hiddengem's Regular Season Thread

[AnaheimAngelsFan]

"I never have seen a more despised fanbase than the Angels until I met the "We hate LA" Padre fans."

Huh?!! :noidea Are you serious? WTF are you talking about? Other than Yankee fans, I can't imagine anyone actually "despising" any team's "fanbase."

OK, maybe the Oakland Raiders' fans. :laugh

You wanna explain this? :mad:

Thanks.
Bob

PS The Dodgers suck! :dance

[RuthMayBond]

Yea I've got a team I'm leaning on right now..Hopefully I'll have the contract wrapped up with a week or so. But you never know.Would you be able to tell us which league this team plays in? (and you know the "right" answer ;) :D :p

[hiddengem]

Hello again, HG. And the rest of you. Happy holidays to everyone.

I just read a few short articles written by young Mr. Gem. At The Yard.Com is a site for those interested in reading about players in the minors. HG has submitted some articles and they are there for you to read, if interested.

One more thing. There are a couple of auctions on eBay for HG baseball cards. (Don't bother with his rookie card. I JUST BOUGHT IT!) :clapping


Pretty cool looking rookie card, HG.


Bob

Back on 03-04 there were quite a few cards on ebay..usually like 25-30 at a time. They have slowed down now, I think there was like 26 different cards printed in 03' between Tops, Fleer and Upper Deck.

[hiddengem]

Would you be able to tell us which league this team plays in? (and you know the "right" answer ;) :D :p


It appears right now that I'll be heading back to the "dark side" :rolleyes:

[runningshoes]

Hey

Speaking of cards. you haven't sent Sean an autographed card for Baseball Almanac. ;)

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

Hey

Speaking of cards. you haven't sent Sean an autographed card for Baseball Almanac. ;)
good point

Gem, the darkside would be the NL im guessing?? lol

can you fill us in on anything else yet??

[hiddengem]

Hey

Speaking of cards. you haven't sent Sean an autographed card for Baseball Almanac. ;)

Sean? Baseball Almanac?

[BoSox Rule]

Sean? Baseball Almanac?
Baseball-Almanac is part of the Baseball-Fever family. Sean runs the site.

www.baseball-almanac.com

[RuthMayBond]

It appears right now that I'll be heading back to the "dark side" :rolleyes:Well, there's always interleague :dance

[hiddengem]

Well, there's always interleague :dance


I saw where my good friend Lou Merloni resigned with the tribe.:)

[RBi]

Sean? Baseball Almanac?

Yea Sean puts up autographed cards on the player profiles @ Baseball Almanac.

That site feeds us all our needed stats for debates, you should take a look. All sorts of neat things there.

[hiddengem]

Baseball-Almanac is part of the Baseball-Fever family. Sean runs the site.

www.baseball-almanac.com


Ahh, I've been to that sight..they have a whole bunch of stat stuff there. What section of it would the baseball card go into?

[RBi]

Look here:

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gracema01

There is the player profile for Mark Grace, notice the card up top?

You need one of those there for your profile.

:)

[hiddengem]

Look here:

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gracema01

There is the player profile for Mark Grace, notice the card up top?

You need one of those there for your profile.

:)


Yea..and my stat sheet will look just like his:rolleyes: ;)

[hiddengem]

If you guys think he would want one, post an address and I'll get one out to him. Might be after Christmas though.

[RBi]

I'm on it.

I will have one for you asap via PM.

:)

[RuthMayBond]

I saw where my good friend Lou Merloni resigned with the tribe.:)It shoulda been you :clapping

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

I saw where my good friend Lou Merloni resigned with the tribe.:)
at least you wont have to compete with him for a roster spot this spring.

[hiddengem]

at least you wont have to compete with him for a roster spot this spring.
If not him, it will be somebody else.

[Jake83]

at least you wont have to compete with him for a roster spot this spring.


In baseball and life there is always competition

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

If not him, it will be somebody else.
of coarse, it was a weak attempt at being humerous

In baseball and life there is always competition
I know that

[RuthMayBond]

In baseball and life there is always competitionHiddenGem knows that more than any of us

[hiddengem]

Okay, kinda a irrelevent question but...

If you were a elite Major League player (on part with guys like A-rod or Miguel Tejada), would you play in the "World Baseball Classic" or would you just report to spring training?

I would like to play forsure, but not at the risk of injuring myself for the actual season. I would have to be 100% sure in my mind that I was ready to play and that is what Spring Training is for.

[trosmok]

Things are likely more moderate in Texas weather wise, that is. Hope all is well, and I was wondering how that hamstring is treating you? Is there anything you do differently in your off-season regimen when you have a little or nagging ache somewhere? Do you limit your sprints or swings if you get tight or twinges? Looking forward to your ST, as I'm sure you are, and best wishes for the holidays and the first days of spring.

[hiddengem]

Things are likely more moderate in Texas weather wise, that is. Hope all is well, and I was wondering how that hamstring is treating you? Is there anything you do differently in your off-season regimen when you have a little or nagging ache somewhere? Do you limit your sprints or swings if you get tight or twinges? Looking forward to your ST, as I'm sure you are, and best wishes for the holidays and the first days of spring.

Yea, its probably a little more moderate in Texas than in Michigan:D The Hamstring is great, I actually played on it for the last 3 weeks of the season and did fine, so I'm confident that is behind me. I'm working hard on strengthening them this offseason and so far no ill affects.

If I feel something funny, I'll take some time off to let it calm down.

I've got an offer on the table right now, and we are thinking another might come on Friday. I should have something done within the next week or so.

[hiddengem]

Here is a little video a friend got up and running. :o I think it takes a few moments to buffer. Give it some time to load.

http://www.esportscout.com/Dmat%20Home%20Run%20June%2027%202003.wmv smaller Picture

http://www.esportscout.com/Dmat%20Home%20Run%20June%2027%202003%20hbw.wmv Bigger picture..longer download time.

[BoofBonser26]

Pretty sweet, HG! Thanks for the link. :clapping

Here's to Spring Training and '06.

[hiddengem]

Pretty sweet, HG! Thanks for the link. :clapping

Here's to Spring Training and '06.

Not attempting to "toot my own horn" Just thought some folks might like to see it.

Thanks.

[RBi]

haha what a sweet at bat...


I am so jealous...

[The Dude]

Psst HG, your PM inbox is full. I had a question I wanted to send you. Might you be able to clear some of the older messages up?

[hiddengem]

Psst HG, your PM inbox is full. I had a question I wanted to send you. Might you be able to clear some of the older messages up?

Sorry Dude...I didn't realize I was full. I should be all cleared up now.

[RuthMayBond]

Here is a little video a friend got up and running. :o I think it takes a few moments to buffer. Give it some time to load.

http://www.esportscout.com/Dmat%20Home%20Run%20June%2027%202003.wmv smaller Picture

http://www.esportscout.com/Dmat%20Home%20Run%20June%2027%202003%20hbw.wmv Bigger picture..longer download time.Schweet, you really went down and got that pitch, and gave it a long ride :clapping

[Zito75]

Awesome!

That wasn't a cheap one either, that baby was smoked!

Sweet vid, HG!

[AnaheimAngelsFan]

Here is a little video a friend got up and running. :o I think it takes a few moments to buffer. Give it some time to load.

http://www.esportscout.com/Dmat%20Home%20Run%20June%2027%202003.wmv smaller Picture

http://www.esportscout.com/Dmat%20Home%20Run%20June%2027%202003%20hbw.wmv Bigger picture..longer download time.


Dude, you will ALWAYS have that moment. Something the rest of us have only fantasized about. Thanks for sharing that with us.

Now, you think you can find a video of that play you made in Anaheim?

Merry Christmas, Dave.

Bob

[runningshoes]

That was awsome, HG.

I'm saving right now.

[hiddengem]

Dude, you will ALWAYS have that moment. Something the rest of us have only fantasized about. Thanks for sharing that with us.

Now, you think you can find a video of that play you made in Anaheim?

Merry Christmas, Dave.

Bob


Here ya go. Its on this page..Maybe somebody can figure out how to link directly to the video.

Merry Christmas

http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050508&content_id=1042825&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana

[RBi]

Here ya go. Its on this page..Maybe somebody can figure out how to link directly to the video.

Merry Christmas

http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050508&content_id=1042825&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana

HAHA

"Makes his mom proud!"

[hiddengem]

HAHA

"Makes his mom proud!"


And that she was;)

[runningshoes]

That was an amazing catch.

You guys got smoked that day, eh? :D

[hiddengem]

That was an amazing catch.

You guys got smoked that day, eh? :D


Yea...thats forsure.

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

Here is a little video a friend got up and running. :o I think it takes a few moments to buffer. Give it some time to load.

http://www.esportscout.com/Dmat%20Home%20Run%20June%2027%202003.wmv smaller Picture

http://www.esportscout.com/Dmat%20Home%20Run%20June%2027%202003%20hbw.wmv Bigger picture..longer download time.
Good stuff, you've always described it for us, but seeing it is great

[Knick9]

Well, that Padre GM acted like an idiot and signed a big name 2B in Mark Bellhorn, who may not have alot more to give, over a promising 2B in HG. Now I know why people are wanting him fired. So, I take it that San Diego is out of the question now, HG?

How about trying to sign with the Rockies, HG? Yeah, I know about Coors Field, but then again, you're not a pitcher, and there is no solid 2B there as well. The problem with Colorado is that they don't have a high powered Offense, not a lineup of homerun sluggers from top to bottom, but just guys who will put the ball constantly in play. No matter how talented the pitching is, it's a given for them to give up runs in that ballpark.

By the way, is there any chance that you can wear the number "0" as your jersey number? I just seem to find it unique on a jersey for some reason.

[hiddengem]

Well, that Padre GM acted like an idiot and signed a big name 2B in Mark Bellhorn, who may not have alot more to give, over a promising 2B in HG. Now I know why people are wanting him fired. So, I take it that San Diego is out of the question now, HG?

How about trying to sign with the Rockies, HG? Yeah, I know about Coors Field, but then again, you're not a pitcher, and there is no solid 2B there as well. The problem with Colorado is that they don't have a high powered Offense, not a lineup of homerun sluggers from top to bottom, but just guys who will put the ball constantly in play. No matter how talented the pitching is, it's a given for them to give up runs in that ballpark.

By the way, is there any chance that you can wear the number "0" as your jersey number? I just seem to find it unique on a jersey for some reason.

I don't think that affects me all that much. If I were to sign with San Diego, the chance that I'd make that team are slim. But what it does is send either Bobby Hill or Josh Barfield down to Portland, but they are sill VERY thin down there and I still think its a good fit.

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

Am I sensing you signing with San Diego sometime soon HG??

lol, jp

[hiddengem]

Verbally agreed to sign with the Padres today.:D

[RBi]

Nice will you be on the MLB roster?

[hiddengem]

Nice will you be on the MLB roster?

no no..at this point I'm not going to major league camp. I should play in some big league games from time to time. But I didn't have a great year last yr and the injury limited my action so I didn't expect an invite.

I'll be ready though...I'm looking forward to the opportunity. Their AAA team is in Portland and I love the city and the stadium.

[BoofBonser26]

Verbally agreed to sign with the Padres today.:D
Awesome! :clapping :clapping :clapping

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Verbally agreed to sign with the Padres today.:D

That's great news. Congrats! Now I have to root for the Padres as well this year...;)

[runningshoes]

That's great news. Congrats! Now I have to root for the Padres as well this year...;)

Damn..I wish you would have signed with the Red Sox..we could have gotten our Dutch friend on board. ;)

[RuthMayBond]

Verbally agreed to sign with the Padres today.:DDUDE, I hoping to come out to SD this summer (have to check the interleague schedule too). GREAT news :clapping :D :coffee :dance :cool: :waving :p :clapping

[Ursa Major]

Congrats on the deal! Hope Portland is the spot. It's a nice big/little town. Couldn't happen to a better guy. :clapping

Love the HR clip, especially the recognition by the announcers. (And the disgusted look by the pitcher, although it looked like a decent pitch down and in with good movement that you just went down and got...) You crushed that puppy; the leftfielder didn't bother to move a step to go back on it. And, it looks like you've got a Houston fan club started by those four teenage girls high-fiving each other as you rounded third base.

My son and wife walked in as I was playing it and, when I explained that this was a clip of someone I "knew" on the Baseball-Fever forums, he was most impressed. By the time school starts on Monday, I'm sure the story will grow so that (a) you and I are best friends, and (b) you're the starting shortstop and cleanup hitter on the Padres . . .

Now that we have the clip, JBooth and I will tear your swing apart for you and tell you exactly what you need to do to improve ... fair enough? :laugh If only we can get someone to save the clip of your DP with the Angels last year (MLB's site only has it in streaming format)... then we'll start the HG highlights collection.

[west coast orange and black]

congrats, h-g.

are verbal agreements ever reneged? what happens if one does fall apart?

[hiddengem]

Now that we have the clip, JBooth and I will tear your swing apart for you and tell you exactly what you need to do to improve ... fair enough?

By all means. The one problem is I don't exactly swing like that any longer. But I'm certainly not to good for a little constructive critisism.;)

[hiddengem]

congrats, h-g.

are verbal agreements ever reneged? what happens if one does fall apart?

Well I guess that would entirely depend on the reason it fell apart. I'm sure if the reason was legit for either party, then it would be ok and each would move on. But if they didn't have a good reason and just reneged, then I'm sure mud would start flying and everybody in the business would be aware of how that particular party does buisness.

[west coast orange and black]

^^ thanx.

when is the soonest that you can ink?
how long does it usually take after a verbal agreement?

[west coast orange and black]

who is in your way of making the padre 40-man squad? the 25?

bochy is a good man.
what is your take on madagan?

[hiddengem]

^^ thanx.

when is the soonest that you can ink?
how long does it usually take after a verbal agreement?

Baseball in general takes a break over christmas and the new year, so they told my agent they will have my contract overnighted to them on the 2nd.

Normally the contract would go out the next day.

[hiddengem]

who is in your way of making the padre 40-man squad? the 25?

bochy is a good man.
what is your take on madagan?

Here is the list of infielders they currently have on the 40 man.
They have signed Justin Leone a 3rd baseman type and Manny Alexander as minor league free agents along with me. So us 3 are all in the same boat, needing a roster move (injury, release, trade ect.) to get us up.

I've been told as of right now the infield in Portland are; Me, Leone, Alexander, (Hill or Barfield) and then a first baseman.

63 Josh Barfield R/R 6-0 185 12/17/82
-- Mark Bellhorn S/R 6-1 205 08/23/74
-- Geoff Blum S/R 6-3 200 04/26/73
-- Vinny Castilla R/R 6-1 205 07/04/67
3 Khalil Greene R/R 5-11 210 10/21/79
-- Bobby Hill S/R 5-9 175 04/03/78

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Damn..I wish you would have signed with the Red Sox..we could have gotten our Dutch friend on board. ;)

Don't push it pal :laugh

You know I have rooted for the Red Sox in the 2004 WS. So that is not strange for me anymore;)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Baseball in general takes a break over christmas and the new year, so they told my agent they will have my contract overnighted to them on the 2nd.

Normally the contract would go out the next day.

Just keep remember them to send it to you.

A Dutch pitcher who used to play for the Iowa Cubs, had a verbal agreement with the Rockies after Iowa released him. Unfortunately the Rockies forgot to send the contract... Too bad for him. He played for an independent team last season.

[west coast orange and black]

i believe that second baseman bellhorn was signed for one year, h-g.
when a team signs a player to a one-year contract what, if anything, can we read into that?

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

Congrats HG!!

Good Luck next year.

NOBODY offered you a deal with a Spring Training invite?

[hiddengem]

Unfortunately the Rockies forgot to send the contract... .

I'm quite confident that there is much more to the story than that.

[hiddengem]

i believe that second baseman bellhorn was signed for one year, h-g.
when a team signs a player to a one-year contract what, if anything, can we read into that?

Well, that player is good enough to get a guaranteed major league contract and they need him to fill a void for that particular season. But, they don't like him enough or think he is worthy of a multi-year deal. Often times the player is coming off a subpar year, or an injury and the team doesn't want to take the risk for more than one year.

[hiddengem]

Congrats HG!!

Good Luck next year.

NOBODY offered you a deal with a Spring Training invite?

At this point no. I could have taken the chance of waiting longer to see, but then you take the risk of having alot of spots filled up and nothing left. I wanted to play for San Diego, I really like the city of Portland and I was comfortable with the deal they offered, so I took it and I'm not looking back.

Heck I made it to the Big Leagues before I ever stepped foot in a Major league camp. I know guys that have gone to big league camp 10 times and never been the majors. Its a funny game.

[Jake83]

They have a hole at 2nd base. Hopefully you can shine this spring. In my opinion you are not that far behind Bellhorn.

[hiddengem]

We'll see what happens...I can only control what I do.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

If Bellhorn goes down, you have a great chance of taking his place.

[hiddengem]

If Bellhorn goes down, you have a great chance of taking his place.

You never know..

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I'm quite confident that there is much more to the story than that.

Possible. But that is all I have read in the Dutch papers.

[Knick9]

I see that you signed on with the Padres, HG. I'm hopeful that you can do good in Portland. Make sure to tell us about the popular sights in Portland, I'd really like to know about that. I'm sure that Portland is a nice baseball town. :waving

Oh, by the way, I was just alittle too bummed out when Bellhorn got signed. I'm not Anti-Bellhorn or anything, it's just that the signing bumped you out of the main squad, that's all. Sorry for that rant. ;)

[RuthMayBond]

If Bellhorn goes down, you have a great chance of taking his place.Is Jeff Gillooly still around? evil :laugh :eek: ;)

[Zito75]

Is Jeff Gillooly still around? evil :laugh :eek: ;)

That's ironic... Tanya Harding lives just outside of Portland... :laugh

[hiddengem]

You guys are too much.;)

[runningshoes]

You guys are too much.;)

Hey..it's better than not being enough, right? :D

[Gamingboy]

Good luck in the Padres organization HG!

[KHenry14]

Hey HG, I was talking to my son recently about his desire to start playing in little league, and it got me to thinking. I've got to believe that almost all players who make it to MLB played in Little League, so I'm wondering if you could talk about your experiences in LL. What did you like? Not like? What would you like to see changed now that you are a long way removed.

KH14

[RuthMayBond]

At this point no. I could have taken the chance of waiting longer to see, but then you take the risk of having alot of spots filled up and nothing left. I wanted to play for San Diego.Maybe you can get them to put the times for their home games on their website :D

[hiddengem]

Hey HG, I was talking to my son recently about his desire to start playing in little league, and it got me to thinking. I've got to believe that almost all players who make it to MLB played in Little League, so I'm wondering if you could talk about your experiences in LL. What did you like? Not like? What would you like to see changed now that you are a long way removed.

KH14


Good question. I had a wonderful Little League experience. I started T ball when I was 7 and the next year was in kid pitch. Nowadays I see kids starting at like age 4, and I don't like it. I just think its too young, let them have fun and play in the backyard for a while. JMO.

I had a wonderful father who coached me all the way through little league and stopped when I was 13 and played pony. He didn't push me, always praised me, telling me I was doing a great job whether I was or wasn't (which in turn gave me a high self-esteem). He didn't allow me to get away with a bad attitude and expected me to play the right way(running hard, keeping my mouth shut, not throwing anything, not pouting, and being a good teamate). All things I just don't see consistently enough these days. I see alot of screaming and yelling these days from coaches, and alot more kids quiting after little league because they don't have any fun.

The one thing that I see in little leagues these days that I didn't see that much when I was playing was Select or Travel Teams. These are teams where the kids parents have to pay to play on. The worse part about these teams is the Parents. Everybody thinks they have the next A-Rod on there hands and their little johnny should play every inning at shortstop and bat
3rd in the lineup. If its not that way, they are complaining, fighting with coaches and it just gets ugly. It a shame its this way, but its the facts and honestly the main reason that my facility doesn't run select teams out of it.

[west coast orange and black]

what do you suppose it would take for you to become a switch-hitter, h-g?

what percentage of major leaguers do you suppose could make the switch?

[KHenry14]

The one thing that I see in little leagues these days that I didn't see that much when I was playing was Select or Travel Teams. These are teams where the kids parents have to pay to play on. The worse part about these teams is the Parents. Everybody thinks they have the next A-Rod on there hands and their little johnny should play every inning at shortstop and bat
3rd in the lineup. If its not that way, they are complaining, fighting with coaches and it just gets ugly. It a shame its this way, but its the facts and honestly the main reason that my facility doesn't run select teams out of it.

I was wondering if you'd feel this way, and I 100% agree. These travelling teams are killing not only baseball, but soccer, hockey and other sports. It's too exclusionary for my tastes and IMO does more harm than good.

Do the guys on the teams talk about their LL experiences? I imagine there are a lot of interesting stories to be told.

KH14

[TonyK]

Good question. I had a wonderful Little League experience. I started T ball when I was 7 and the next year was in kid pitch. Nowadays I see kids starting at like age 4, and I don't like it. I just think its too young, let them have fun and play in the backyard for a while. JMO.

I had a wonderful father who coached me all the way through little league and stopped when I was 13 and played pony. He didn't push me, always praised me, telling me I was doing a great job whether I was or wasn't (which in turn gave me a high self-esteem). He didn't allow me to get away with a bad attitude and expected me to play the right way(running hard, keeping my mouth shut, not throwing anything, not pouting, and being a good teamate). All things I just don't see consistently enough these days. I see alot of screaming and yelling these days from coaches, and alot more kids quiting after little league because they don't have any fun.

The one thing that I see in little leagues these days that I didn't see that much when I was playing was Select or Travel Teams. These are teams where the kids parents have to pay to play on. The worse part about these teams is the Parents. Everybody thinks they have the next A-Rod on there hands and their little johnny should play every inning at shortstop and bat
3rd in the lineup. If its not that way, they are complaining, fighting with coaches and it just gets ugly. It a shame its this way, but its the facts and honestly the main reason that my facility doesn't run select teams out of it.

It sounds like you will make a terrific little league coach someday. I have heard too many parents holler at their sons during games because they made little mistakes. It only makes the job of a coach more difficult since they now have a boy and his teammates upset with his parent and their heads are not in the game. The worst offenders seem to be those parents that never volunteer to coach or who have never played the game. Your dad was an excellent role model.

Some coaches treat their own sons with no respect or compassion too. It gets so bad that I've often turned the other way so I didn't have to look into the boy's eyes. You must have heard a lot of nasty language from the stands I'll bet.

Good Luck to you this year!

[west coast orange and black]

these batting gloves remind me of the gear that gymnasts use when operating the rings, pommel horse and uneven parallel bars.

whaddya think of the padded palms and fingers on these babies, h-g?
have you ever used some like these? if so, was there a noticeable change from regular-ol' ones?

[hiddengem]

what do you suppose it would take for you to become a switch-hitter, h-g?

what percentage of major leaguers do you suppose could make the switch?

I think its next to impossible if you have never switch hit and then all of a sudden try to do it, at a high level.

[RuthMayBond]

these batting gloves remind me of the gear that gymnasts use when operating the rings, pommel horse and uneven parallel bars.

whaddya think of the padded palms and fingers on these babies, h-g?
have you ever used some like these? if so, was there a noticeable change from regular-ol' ones?Are these Barry's? If so, I'm . . .
. . . REALLY JEALOUS

[hiddengem]

I was wondering if you'd feel this way, and I 100% agree. These travelling teams are killing not only baseball, but soccer, hockey and other sports. It's too exclusionary for my tastes and IMO does more harm than good.

Do the guys on the teams talk about their LL experiences? I imagine there are a lot of interesting stories to be told.

KH14


No, you don't hear much about little league.

[hiddengem]

It sounds like you will make a terrific little league coach someday. I have heard too many parents holler at their sons during games because they made little mistakes. It only makes the job of a coach more difficult since they now have a boy and his teammates upset with his parent and their heads are not in the game. The worst offenders seem to be those parents that never volunteer to coach or who have never played the game. Your dad was an excellent role model.

Some coaches treat their own sons with no respect or compassion too. It gets so bad that I've often turned the other way so I didn't have to look into the boy's eyes. You must have heard a lot of nasty language from the stands I'll bet.

Good Luck to you this year!

When I see this kind of stuff, I'm truely embarrased for the parents. The problem is that most of these parents were never good enough to play at a high-level so they want to live that life through their kids. My dad was an outstanding role model, not only to me but every kid and parent he ever came in contact with. I'm a better person, husband and father because of him and it tears me up to see a kid not being brought up the same way as I.

[west coast orange and black]

Are these Barry's?
uh, they used to be. :o

[hiddengem]

these batting gloves remind me of the gear that gymnasts use when operating the rings, pommel horse and uneven parallel bars.

whaddya think of the padded palms and fingers on these babies, h-g?
have you ever used some like these? if so, was there a noticeable change from regular-ol' ones?


I think those were specially made for Barry. I've never seen a pair of Tri-curves like that with padding in them. I don't know if I would like them or not.

[RuthMayBond]

I think those were specially made for Barry. I've never seen a pair of Tri-curves like that with padding in them. I don't know if I would like them or not.They're Barry's, how could you not like them? :noidea :p ;) :clapping :D :confused: :eek: :( :waving

[hiddengem]

They're Barry's, how could you not like them? :noidea :p ;) :clapping :D :confused: :eek: :( :waving

I don't like his bat either:)

[RuthMayBond]

I don't like his bat either:)Would you like it if he was using it on your team? :p ;) :D

[Ursa Major]

Originally Posted by hiddengem
I don't like his bat either
Would you like it if he was using it on your team? Would you like it if you were batting in front of him?

[hiddengem]

Would you like it if you were batting in front of him?


I'm confused...I don't like his bat, still wouldn't like it if I were on his team, and still yet wouldn't like it if I were hitting in front of him. I just don't like the model.

Now, would I want HIM on my team using HIS bat? Absolutely:D

[Ursa Major]

Now, would I want HIM on my team using HIS bat? AbsolutelyThat's precisely the point that RuthMayBond and I were making, all in fun. And it might be more fun if you were batting in front of him. Say, with the bases loaded and one out. No chance of getting walked then! Oh, the pitches you'd see.

[RuthMayBond]

That's precisely the point that RuthMayBond and I were making, all in fun. And it might be more fun if you were batting in front of him. Say, with the bases loaded and one out. No chance of getting walked then! Oh, the pitches you'd see.Getting walked with the bases loaded is not that bad a thing

[hiddengem]

Getting walked with the bases loaded is not that bad a thing


What he is saying is that if I'm(or anybody for that matter) is hitting in front of Bonds with the bases loaded an 1 out, they going to get alot of pitches to hit, trying to get them to put the ball in play and possibly role into a double play. The last thing on the pitchers mind is to "nit pick" and take a chance at walking the hitter to get to Bonds with the bases loaded.

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

A little off-topic, but I remember a while ago (dont remember if it was in the beginning of this thread or your Spring Training thread) you mentioned that you and Alan Zinter are friends. Just thought you would like to know, if you didnt already, that Alan has signed with Houston.

[hiddengem]

A little off-topic, but I remember a while ago (dont remember if it was in the beginning of this thread or your Spring Training thread) you mentioned that you and Alan Zinter are friends. Just thought you would like to know, if you didnt already, that Alan has signed with Houston.

Yea he called me the day he signed.

[hiddengem]

What do you guys think of the idea of starting up DavidMatranga.com? I own the site but haven't started it up yet.

Some random ideas for the site would include:

Pay per Video lesson
Blog/Forum
Merchandise store-signed merchandise, Instructional DVD, Baseball Gear ect.
Advertisers/Sponsors
Baseball Tips and Hints



What do you think? Any other ideas? (Assuming you think it would work)

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

What do you guys think of the idea of starting up DavidMatranga.com? I own the site but haven't started it up yet.

Some random ideas for the site would include:

Pay per Video lesson
Blog/Forum
Merchandise store-signed merchandise, Instructional DVD, Baseball Gear ect.
Advertisers/Sponsors
Baseball Tips and Hints



What do you think? Any other ideas? (Assuming you think it would work)
I think its a good idea. You should definately strongly consider doing it. All of your ideas are good.

[west coast orange and black]

hg: ...if I am hitting in front of Bonds with the bases loaded an 1 out...

say you get to the yard 3 hours before gametime and the skipper has you in the 3-spot, h-g.
would (if any) approaches to the game would you make compared to if you were slotted in the 6-spot?

[west coast orange and black]

Pay per Video lesson
Blog/Forum
Merchandise store-signed merchandise, Instructional DVD, Baseball Gear ect.
Advertisers/Sponsors
Baseball Tips and Hints

baseball weekly used to do a pretty decent "inside baseball tips and hints" thing that was especially helpful to newer fans and youngsters. no mag does it, they instead are heavy with ratings and polls, so you could pick up the slack.

f'rinstance:
how a second baseman takes a throw and pivots during a doubleplay;
how to make the proper slide for the situation;
why and how to crow-hop;
rules that fielding players must know (or frank robby'll getcha);
equipment maintenance

also:
"meet the player" contests;
you interview guest players, coaches;
you respond to a randomly selected "5 questions" thingy from readers;
you fork over comp tickets for good ideas :rolleyes:

[hiddengem]

hg: ...if I am hitting in front of Bonds with the bases loaded an 1 out...

say you get to the yard 3 hours before gametime and the skipper has you in the 3-spot, h-g.
would (if any) approaches to the game would you make compared to if you were slotted in the 6-spot?

Nothing..I'd stay with my game.

[hiddengem]

Pay per Video lesson
Blog/Forum
Merchandise store-signed merchandise, Instructional DVD, Baseball Gear ect.
Advertisers/Sponsors
Baseball Tips and Hints

baseball weekly used to do a pretty decent "inside baseball tips and hints" thing that was especially helpful to newer fans and youngsters. no mag does it, they instead are heavy with ratings and polls, so you could pick up the slack.

f'rinstance:
how a second baseman takes a throw and pivots during a doubleplay;
how to make the proper slide for the situation;
why and how to crow-hop;
rules that fielding players must know (or frank robby'll getcha);
equipment maintenance

also:
"meet the player" contests;
you interview guest players, coaches;
you respond to a randomly selected "5 questions" thingy from readers;
you fork over comp tickets for good ideas :rolleyes:

Good Stuff

[west coast orange and black]

what section am i gonna be sitting in? :rolleyes:

[Ursa Major]

What do you guys think of the idea of starting up DavidMatranga.com? I own the site but haven't started it up yet.

Some random ideas for the site would include:

Pay per Video lesson
Blog/Forum
Merchandise store-signed merchandise, Instructional DVD, Baseball Gear ect.
Advertisers/Sponsors
Baseball Tips and HintsWho's DavidMatranga? Certainly not you -- "HiddenGems" identity is supposed to be a big secret. Anyway, can you get all the guys who've been kicked off Nyman's site (including Steve E.) to contribute articles? If so, it'll be a kicka$$ place to go.

With all due respect, I'm not sure that you're quite yet what the marketing gurus would call a "branded name" yet. What you have to offer that no one else does it that you're playing pro/MLB ball and they're a bunch of washed up players, self-appointed experts, coaches and semi-read biophysicists/engineers (or, in Dick Mills' case, all of the above) who, as Nyman says, are simply trying to sell books and DVD's. If you can get some of your pro contacts to occasionally post observations, you've got a ready-made slogan -- "By today's major leaguers for tomorrow's stars". I don't know whether the actual site should be your name or something that would reflect the slogan/theme.

Heaven knows there's room for something like that. It's hard to say whether the Setpro/Nyman implosion will continue (with the bans/defections) etc. (there have been very few posts over the past couple of weeks). Don't get me wrong, Baseball-Fever is a terrific place, but it's spread awfully thin with the breadth of its offerings.

I don't know if there's a huge business model to support it. Obviously the cost would be more in time than anything else, but there are enough baseball junkies who will work cheap while you're doing your "day job" to keep it going. If it's what I think it could be, an awful lot of people will flock to it when word gets out.

One problem, though, is that this thread works in part because it has been ('til your post let the cat out of the bag) semi-anonymous. If you use that URL and continue with a season diary, your teammates may start teasing you, wanting to know if everything they tell you will end up in your blog. Let's see if they invite you to a strip club :dance on a night off during a road trip!

[trosmok]

Some random ideas for the site would include:

Pay per Video lesson

Baseball Tips and Hints



What do you think? Any other ideas? (Assuming you think it would work)


Downloadable instructional videos would be a great product, particularly if they are at graduated levels; novice, advanced, high school age, etc.

Tips, hints, drills, and conditioning would be a very helpful separate section.

After reading your posts regarding little league and particularly the parents, perhaps the site should also have a set of instructions for parents of young ballplayers. You could impart some of the wisdom you've learned from your Dad as well as your own experiences, and share them with the adults who are receptive to good education for themselves as well as their youngsters. You hit the ball right on the screws about travel/elite teams that seem to have year-round schedules for specific sports. One of my friends has a teenage daughter who used to play volleyball, basketball, etc., but is now wholly consumed by her gymnastics regimen. I've expressed my concern about the burnout that could be coming real soon, as well as the lack of well-rounded normal teenage years that is highly likely if she doesn't take a step back and examine the costs of such a narrow pursuit. I'm not one to dash anyone's dreams of glory or striving for excellence, but the reality is she is extremely talented and polished, but so are hundreds of other budding gymnasts here and around the world. Nothing would tickle me more than seeing her in the Olympics, but a more realistic assessment would be for her to compete for state H.S. all-around, and then get a load of the competition for an invite to the Olympic trials. BTW, her folks are supportive but not pushy, encouraging without being full of unrealistic expectations, and devoted to their other two children as well. Guess that is something that can only be taught to those willing to learn, but it never hurts to try to help others.

[hiddengem]

Who's DavidMatranga? Certainly not you -- "HiddenGems" identity is supposed to be a big secret. Anyway, can you get all the guys who've been kicked off Nyman's site (including Steve E.) to contribute articles? If so, it'll be a kicka$$ place to go.

With all due respect, I'm not sure that you're quite yet what the marketing gurus would call a "branded name" yet. What you have to offer that no one else does it that you're playing pro/MLB ball and they're a bunch of washed up players, self-appointed experts, coaches and semi-read biophysicists/engineers (or, in Dick Mills' case, all of the above) who, as Nyman says, are simply trying to sell books and DVD's. If you can get some of your pro contacts to occasionally post observations, you've got a ready-made slogan -- "By today's major leaguers for tomorrow's stars". I don't know whether the actual site should be your name or something that would reflect the slogan/theme.

Heaven knows there's room for something like that. It's hard to say whether the Setpro/Nyman implosion will continue (with the bans/defections) etc. (there have been very few posts over the past couple of weeks). Don't get me wrong, Baseball-Fever is a terrific place, but it's spread awfully thin with the breadth of its offerings.

I don't know if there's a huge business model to support it. Obviously the cost would be more in time than anything else, but there are enough baseball junkies who will work cheap while you're doing your "day job" to keep it going. If it's what I think it could be, an awful lot of people will flock to it when word gets out.

One problem, though, is that this thread works in part because it has been ('til your post let the cat out of the bag) semi-anonymous. If you use that URL and continue with a season diary, your teammates may start teasing you, wanting to know if everything they tell you will end up in your blog. Let's see if they invite you to a strip club :dance on a night off during a road trip!

Trust me, I'm not concerned in the slightest what my teamtes think about my private life. I would never(in a blog or anywhere) talk about something a player did off the field to rat him out. I don't go to strip clubs and I don't get invited so that won't be anything new. I know I'm not a big name, thats not the point. I have the site, so why not use it?

At any rate I belive whole heartedly that Steve E would contribute to the forum. Him and I have had some long conversations and will be working out together in the near future.

Look, I'm not looking to get rich off this site, it would just be something kids or parents could go to get some cheap advice and hints. And if it gets popular enough which I think it could, mabye some advertising and who knows what else. Could blossom into something big or not blossom at all.

Nyman's sight(hitting-mechanics.org) has turned into complete trash in the past 2 weeks and is barely getting any hits at all because he's run off anybody that won't bow down to his feet.

[hiddengem]

Downloadable instructional videos would be a great product, particularly if they are at graduated levels; novice, advanced, high school age, etc.

Tips, hints, drills, and conditioning would be a very helpful separate section.

After reading your posts regarding little league and particularly the parents, perhaps the site should also have a set of instructions for parents of young ballplayers. You could impart some of the wisdom you've learned from your Dad as well as your own experiences, and share them with the adults who are receptive to good education for themselves as well as their youngsters. You hit the ball right on the screws about travel/elite teams that seem to have year-round schedules for specific sports. One of my friends has a teenage daughter who used to play volleyball, basketball, etc., but is now wholly consumed by her gymnastics regimen. I've expressed my concern about the burnout that could be coming real soon, as well as the lack of well-rounded normal teenage years that is highly likely if she doesn't take a step back and examine the costs of such a narrow pursuit. I'm not one to dash anyone's dreams of glory or striving for excellence, but the reality is she is extremely talented and polished, but so are hundreds of other budding gymnasts here and around the world. Nothing would tickle me more than seeing her in the Olympics, but a more realistic assessment would be for her to compete for state H.S. all-around, and then get a load of the competition for an invite to the Olympic trials. BTW, her folks are supportive but not pushy, encouraging without being full of unrealistic expectations, and devoted to their other two children as well. Guess that is something that can only be taught to those willing to learn, but it never hurts to try to help others.

Exactly the lines I was thinking. I think some parents heads are in the clouds these days. I never played a day of select ball and certainly never played 100 or more games a year at 9yrs old, like I see all the time these days. Burn out is a major problem these days with youth sports.

The Downloads are something I would deffinetly like to have available.

[hiddengem]

what section am i gonna be sitting in? :rolleyes:
Section 1 seat 1;)

[west coast orange and black]

:laugh :laugh :laugh

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

One problem, though, is that this thread works in part because it has been ('til your post let the cat out of the bag) semi-anonymous
IDK man, I (and a lot of other people here) knew who he was back before last spring training. And People often reffered to him by his name in this thread. Only a few months ago have I noticed people going back to calling him Hiddengem and not by his name.

[RuthMayBond]

what section am i gonna be sitting in? :rolleyes:Behind Bob Uecker :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh

[RBi]

HG..


Contact me, I can host the site and I have a few ideas on how it could be done..


:) I have access to everything we would need, as I own multiple websites currently and would LOVE to help get yours going as well.

[Ursa Major]

IDK man, I (and a lot of other people here) knew who he was back before last spring training. And People often reffered to him by his name in this thread. Only a few months ago have I noticed people going back to calling him Hiddengem and not by his name.I know. I was makin' de yoke, mon... It was the worst kept secret since Rock Hudson's sexual orientation . . .

[hiddengem]

I know. I was makin' de yoke, mon... It was the worst kept secret since Rock Hudson's sexual orientation . . .

What?..I thought nobody knew;)

[Ursa Major]

Well, I found out when you started pimping your baseball academy/camps in Texas. All you had to do was to go to the web site, and they had your picture splashed all over the site.

Anyway, I just Emailed you to let you know that Setpro's hitting and pitching forums have all gone pay-per-view. I think that opens up the field a little for a newcomer with public forums.

[hiddengem]

Anyway, I just Emailed you to let you know that Setpro's hitting and pitching forums have all gone pay-per-view. I think that opens up the field a little for a newcomer with public forums.


"Start Spreadin the News":) :) :gt

[west coast orange and black]

although your "offseason fun" pic looks like, well, fun, you're gonna get fat and lazy! :laugh

what is your offseason workout regimen like, h-g?
how much time do you take off and do nothing baseball-related once your season ends?

[hiddengem]

although your "offseason fun" pic looks like, well, fun, you're gonna get fat and lazy! :laugh

what is your offseason workout regimen like, h-g?
how much time do you take off and do nothing baseball-related once your season ends?

Have you ever tried to ride a "Standup" jetski? One of the more difficult, challenging and strenuous activites I've done.

I don't do much serious baseball related activity until after the new year. Before that I do all my strength, running and power training. I'll start doing that a few weeks after the season ends.

[pgibbons]

HG, love your website idea, I think you should do it. Just be careful what you write in your blog, nobody wants to see you get dooced (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dooce) from your "day job" :)

[hiddengem]

HG, love your website idea, I think you should do it. Just be careful what you write in your blog, nobody wants to see you get dooced (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dooce) from your "day job" :)

Yea..that's deffinetly not the goal of this.

[DownUnderDodger]

When I see this kind of stuff, I'm truely embarrased for the parents. The problem is that most of these parents were never good enough to play at a high-level so they want to live that life through their kids. My dad was an outstanding role model, not only to me but every kid and parent he ever came in contact with. I'm a better person, husband and father because of him and it tears me up to see a kid not being brought up the same way as I.
You are spot on here HG. I have found too that mothers are particularly bad - especially if you chastise their little darlings for making a mistake. It sadly happens in all sports. I coached junior rugby many years ago and the parents were a total pain. One guy came to training with his son and started telling me how to coach the kids. I called the team together, and told them that I had to go and Mr.........would be their coach this week. Despite his protests I simply walked away and went home. I was sick of this guy. It worked though, he never came to training again!

Re your website I won't be using the instructional videos, but will certainly visit your site!!

[hiddengem]

Re your website I won't be using the instructional videos, but will certainly visit your site!!

Mom's are very bad in Little league, and Fathers are very bad in softball. I've stopped lessons many times and asked parents why they are paying me to coach their kid. The kid takes a swing and turns to the parent because he knows something is going to be said.


If you don't use the instructional videos will you participate in the public forum?

[DownUnderDodger]

If you don't use the instructional videos will you participate in the public forum?
Whenever I get the opportunity HG

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

This question came to my mind. When you think it is none of my business you have to say that.

Normally you reside in Orange county. But since you are in Round Rock and no longer a member of the Angels' organisation, I wonder how you are living there; in a hotel or a rental house?

[west coast orange and black]

jamey wright just signed a minor league contract with the giants, h-g.

his best pitch is a curve, but he also throws what he calls a "west coast curveball", so-named because it seems to break better in the california ballyards.

any thoughts on this?

[west coast orange and black]

you are very familiar with frankie rodgriguez and the angels.
rodriguez earned $440K last season but just signed a one-year $3.775M agreement for 2006.

i can understand the huge increase in pay - he has been terrific for them and is their closer.
but why for just the one year?
how typical is this?

i would think that assurances and commitment would interest both parties.

what length of k is the longest for you?

[hiddengem]

jamey wright just signed a minor league contract with the giants, h-g.

his best pitch is a curve, but he also throws what he calls a "west coast curveball", so-named because it seems to break better in the california ballyards.

any thoughts on this?


Well the ball breaks much better at sea level thats forsure. Pitchers hate pitching in Colorado, or high elevation cities because the ball doesn't move or break as much. Thats my only guess.

[hiddengem]

you are very familiar with frankie rodgriguez and the angels.
rodriguez earned $440K last season but just signed a one-year $3.775M agreement for 2006.

i can understand the huge increase in pay - he has been terrific for them and is their closer.
but why for just the one year?
how typical is this?

i would think that assurances and commitment would interest both parties.

what length of k is the longest for you?

Well, the Astros only locked Lidge up for 1 yr as well. This could be that in both situations the player only wanted a 1 yr deal. They feel confident enough that they will repeat the success that they have had and will earn alot more money in the coming years than to take a multi-year deal past their free agent year, and earn less.

I've also seen situations (lance Berkman, Hank Blalock) where teams lock them up for multi-year deals well into their free agent years. The player has security now for those years, and the teams most likely will get a bargin, unless they flop.

[DownUnderDodger]

HG there was an article in our newspaper (surprise) regarding Aussie Trent Durrington trying his luck at the BoSox. He has had a stint at Anaheim. Have you played with or against him? Have had much involvement with any Aussie players in your years?

[hiddengem]

HG there was an article in our newspaper (surprise) regarding Aussie Trent Durrington trying his luck at the BoSox. He has had a stint at Anaheim. Have you played with or against him? Have had much involvement with any Aussie players in your years?


I know Trent, and have played against him a bunch. He is a quick temperd, fight at the drop of a hat kind of guy. Plays the game very hard and has done well for himself. I've ran into a few other Aussie and New Zealanders along the way.

[Sweet Lou]

One guy came to training with his son and started telling me how to coach the kids. I called the team together, and told them that I had to go and Mr.........would be their coach this week. Despite his protests I simply walked away and went home. I was sick of this guy. It worked though, he never came to training again!

Thumbs up to you! That is just way too cool! I wish I could have been there to see the look on his face. You have a new fan! :D

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

The Padres have to demote a player before signing Piazza!:lookitup

Hiddengem to go down?

[hiddengem]

The Padres have to demote a player before signing Piazza!:lookitup

Hiddengem to go down?

Huh? He was never up.

[hiddengem]

Just wanted to let everybody know that I've recently started a new website. We are still under contruction but will continue to grow. It would be great if you would register and contribute to the forum. Feel free to throw out suggestions for the forum or the site. Thanks

www.HittersHaven.com

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Huh? He was never up.

Sorry, I thought he was.

Website looks good!:clapping

[west coast orange and black]

what does shaving have to do with base- oh, i get it. :waving

[hiddengem]

what does shaving have to do with base- oh, i get it. :waving

I got that from somebody else as well..;)

[west coast orange and black]

how do we follow your season, h-g?
currently, you do not appear on the padre 40-man, the non-roster invitees, nor the aaa affiliate, portland.

[hiddengem]

how do we follow your season, h-g?
currently, you do not appear on the padre 40-man, the non-roster invitees, nor the aaa affiliate, portland.

Organizations won't solidfy their rosters until the season starts and they know where everybody is going. After spring training breaks, they will update them.

[trosmok]

Organizations won't solidfy their rosters until the season starts and they know where everybody is going. After spring training breaks, they will update them.

That makes sense, and the new website looks good, in spite of the under-construction frequency.

Fans always get antsy in these last 12 1/2 days before reporting to camp begins, do you have a routine, ritual, or anything special you like to do in the last couple of weeks of the off-season? Scouting some comfortable housing, making some phone calls and other contacts are likely on the agenda, but do you do anything different baseballwise as the camp opening approaches?

[hiddengem]

That makes sense, and the new website looks good, in spite of the under-construction frequency.

Fans always get antsy in these last 12 1/2 days before reporting to camp begins, do you have a routine, ritual, or anything special you like to do in the last couple of weeks of the off-season? Scouting some comfortable housing, making some phone calls and other contacts are likely on the agenda, but do you do anything different baseballwise as the camp opening approaches?

Yea, I've got my housing all arranged and everything set as far as that goes. Now its just time to "turn it up a notch" Take alot of swings, take more groundballs and just do more baseball stuff in general. Try and get your legs in shape, but there really isn't anything you can do to prepare for the daily grind of spring training. Soreness is inevitable. I see lots of 40 degree ice baths on the horizon:ughh

[AnaheimAngelsFan]

I know I'm a few weeks late, but I just took a peek here and see that hiddengem has landed a spot in the Padres organization. Way to go, Dave. Still on the west coast, whether you're in Portland or San Diego. I'm sure that was important to you.

Keep us up to date on your progress. Would love to take in a game in SD and watch you play again.

Bob

[E.Banks#14]

Hey HG, I just realized that Will Ohman was born the same year as you and he also attended Pepperdine. You might've been asked this here already, but were you two on the same team?

[hiddengem]

I know I'm a few weeks late, but I just took a peek here and see that hiddengem has landed a spot in the Padres organization. Way to go, Dave. Still on the west coast, whether you're in Portland or San Diego. I'm sure that was important to you.

Keep us up to date on your progress. Would love to take in a game in SD and watch you play again.

Bob


Thanks Bob, we're excited about the opportunity.

[hiddengem]

Hey HG, I just realized that Will Ohman was born the same year as you and he also attended Pepperdine. You might've been asked this here already, but were you two on the same team?

We were on the same team in college, and we are great friends. We share the same agent, and they just sealed up a pretty nice deal together.

[west coast orange and black]

if you could sit down and talk baseball or any individual aspect of the game with 3 active players, who would they be, and why? what about any 3 retired/deceased players?

[west coast orange and black]

as a middle infielder, do you sometimes experience communication problems with players who do not speak english as their first language? if yes, how do you guys work it out?
(i ask only because you once said that you do not speak spanish, if recall correctly.)

with 55% of all minor leaguers of latin heritage, does the location of the minor league club affect the team in any way? some areas of the country are more tolerant than others, as you stated when commenting on the possibility of a gay player coming out.

thanx.

[Imapotato]

Hey HG

In MLB 2006 (last years version) the latest roster has you on the Angels...I traded for you in my Padre franchise...and you have no head!!!

I couldn't believe it

[DownUnderDodger]

Just wanted to let everybody know that I've recently started a new website. We are still under contruction but will continue to grow. It would be great if you would register and contribute to the forum. Feel free to throw out suggestions for the forum or the site. Thanks

www.HittersHaven.com
Interesting site hg - couldn't get into the forum today but will keep trying. Have bookmarked the site!

[hiddengem]

as a middle infielder, do you sometimes experience communication problems with players who do not speak english as their first language? if yes, how do you guys work it out?
(i ask only because you once said that you do not speak spanish, if recall correctly.)

Naa, I know enough Spanglish to get by:D If you can't talk to them in any way, you use hand signals to get by.

with 55% of all minor leaguers of latin heritage, does the location of the minor league club affect the team in any way? some areas of the country are more tolerant than others, as you stated when commenting on the possibility of a gay player coming out.

thanx.

I haven't experienced that, but I'm sure the latins feel more comfortable in a city that is home to a large latin community.

[hiddengem]

Hey HG

In MLB 2006 (last years version) the latest roster has you on the Angels...I traded for you in my Padre franchise...and you have no head!!!

I couldn't believe it

What a bummer.

[RBi]

What a bummer.

How does that work for the MLB players, do they have to get a special photo shoot for each game?

Or do you know?

[west coast orange and black]

hg: I'm sure the latins feel more comfortable in a city that is home to a large latin community.

according to 2000 census figures, san diego is 25% hispanic, while portland is less than 9%.
think positive and brush up on your spanish, hombre. :D

[Imapotato]

How does that work for the MLB players, do they have to get a special photo shoot for each game?

Or do you know?

Well this was a glitch, I mean he had NO head...not even a generic one

I think games just photoshop the pics that MLB take...but for lower level guys (no offense HG) they just give them a head that sort of looks like them...so HG would have light hair and facial hair

[Sultan_1895-1948]

[COLOR="Gray"] while portland is less than 9%.


Wow, 9% seems pretty high. We have a couple cities about 10 miles outside of Portland that are probably around 50% hispanic, but actually in Portland, not many at all. Weird.

[hiddengem]

How does that work for the MLB players, do they have to get a special photo shoot for each game?

Or do you know?


I'm not sure..I know you take pictures in Spring Training, maybe they use those.

[hiddengem]

hg: I'm sure the latins feel more comfortable in a city that is home to a large latin community.

according to 2000 census figures, san diego is 25% hispanic, while portland is less than 9%.
think positive and brush up on your spanish, hombre. :D

Well I grew up in N.Orange County, CA, I think its approaching 35+% and I tend to try and make the latins on my team feel comfortable so I try converse with them in Spanish. So I would say I do better than the average Gringo:D

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I have checked both Padres and Beavers websites, but you are not mentioned on any of them yet.

Is that because they are just lazy to adapt their sites, or does that have some reason?

[hiddengem]

I have checked both Padres and Beavers websites, but you are not mentioned on any of them yet.

Is that because they are just lazy to adapt their sites, or does that have some reason?


I believe I mentioned this earlier but they wait until Spring Training breaks to finalize rosters because until then, nobody knows what the rosters are going to be.

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

When are you going to report? Whats the date for the position players to report to Minor League camp, and do you report early or on the date?

[hiddengem]

When are you going to report? Whats the date for the position players to report to Minor League camp, and do you report early or on the date?

I always report early. We aren't due until the 10th of March.

[west coast orange and black]

world baseball classic play starts just prior to that 10th date, h-g.
if you were playing in the classic, would you be ready to go full-tilt on that date?

if not, what would it have taken?
it seems as though it would be kinda rough to be able to play on a date that you would otherwise be reporting for duty.

[hiddengem]

world baseball classic play starts just prior to that 10th date, h-g.
if you were playing in the classic, would you be ready to go full-tilt on that date?

if not, what would it have taken?
it seems as though it would be kinda rough to be able to play on a date that you would otherwise be reporting for duty.

Yea, that would have been tough. My spring training would have started much earlier this year. The first week or so of ST is always rough, being so sore and trying to get the old bones back in shape:D

[west coast orange and black]

whaddaya make of this thread, toughest position to play? (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=39793)

[west coast orange and black]

what date do you think you would have started this spring?
you have access to year-round hitting, what about fielding?
do you think that most players have access to hitting and fielding practice?

[hiddengem]

whaddaya make of this thread, toughest position to play? (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=39793)

Well, Its a good thread with alot of opinions. The fact is, the catching position is the most demanding defensive position on the field.

They are involved with every single pitch of the game, they have the responsiblity of trying to figure out what a hitter is trying to do, and work against that. They have to be able to block pitches, call a good game, throw runners out with a good/accurate arm and be the leader of the field. They take an absolute beating every night and do it day in an day out.

SS in second and CF is third. Those are the 3 leaders on the field, and demand the most defensive skill.

The fact is a good catcher with all of the attributes I talked about will advance to the big leagues rather quickly.

[hiddengem]

what date do you think you would have started this spring?
you have access to year-round hitting, what about fielding?
do you think that most players have access to hitting and fielding practice?


I would have needed at least a couple weeks prior to playing in a game. I hit quite a bit in the offseason, and take ground balls on occasion. But I focus more on getting stronger and having my body in shape for the long grueling season. You get hundreds of ground balls and thousands of swings in camp and it all falls in place within 3 weeks or so.

[tominct]

HG....

Would you then say that becoming a good catcher is sorta like becoming a solid lefty pitcher, in that there just aren't that many? I mean at any level...I coach at the middle school level, and I know that after figuring who is going to get the ball, the very next most important thing is the catcher postion.

Also, are most minor league catchers converted middle infielders, or perhaps college catchers?

Thanks,

Tom

[hiddengem]

HG....

Would you then say that becoming a good catcher is sorta like becoming a solid lefty pitcher, in that there just aren't that many? I mean at any level...I coach at the middle school level, and I know that after figuring who is going to get the ball, the very next most important thing is the catcher postion.

Also, are most minor league catchers converted middle infielders, or perhaps college catchers?

Thanks,

Tom

Yea, thats a good question. Left handed pitchers that can throw 90+ with control are a hot commodity, but I would say if you are a good catcher, that is smart and works well with the staff you can have a great career almost regardless of your bat.

I know of a few catchers that are converted middle infielders, Raul Chavez is one with the Astros. But I think most have been catching for quite a while. Let your catchers learn how to call their own game, they will thank you later when they play at higher levels where they are expected to know how.

[Mattingly]

HG, were you traded to San Diego? Your av says this, and your user text lists "New Home".

[hiddengem]

HG, were you traded to San Diego? Your av says this, and your user text lists "New Home".


Signed with them as a free agent in December.

[tominct]

Here's one HG....

Im applying to Law School, believe it or not, and a little part of me (the part that believes Napolean Hill's Think and Grow Rich) fantasizes about being an agent. Any idea of how one gets their foot in THAT door?

Tom

[hiddengem]

Here's one HG....

Im applying to Law School, believe it or not, and a little part of me (the part that believes Napolean Hill's Think and Grow Rich) fantasizes about being an agent. Any idea of how one gets their foot in THAT door?

Tom

Good question, My agent was a player at one point and since he was IN the business he had many connections before becoming an agent. Its kind of a dirty world if you ask me. Many players tend not to be loyal and are easily "stolen". You don't make much money as an agent until you get a few players in the big leagues making some good money. Most agents don't make a cent off of their players until their 2nd season in the Big Leagues or until they are making over the league minimum. They do get a cut of endorsements like Baseball card deals, shoe deals where actual money is involved, so starting out can be tough if you don't have sufficient funds to back you up for a while.

Hope that helps.

[Imapotato]

Well, Its a good thread with alot of opinions. The fact is, the catching position is the most demanding defensive position on the field.

They are involved with every single pitch of the game, they have the responsiblity of trying to figure out what a hitter is trying to do, and work against that. They have to be able to block pitches, call a good game, throw runners out with a good/accurate arm and be the leader of the field. They take an absolute beating every night and do it day in an day out.

SS in second and CF is third. Those are the 3 leaders on the field, and demand the most defensive skill.

The fact is a good catcher with all of the attributes I talked about will advance to the big leagues rather quickly.

Guhhhh

Make me feel even more guilty for not staying in the minors HG

I was a defensive gem...but more then likely a .sub 250 hitter with little pop

[RuthMayBond]

Well, Its a good thread with alot of opinions. The fact is, the catching position is the most demanding defensive position on the field.

They are involved with every single pitch of the game, they have the responsiblity of trying to figure out what a hitter is trying to do, and work against that. They have to be able to block pitches, call a good game, throw runners out with a good/accurate arm and be the leader of the field. They take an absolute beating every night and do it day in an day out.

SS in second and CF is third. Those are the 3 leaders on the field, and demand the most defensive skill.

The fact is a good catcher with all of the attributes I talked about will advance to the big leagues rather quickly.Dang, well I woulda thought 2B was slightly harder than CF, double plays and all

[KHenry14]

HG, I'm wondering if you could talk about how players use the scouting that the team does on the other teams that you play. Do you like to hear pitcher's tendancies? Or is this one of those things that some do, some don't? And is it different for when you are defense?

Just curious...

KH14

[Ursa Major]

Originally Posted by tominct
Im applying to Law School, believe it or not, and a little part of me (the part that believes Napolean Hill's Think and Grow Rich) fantasizes about being an agent. Any idea of how one gets their foot in THAT door?Tom, if you're thinking about going in through the lawyer route, as contrasted with the ex-player route, you might get in touch with lawyers in that field. Assuming you're in Connecticut, the Bar Association in that state has a Sports and Entertainment Law Section, whose web site is here (http://www1.ctbar.org/sectionsandcommittees/sections/SportsAndEntertainmentLaw.aspx). By contacting some of the members listed there as executive board members, you should be able to find out some of the sports law/agent practitioners with whom you might be able to intern at some point.


Hey, HG, I finally went to the PCL web site and realized how dang big that league is. They've got teams scattered everywhere from Edmonton to Nashville. That's gotta make for some loooooong busrides.

Anyway, I think we need to have a representative from Baseball Fever set up a welcome for you in each ballpark you visit -- you know, the banners that say "M_________'s Minions" or "M_________'s Militia" or something like that. I'll take the Sacramento duty when you get there at the beginning of May. Wouldn't that freak your teammates, who'd wonder what you did to get that kind of following? Of course, when you get back to Round Rock, you'd have to have the mayor come out and give you the Key to the City or something.

Of course, knowing your history, you'll probably get called up to the Padres in late April and blow the whole enterprise. :ughh But, you gotta resist the lure, guy. Be strong! Some things are just bigger than your own ego and the desire to make the major league minimum.

[hiddengem]

HG, I'm wondering if you could talk about how players use the scouting that the team does on the other teams that you play. Do you like to hear pitcher's tendancies? Or is this one of those things that some do, some don't? And is it different for when you are defense?

Just curious...

KH14


Yea at the minor league level the scouting reports are pretty basic. How hard a guy throws, what his pitches are. Walks/K's, stuff like that. Hitters, you can see his walks/K's, sometimes you have a spray chart on them, but not always.

At the Big League level its a completely different story. Pitcher and Catcher have any amount of info you could possibly imagine on every hitter in the opposing teams lineup and the bench. You know what pitches he hits well, what he doesn't, where in the zone he's hot and where he's cold.

We know all the pitchers tendancies, what their "out Pitch" is, what they go to with runners in scoring position. What he has a tendancy to throw in everycount.

We also have a video running all day long of the starting pitcher for that day. You have it all.

All of that, and if you get a hit 3 out of 10 times you go to the Hall.:D

[hiddengem]

Hey, HG, I finally went to the PCL web site and realized how dang big that league is. They've got teams scattered everywhere from Edmonton to Nashville. That's gotta make for some loooooong busrides.
NO NO...We fly everywhere we go. And its not like the Big Leagues where you fly the night before. No, we get up at 3:30 am, fly all morning, get into our hotel, sleep for a few hours and go to the field.

I once had a flight from Edmonton to New Orleans. We woke up at 3:30am and landed in New Orleans at 6:30pm for a 7:05pm game. We went straight from the airport to our locker room, where we strapped it on and hit the field. Gotta love it.


Anyway, I think we need to have a representative from Baseball Fever set up a welcome for you in each ballpark you visit -- you know, the banners that say "M_________'s Minions" or "M_________'s Militia" or something like that. I'll take the Sacramento duty when you get there at the beginning of May. Wouldn't that freak your teammates, who'd wonder what you did to get that kind of following? Of course, when you get back to Round Rock, you'd have to have the mayor come out and give you the Key to the City or something.

That would be pretty cool. Come down and say hello at least.
Mayor...I am the Mayor:D

Of course, knowing your history, you'll probably get called up to the Padres in late April and blow the whole enterprise.

That sounds like a great idea;)

[KHenry14]

Hey HG, I'm wondering if you got a look at the Mariner''s pheenom Felix Hernandez the other day? He struck out the side in the first and everyone is raving about this kid. Just curious what your or the team thought of him.

KH14

[handyman11]

HG , when I saw your name , it sounded familiar , then I figured you must have played in the NY-Penn league with Auburn ...I had season tickets to the Hudson Valley Renegades for years , and remember some of those Astros teams ( Morgan Ensberg , some kid Jason Green who threw heat but never made it ) .... I saw alot of great players who never got far , in the 8 years I went there , and very few folks realize what it takes to get to the Show , or even to AAA .... and how talent is'nt always the deciding factor , as talented players sometimes get off track along the way.....

I played D1 for 4 years , against some good players who you would'nt think would have made it as big they did ( John Franco , Ron Davis ) , and some who had it all , and just never put it together .....I would have given anything to get to the levels that you are at , so keep the dream alive !

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

HG , when I saw your name , it sounded familiar , then I figured you must have played in the NY-Penn league with Auburn ...I had season tickets to the Hudson Valley Renegades for years , and remember some of those Astros teams ( Morgan Ensberg , some kid Jason Green who threw heat but never made it ) .... I saw alot of great players who never got far , in the 8 years I went there , and very few folks realize what it takes to get to the Show , or even to AAA .... and how talent is'nt always the deciding factor , as talented players sometimes get off track along the way.....

I played D1 for 4 years , against some good players who you would'nt think would have made it as big they did ( John Franco , Ron Davis ) , and some who had it all , and just never put it together .....I would have given anything to get to the levels that you are at , so keep the dream alive !
You live in the Hudson Valley area? cool. So do I. Most of my family lives out there in Dutchess, the rest stayed in the Bronx :D

irrelevent lol, but I thought it was interesting.

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

You live in the Hudson Valley area? cool. So do I. Most of my family lives out there in Dutchess, the rest stayed in the Bronx :D

irrelevent lol, but I thought it was interesting.
So have you reported yet D?

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

oh, and the guys at 989 SPorts must not have gotten the notice, as I just bougth MLB 06 the other day, and noticed they still had you on the Angels (which was surprising, as they were pretty good with most of the roster updates).

Good luck with the spring.

[handyman11]

[B]Originally Posted by BasEbaLlKnoItAll
You live in the Hudson Valley area? cool. So do I. Most of my family lives out there in Dutchess, the rest stayed in the Bronx

irrelevent lol, but I thought it was interesting

Yeah , been here in Fishkill for 40 years , came up from Queens before everyone else did ... saw some great players some through the Renegades stadium over the years ( Vernon Wells , Mike Young , Jorge Cantu ) and some great talents that never got to the level they should have ( Josh Hamilton ,and the 10 million dollar man , Matt White , to name two ! ) ...

[KHenry14]

HG, I thought of something else that you might be able to give perspective to. Alphonso Soriano has told the Nationals that they have until he gets back from the WBC to find a way to have him start at 2B or else he wont play...this despite the fact that the Nats have an all-star at 2B already. This is the type of me first attitude that the fans hate, but I'm wondering how players feel when teammates act like that? As you know, us fans look at things differently than I player might, but I'm wondering if this is a case that we might be viewing it the same?

KH14

[hiddengem]

Hey HG, I'm wondering if you got a look at the Mariner''s pheenom Felix Hernandez the other day? He struck out the side in the first and everyone is raving about this kid. Just curious what your or the team thought of him.

KH14

He's ok.. I'm 2-3 off him.:D No really, he's a very good pitcher, obviously and he's has a nice career ahead of him.

[hiddengem]

HG , when I saw your name , it sounded familiar , then I figured you must have played in the NY-Penn league with Auburn ...I had season tickets to the Hudson Valley Renegades for years , and remember some of those Astros teams ( Morgan Ensberg , some kid Jason Green who threw heat but never made it ) .... I saw alot of great players who never got far , in the 8 years I went there , and very few folks realize what it takes to get to the Show , or even to AAA .... and how talent is'nt always the deciding factor , as talented players sometimes get off track along the way.....

I played D1 for 4 years , against some good players who you would'nt think would have made it as big they did ( John Franco , Ron Davis ) , and some who had it all , and just never put it together .....I would have given anything to get to the levels that you are at , so keep the dream alive !

Yea I was there in 98..I was in Hudson Valley on the 4th of July. You guys had a very impressive fireworks display. Ensberg, J. Santana, Keith Ginter, and Roy Oswalt were all on my team that year.

You are right at the professional level, its not always about talent, some guys are overacheivers and bring some other intangeable to their game that moves them up. For others is about being in the right place at the right time and getting "your" shot and producing. There are many great players that never get a shot that probably would have done well. Just the nature of the game.

Thanks for the kind words.

[hiddengem]

So have you reported yet D?

Yea, I'm here.

[hiddengem]

HG, I thought of something else that you might be able to give perspective to. Alphonso Soriano has told the Nationals that they have until he gets back from the WBC to find a way to have him start at 2B or else he wont play...this despite the fact that the Nats have an all-star at 2B already. This is the type of me first attitude that the fans hate, but I'm wondering how players feel when teammates act like that? As you know, us fans look at things differently than I player might, but I'm wondering if this is a case that we might be viewing it the same?

KH14

Actually, you and I might view this completely different. I think Soriano has every right to have this view on the situation.(whether its right or wrong) He is an All-Star caliber 2nd baseman, that plays 2nd base, not the outfield. He hits .280-.300 with 30-40 HR's, he's not some average guy that hasn't done much, whom is being asked to change positions.

I'm wondering why the Nats traded for him in the first place without addresing this issue before hand. If they really think Vidro is their "guy" then shouldn't have gone out and traded for Soriano.

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

[B]Originally Posted by BasEbaLlKnoItAll
You live in the Hudson Valley area? cool. So do I. Most of my family lives out there in Dutchess, the rest stayed in the Bronx

irrelevent lol, but I thought it was interesting

Yeah , been here in Fishkill for 40 years , came up from Queens before everyone else did ... saw some great players some through the Renegades stadium over the years ( Vernon Wells , Mike Young , Jorge Cantu ) and some great talents that never got to the level they should have ( Josh Hamilton ,and the 10 million dollar man , Matt White , to name two ! ) ...
yea, it's always fun going to Dutchess Stadium. I dont get out there too often (i'm out by Monticello), but I get out there sometimes. Like when i'm visiting family and whatnot.

He's ok.. I'm 2-3 off him
really? good job! :D lol

I'm wondering why the Nats traded for him in the first place without addresing this issue before hand. If they really think Vidro is their "guy" then shouldn't have gone out and traded for Soriano.
I wonder the exact same thing. They could have just kept Wilkerson (and Sledge for that matter, as well as the pitcher they sent along) and avoided this headache. Not one of Bowden's best moves.

[KHenry14]

Actually, you and I might view this completely different. I think Soriano has every right to have this view on the situation.(whether its right or wrong) He is an All-Star caliber 2nd baseman, that plays 2nd base, not the outfield. He hits .280-.300 with 30-40 HR's, he's not some average guy that hasn't done much, whom is being asked to change positions.

I'm wondering why the Nats traded for him in the first place without addresing this issue before hand. If they really think Vidro is their "guy" then shouldn't have gone out and traded for Soriano.

That's why I asked HG. Frankly, this is probably a good example of why you help us so much here, as us fans view things so differently from the players that it's good for us to know the other side.

Back on point, it doesn't make much sense for the Nats to get him unless they had some assurance from Soriano or his agent that he'd play in the OF. If they did, they the Nats have a right to be mad. If they didn't, then the Nats mgmt judgement comes into question.

KH14

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Actually, you and I might view this completely different. I think Soriano has every right to have this view on the situation.(whether its right or wrong) He is an All-Star caliber 2nd baseman, that plays 2nd base, not the outfield. He hits .280-.300 with 30-40 HR's, he's not some average guy that hasn't done much, whom is being asked to change positions.

I'm wondering why the Nats traded for him in the first place without addresing this issue before hand. If they really think Vidro is their "guy" then shouldn't have gone out and traded for Soriano.

I agree HG. It speaks of the Nats inferior management. Hard to believe they'd just blindly sign an All-Star caliber second baseman without covering all the bases. On the other hand, if Soriano did agree at first, and then changed his mind, it's on him.

edit: just read your post Henry, well put.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

He's ok.. I'm 2-3 off him.:D

Dude, you own him !!! :clapping :D

[Ursa Major]

HG, isn't today (the 10th) the day you go off to Spring Training? If so, best of luck, pal. We're pulling for ya!

[hiddengem]

That's why I asked HG. Frankly, this is probably a good example of why you help us so much here, as us fans view things so differently from the players that it's good for us to know the other side.

You are right, there is alot of misconception among fans, and thats natural.

Back on point, it doesn't make much sense for the Nats to get him unless they had some assurance from Soriano or his agent that he'd play in the OF. If they did, they the Nats have a right to be mad. If they didn't, then the Nats mgmt judgement comes into question.

As far as I know, Soriano never told anybody he would play anywhere but 2nd base. I think this might be a hole the Nats need to find a way out of.

[hiddengem]

On the other hand, if Soriano did agree at first, and then changed his mind, it's on him.


I agree 100%

[hiddengem]

Dude, you own him !!! :clapping :D

You know...you've played. Some guys you just see better than others. The times I've faced him I didn't feel overmatched in the slightest.

Then there are guys that throw 86mph and you couldn't hit it if they walked up and put it on a T for you.:mad:

[hiddengem]

HG, isn't today (the 10th) the day you go off to Spring Training? If so, best of luck, pal. We're pulling for ya!

Yea, I reported 3 days early, so I've been here working out. We have physicals tommorow and then workouts start on Sunday. Looking forward to getting this show on the road.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

You know...you've played. Some guys you just see better than others. The times I've faced him I didn't feel overmatched in the slightest.

Then there are guys that throw 86mph and you couldn't hit it if they walked up and put it on a T for you.:mad:

lol, exactly. Was there something specific in his delivery that allowed you to pick up the ball earlier than normal, or did both those hits come on 2-0 fastballs? :cool:

[hiddengem]

lol, exactly. Was there something specific in his delivery that allowed you to pick up the ball earlier than normal, or did both those hits come on 2-0 fastballs? :cool:

Actually I hit 0-2 hangers for HR's:D No..one time I hit a 1-1 curveball through the 4 hole for a single and the other was a 1-0 fastball that I hit to left.

[west coast orange and black]

ok, hg, what's the chatter that you've been hearing about the sports illustrated excerpts from the dark shadows bonds book due out next month?

[hiddengem]

ok, hg, what's the chatter that you've been hearing about the sports illustrated excerpts from the dark shadows bonds book due out next month?

That Barry Bonds may have taken Steroids...I was so shocked when I heard about it, I could hardly believe it:D

[west coast orange and black]

ok, i understand your "no comment".

[hiddengem]

ok, i understand your "no comment".


The chatter I've been hearing is that we all wish that all these guys accused of doing this stuff would have just come out and said they "messed up" The American pulic is very forgiving, but not if they are lied too. Palmeiro was snuffed out as a liar, and this book might do it to Barry as well. This is the chatter I've been hearing.

If Rose would have just come out right away and said that he had an addiction and he screwed up bad, I think he would have been in the hall of fame a long time ago. Now he sits, because he lied.

[west coast orange and black]

ok.

has any of the chatter come from someone who is strongly suspected of using or is known to have used and he is just smokescreening?

what is the clubhouse effect on guys known by fellow players to have used?
are those guys still teammates first? guys you would go to the wall for because you play alongside them?

it seems a bit messy.

[hiddengem]

ok.

has any of the chatter come from someone who is strongly suspected of using or is known to have used and he is just smokescreening?

Actually this talk I had was with a coach..an old fart.


what is the clubhouse effect on guys known by fellow players to have used?
are those guys still teammates first? guys you would go to the wall for because you play alongside them?

it seems a bit messy.

It was their choice. I made mine and now we move on. They are doing what they think they need to do to provide for their family. This business is about producing, and if you don't produce you are GONE. Coaches and Mgt don't give a rats a-- how you do it, they just want you to do it.

If you choose not to do, and you are not a big guy with power, then you need to find another way to make yourself valuable.

[west coast orange and black]

like, playing several positions adeptly? :D

[Williamsburg2599]

What do you think about the Big-foot like "gyro-ball"? does it exist?have you seen it?have you heard the rumors from team mates?

[hiddengem]

What do you think about the Big-foot like "gyro-ball"? does it exist?have you seen it?have you heard the rumors from team mates?

Haven't heard anything about it.

[hiddengem]

like, playing several positions adeptly? :D

There ya go.

[west coast orange and black]

shifting gears: please speak to what it has been like for you away from your wife, very small child, and dog.

[west coast orange and black]

also, has your impression of baseball fans changed from before you started reading bb-f and exchanging with bb-f members?

[hiddengem]

shifting gears: please speak to what it has been like for you away from your wife, very small child, and dog.

It sucks. I miss them alot. They are flying over to see me this coming week.

[hiddengem]

also, has your impression of baseball fans changed from before you started reading bb-f and exchanging with bb-f members?


Not really. I feel like I've provided a decent insight into things the normal fan would never have the opportunity to know. That being said, without somebody like me telling them, there is really no way they could possibly understand how the game "really is".

I can understand alot of the comments I hear around here, because most of the time they are speaking on pure speculation and what they see from sitting in their chair at home watching TV or sitting in a box seat in the stadium. Its all they have to go on.

Its kinda like me having an understanding of the life of a president. Just not possible unless I have somebody sitting there telling me how it is.

[west coast orange and black]

thanx on #718-9.

when taking infield, do you constantly have to remind yourself of the "button drill", or is it already permanently etched into your brain?

what are some of the things that you must constantly remind yourself of while taking infield?
when stepping into the box?

[Sultan_1895-1948]

HG,

I kinda brought this up on another thread, but I wanted to get your take on it. I've talked to people about how atmosphere can affect a player. Many of them are of the opinion that if a guy is good, then he is good, and it will show no matter what. While I agree with this to a degree, I think there's an impact of playing in a certain environment. Such as, the magnitude of a big game, or drawing a capacity crowd every game like the Yanks do. There's a buzz, an excitement.

Not sure what type of number to put on it, but as a player who's played in front of some decent size crowds, I felt more focused, and the added pressure helped me to perform better. You've played in front of much larger crowds than I have, but have probably also experienced the Tampa Bay Devil Rays "situation" of being able to hear a conversation in the crowd. Can you give your thoughts on the minor benefits of playing in front of huge crowds, in big games etc., as opposed to a dull atmosphere? Thanks.

[hiddengem]

thanx on #718-9.

when taking infield, do you constantly have to remind yourself of the "button drill", or is it already permanently etched into your brain?

what are some of the things that you must constantly remind yourself of while taking infield?
when stepping into the box?


I don't really think about anything other than getting myself into a good position in order to catch the ball and make the play.

On deck I visualize quite a bit. Try and create in my mind what I want to happen so that when I get in the box I feel like I've already been in the situation and I know whats going to happen.

[hiddengem]

HG,

I kinda brought this up on another thread, but I wanted to get your take on it. I've talked to people about how atmosphere can affect a player. Many of them are of the opinion that if a guy is good, then he is good, and it will show no matter what. While I agree with this to a degree, I think there's an impact of playing in a certain environment. Such as, the magnitude of a big game, or drawing a capacity crowd every game like the Yanks do. There's a buzz, an excitement.

Not sure what type of number to put on it, but as a player who's played in front of some decent size crowds, I felt more focused, and the added pressure helped me to perform better. You've played in front of much larger crowds than I have, but have probably also experienced the Tampa Bay Devil Rays "situation" of being able to hear a conversation in the crowd. Can you give your thoughts on the minor benefits of playing in front of huge crowds, in big games etc., as opposed to a dull atmosphere? Thanks.

Well a big crowd most certainly raises your level of play. There is always first inning jitters, but once you get that first ground ball or that first base hit everything calms down. But playing at the higher levels in front of big crowds in big situations is often times tough on the ole ticker. You really need to be strong mentally and able to calm yourself down through breathing and visualizing or the situation can be overwhelming at times.

I don't think the average person understands this..maybe I'm wrong but I don't think so. This game is so easy to play from the living room chair or the bleachers but getting on that field is a whole different story.

[west coast orange and black]

hg: On deck I visualize quite a bit. Try and create in my mind what I want to happen so that when I get in the box I feel like I've already been in the situation and I know whats going to happen.

visualization, yes. this has been explained to me by a giants player.
how did you come about to rely on the method that you presently use?
book? classes? therapist? trainer?

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Well a big crowd most certainly raises your level of play. There is always first inning jitters, but once you get that first ground ball or that first base hit everything calms down. But playing at the higher levels in front of big crowds in big situations is often times tough on the ole ticker. You really need to be strong mentally and able to calm yourself down through breathing and visualizing or the situation can be overwhelming at times.

I don't think the average person understands this..maybe I'm wrong but I don't think so. This game is so easy to play from the living room chair or the bleachers but getting on that field is a whole different story.

I agree. It's why a winning atmosphere breeds more winning. Just like how it's much harder for the Devil Rays to climb out from where they are because losing breeds losing in the sense that the atmosphere impacts their play. Sure, players will still go out and perform, but they don't get to experience the raised levels of focus, enthusiasm, energy that a Yankee player might enjoy. I've heard Yankee players who describe how different things were when they became Yankees. That their level of play could do nothing but increase because they were now part of something contagioius. It can't be fully explained, or be visible through stats, but it exists. Thanks for your response.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]

how did you come about to rely on the method that you presently use?
book? classes? therapist? trainer?

Can't speak for him obviously, but it usually comes from trial and error. From knowing yourself as a player, and knowing what cues help you achieve the best success. Something as simple as watching the opposing pitcher in the bullpen can give you a big head start.

[hiddengem]

hg: On deck I visualize quite a bit. Try and create in my mind what I want to happen so that when I get in the box I feel like I've already been in the situation and I know whats going to happen.

visualization, yes. this has been explained to me by a giants player.
how did you come about to rely on the method that you presently use?
book? classes? therapist? trainer?

Actually a book called "Heads up Baseball" by Ken Ravizza. I had a tough yr a few years back and I knew I was mentally weak, and I had heard alot about this guy and this book. Its basis among other things, is concentrating on the things in the game that you can control, not the things you can't.

[hiddengem]

Can't speak for him obviously, but it usually comes from trial and error. From knowing yourself as a player, and knowing what cues help you achieve the best success. Something as simple as watching the opposing pitcher in the bullpen can give you a big head start.


I do this..but I'm always making sure I'm in control of myself and my thoughts. This game at a high level has a way of feeling like its moving at 100mph if you are out of control.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

For sure, I can only imagine. You want to keep things as simple as possible, relying on your natural talent to be able to just react and perform. Never good to outthink your own abilities.

Hey on a side note HG, what are your thoughts on the movie Bull Durham and how realistic it is for minor league life. I only thought of it from when Crash is up at the plate thinking about Annie, you know, "Annie, who's this Annie broad, get her out of your head!"

[TonyK]

hg: When a new pitcher confuses you with the first two pitches how do you regroup? Let's say their motion is different and it's giving you problems.

[hiddengem]

For sure, I can only imagine. You want to keep things as simple as possible, relying on your natural talent to be able to just react and perform. Never good to outthink your own abilities.

Hey on a side note HG, what are your thoughts on the movie Bull Durham and how realistic it is for minor league life. I only thought of it from when Crash is up at the plate thinking about Annie, you know, "Annie, who's this Annie broad, get her out of your head!"


That is one of the best movies of all time. Everything in that movie is realistic. But that is a rendition of life on a low A ball team. The conditions are much much better at the higher levels.

[hiddengem]

hg: When a new pitcher confuses you with the first two pitches how do you regroup? Let's say their motion is different and it's giving you problems.

Well, I usually call time out, go down and get myself a couple fresh pieces of bubble gum a new bat and get back to work;)

Na, I usually just try and take a couple of deep breathes, replay his motion in my head a few times and try to relax. Then after that I just battle, try and make some sort of contact hoping something will fall in.

[TonyK]

As a fan I notice players doing that sometimes with their head down like they are thinking about what just happened. One of the best things about baseball is to watch a batter like you battle a pitcher. Sometimes you are successful and other times you are not.

[hiddengem]

Sometimes you are successful and other times you are not.

Uhh, you mean most of the time we are not?

[Sultan_1895-1948]

HG,

Not sure if you've mentioned this before; are you a guess hitter, reactionary hitter, or a zone/reactionary hitter?

[hiddengem]

HG,

Not sure if you've mentioned this before; are you a guess hitter, reactionary hitter, or a zone/reactionary hitter?

Umm, I get hunches every once in a while. But I'll look for a certain pitch early in the count, and then react with 2 stikes. I try to look for what I'm going to get not what I want to hit.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Umm, I get hunches every once in a while. But I'll look for a certain pitch early in the count, and then react with 2 stikes. I try to look for what I'm going to get not what I want to hit.

Interesting. So basically you're a selective reactionary hitter, who thinks along with the pitcher and count, but when you get to strikes on you, survival mode kicks in. Got it.

How would you go about facing a pitcher like Maddux? Sorta like a lefty? Before he has 2 strikes on you, would you basically give him the inside half, and bank on going the other way with his 2 seamer/changeup? Just tip your cap if he comes inside, but expect away and react inside rather than the other way around? Any thoughts?

[Blowfly]

HG what is your opinion of the Padre staff so far? How do they compare to other staffs that you have encountered? Do they instill a good feeling among the troops? How about the players, good moral, attitude towards the cause? Thanks and good luck I hope to see you at Petco this year.

[trosmok]

It sucks. I miss them alot. They are flying over to see me this coming week.

Too often fans lose sight of the real human side of the fellows on the field, that there is a whole lot more than just playing ball for a living involved in the game. Nice to know the family will be visiting, it must be nice for them to be able to make the trip to see the loved one who is on the road for half a year or more. Stay healthy and happy this St. Patrick's, and we wish you the best for the remainder of spring training.

[hiddengem]

How would you go about facing a pitcher like Maddux? Sorta like a lefty? Before he has 2 strikes on you, would you basically give him the inside half, and bank on going the other way with his 2 seamer/changeup? Just tip your cap if he comes inside, but expect away and react inside rather than the other way around? Any thoughts?

I've actually faced Maddux twice. I deffinetly looked out over the plate. I throws a sinker,cutter and a changeup. I gave him the inner half, yes.

He walked me the first time up, and hit a rocket to Nomar at short the second time up.

[hiddengem]

HG what is your opinion of the Padre staff so far? How do they compare to other staffs that you have encountered? Do they instill a good feeling among the troops? How about the players, good moral, attitude towards the cause? Thanks and good luck I hope to see you at Petco this year.

We have a great group of guys over here. Very unselfish clubhouse and alot of hardworkers. I haven't seen all the pitchers, but from what I've seen they look good.

[hiddengem]

Too often fans lose sight of the real human side of the fellows on the field, that there is a whole lot more than just playing ball for a living involved in the game. Nice to know the family will be visiting, it must be nice for them to be able to make the trip to see the loved one who is on the road for half a year or more. Stay healthy and happy this St. Patrick's, and we wish you the best for the remainder of spring training.

Yea, unfortunately most fans don't look at it this way. We are often times superhuman in their eyes, and they forget we are regular people just like them.

Thanks, Take care

[trosmok]

I've actually faced Maddux twice....
He walked me the first time up, and hit a rocket to Nomar at short the second time up.

Whoa nellie! Do you know how few players draw a walk from Maddux that isn't intentional? The first time they faced him? I don't know either, but I'd wager it's very very few.

I know you may not want to get into it, but don't they split camp up around now and start playing minor league games with many of the young prospects?

[west coast orange and black]

what is it like when receiving an intentional walk?
do you get kinda ticked because the bat is taken out of your hands?
do you figure "hey, my obp went up a bit"?
do you rub it in against the pitcher a little extra when you score on a following play?

[hiddengem]

Whoa nellie! Do you know how few players draw a walk from Maddux that isn't intentional? The first time they faced him? I don't know either, but I'd wager it's very very few.

Well, I felt like I saw the ball pretty good, and spat on some pretty border line pitches. I felt pretty good about it:D

I know you may not want to get into it, but don't they split camp up around now and start playing minor league games with many of the young prospects?

I'm not sure I follow your question. But if you are asking if minor league games have started yet, yes they have. I think we have about 9 or 10 games left until we break camp.

[hiddengem]

what is it like when receiving an intentional walk?
do you get kinda ticked because the bat is taken out of your hands?
do you figure "hey, my obp went up a bit"?
do you rub it in against the pitcher a little extra when you score on a following play?

Naa..just part of the game. They are trying to set up a double play most of the time, or there is a base open and a weak hitter on deck. Just strategy. With Bonds is a different story..they are just plain scared of him.

[west coast orange and black]

:laugh

give us a few others whom managers are scared of, h-g.

what can you share about a pitcher on your team not wanting to four-finger a guy when the skipper says to? as an infielder, you got a front row seat to all the stuff said to oneself.

[west coast orange and black]

on a more serious note, will you please address the action of being drug tested?

is notification made verbally? written? by whom?
how much lead time do you get?
where does the testing take place?
how private is the appointment?
how private is it for you when giving your sample? are you accompanied by anyone? is someone physically present when you are giving your sample?
what precautions are made to prevent players from sneaking in samples such as catheters or vials?

[trosmok]

I'm not sure I follow your question. But if you are asking if minor league games have started yet, yes they have. I think we have about 9 or 10 games left until we break camp.

What I meant, and I wasn't at all clear, was what do the players know when they are assigned to minor league camp, as opposed to outright optioned to the AAA team, or still with the big club until the dreaded cuts are made? Does one designation give you any better feel for where you might stand on opening day? Or is it more wait until the manager calls you in?

[Sweet Lou]

Hey Hiddengem, just a reminder.....

















































we all appreciate you taking time to share with us, and we sure don't take it for granted, so Thanks!

Lou






:)


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