford outfielder Dominic Jose and UAB infielder/outfielder Jeff Schalk are the only returnees. Jose batted .272 with 6 HR, 12 RBI, and had an .857 OPS last summer. Schalk hit .200 for the 2012 Hawks. 

Florida State has reported that sophomore RHP Mike Compton has a right elbow sprain and is out indefinitely.

Andrew Thome comes to Hyannis from the University of North Dakota. Let us know if you can recall another Cape Leaguer from UND. 

Drew Stankiewicz’ (IF;  Arizona State) father, Andy, played seven seasons in the major leagues for the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Montreal Expos and Arizona Diamondbacks. Shane Zeile’s (C/IF; UCLA)  uncle, Todd Zeile, played for eleven different teams over a 15-year major league career.

Former North Carolina pitcher Jimmy Messer has joined Chad Gassman’s coaching staff. Messer pitched for the Harbor Hawks in 2010.