hiddengem's Regular Season Thread

[Ursa Major]

Originally Posted by hiddengem
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.
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/sp_bonds8.jpg
"Daddy, it's okay if they don't pitch to you. But I sure wish they'd pitch to HiddenGem!!"

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Hi HG, I haven't been around much lately. I have read the posts in this thread but I could not find anything about how you are doing at ST.

So: How are you doing at ST? I saw that you are a non roster invitee and that you are not added to the 40 man roster yet.

What do you think about your chances?

I wish you good luck!

[BadKarma]

http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/sp_bonds8.jpg
"Daddy, it's okay if they don't pitch to you. But I sure wish they'd pitch to HiddenGem!!"


OMG, I almost lost my drink there!!! :laugh :laugh :laugh

[hiddengem]

: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.


First off, sorry its taken me so long to get back to you guys. I've had my family in town ove the past 5 days or so.


I don't know that there are very many players that manager are truely scared of like they are Barry. There are players on every team that the manager doesn't want to beat them, so they will pitch around them in tight situations.

I think the only time a pitcher gets pissed about intentionally walking somebody is when they immediately are pulled after doing so. But then again, its usually the pitchers fault for getting in the jam in the first place.

[hiddengem]

on a more serious note, will you please address the action of being drug tested?
is notification made verbally? written? by whom?

The "Drug Testers" will show up to your clubhouse before anybody arrives, set up their table and get everything ready to go. Nobody knows when they are coming, usually:D, and when you get to the park you cannot use the bathroom until you've been watched peeing in a cup.

how much lead time do you get?
Usually none. It happens on rare occasions that a team will get a heads up before going to a certain city that they might get tested there.

where does the testing take place?
In the clubhouse bathroom.

how private is the appointment?

Not private at all, they watch you pee in the cup.

how private is it for you when giving your sample? are you accompanied by anyone?

Not private, the tester is with you.
is someone physically present when you are giving your sample?

Yes

what precautions are made to prevent players from sneaking in samples such as catheters or vials?

They watch everything you do.

[hiddengem]

was what do the players know when they are assigned to minor league camp, as opposed to outright optioned to the AAA team

This is the same thing basically. Being optioned to minor league camp, means that you are a player that is on the roster and you didn't make the team, so they are optioning you to the minor leagues. Being Re-asigned to minor league camp means that you were brought to Major League camp as a non-roster invitee, so you don't burn an option by getting sent back to minor league camp.

If you are Outrighted this means that you were on the roster and now the team is taking you off. You have 3 days to clear waivers. During this time another Major league team can pick you up and put you on their roster. If you clear and it was your first time being taken off the roster than you will be re assigned to minor league camp. If it was your second time being take on off the roster and or you are out of options and you clear waivers, you can delcare free agency and go to another club if you wish.

Bobby Hill is in this situation with us right now. He was taken off the roster, cleared waivers I believe, and is now negotiating his minor league contract with other teams.

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?

Not really, they usually tell you when you get sent down where you will be going.

[hiddengem]

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


No problem.

[hiddengem]

Hi HG, I haven't been around much lately. I have read the posts in this thread but I could not find anything about how you are doing at ST.

So: How are you doing at ST? I saw that you are a non roster invitee and that you are not added to the 40 man roster yet.

What do you think about your chances?

I wish you good luck!

Things are going well, can complain at all. Just trying to get in shape for the season. So far so good. I wasn't an invitee and won't be getting added the roster anytime soon. I just need to stay healthy and be ready should something happen at the Major League during the season. It appears that I'll be heading up to Portland in about a week, but in this game you never know, just need to wait and see.

[Blowfly]

Hg I saw that you got into a big league game today and drew a walk, not bad. Do any of your team mates know of your activity here? Do you think it would bother any of them? Some people are freaky like that. What is the deal with Ricky Gutierrez? Is going to Portland? Does this affect you at all? Thanks and keep it up.

[hiddengem]

Hg I saw that you got into a big league game today and drew a walk, not bad. Do any of your team mates know of your activity here? Do you think it would bother any of them? Some people are freaky like that. What is the deal with Ricky Gutierrez? Is going to Portland? Does this affect you at all? Thanks and keep it up.

Yea, we have a new Regime in San Diego this year. They are very much into the "money ball" type of play. They've done alot of research and the best hitters in the game see more pitches and draw more walks than the others. My boss was at the game and saw the AB..I should get my "Star" for the day:D

A few guys know I come here, they don't care. I spoke with Ricky today. He was at home just about to retire, and they called him because Manny Alexander is having Visa problems and they wanted a veteran to be ready to fill in for Green should he get hurt. He is going to Portland to play SS.

Does it affect me?..possibly I guess, but Alexander was going to do the same thing. If he wasn't hear I'd probably see alot of time at SS, since he's here I'll either play alot of 2nd or move around. I'm not too worried about it. He's older and could break down, I just need to be ready. If they resign Bobby Hill, then I don't know what will happen. Probably be a utility guy in AAA, but you never know.

[AnaheimAngelsFan]

Hi again, Dave. Would love to hear your comments after your game versus the Angels next week.

Pulling for you this season, too!

Bob

[RuthMayBond]

I spoke with Ricky today. He was at home just about to retire, and they called him because Manny Alexander is having Visa problems and they wanted a veteran to be ready to fill in for Green should he get hurt. He is going to Portland to play SS.

Does it affect me?..possibly I guess, but Alexander was going to do the same thing.Manny's still hanging on? You're a much better player than he

[hiddengem]

Hi again, Dave. Would love to hear your comments after your game versus the Angels next week.

Pulling for you this season, too!

Bob


I already talked to all the guys. What an oustanding bunch they have over there. Each and everyone of the coaches and many players made time to come over and talk to me and really made me feel like I was a part of them. Nothing but first class on that team.

[hiddengem]

Manny's still hanging on? You're a much better player than he

Yea, he's hanging around...but is stuck in the Domincan over some visa problems and I believe the Padres went with Ricky instead.

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

Bobby Hill is in this situation with us right now. He was taken off the roster, cleared waivers I believe, and is now negotiating his minor league contract with other teams.
He could have just op'd to go to stay in the organization and go to the minors rather than hitting the market, right? Or do you HAVE to become a free agent after being outrighted?

[hiddengem]

He could have just op'd to go to stay in the organization and go to the minors rather than hitting the market, right? Or do you HAVE to become a free agent after being outrighted?

Well, I was in the situation last year. I was outrighted, clear waivers and after I cleared I talked to my GM. He said I had 24 hrs to decide if I wanted to accept my assignment to the minor leagues or declare free agency. If I were to have declared free agency I would have have needed to be pretty darn sure I could find a job and make more or the same amount of money as I would have made if I accepted the assignment back to the minors.

I decided to accept my assingment, keep the good insurance I was on and be secure with my job.

In Bobby's position, he probably wants to see if any other teams need him in the big leagues before he signs back with San Diego.

[ESPNFan]

Well, I was in the situation last year. I was outrighted, clear waivers and after I cleared I talked to my GM. He said I had 24 hrs to decide if I wanted to accept my assignment to the minor leagues or declare free agency. If I were to have declared free agency I would have have needed to be pretty darn sure I could find a job and make more or the same amount of money as I would have made if I accepted the assignment back to the minors.

I decided to accept my assingment, keep the good insurance I was on and be secure with my job.

In Bobby's position, he probably wants to see if any other teams need him in the big leagues before he signs back with San Diego.

Quick Question: when your deciding what your going to do going into a season what types of decisions dictate where you end up playing (organizationaly)? Are there positional or personal prefrences that come into play?

[hiddengem]

Quick Question: when your deciding what your going to do going into a season what types of decisions dictate where you end up playing (organizationaly)? Are there positional or personal prefrences that come into play?

Absolutely. I look at everything when targeting an organization I'd like to play for. Sometimes you don't have an option, you just take what you can get. With me this year, I knew it would be a long shot to play in San Diego at least to start with, so you look a where their affiliates are at. Portland, Or is my favorite city in the PCL and there park is great. We have family up there, the summer weather is great, and the organization was thin in the infield.

What I bring to the game( Onbase%, defense and dicipline) fits into San Diego's philosophy so it seems like a great fit. So far so good.

[tadlock11]

Onbase%, defense and dicipline

I notice you didn't mention hitting! If hitting were a strongpoint that a team was interested in, yet it meant playing OF, would you do it? (Soriano on my mind).

[hiddengem]

I notice you didn't mention hitting! If hitting were a strongpoint that a team was interested in, yet it meant playing OF, would you do it? (Soriano on my mind).

Well hitting as a whole is important. But certain aspects of hitting are more important from org to org. This organization really doesn't care much about batting average. They want production and getting on base however its done leads to production.

I'm not even close to the stature of Soriano, but if the only option I had was to play for a team that wanted me in the OF, I'd do it.

[hiddengem]

Shot from Spring Training. This should be a fun yr. I look foward to bringing my son into the clubhouse and on to the field.

http://img9.picsplace.to/img9/8/ST06.jpg (http://picsplace.to/)

[ESPNFan]

LOL great pic, the little guy looks ready to bat cleanup.

[Ursa Major]

HG, looks like we ought to have a caption contest with that picture -- love the youngster's face. I'd nominate:

"Daddy, I don't care what Steve E. said about overloaded swing twaining -- if you swing me around like that again I'm gonna fwow up!"

[hiddengem]

HG, looks like we ought to have a caption contest with that picture -- love the youngster's face. I'd nominate:

"Daddy, I don't care what Steve E. said about overloaded swing twaining -- if you swing me around like that again I'm gonna fwow up!"

He was pointing and saying "Baa" (Ball). Starting him early:D

[RuthMayBond]

Dave, now I'm rooting for you even more. I just got my Padre ticket for July 1st, hope you get the big promotion. If you get it when you're playing in Pittsburgh or Cleveland, I'll come then too

[hiddengem]

Dave, now I'm rooting for you even more. I just got my Padre ticket for July 1st, hope you get the big promotion. If you get it when you're playing in Pittsburgh or Cleveland, I'll come then too

Well, it would be nice. We'll just have to take it a day at a time and see what happens.

[Gamingboy]

Just found out that I'll be in SoCal during mid-to-late August, including a few days in San Diego in which I may be able to see a game. Hope your in the big leagues then Hiddengem.

[hiddengem]

Just found out that I'll be in SoCal during mid-to-late August, including a few days in San Diego in which I may be able to see a game. Hope your in the big leagues then Hiddengem.

cool, hopefully I'll see you.

[Ontarioguy]

Hey HG,

Looking up your name on google, I stumbled upon the name Walter Young. I hadn't realized he would be in Portland this year. He played in Ottawa last season, and I saw about 10 games there. He was by far the fan favourite. Everyone calls him 'Big Walter Young' because he's 6'6 and over 300 pounds.

So what kind of potential do you think this guy has? He actually put up some impressive numbers with the O's last year, although it was only 33 AB's. Can a 300 pound person be an MLB player? From what I read in Ottawa papers, they claim he's actually quite athletic. I never got to find out though, he DH'd too often.

Any info on the guy would be much appreciated.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Dave, what's up brotha. Good luck tonight, hope all goes well. I heard we sold out PGE in a couple of hours. Not bad for an exhibition game huh. And some think we couldn't support a ML team. Nonsense. Got poker tonight, but I'm definately gonna make it downtown at least a few times this year to watch ya, maybe get some of the fellas out there on a thirsty Thursday or somethin'. Anyway, let us know how it goes. Later.

[Ursa Major]

The Beavers' opening home game (albeit an exhibition, of course) against the Mariners is going on now (7:00 p.m., PST) and HiddenGem is batting second and playing second base for the Beavers. You can hear it streaming at this link:

http://www.warpradio.com/new/player/player.asp?page=popTuner&id=14229&wmpVer=10&br=IE&os=win&country=USA&state=TX&city=Plano&metroCode=623&streamType=&streamRate=&color=

[west coast orange and black]

better chance of making the 25-man, all else being equal:
a second baseman who can really pick it and turn two
or
a second baseman with 25 hr in him?

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Probably depends on what management is looking for :waving Sorry WC..



Hey HG, I caught a little of the game on the radio tonight. Sorry for the rain ;)

Beltre was on first, and Everett blooped a hit down the left field line. Beltre went to third, and the left fielder, (Hill?) threw Everett out at second and you made the play to tag him out. They mentioned something about Beltre struggling to find the bag? What happened on that play. Did he go with a hook slide or what? And why wouldn't the third baseman make the easy play to get Beltre at third? If I remember right, he scored on a single through the hole from the very next hitter. How were your PA's? Break it down!

[hiddengem]

Hey HG,

Looking up your name on google, I stumbled upon the name Walter Young. I hadn't realized he would be in Portland this year. He played in Ottawa last season, and I saw about 10 games there. He was by far the fan favourite. Everyone calls him 'Big Walter Young' because he's 6'6 and over 300 pounds.

So what kind of potential do you think this guy has? He actually put up some impressive numbers with the O's last year, although it was only 33 AB's. Can a 300 pound person be an MLB player? From what I read in Ottawa papers, they claim he's actually quite athletic. I never got to find out though, he DH'd too often.

Any info on the guy would be much appreciated.

Well, I haven't seen to much of him yet. He looks to have some pretty good potential. He's certainly a big fella, thats for sure.

[hiddengem]

Dave, what's up brotha. Good luck tonight, hope all goes well. I heard we sold out PGE in a couple of hours. Not bad for an exhibition game huh. And some think we couldn't support a ML team. Nonsense. Got poker tonight, but I'm definately gonna make it downtown at least a few times this year to watch ya, maybe get some of the fellas out there on a thirsty Thursday or somethin'. Anyway, let us know how it goes. Later.

Yea it was pretty crazy last night. I think 20,000 people showed up or around there. It was a pretty crappy evening though. Very cold and rainy all game. We had an hr rain delay in the 4th and they took all of their starters out. It was fun to get back out there under the lights, it had been about 6 months since I'd done that last. See ya out there, don't razz me too much from the beer garden.;)

[hiddengem]

better chance of making the 25-man, all else being equal:
a second baseman who can really pick it and turn two
or
a second baseman with 25 hr in him?

25 hr, most likely.

[hiddengem]

Probably depends on what management is looking for :waving Sorry WC..



Hey HG, I caught a little of the game on the radio tonight. Sorry for the rain ;)

Beltre was on first, and Everett blooped a hit down the left field line. Beltre went to third, and the left fielder, (Hill?) threw Everett out at second and you made the play to tag him out. They mentioned something about Beltre struggling to find the bag? What happened on that play. Did he go with a hook slide or what? And why wouldn't the third baseman make the easy play to get Beltre at third? If I remember right, he scored on a single through the hole from the very next hitter. How were your PA's? Break it down!

Beltre on first, Everett hit a blooper down the left field line, Beltre had 3rd easy, and our right fielder (cust) made the throw to second. I picked the shorthop and tagged Everett out at second.

I'm not remembering the easy play to get beltre at 3rd for somereason.

PA's. Nothing great..K in the first. I thought the ball was outside and it was confirmed by the catcher when he reached second. Ground out to 3rd in the 3rd. Looking change up, got it and let it get too deep. It was the first time under the lights in about 6 months, so I didn't expect too much. I actually saw the ball pretty well, so it was a good night.

[runningshoes]

Hopefully this guy didn't get hit by the ball :laugh

http://www.ajclay.com/PTC/pictures/259.jpg

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Beltre on first, Everett hit a blooper down the left field line, Beltre had 3rd easy, and our right fielder (cust) made the throw to second. I picked the shorthop and tagged Everett out at second.

I'm not remembering the easy play to get beltre at 3rd for somereason.

PA's. Nothing great..K in the first. I thought the ball was outside and it was confirmed by the catcher when he reached second. Ground out to 3rd in the 3rd. Looking change up, got it and let it get too deep. It was the first time under the lights in about 6 months, so I didn't expect too much. I actually saw the ball pretty well, so it was a good night.

On a blooper down the left field line, I'm just wondering how Beltre was able to go first to third so easy, unless it was a hit and run. Maybe that's what it was?

[west coast orange and black]

hiddengem: I thought the ball was outside and it was confirmed by the catcher when he reached second.

everyone knows how much first baseman talk with runners.
what about you middle infielders?

[hiddengem]

On a blooper down the left field line, I'm just wondering how Beltre was able to go first to third so easy, unless it was a hit and run. Maybe that's what it was?

I was more of a slicing ball down the left field line that the left fielder had to run quite a ways for. Beltre would have beat the throw to third easily. Cust made a great play going to second.

[hiddengem]

hiddengem: I thought the ball was outside and it was confirmed by the catcher when he reached second.

everyone knows how much first baseman talk with runners.
what about you middle infielders?


All the time.

[Knick9]

I heard we sold out PGE in a couple of hours. Not bad for an exhibition game huh. And some think we couldn't support a ML team. Nonsense.

Nonsense indeed. Having a big enough metro area is what makes that city legitimate as far as being a candidate for MLB goes. Portland has had two sell-out games now...put in 12,000 - 17,000 more seats and I believe that you'll get the same result. Seriously.

Anyway, I'm glad that you got to play that night, HG. Starting second baseman and all. How does it feel being in a Beaver uni? ;) I wish there were more pics of the exhibition game. Anyone got any more pictures? How's the sights of the city?

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Nonsense indeed. Having a big enough metro area is what makes that city legitimate as far as being a candidate for MLB goes. Portland has had two sell-out games now...put in 12,000 - 17,000 more seats and I believe that you'll get the same result. Seriously.


Completely agree, and that was on a Friday night, in the rain. People in Portland and the surrounding cities are so thirsty for baseball it ain't even funny. Not sure if they can upgrade PGE to add that many more seats, unless they tear out 18th street which runs behind the left field wall. Even if they just add 5 - 7 K more though, I have no doubt we could sell that out 81 times a year no prob. I believe we're the 24th largest market overall, and the largest with only 1 pro sports team. Not that I consider the failblazers "pro," but that's another post for another thread.

[Trot2millah]

Whoa this is really weird...I'm new to this board and I live in Portland! I go to 2 or 3 Beaver games a year but now that I know you're on the team I will try to go to more! Good luck getting to the majors by the way.

And as for sites, Portland is a beautiful place! It's awesome, lots of places to eat and many parks, and stuff to do when you are out and about. I suggest going there!

[ESPNFan]

You know after seeing Cano spike Bobby Crosby a question popped up into my mind. At what point does a takeoutside cross the line. I don't think Cano's was that bad but it definetly got me thinking because of the frequency with with the A's hit the Yankee batters. And the obvious follow up: are hard slides used as a form of payback as well?

Thanks

[hiddengem]

Whoa this is really weird...I'm new to this board and I live in Portland! I go to 2 or 3 Beaver games a year but now that I know you're on the team I will try to go to more! Good luck getting to the majors by the way.

And as for sites, Portland is a beautiful place! It's awesome, lots of places to eat and many parks, and stuff to do when you are out and about. I suggest going there!

Yea its a nice place, very beautiful country up here.

Take care,
David

[hiddengem]

You know after seeing Cano spike Bobby Crosby a question popped up into my mind. At what point does a takeoutside cross the line. I don't think Cano's was that bad but it definetly got me thinking because of the frequency with with the A's hit the Yankee batters. And the obvious follow up: are hard slides used as a form of payback as well?

Thanks

It crosses the line when the runner goes in Spikes high. But yes, often times depending on the situtation, a hard slide is used as payback.

[runningshoes]

The caption that went along with that picture I posted has you as the guy running the bases.

Is that not you?

[ESPNFan]

It crosses the line when the runner goes in Spikes high. But yes, often times depending on the situtation, a hard slide is used as payback.

So its is it something that could be discussed, say between a runner and a first base coach, or on the bench or is it just something that a player just decideds to do on his own?

I remember reading an rather indepth article on how Tony LaRussa deals with his players being hit and the appropriate responce and wondered if this was similar or just something done when the opportunity arises?

[hiddengem]

The caption that went along with that picture I posted has you as the guy running the bases.

Is that not you?

What did the caption read?

[hiddengem]

So its is it something that could be discussed, say between a runner and a first base coach, or on the bench or is it just something that a player just decideds to do on his own?

I remember reading an rather indepth article on how Tony LaRussa deals with his players being hit and the appropriate responce and wondered if this was similar or just something done when the opportunity arises?


usually discussed on the bench that somebody "needs to get that guy".

Yea, every manager is different, but there is a professional way to play this game and it often times involves retaliation(sp).

[Sultan_1895-1948]

usually discussed on the bench that somebody "needs to get that guy".



You know better than anyone HG, baseball players have memories like elephants. You don't forget certain things done by certain players. My brother was playing short in high school, and got spiked just above his kneecap. Very bad wound. The guy was a prick who came in WAY too high. He waited 2 years to get revenge on him.

[hiddengem]

You know better than anyone HG, baseball players have memories like elephants. You don't forget certain things done by certain players. My brother was playing short in high school, and got spiked just above his kneecap. Very bad wound. The guy was a prick who came in WAY too high. He waited 2 years to get revenge on him.


I'm currently playing with a guy that came in hard on me a few years back. His spikes were high and he ripped a gash across my shin, went through everthing. Lucky I didn't need stitches but had to get a tetnis(sp) shot.

The next time he came to the plate he got a 95mph heater in the tricep. Said he couldn't feel his arm for 3 innings.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

I'm currently playing with a guy that came in hard on me a few years back. His spikes were high and he ripped a gash across my shin, went through everthing. Lucky I didn't need stitches but had to get a tetnis(sp) shot.

The next time he came to the plate he got a 95mph heater in the tricep. Said he couldn't feel his arm for 3 innings.

That's beautiful. Being responsible for your own actions, at it's highest form.

You probably didn't even have to say anything to your pitcher either did you. It's just one of those "givens" that it needed to be handled.

We've got a couple pitchers on our team that bug me when it comes to this stuff. They really don't understand the give and take that needs to go on, and how to handle business properly. I've had to speak to them about it, and they're gonna do better at it, but players need to be protected. If they are, everything works out and it should end right there.

[hiddengem]

That's beautiful. Being responsible for your own actions, at it's highest form.

You probably didn't even have to say anything to your pitcher either did you. It's just one of those "givens" that it needed to be handled.

We've got a couple pitchers on our team that bug me when it comes to this stuff. They really don't understand the give and take that needs to go on, and how to handle business properly. I've had to speak to them about it, and they're gonna do better at it, but players need to be protected. If they are, everything works out and it should end right there.


I didn't need to say anything. The whole team saw my blood filled sock and new something had to be done. If we hadn't sent the message that we wern't going to stand for that, he would do it again.

After wearing it, I'm quite positive he'd think twice about sliding that way again. Upon being hit, hit went right down to first and didn't so much as even look at our pitcher. He knew exactly what was going on.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

I didn't need to say anything. The whole team saw my blood filled sock and new something had to be done. If we hadn't sent the message that we wern't going to stand for that, he would do it again.

After wearing it, I'm quite positive he'd think twice about sliding that way again. Upon being hit, hit went right down to first and didn't so much as even look at our pitcher. He knew exactly what was going on.

See, why is it that AAA players get that sorta thing, but most ML players don't. Seems like their ego's get in the way or somethin'. After one retaliation it should end right there, but often in the bigs it doesn't, unless the ump warns everyone. Which is a shame, because then it takes the inside part of the plate away from pitchers even more than it already is. And knowing things escalate because of the pre-madonnas, often the ump will even warn everyone after the first retaliation pitch, which is absurd ! When you make it up to the show and you're facing Pedro, have your pitcher dot a guy. Pedro will retaliate (like he should), and then the sissy ump will warn everyone. Now, when you step in there, you have an edge. Simple little strategy :D

[hiddengem]

See, why is it that AAA players get that sorta thing, but most ML players don't. Seems like their ego's get in the way or somethin'. After one retaliation it should end right there, but often in the bigs it doesn't, unless the ump warns everyone. Which is a shame, because then it takes the inside part of the plate away from pitchers even more than it already is. And knowing things escalate because of the pre-madonnas, often the ump will even warn everyone after the first retaliation pitch, which is absurd ! When you make it up to the show and you're facing Pedro, have your pitcher dot a guy. Pedro will retaliate (like he should), and then the sissy ump will warn everyone. Now, when you step in there, you have an edge. Simple little strategy :D

Oh its a complete joke these days. The new generation of players have alot less respect for the game than they did even when I started playing. If half the crap that goes on in a game these days happened in the days of Ryan, Seaver, Drysdale, Gibson ect, you would see players getting hit in the ear hole of their helmet on a daily basis.

Today if you look at a hitter wrong the ump warns everbody.

[runningshoes]

Here's the link to the page.

I think they must have messed up who is who in the picture.

http://www.kgw.com/sports/stories/kgw_040106_sports_mariners_beavers.815b6648.html

[Ursa Major]

Yeah, KGW's web site identifies the guy on the right side of the picture as you. Hmmmm, I think that Arizona air clipped about four inches off your height.
http://www.ajclay.com/PTC/pictures/259.jpg

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Oh its a complete joke these days. The new generation of players have alot less respect for the game than they did even when I started playing. If half the crap that goes on in a game these days happened in the days of Ryan, Seaver, Drysdale, Gibson ect, you would see players getting hit in the ear hole of their helmet on a daily basis.

Today if you look at a hitter wrong the ump warns everbody.

Totally. Ryan would drill you if you tried to bunt on him, or if you were a middle infielder taking a homerun cut against him. It was a sign of disrespect. Today, you've got 5'9" guys swinging from their heels at every pitch.

Can't remember where I read it, but Mays was stepping in against Bob Gibson one time. He stepped into the batters box and looked down, really digging in with his back foot. He must have forgot who was out on the mound, cause once he got set, and glanced out at the mound, he saw a glaring Gibby. Mays called time, backed out, fixed the hole he had just dug, and tipped his cap. lol, that's respect. It took serious gonads back then to get in against Drysdale, Gibby and the like. Frank Robinson would get knocked down a couple times a game, and get right back in there. Imagine the comfort those guys would feel today with the sensitive pitching approach, able to dive out over the plate at will.

No coincidence that the few pitchers who really succeed in this era, are pitchers who are willing to come inside. Pedro, Clemens, Oswalt, etc. You have to, to be successful now.

Gotta love old school.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Yeah, KGW's web site identifies the guy on the right side of the picture as you. Hmmmm, I think that Arizona air clipped about four inches off your height.
http://www.ajclay.com/PTC/pictures/259.jpg

Not to mention that great AZ tan.

[runningshoes]

I thought that was you heading to second, but then I realized the beavers uniform was on the other fellow.

[trosmok]

...The new generation of players have alot less respect for the game than they did even when I started playing....


Thanks again, HG. You have confirmed my suspicions once more, and I liked things better when the ballplayers were the ones primarily responsible for keeping the game within the rules, albeit the unwritten ones included.

You mentioned playing under the lights for the first time in quite a while so I was wondering why not have some spring training games played at night to better acclimate the players to the realities of the regular season? I know the days are long enough in ST without being at the yard until 9 or 10 p.m., and the fans in AZ as well as Florida in the spring are primarily the "dinner at six, in bed by nine" folks, but would it be worth trying?

Keep working and playing hard, I'll be following the Beavers for a while, and also peeping at the Padres roster from time to time to see who is struggling, who is ailing, and who needs remediation. The injury bug has bitten the Dodgers already, and while I never wish ill on anyone, isn't it risky keeping a dozen (or more) pitchers on a 25 man roster in the hopes the others all stay healthy all season? Isn't that kind of asking for trouble?

[hiddengem]

Here's the link to the page.

I think they must have messed up who is who in the picture.

http://www.kgw.com/sports/stories/kgw_040106_sports_mariners_beavers.815b6648.html
Mariners' Kenji Johjima, left, runs to third base in the second inning as Portland Beavers second baseman Dave Matranga watches the ball during a spring training baseball game Friday in Portland.

Ok, so here is the quote, how on earth if a runner is going from second to third from this angle, does the second basemen enter the picture. Hmm, sounds like a true baseball fan wrote that:crazy

This ball was actually dove for and caught by the 3rd baseman, who promtly tried a circus throw and it ended up in the beer garden down the first base line:D

[hiddengem]

Thanks again, HG. You have confirmed my suspicions once more, and I liked things better when the ballplayers were the ones primarily responsible for keeping the game within the rules, albeit the unwritten ones included.

You mentioned playing under the lights for the first time in quite a while so I was wondering why not have some spring training games played at night to better acclimate the players to the realities of the regular season? I know the days are long enough in ST without being at the yard until 9 or 10 p.m., and the fans in AZ as well as Florida in the spring are primarily the "dinner at six, in bed by nine" folks, but would it be worth trying?

Keep working and playing hard, I'll be following the Beavers for a while, and also peeping at the Padres roster from time to time to see who is struggling, who is ailing, and who needs remediation. The injury bug has bitten the Dodgers already, and while I never wish ill on anyone, isn't it risky keeping a dozen (or more) pitchers on a 25 man roster in the hopes the others all stay healthy all season? Isn't that kind of asking for trouble?


The big league guys play a handful of games under the lights, but the minor league guys always play their games at either 10:30 am or 1pm. It would make sense, but my assumption is that the lights are subpar on the side fields and they don't want to take the risk of something happening. Maybe its money, who knows.

Well as far as the roster goes, things change daily. Just because a team breaks with 12 pitchers doesn't mean they'll have 11 on day 2. That happened with us. After day one, we picked up a catcher off waivers and sent a picher down. He was warming up in the bulpen getting ready to go in the game, when they called down and told him to sit down. Apparantly that was when they decided he was going down. Crazy game.

[Ursa Major]

Woo hoo, HiddenGem has homered and doubled in the Beavers' ongoing game against the Rivercats! And turned a double play...

The Broadcast may be heard here (http://www.warpradio.com/popTuner.asp?id=14229).

[RuthMayBond]

Woo hoo, HiddenGem has homered and doubled in the Beavers' ongoing game against the Rivercats! Woo hoo, and the stumbling Padres could use some help :clapping :coffee :D

[Ursa Major]

RuthMayBond said: Woo hoo, and the stumbling Padres could use some help I'll say -- being swept by the Rockies in your own park? I know it's early, but their middle infielders are hitting a combined 7 for 40, with Josh "The Franchise" Barfield hitting .158 (with no extrabase hits). So, we won't flood Padres' offices with "Bring Him Up!" mails just yet. And, HG is too good of a company man to be any party to criticism of his organization and future teammates. So, I'll leave it at that.

[hiddengem]

I'll say -- being swept by the Rockies in your own park? I know it's early, but their middle infielders are hitting a combined 7 for 40, with Josh "The Franchise" Barfield hitting .158 (with no extrabase hits). So, we won't flood Padres' offices with "Bring Him Up!" mails just yet. And, HG is too good of a company man to be any party to criticism of his organization and future teammates. So, I'll leave it at that.


They'll be just fine. Its a marathon, not a sprint.

[BadKarma]

Hope ya don't mind Dave, but I have already started to flood Omar Minaya's office with calls to acquire you. :D Nothing against Anderson Hernandez, the man has a glove, but we need somebody that at least looks like he is supposed to be standing there in front of a major league pitcher. :cool:
I guess it would be too much to ask the Padres to take Kaz for ya though.

[hiddengem]

Hope ya don't mind Dave, but I have already started to flood Omar Minaya's office with calls to acquire you. :D Nothing against Anderson Hernandez, the man has a glove, but we need somebody that at least looks like he is supposed to be standing there in front of a major league pitcher. :cool:
I guess it would be too much to ask the Padres to take Kaz for ya though.


He'll be fine as well, just give him a chance to get comfortable. I'll just say, I'm comfortable here on the West Coast.

[Ursa Major]

One for three, and the one was a two-out RBI single. Another double play, and lots of errorless chances.

Hey, HG, I figured you'd be throwing singles back! Sure you got the ribbie, but your slugging percentage dropped from .800 to .692! And what was with the bunt attempt in the seventh inning? :p

And, up with the big club, Barfield finally woke up and had a 3-for-4, and Greene had two homers. So, I guess the Pads might not need you just yet. So, I stand corrected as to your "marathon" analogy. Was just havin' fun...

[hiddengem]

One for three, and the one was a two-out RBI single. Another double play, and lots of errorless chances.

Hey, HG, I figured you'd be throwing singles back! Sure you got the ribbie, but your slugging percentage dropped from .800 to .692! And what was with the bunt attempt in the seventh inning? :p

And, up with the big club, Barfield finally woke up and had a 3-for-4, and Greene had two homers. So, I guess the Pads might not need you just yet. So, I stand corrected as to your "marathon" analogy. Was just havin' fun...

Yea, the bunt attempt was good idea, if I'd got it past the pitcher i could have walked in to first, but I hooked it a little and he was able to snag it.

Hitting in the 8 hole in front of the pitcher sucks so I was pretty happy to get that RBI. 95% of the time you have to swing pitchers pitches if you are up with a runner in scoring position, 2 outs and the pitcher on deck.

The last thing the pitcher wants to do is give up a run scoring hit with 2 outs and the pitcher on deck.:D

[ESPNFan]

Hope ya don't mind Dave, but I have already started to flood Omar Minaya's office with calls to acquire you. :D Nothing against Anderson Hernandez, the man has a glove, but we need somebody that at least looks like he is supposed to be standing there in front of a major league pitcher. :cool:
I guess it would be too much to ask the Padres to take Kaz for ya though.

If you really want the Gem on the Mets just start a rumor that he's part Dominican. If Minaya catches wind of that the Mets will not only trade for him but would most likely give out a massive contract to boot! :laugh

[RuthMayBond]

If you really want the Gem on the Mets just start a rumor that he's part Dominican. If Minaya catches wind of that the Mets will not only trade for him but would most likely give out a massive contract to boot! :laughHis last name IS similar :D

[BadKarma]

If you really want the Gem on the Mets just start a rumor that he's part Dominican. If Minaya catches wind of that the Mets will not only trade for him but would most likely give out a massive contract to boot! :laugh


Ya, I was selling Dave's last name as Latino to Omar :D

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Hey HG,

Too bad that you lost the game against Colorado Springs. But I read that you had a nice game. A RBI basehit, made a double play and made a nice running catch (see picture below). Congrats! Keep up the good work.

[hiddengem]

Hey HG,

Too bad that you lost the game against Colorado Springs. But I read that you had a nice game. A RBI basehit, made a double play and made a nice running catch (see picture below). Congrats! Keep up the good work.

Not bad for an old salty vet.;)

[RuthMayBond]

I read that you had a nice game. A RBI basehit, made a double play and made a nice running catch (see picture below).Now coming in to pitch,
DA-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-AVE M..

[BadKarma]

OMG, no way, they let Dave pitch? Trying for a little Jose Oquendo action?

[RuthMayBond]

OMG, no way, they let Dave pitch? Trying for a little Jose Oquendo action?They didn't, but as long as he's doing everything else . . . ;)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

You've played against the Salt Lake Bees. Wasn't it strange to play against former team mates?

[hiddengem]

You've played against the Salt Lake Bees. Wasn't it strange to play against former team mates?

Yea, its pretty strange. They have a great squad over there, alot of great hitters. I had food poisening tonight so I was layed up and haven't had a chance to talk to any of them. I should have a chance tomorrow if I'm feeling better.

And no, I didn't pitch, Yet:D

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Yea, its pretty strange. They have a great squad over there, alot of great hitters. I had food poisening tonight so I was layed up and haven't had a chance to talk to any of them. I should have a chance tomorrow if I'm feeling better.

And no, I didn't pitch, Yet:D

Food poisening? That's pretty serious. What did you eat? Bad clamps?

[BadKarma]

Go ahead and get a few innings in on the mound Dave. Then I really can pitch the Jose Oquendo action to Omar :D

[hiddengem]

Food poisening? That's pretty serious. What did you eat? Bad clamps?


Some Dive mexican place.

[Ontarioguy]

Some Dive mexican place.
Gott stay away from Taco Bell, HG ;)

[ESPNFan]

Some Dive mexican place.

Was it the 5 hour later you feel like crap type of poisioning or the 15 minutes after eating you have decended into the 7th layer of hell food poisoning?

I got the later from a Chinese joint near where I work in a food court. Well it would have been just an isolated incident if a few weeks later we didn't see the owner and a couple chefs from that place scouping some rather nasty scummy runoff out of the Roof mounted air blowers........WITH WOK SPATULAS:eek:

Its really sad too because I used to love eggrolls.

[KHenry14]

Hey HG, in tonght's Dodger/Giants game, Omar Vizquel pulled off a play at SS that i've never seen in over 40 years of watching baseball, and as a middle IF, I'm wondering if you've seen and or done it. Men on first and second, fast runner at the plate. Ball gets hit ont he ground to Durham at second, who shovel's it to Vizquel for the force at second. If Omar goes to first, it will be a close play, but instead after getting the force he's piroettes and throws to THIRD and Feliz tags the Dodger runner after he rounded third. I sat their open mouthed after that play. :eek: So, have you ever seen that done in a game before?

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Thats why coaches always teach you to not round the base when the ball is in the infield :eek: Not sure who the hitter was, but the ball wasn't a routine DP ball. As an infielder, you have a mental clock, and Vizquel's probably told him there would be no chance to get the guy. A hale mary backdoor play, gotta love it! Like you said, hardly ever see that done, very curious to hear HG's take on this.

ps. HG any word yet?

[KHenry14]

BTW, the batter was Kenny Lofton who had already beat out a DP grounder earlier in the same game.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Ok, I knew it was a fast guy, and it seemed like a high three hopper, no sure DP for sure. Savvy play by Omar. Credit the third baseman for being ready for the backdoor play and not becoming a spectator. Couldn't have been something he yelled out, or the baserunner wouldn't have rounded the bag like that. Possibly a little acting on his part to not look too eager to get to the bag? Wonder if that's something they work on in spring training? HG?

[hiddengem]

Hey HG, in tonght's Dodger/Giants game, Omar Vizquel pulled off a play at SS that i've never seen in over 40 years of watching baseball, and as a middle IF, I'm wondering if you've seen and or done it. Men on first and second, fast runner at the plate. Ball gets hit ont he ground to Durham at second, who shovel's it to Vizquel for the force at second. If Omar goes to first, it will be a close play, but instead after getting the force he's piroettes and throws to THIRD and Feliz tags the Dodger runner after he rounded third. I sat their open mouthed after that play. :eek: So, have you ever seen that done in a game before?

Yea I've pulled it off 3 times in my career. Its an instinct type of play that you have to anticipate. Knowing the runner at home and what type of runner is on second. A good 3rd baseman will go to the bag instinctively and be there.

This isn't something we work on its just a savvy type of play that doesn't happen very often.
No word yet Randy.

[west coast orange and black]

vizquel knew that he had no chance to get the speedy lofton at first, so he looked to make a play elsewhere. thing is, his back was to to the third base bag when he pirouetted and fired to feliz, all in one motion. feliz had had the presence to position himself between the runner and the bag and effectively blocked third. it seemed that the play was perfectly executed according to the way that it was practiced... but they don't practice that stuff.

this was truly an all-around very spectacular play.

instincts aside, h-g, is there any chance that second baseman ray durham assisted on the play? the cry would not have come from feliz at third - that would have given the play away. perhaps ray-ray gave a hint of some sort to omar.

[hiddengem]

vizquel knew that he had no chance to get the speedy lofton at first, so he looked to make a play elsewhere. thing is, his back was to to the third base bag when he pirouetted and fired to feliz, all in one motion. feliz had had the presence to position himself between the runner and the bag and effectively blocked third. it seemed that the play was perfectly executed according to the way that it was practiced... but they don't practice that stuff.

this was truly an all-around very spectacular play.

instincts aside, h-g, is there any chance that second baseman ray durham assisted on the play? the cry would not have come from feliz at third - that would have given the play away. perhaps ray-ray gave a hint of some sort to omar.


Its possible, but I highly doubt it. I think it was play totally pulled off by visquel.

[KHenry14]

HG, I'm wondering if you can give a player's perspective on an issue that bubbles up on BBF from time to time. Barry Bonds get's ripped here all the time for the elbow protection he wears. No doubt it's the largest allowed, and is in fact allowed only because he was using it before MLB changed their rules regarding the size of such protection. But do players care if he or anyone else wears protection like that? Barry gets hit all the time on his right arm (as his HBP stats attest) so it's easy to understand why he'd want protection.

So, is this one of those issues where players feel differently than the fans?

[west coast orange and black]

(small quibble, henry:
bonds gets hit less often on his elbow (guard) then other spots.
he gets it on his legs, mostly.)

[west coast orange and black]

instincts aside, h-g, is there any chance that second baseman ray durham assisted on the play? the cry would not have come from feliz at third - that would have given the play away. perhaps ray-ray gave a hint of some sort to omar.

h-g: Its possible, but I highly doubt it. I think it was play totally pulled off by vizquel.

actually, vizquel notified third baseman pedro feliz during a discussion on the mound to be expecting that play should lofton hit a grounder that could not be turned into a doubleplay.

so, omar was looking to make that play before the pitch!
(which is the best time, right?)

that was the 4th time in his career that he pulled it off, getting the rounding runner at third.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Oh, the beauty of advanced scouting. They probably knew how aggressive that runner was in rounding bases. Had it been Albert Pujols running to third, I'm of the opinion that Omar would have simply tried to get the runner at first or held on to it if there was no chance. Could be wrong though.

[west coast orange and black]

yeah, you most certainly could.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

yeah, you most certainly could.

Not likely, but I could be. :D

[hiddengem]

HG, I'm wondering if you can give a player's perspective on an issue that bubbles up on BBF from time to time. Barry Bonds get's ripped here all the time for the elbow protection he wears. No doubt it's the largest allowed, and is in fact allowed only because he was using it before MLB changed their rules regarding the size of such protection. But do players care if he or anyone else wears protection like that? Barry gets hit all the time on his right arm (as his HBP stats attest) so it's easy to understand why he'd want protection.

So, is this one of those issues where players feel differently than the fans?

I don't think its a big deal at all among players. It might be a little excesive, but I rarely if ever hear anything about it.

[hiddengem]

instincts aside, h-g, is there any chance that second baseman ray durham assisted on the play? the cry would not have come from feliz at third - that would have given the play away. perhaps ray-ray gave a hint of some sort to omar.

h-g: Its possible, but I highly doubt it. I think it was play totally pulled off by vizquel.

actually, vizquel notified third baseman pedro feliz during a discussion on the mound to be expecting that play should lofton hit a grounder that could not be turned into a doubleplay.

so, omar was looking to make that play before the pitch!
(which is the best time, right?)

that was the 4th time in his career that he pulled it off, getting the rounding runner at third.

There you go, I had a feeling Feliz was expecting it, and like I said Visquel was anticipating it before it happend. All part of being a "heads up player" and always being one step ahead of the game.

[hiddengem]

Oh, the beauty of advanced scouting. They probably knew how aggressive that runner was in rounding bases. Had it been Albert Pujols running to third, I'm of the opinion that Omar would have simply tried to get the runner at first or held on to it if there was no chance. Could be wrong though.

I don't think it had anything to do with the runner, although it helps to have an idiot out there. But the 3rd base coach needs to be head up also, and watching the SS to see what he is doing.

[KHenry14]

(small quibble, henry:
bonds gets hit less often on his elbow (guard) then other spots.
he gets it on his legs, mostly.)

You are correct and I meant to write it that way but it came out wrong. Oh well:crazy

[Sultan_1895-1948]

I don't think it had anything to do with the runner, although it helps to have an idiot out there. But the 3rd base coach needs to be head up also, and watching the SS to see what he is doing.

You might be right, but if that's the case, then Omar is extremely lucky to execute the play, given that a Major Leaguer who rounds the bag while the ball's in the infield is extremely rare. A little leaguer makes that mistake.

[hiddengem]

You might be right, but if that's the case, then Omar is extremely lucky to execute the play, given that a Major Leaguer who rounds the bag while the ball's in the infield is extremely rare. A little leaguer makes that mistake.


I don't think its that rare at all...I'll look for it. It is rare however, that the SS attempt this play, usually they just complete the double play.

[west coast orange and black]

agreed. runners make the turn at third, even a slight one, when the ball has been dished from the second baseman to the shortstop. i do not recall the last time i saw a runner slide into third in that situation.

h-g: how are you feeling?
you had some time off for a nagging thing, right?

can you describe some of the differences of player health care administered by mlb club trainers and staff as opposed to minor league treatment?

[Sultan_1895-1948]

agreed. runners make the turn at third, even a slight one

Nobody said a slide.....A slight turn is one thing, maybe a stride or so off the bag, keeping an eye on the play. But to be caught that far off, it's plain boneheaded and I strongly stand by that. I've played enough ball and watched enough ball to know that's a stupid play, plain and simple.

[west coast orange and black]

i said "slide", no one else did.
"slide" as in "get to the bag as quickly as possible, then stopping."

to not slide means that, more often than not, the baserunner's gonna round the bag, at least a bit, 'cause he thinks that the ball is going from the shortstop to first to complete the play, or that the shortstop will not even attempt a throw over there.

the last thing in the runner's mind is that he will get picked from behind.

omar is the consummate defensive shortstop -- a thinking man's shortstop.
how many times have we seen that particular play made?
vizquel himself said that that was only the 4th time in his career that he pulled that trick* outta his hat.

* in no way to slight vizquel's tremendous concentration and presence of what is occurring on the field.

[hiddengem]

agreed. runners make the turn at third, even a slight one, when the ball has been dished from the second baseman to the shortstop. i do not recall the last time i saw a runner slide into third in that situation.

h-g: how are you feeling?
you had some time off for a nagging thing, right?

can you describe some of the differences of player health care administered by mlb club trainers and staff as opposed to minor league treatment?



yea, I've got a little nagging groin right now. I'm trying to be smart about it and not really blow out by trying to be a hero and play through it. I should be fine in a day or 2.

Health care adminstered in the Big Leagues is the same in the Minor leagues. The main difference is that there are more trainers in the big leagues, so there is no waiting time and often times the rookies or younger players will get treatment from the younger trainers and the veterans will get the treatment from the veteran trainers..

[hiddengem]

Nobody said a slide.....A slight turn is one thing, maybe a stride or so off the bag, keeping an eye on the play. But to be caught that far off, it's plain boneheaded and I strongly stand by that. I've played enough ball and watched enough ball to know that's a stupid play, plain and simple.

What I usually do is run to 3rd, peeking back at the play going on at second. If I don't do that, I'm going to pay close attention to my 3rd base coach.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

What I usually do is run to 3rd, peeking back at the play going on at second. If I don't do that, I'm going to pay close attention to my 3rd base coach.

Exactly what I do...peek and listen to the third base coach. He's either gonna say "on the bag" or "take a turn", but in that situation. When I get within a couple steps of third, and know where the bag is, I peek back at the play to see what's going on. If the throw is made to first, then I can afford to let my momentum take me a couple steps off the bag, in case the throw gets away.

The problem with this runner I think, is that he just took it for granted that Omar would go to first. Means he wasn't paying attention to the situation, and that's unforgivable. Is the batter left of right handed, how many outs are there, was the ball hit hard enough to turn two...he just slipped up, and it seems really strange, that as rare as that play is even attempted, let alone executed, that Omar didn't have some previous knowledge of that runner having that tendency. Scouts and/or great players today analyze everything.

[Blowfly]

HG what is your evaluation of Leone? He is putting some pretty good numbers. Do you think he is a prospect? With Castilla struggling will he get a shot? Thanks for the answer and good luck.

[hiddengem]

HG what is your evaluation of Leone? He is putting some pretty good numbers. Do you think he is a prospect? With Castilla struggling will he get a shot? Thanks for the answer and good luck.

He like many players on this team has great talent. The problem is that he's not on the roster and if they want to bring him up they'll have to designate somebody or shift somebody to the 60 day DL. McAnulty is an outstanding hitter, equally as good as Leone and hits from the left side and is currently on the 40man roster. He too is getting reps at 3rd.

My position is that if they decide against Vinny they will have to get rid of him or somebody else in order to bring anybody up. If they do that they will move Blum or Belhorn into the starting role at 3rd and bring somebody up to come off the bench.

[Blowfly]

McAnulty getting reps at third!? How is that going? I realize that it is early to give up on Vinny however if options are not explored now they will left behind the curve and it looks like the options are being considered.

[Ursa Major]

Well, HG. We drive all the way to Sacto to see you on Monday, and while you looked great in BP (sounded like rifle shots when you hit the ball), we don't get to see you play.

We drive home and what happens? Three home runs and sixteen total bases over two nights! And those aren't short fences at Raley Field either! Very well done. Was it some advice that Jim Booth gave you? ;) (Anyone other than Jim would take credit for the surge, I'm sure.)

Seriously, I want to offer a very public thanks to you for your graciousness to Jim, Aaron (Ursa Minor) and me at the ballpark. I won't state exactly what you did for us -- then everyone else will expect such first class treatment -- but it's enough to say that Aaron left the park with stars in his eyes and a glow that will last for a long time. Even his mother could tell; she didn't even yell at me for getting him back home at 12:30 in the morning on a school night. (He did sleep in the car.)

Aaron will write you directly, you can be sure. He may ask if you'll adopt him... Your son is one lucky little dude.

I do not have the words to express how grateful and impressed I am.

John

[KHenry14]

HiddenGem<--- EN FUEGO :clapping

Way to go big guy!

[Ursa Major]

Another single and an RBI ground out tonight (and a double play), albeit in a losing cause. As of last night, HG was fourth on the team in slugging and tied for fourth in home runs. Not bad for the second lightest guy on the team. What was it they used to call Jim Wynn of the Astros -- the Toy Cannon?

[hiddengem]

McAnulty getting reps at third!? How is that going? I realize that it is early to give up on Vinny however if options are not explored now they will left behind the curve and it looks like the options are being considered.

Them trying Mac at 3rd might be a way of upping his trade value, I don't know. Either way, Vinny is guaranteed and I doubt anybody would take his contract, so the Pads might be stuck with him. Who knows.

[ESPNFan]

Them trying Mac at 3rd might be a way of upping his trade value, I don't know. Either way, Vinny is guaranteed and I doubt anybody would take his contract, so the Pads might be stuck with him. Who knows.

LOL as desperate as Boston was to get Mirabelli back you almost have to wonder If Towers was ever tempted to actually make them take him in leiu of getting anything back :laugh

[hiddengem]

Well, HG. We drive all the way to Sacto to see you on Monday, and while you looked great in BP (sounded like rifle shots when you hit the ball), we don't get to see you play.

We drive home and what happens? Three home runs and sixteen total bases over two nights! And those aren't short fences at Raley Field either! Very well done. Was it some advice that Jim Booth gave you? ;) (Anyone other than Jim would take credit for the surge, I'm sure.)

Seriously, I want to offer a very public thanks to you for your graciousness to Jim, Aaron (Ursa Minor) and me at the ballpark. I won't state exactly what you did for us -- then everyone else will expect such first class treatment -- but it's enough to say that Aaron left the park with stars in his eyes and a glow that will last for a long time. Even his mother could tell; she didn't even yell at me for getting him back home at 12:30 in the morning on a school night. (He did sleep in the car.)

Aaron will write you directly, you can be sure. He may ask if you'll adopt him... Your son is one lucky little dude.

I do not have the words to express how grateful and impressed I am.

John


John,

I really appreiciate the kind words. It was my pleasure to have you guys out at the ballpark, and the offer stands again when we are back in town. Next time I'll use the excuse again that you are my "uncle" and get you in the clubhouse so Aaron can see what thats all about. Hope he enjoyed the ball and bat, I know how cool that stuff was when I was his age.

As far as the good couple of games, I don't really have a clear cut answer. I'd been feeling really good for a while now, and I think it was evident in the BP you guys saw, it was just that the hits wern't falling early on. Lately I've been really comfortable in the box, my mind is slow and I feel like I have quick hands and can wait for the ball to get deep in the zone and attack it. At this point, I'm really focusing on having a good AB, attacking good pitches and putting good swings on them. After that I can control it.

[hiddengem]

Another single and an RBI ground out tonight (and a double play), albeit in a losing cause. As of last night, HG was fourth on the team in slugging and tied for fourth in home runs. Not bad for the second lightest guy on the team. What was it they used to call Jim Wynn of the Astros -- the Toy Cannon?

Yea, just trying to have good productive AB's. The RBI tonight came on a 1 out situation with the infield back. Those are free RBI's that you hate to miss. I was happy with the single..Some of you might remember a pitcher named Matt Anderson. Throws very hard (96+). Lined an 0-2 fasball up the middle.

[hiddengem]

Not likely, but I could be. :D

Randy, I have some good news. I think they are going to hook you up out at the Yard. They would like for you to bring you team out and workout after a day Sunday game, so you don't use the lights. I told them you are a good friend of mine, and you guys just want to get some light work in. We get back into town in 3 days and I'll have a phone number to a guy that you can call and set it all up.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Randy, I have some good news. I think they are going to hook you up out at the Yard. They would like for you to bring you team out and workout after a day Sunday game, so you don't use the lights. I told them you are a good friend of mine, and you guys just want to get some light work in. We get back into town in 3 days and I'll have a phone number to a guy that you can call and set it all up.

Nice! The guys will be stoked. Right now we have games every Sunday except for the 14th (Mothers Day), and we'll be at a tournament in Washington on Memorial Day weekend. The game on the 21st doesn't start til' 7:45, so maybe something could be worked out. Thanks for all your efforts Dave :D

[Ursa Major]

For those interested, here's a quickie clip of Hiddengem hitting one out in batting practice last Monday, May 1st. Very powerful stroke.

http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/BPA060501Sm.gif

A clip of several of his swings (totalling about 7MB) can be found at:
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/BPA060501Sm.mpg

[runningshoes]

^^^ That's awsome John. Did you shoot that?

I went to your link and it's only the one at bat.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Can't thank you enough David, its very much appreciated. I've got a couple guys suggesting we cancel a double header just to get out there on your home turf :D Looking forward to hearing back from you.

[Ursa Major]

RunningShoes said: ^^^ That's awsome John. Did you shoot that?

I went to your link and it's only the one at bat.Yeah, I took that during batting practice. The clip to which I linked is from more of his batting practice, not a game at-bat. As I mentioned in my previous post, HG didn't get into that game so I didn't get game footage, but later on in the series (in the games we didn't attend), he went off like a firecracker.

[KHenry14]

Looks like that BP is doing some good! HG's storyline tonight:

HiddenGem tied the game with a three-run home run with two outs in the ninth and drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI single in the 11th as the Portland Beavers concluded their successful road trip with a 7-5 victory over the Fresno Grizzlies Monday night at Grizzlies Stadium

As Harry Caray would have said...."HOLY COW"

[RuthMayBond]

Looks like that BP is doing some good! HG's storyline tonight:

HiddenGem tied the game with a three-run home run with two outs in the ninth and drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI single in the 11th as the Portland Beavers concluded their successful road trip with a 7-5 victory over the Fresno Grizzlies Monday night at Grizzlies Stadium

As Harry Caray would have said...."HOLY COW"Call that man UP :clapping :clapping

[runningshoes]

A little bedtime reading.....

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/14534440.htm

[KHenry14]

HG, I didn't realize your HR was off of Valdez. Hitting one off the Giants top farm hand is a big deal. Can you talk about the AB?

[hiddengem]

HG, I didn't realize your HR was off of Valdez. Hitting one off the Giants top farm hand is a big deal. Can you talk about the AB?

The guy can bring it 94+ so I knew I going into the AB that I needed to be aggressive. With those types of guys you don't want to get behind in the count because they usually have a pretty good out pitch.

He threw a first pitch heater in that I took a pretty dang good swing at, but foulded it back. I had a feeling that he would want to change speeds on me because of the hack I had on his fastball. Sure enough he threw a hanging slider/curve that I put a good swing on and hit out to left.

Same thing in the 11th. Facing Matt Anderson who can also bring it 95+mph. The pitching coach went out to the mound just before my AB and I was sure that what he was telling him was that I hit a offspeed pitch out for a HR in the previous AB, and to just go after me with good fastballs.

First pitch was a fastball that I fouled off, Second pitch was also a fastball that I hit in the 6 hole.

[Sweet Lou]

The pitching coach went out to the mound just before my AB and I was sure that what he was telling him was that I hit a offspeed pitch out for a HR in the previous AB, and to just go after me with good fastballs.

First pitch was a fastball that I fouled off, Second pitch was also a fastball that I hit in the 6 hole.
Dude, that's some goooood baseball right there! I wish I wasn't all the way out here in the Midwest so I could catch a game...Keep up the good work.
Lou

[ESPNFan]

Man I need to get Theo on the horn. Well put you in the two hole infront of Ortiz. We can make a fortune n selling "David and Goliath" Tee shirts alone ;)

[DownUnderDodger]

Hg, sounds very much as if you are getting a lot of "bat to ball" lately - great stuff on offense. How are you going defensively? Are you impressing the powers that be in that area as well?

[hiddengem]

Hg, sounds very much as if you are getting a lot of "bat to ball" lately - great stuff on offense. How are you going defensively? Are you impressing the powers that be in that area as well?

I don't know, I just go about my business and not worry about what the powers think about me. As far as I'm concerned I'm doing just fine.

[Blowfly]

HG I see that Carrillo has ben promoted to Portland. Is he the real deal? Does he have the make up that the team says he does?

[TonyK]

HG: A few questions about bat sizes that the pros use. Who swings the largest and heaviest bat that you know? And who swings the smallest and lightest bat?

Is there an average size bat that a lot of players use?

[runningshoes]

http://www.katu.com/sports/story.asp?ID=86182

[runningshoes]

http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3316441

[Ursa Major]

HG Update: Against the Sacramento Rivercats tonight, he was two for three, with a homerun and walk. That's six home runs in less than full-time duty. Not bad for a middle infielder before the end of May.

[hiddengem]

HG I see that Carrillo has ben promoted to Portland. Is he the real deal? Does he have the make up that the team says he does?


I have no clue, he's been hurt ever since he got here. I saw him pitch in ST, looked like he had some good stuff.

[hiddengem]

HG: A few questions about bat sizes that the pros use. Who swings the largest and heaviest bat that you know? And who swings the smallest and lightest bat?

Is there an average size bat that a lot of players use?

I heard that Ryan Howard in Philly swings a 35inch 35 ounce. Thats about as big as you'll hear of these days. His exceptional hand strength allows him to swing that, not many guys can do that and be successful off todays pitching.

The smallest is probably a 33/30.

The average is probably 34/32. I swing both a 34/31 and a 33.5/31

[hiddengem]

HG Update: Against the Sacramento Rivercats tonight, he was two for three, with a homerun and walk. That's six home runs in less than full-time duty. Not bad for a middle infielder before the end of May.

He must be on the juice:laugh

[ESPNFan]

He must be on the juice:laugh

No its definetly HGH. It's undetectable. ;)

[hiddengem]

No its definetly HGH. It's undetectable. ;)

Shhhhhhh;)

[ESPNFan]

BTW your suffering this season is at an end. I just heard on the news that the minor league umpire strike is over.

Here's to having trained professionals who know that "a strike on the black" is not a race related labor issue.

[trosmok]

BTW your suffering this season is at an end. I just heard on the news that the minor league umpire strike is over.

Here's to having trained professionals who know that "a strike on the black" is not a race related labor issue.

Wow! That is the best thing I've heard in quite a while. I'm sure every single minor league(or rehabbing MLB) player, every coach, manager, fan and ballpark worker will likewise be pleased. It will be refreshing to see professionals again, instead of the local amateurs that call everything that doesn't bounce a strike.:crazy

Here's a link:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-minorleagueumpires&prov=ap&type=lgus

[TonyK]

I heard that Ryan Howard in Philly swings a 35inch 35 ounce. Thats about as big as you'll hear of these days. His exceptional hand strength allows him to swing that, not many guys can do that and be successful off todays pitching.

The smallest is probably a 33/30.

The average is probably 34/32. I swing both a 34/31 and a 33.5/31

Thanks HG and Good Luck!

[RuthMayBond]

I heard that Ryan Howard in Philly swings a 35inch 35 ounce. Thats about as big as you'll hear of these days. His exceptional hand strength allows him to swing that, not many guys can do that and be successful off todays pitching.

The smallest is probably a 33/30.

The average is probably 34/32. I swing both a 34/31 and a 33.5/31I thought Franco swung a 40+ ouncer

[hiddengem]

BTW your suffering this season is at an end. I just heard on the news that the minor league umpire strike is over.

Here's to having trained professionals who know that "a strike on the black" is not a race related labor issue.

Bro it was a joke, totally embarrasing. I really felt bad for the guys.

[hiddengem]

I thought Franco swung a 40+ ouncer

I don't know.

[ESPNFan]

Bro it was a joke, totally embarrasing. I really felt bad for the guys.

Hey I heard all about it down here. I live about a mile and a half from the PawSox stadium, I catch games when I can to see how the sox prospects are looking or see how Boomer and Coco were rehabing and sometimes its just mindboggling the calls that are made. And when the Delmon Young incident went down we heard all about how bad the replacement umps were with some people even speculating that the frustration with them my have even cause him to fling the bat.

[hiddengem]

some people even speculating that the frustration with them my have even cause him to fling the bat.

Of course it did. To these guys it was a "dream" to ump at the professional level. They don't understand the game, they don't understand how serious we take it, they just don't get it.

[JohnGelnarFan]

Is this the same Matt Anderson that pitched for Detroit? I didn't know he was still playing. If he still throws 95+,what's keeping him out of the big leagues? Control? Straight fastball? Below average 2nd and 3rd pitches?
Good Luck in your climb to the majors. :waving




The guy can bring it 94+ so I knew I going into the AB that I needed to be aggressive. With those types of guys you don't want to get behind in the count because they usually have a pretty good out pitch.

He threw a first pitch heater in that I took a pretty dang good swing at, but foulded it back. I had a feeling that he would want to change speeds on me because of the hack I had on his fastball. Sure enough he threw a hanging slider/curve that I put a good swing on and hit out to left.

Same thing in the 11th. Facing Matt Anderson who can also bring it 95+mph. The pitching coach went out to the mound just before my AB and I was sure that what he was telling him was that I hit a offspeed pitch out for a HR in the previous AB, and to just go after me with good fastballs.

First pitch was a fastball that I fouled off, Second pitch was also a fastball that I hit in the 6 hole.

[hiddengem]

Is this the same Matt Anderson that pitched for Detroit? I didn't know he was still playing. If he still throws 95+,what's keeping him out of the big leagues? Control? Straight fastball? Below average 2nd and 3rd pitches?
Good Luck in your climb to the majors. :waving

Yea its the same guy, he's not in the bigs because he's giving up hits to guys like me;)

No, really I don't know. He's got good stuff forsure, maybe its his control.

Faced a guy tonight with the Rockies..last name is Dohman, or something like that. Now that guy has major league stuff. He reminded me of facing Scott Williamson when he was going good. Electric stuff.

[Astro]

Pretty sure Matt Anderson is not in the majors due to control problems, loss of velocity and a lack of a quality 2nd pitch... He used to be able to throw 100 and 101, but after some injuries its "down" to around 94 or 95... u can live with a 101 mph fastball and do decent in the majors, but 95 while lacking a great 2nd pitch will most likely get lite up

Scott Dohmann is who you're talkin about... did well in a short stint in the majors last season (had more than a K an inning)... Bein on the Rockies I'm sure he'll get a look at, they can use all the pitching they can get

[hiddengem]

Pretty sure Matt Anderson is not in the majors due to control problems, loss of velocity and a lack of a quality 2nd pitch... He used to be able to throw 100 and 101, but after some injuries its "down" to around 94 or 95... u can live with a 101 mph fastball and do decent in the majors, but 95 while lacking a great 2nd pitch will most likely get lite up

I guess.





Scott Dohmann is who you're talkin about... did well in a short stint in the majors last season (had more than a K an inning)... Bein on the Rockies I'm sure he'll get a look at, they can use all the pitching they can get

Did well this season as well. He just got down here.

[Jake83]

I remember my senior year in high school 2000 there was a pitcher here in Southern California name Matt Harrington who threw his fastball close to 102 mph was drafted in the 1st rd by the Rockies. Never signed went back to the draft and was drafted I believe in the 4th rd and then signed to play in Independent Ball for the Fort Worth Cats and was never heard of again




HG as a baseball player in Portland what is your opinion on the city becoming the future home of the Marlins and do you think their is a solid baseball fanbase in the city and surronding areas. I know the TrailBlazers are huge there and are one of the conerstones of the NBA so I believe the city can have a chance. Also how is a So Cal boy adjusting to the Pacific Northwest

[hiddengem]

HG as a baseball player in Portland what is your opinion on the city becoming the future home of the Marlins and do you think their is a solid baseball fanbase in the city and surronding areas. I know the TrailBlazers are huge there and are one of the conerstones of the NBA so I believe the city can have a chance. Also how is a So Cal boy adjusting to the Pacific Northwest

I didn't know that Portland was the future city of the Marlins. I'm doing better here than adjusting to New Orleans.

[Zito75]

Who is that coaching first?

[Knick9]

I didn't know that Portland was the future city of the Marlins. I'm doing better here than adjusting to New Orleans.

Well, nothing is set in stone about the Marlins. They may stay after all. They may not. By the way, nice picture, Zito75!

[Zito75]

Well, nothing is set in stone about the Marlins. They may stay after all. They may not. By the way, nice picture, Zito75!

Thanks! Took that at last night's game. I guess HG was scratched with a sore hammy.

[Ursa Major]

Well, HG finally was able to get back into the lineup, and a good night to do it. He got a two run home run and walked three times ==> Pitch to HG! You really like Raley Field, eh HG? And, he was on the field for a seven inning perfect game by three of the Beavers' pitchers. (I guess they only played seven because it was the second game of a doubleheader.) Fun time to be on the field.

For those in NorCal, tomorrow's Beavers game against the Rivercats will be televised on Fox Sports Net Bay Area. Set your VCR's!

[GuitarMan]

Well, HG finally was able to get back into the lineup, and a good night to do it. He got a two run home run and walked three times ==> Pitch to HG! You really like Raley Field, eh HG? And, he was on the field for a seven inning perfect game by three of the Beavers' pitchers. (I guess they only played seven because it was the second game of a doubleheader.) Fun time to be on the field.

For those in NorCal, tomorrow's Beavers game against the Rivercats will be televised on Fox Sports Net Bay Area. Set your VCR's!

Whew! I saw this just in time to tune into the game (already in the sixth inning). I'm an A's fan, but somehow I can't manage to root for the RiverCats tonight with HG in the other dugout. Good Luck HG!

[west coast orange and black]

^^ but because the game went extras we got to see a bit more than usual. :)

i was at saturday night's game and must report that h-g impressed:
very good footwork at thirdbase
made a terrific cross-body throw to first for an assist
fast from home to first
very quick on the bases

what happened on the bunt attempt, h-g? :D

[Sultan_1895-1948]

I know the TrailBlazers are huge there and are one of the conerstones of the NBA so I believe the city can have a chance.

Actually, outside of the few die hards (my uncle is one), most people here have grown very tired of Blazer management decisions (Jermaine Oneal anyone?), and the players' off-court actions which have reflected poorly on the city's image. Trailgangstas, Jailblazers..pick your name. Their fan base has dwindled and for good reason. Major League Baseball would be a breath of fresh air here and would be heavily supported.

[trosmok]

Good to see our favorite Beaver back on the field, and not to beat a dead horse, but I'm also glad the pro umps are back. A few are bound to be a little rusty, but the difference I noticed yesterday at the Bats v. IndyIndians was like night and day. I've made my plans and reservations for the AAA All-Star game (July 10-12) in Toledo, OH, and hope to see Hiddengem on the PCL roster. :clapping Any idea when they select the members of the team, or would you just as soon enjoy a three day break? I know it is an honor to be named to the squad, but more than a few of the fellows take the time to nurse an ache, or see their spouse, instead of participating in the fun exhibition.

[hiddengem]

what happened on the bunt attempt, h-g? :D

I intentionally missed the bunt attempt, to draw the infield in.:laugh

[hiddengem]

Any idea when they select the members of the team, or would you just as soon enjoy a three day break? I know it is an honor to be named to the squad, but more than a few of the fellows take the time to nurse an ache, or see their spouse, instead of participating in the fun exhibition.

It would be an honor, but a break is always nice. I do the best I can and let the politics take care of itself.

The regular umps were back tonight. I really had no clue just how good we had it.

[west coast orange and black]

what happened on the bunt attempt, h-g?

h-g: I intentionally missed the bunt attempt, to draw the infield in.:laugh

well, the third baseman did creep in a step or two after the bunt attempt that went straight back

[west coast orange and black]

h-g, do you happen to know if the pacific coast league is still as offense-minded as in past years? a player could hit .320 and somebody would say "yeah... but he did it in the pcl."

[west coast orange and black]

have you ever been timed going from first to third?
if so, spill it. what was your best time?

[Ursa Major]

h-g, do you happen to know if the pacific coast league is still as offense-minded as in past years? a player could hit .320 and somebody would say "yeah... but he did it in the pcl."Yeah, the numbers don't seem so impressive as they used to. I think they've gotten rid of some of the teams/ballparks playing in bandboxes.

I remember when the Dodgers would bring up all these studs who hit .320 at Albuquerque and everyone was predicting that, with those hitters and the usual complement of Dodger pitchers, that the Dodgers would build a dynasty. Then those kids'd go to Dodger Stadium and discover their inner .238 hitter.

[hiddengem]

h-g, do you happen to know if the pacific coast league is still as offense-minded as in past years? a player could hit .320 and somebody would say "yeah... but he did it in the pcl."

I've never heard that one.

[hiddengem]

have you ever been timed going from first to third?
if so, spill it. what was your best time?

I have no clue, but one of my coaches told me he clocked me at a 3.9 on the ball I hit to second to move the runner over.

[hiddengem]

Yeah, the numbers don't seem so impressive as they used to. I think they've gotten rid of some of the teams/ballparks playing in bandboxes.

I remember when the Dodgers would bring up all these studs who hit .320 at Albuquerque and everyone was predicting that, with those hitters and the usual complement of Dodger pitchers, that the Dodgers would build a dynasty. Then those kids'd go to Dodger Stadium and discover their inner .238 hitter.

Albuquerque is a very hitter friendly park. Dodger stadium is the exact opposite.

[west coast orange and black]

h-g: I have no clue, but one of my coaches told me he clocked me at a 3.9 on the ball I hit to second to move the runner over.

dude, they got you by a half-step. you nearly beat that out. you were moving.

[hiddengem]

h-g: I have no clue, but one of my coaches told me he clocked me at a 3.9 on the ball I hit to second to move the runner over.

dude, they got you by a half-step. you nearly beat that out. you were moving.

yea, on a groundball to second base I thought that was pretty dang good, especially running from the right side of the box.

[Ursa Major]

Hey, HG, I know baseball's full of numbers and all, but there's one that bears a little resonance with me -- it's called victories when you're in the lineup. Since we know a big part of your game is "the little stuff that doesn't necessarily show up in the box score" -- moving the runner over, taking out the middle man on the double play attempt, etc. -- your contribution isn't necessarily reflected in the standard categories. But, it seemed to me that the team fares well when you're in the lineup, and when you aren't.... it doesn't. In June, for example, the team is 3 and 1 when you start a game, and 1 and 9 when you don't. The numbers for April and May probably aren't so dramatic (I haven't checked), but my perception is that even then the team did better when you were in than when you weren't.

There can be lots of explanations for this. Heck, maybe it's just a matter of a Beaver pitcher's comfort level when you looks back at his infield and sees, say, Leone playing second base instead of you. (Not to pick on Leone, but Ryne Sandberg he's not.)

Do teams keep track of this stuff? Almost as importantly, does your agent?
Albuquerque is a very hitter friendly park. Dodger stadium is the exact opposite.Kinda makes you wonder why a team with a history of such sophisticated training of its minor leaguers would have 'em play in a park that is ill-suited to the big club's stadium and style of play. Y'know, it would be like having a guy go through the minors playing in Fenway Park and playing pepper with the Green Monster, and then calling him up to the Astros and have him try to yank one over the leftfield fence at Minute Maid Park. Heaven knows that no one can reach the seats there.

[RuthMayBond]

Kinda makes you wonder why a team with a history of such sophisticated training of its minor leaguers would have 'em play in a park that is ill-suited to the big club's stadium and style of play. Y'know, it would be like having a guy go through the minors playing in Fenway Park and playing pepper with the Green Monster, and then calling him up to the Astros and have him try to yank one over the leftfield fence at Minute Maid Park. Heaven knows that no one can reach the seats there.Yeah, and in his first big league at-bat :crazy ;) :rolleyes: :clapping

[Ursa Major]

http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DSamSwing0623Slo.gifYup, this is when he didn't know how to swing....

[hiddengem]

Hey, HG, I know baseball's full of numbers and all, but there's one that bears a little resonance with me -- it's called victories when you're in the lineup. Since we know a big part of your game is "the little stuff that doesn't necessarily show up in the box score" -- moving the runner over, taking out the middle man on the double play attempt, etc. -- your contribution isn't necessarily reflected in the standard categories. But, it seemed to me that the team fares well when you're in the lineup, and when you aren't.... it doesn't. In June, for example, the team is 3 and 1 when you start a game, and 1 and 9 when you don't. The numbers for April and May probably aren't so dramatic (I haven't checked), but my perception is that even then the team did better when you were in than when you weren't.

There can be lots of explanations for this. Heck, maybe it's just a matter of a Beaver pitcher's comfort level when you looks back at his infield and sees, say, Leone playing second base instead of you. (Not to pick on Leone, but Ryne Sandberg he's not.)



From a humble standpoint, I have noticed this and so has the organization. For the past 12 days or so, I've been nursing a hamstring strain. Its been a real drag, came back for 3 days in Sacramento and it got worse, so we took a few more days off. I should be back in there tomorrow I beleive.

At any rate, if you recall the 7 inning perfect game, that was my first day back since going on a 6 game losing streak. After that game, one of our "higher up" coaches came up to me and said he hoped I could get healthy soon because my manager is looking for multiple options to get me in the lineup because I make things happen. I thought that was a very nice gesture and I appreciated it. That is exactly what my "game" is about, so I'm glad they notice it.

[hiddengem]

http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DSamSwing0623Slo.gifYup, this is when he didn't know how to swing....

I don't know about that, what I will say is that I was in the middle of approaches at that time, and I've since done away with that one. I am coming from underneath that ball. Something OHFOR doesn't think I do.

[tadlock11]

HG,
Will you be spending your off season in RR again or are you permanately out of the area?

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

He HG. I was wondering something during my game last night. My arm was sore (inside of my elbow), but i kept playing anyways. How much pain do you guys really play through? What are some of the worst things guys have played through that you've heard of, and what are some common injuries guys have all the time? Thanks alot fot your input.

[hiddengem]

HG,
Will you be spending your off season in RR again or are you permanately out of the area?

We are actually considering moving to the Phoeniz, AZ area.

[hiddengem]

He HG. I was wondering something during my game last night. My arm was sore (inside of my elbow), but i kept playing anyways. How much pain do you guys really play through? What are some of the worst things guys have played through that you've heard of, and what are some common injuries guys have all the time? Thanks alot fot your input.


Well, the injuries that you can't play through 95% of the time are those that deal with injured muscles in the legs(pulls or strains). I've played through arm soreness my entire career, nothin like good ole advil. But as a player you need to learn to "know" your body. You need to understand the difference between being hurt and being injured. We play hurt all the time. If your elbow is just sore from use, ice it and see how it feels in a day or 2. If you have sharp pain in there, like there is ligament damage or something like that, then its time to get it checked out.

Common injuries are muscle pulls or strains and injured arms.

[bigtime39]

HG:
Picked up one of your former jerseys on eBay a couple of weeks ago (it arrived late last week). Thought it would be neat to have something from a player I've had a tiny bit of interaction with. Kissimee Cobras road #7 jersey that shows almost no use. Your name on back (assuming you're the only guy with your last name to have gone through the Astros organization). From the looks of it, you were in the FSL for about eight minutes...but, WHAT were they thinking, making you guys wear 100% nylon down there? The thing weighs three times as much as a regular Russell poly!
Anyway, none of this is particularly relevant to this thread, but as a collector, it's an item that will have some significance to me. As always, thanks for keeping this thread doing, and best of luck the rest of the season.

[Ursa Major]

HG, saw that you got called in for mop-up duty in the blowout tonight. Dang, that's got to be wierd, with the team feeling down. Looks like a nice bout -- three up, three down. How did that come about?

[hiddengem]

HG:
Picked up one of your former jerseys on eBay a couple of weeks ago (it arrived late last week). Thought it would be neat to have something from a player I've had a tiny bit of interaction with. Kissimee Cobras road #7 jersey that shows almost no use. Your name on back (assuming you're the only guy with your last name to have gone through the Astros organization). From the looks of it, you were in the FSL for about eight minutes...but, WHAT were they thinking, making you guys wear 100% nylon down there? The thing weighs three times as much as a regular Russell poly!
Anyway, none of this is particularly relevant to this thread, but as a collector, it's an item that will have some significance to me. As always, thanks for keeping this thread doing, and best of luck the rest of the season.


Way cool. I totally remeber that jersey and you are darn right it was hot. The FSL is humid as all get out and those jersey's don't help at all. But heck, they are all that way, just the way it is in minors.

If you are interested, I'll sign it for you and send it back. Send it to PGE park in Portland, OR with a return envelope and I'll get it back out to you. By the way, we won the FSL championship in that jersey. We were on the road in Dunedin, against the Blue Jays.

[hiddengem]

HG, saw that you got called in for mop-up duty in the blowout tonight. Dang, that's got to be wierd, with the team feeling down. Looks like a nice bout -- three up, three down. How did that come about?

What a blast. Its been over 13 yrs since I'd been on the mound in a game. I pitched quite a bit up until I made the Varsity team in High school. Not a bad job..11 pitches, 3 up 3 down.

[bigtime39]

Way cool. I totally remember that jersey and you are darn right it was hot. The FSL is humid as all get out and those jersey's don't help at all. But heck, they are all that way, just the way it is in minors.

If you are interested, I'll sign it for you and send it back. Send it to PGE park in Portland, OR with a return envelope and I'll get it back out to you. By the way, we won the FSL championship in that jersey. We were on the road in Dunedin, against the Blue Jays.

For anyone who is ever tempted to forget what a STAND UP guy HG is, please compare his response to me with some of what the people in this thread (from the Game Used Forum board) have run into
http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=3313
HG may not be playing in the majors right now, but he's got major league character.
Thanks, HG!

[hiddengem]

For anyone who is ever tempted to forget what a STAND UP guy HG is, please compare his response to me with some of what the people in this thread (from the Game Used Forum board) have run into
http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=3313
HG may not be playing in the majors right now, but he's got major league character.
Thanks, HG!

I appreciate that.....Although its tough to condone the attitudes that some people run into, if you walked in our shoes for a month or so, I think you would have a better understanding of why it goes on. Many people are not near as polite and courteous as you, and it gets old.

You wouldn't believe the rude people that expect the world from you and if you don't come through they call you every name in the book.

At any rate, I'm happy you got the jersey and the offer still stands.

[bigtime39]

I appreciate that.....Although its tough to condone the attitudes that some people run into, if you walked in our shoes for a month or so, I think you would have a better understanding of why it goes on. Many people are not near as polite and courteous as you, and it gets old.

You wouldn't believe the rude people that expect the world from you and if you don't come through they call you every name in the book.

At any rate, I'm happy you got the jersey and the offer still stands.

HG:
You're absolutely correct--again! I got a whole different perspective on the whole autograph thing after getting one from Will Clark. It was after he retired, and he was at Camden Yards watching a game. A couple of people had spotted him, and he was signing. Just as I noticed him, his picture went up on the video board. (Dumb move, because he wasn't in a place where he could be covered like they cover Cal Ripken.) Then, instead of being one amongst a couple of people, I was part of a mini mob. Clark wound up having to leave. I wasn't impolite to Will, but I was part of something that was wrong. The man shouldn't have been driven out of a ballpark, and I was part of it. Went home feeling kind of dirty. Gave the ball to a friend. Haven't asked for an autograph outside of a signing session since, and haven't done that in over two years.
It's a transaction, rather than an interaction, and one that you guys have very little control over. Given what I (used to) do for a living, I've (sort of) been on your side of that line, and didn't much care for it. Thanks for another dose of perspective. Now, let us hear no more of this! :D

[KHenry14]

Hey HG, I stumbled upon a bit of your history today, and I was curious about the story behind it. Evidently in a May 1999 doubleheader when you were with Kissimmee, you walked in 8 straight plate appearances! How in the heck did you manage that??

[hiddengem]

Hey HG, I stumbled upon a bit of your history today, and I was curious about the story behind it. Evidently in a May 1999 doubleheader when you were with Kissimmee, you walked in 8 straight plate appearances! How in the heck did you manage that??


Nice find..not many people know that. I believe I tied Jose Canseco for the Record. But, I'm not sure they would have honored the record had I broke it because one of the games was postponed due to rain.

Just a freak thing...they couldn't find the zone, I didn't swing at any bad pitches and all the calls went my way. Pretty crazy.

[Ursa Major]

This update.... HG hits one out (with one aboard) for the 8th time this year on Thursday... Is 5th on the team in slugging percentage. Not bad for a dinged up middle infielder. (Aaron'll be pleased; he was a little bummed at your oh-fer on Wednesday batting leadoff.)

So, how does Leone, whose slugging percentage is below HG's, get on the All-Star squad with 15 errors?

[hiddengem]

This update.... HG hits one out (with one aboard) for the 8th time this year on Thursday... Is 5th on the team in slugging percentage. Not bad for a dinged up middle infielder. (Aaron'll be pleased; he was a little bummed at your oh-fer on Wednesday batting leadoff.)

So, how does Leone, whose slugging percentage is below HG's, get on the All-Star squad with 15 errors?

Yea, I'm going to post the swing later on...I was trying to work on staying connected the game before and the first couple of Ab's in that game. I was late on everything, and just felt brutal. The HR AB, I told myself "Get your hands going and fire the bat head at the ball". It landed about 420ft later in left center over a 40ft brick wall.

Leone had a great start to the year and I think that did it for him..he's cooled off but is still a great player.

[runningshoes]

http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/story/5946330p-5238080c.html

[Ursa Major]

... in posting a link to that article, but here's one that's much better: about HG's walk-off, gamewinning home run on Saturday.
http://72.19.192.132/beavers/set_cookie.php?id=2059&type=r

Here're two pictures of his reception by his teammates:

http://72.19.192.132/articleImages/matranga715.jpg http://72.19.192.132/articleImages/celebration715.jpg

[runningshoes]

... in posting a link to that article, but here's one that's much better: about HG's walk-off, gamewinning home run on Saturday.
http://72.19.192.132/beavers/set_cookie.php?id=2059&type=r

Here're two pictures of his reception by his teammates:

http://72.19.192.132/articleImages/matranga715.jpg http://72.19.192.132/articleImages/celebration715.jpg

No point other than to share the story here.

Here's another link to the walk-off.

Sweet......

http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/story/5952982p-5240929c.html

[Zito75]

Man that's awesome... Way to go, HG!

We'll try to see you play here in Tucson in the near future... And this time if a ball comes right my head, I'll catch it... ;)

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Friekin' awesome Dave. Some of the guys were out at PGE. Good stuff man. Congrats. :clapping

[hiddengem]

Thanks Guys. I tell you what, theres no hiding, its been a tough stretch for me the past few weeks. A major grind indeed, so it was nice to come through in that situation. Looking forward to a strong finish.

[Ursa Major]

HG, just tell the skipper that the reason for the less successful at-bats is to make sure that the other teams will pitch to you during crunch time. You're just lulling them into grooving it to you. :o

I know it's been tough. Funny thing, though, no one would think twice about the way you've been hitting -- sorta like Dave Kingman or Pete Incaviglia or Reuben Sierra -- if you looked like them. Once a team gets that mindset about you, they'll put you in the number 5 slot and pay you $3 million a year. And, of course, none of those other three could turn the DP or hit in the clutch the way you have.

Runningshoes said:
No point other than to share the story here.
Here's another link to the walk-off. RS, the reason that I wondered about your point was that the link was to a different story about the Beavers; not to the game in which HG homered.

[Williamsburg2599]

HG,
I have a few questions about the earlier part of your baseball career, I apologize if they have already been asked:
1.What was your first exprience with a scout?
2.Were you a stand-out player in LL and Babe Ruth?
3.When did you relize that you had the talent to play pro ball?

[cartersball]

HG I just wanted you to know that you have really inspired my 8 yr. old son in this thread. Even though he has been to countless Minor League games here on the East Coast he has never really met a pro ballplayer. Everyday he comes home and pulls up a chair beside me to "see what HG has been up to"
If your ever on the east coast or in the Carolinas let us know.

[trosmok]

HG I just wanted you to know that you have really inspired my 8 yr. old son in this thread.

:clapping

I've been on the road most of the last two weeks, and couldn't wait to check and see how HG has been doing when I got back. I guess you also inspire the 50+yr. old crowd around here, too.:waving

One of the earlier posts mentioned the PCL parks being a little more hitter friendly, and I can attest the IL parks are more often tailored to boosting the pitchers' numbers. Of course there are exceptions, but the ballyards I've seen seem to bear this generality out.

Keep up the good work, both on and off the field, and I'm looking forward to the final month of the AAA season, as well as the Sept. call-ups.

[hiddengem]

HG,
I have a few questions about the earlier part of your baseball career, I apologize if they have already been asked:
1.What was your first exprience with a scout?
2.Were you a stand-out player in LL and Babe Ruth?
3.When did you relize that you had the talent to play pro ball?

No problem

1) High School I believe. They started coming around, and eventually asked me to play on a summer scout ball team. Basically its a team put together by the local scouts, you play on the weekeneds and they get to watch you play against good talent.

2) Yea I guess you could say that. I mean I was on all the All-Star teams, usually the first pick in the draft each year..stuff like that.

3) I guess when scouts started coming around, giving me feedback on my game and what they thought. I did pretty well playing scout ball in High School, and I had some pretty good success at the D-1 level in college. I have some tools that keep me in the game and got me into pro ball in the first place. Pretty good arm, speed, decent power, solid defense, and a bat that can get pretty hot at times.

[hiddengem]

HG I just wanted you to know that you have really inspired my 8 yr. old son in this thread. Even though he has been to countless Minor League games here on the East Coast he has never really met a pro ballplayer. Everyday he comes home and pulls up a chair beside me to "see what HG has been up to"
If your ever on the east coast or in the Carolinas let us know.

Well I certainly appreciate that. I've always prided myself on being a good role model for young kids. If you son ever needs anything let me know.

[hiddengem]

:clapping

I've been on the road most of the last two weeks, and couldn't wait to check and see how HG has been doing when I got back. I guess you also inspire the 50+yr. old crowd around here, too.:waving

One of the earlier posts mentioned the PCL parks being a little more hitter friendly, and I can attest the IL parks are more often tailored to boosting the pitchers' numbers. Of course there are exceptions, but the ballyards I've seen seem to bear this generality out.

Keep up the good work, both on and off the field, and I'm looking forward to the final month of the AAA season, as well as the Sept. call-ups.

Looking forward to a strong finish..I've got some work to do.:)

[scrface744]

congrats......................also i was reading that article and say manny alexanders name.......wow hes still playing im a met fan and i remember him from a while back..............also i have an off topic question....since i like the mets i like piazza im so happy piazza is on a hot streak.........have you had a chance to talk to him in the spring or anything?

[Skin & Bones]

Interesting how a guy who plays professional ball comes to this site and has " discussions " with fans. I actually did a google search on greenies and came across a thread where you discussed amphetamines and it's benefits. Interesting stuff.

[hiddengem]

congrats......................also i was reading that article and say manny alexanders name.......wow hes still playing im a met fan and i remember him from a while back..............also i have an off topic question....since i like the mets i like piazza im so happy piazza is on a hot streak.........have you had a chance to talk to him in the spring or anything?


I've talked to him a bit, good guy.

[WonderMonkey]

I think I'm the only one here who doesn't know HiddenGem's 3D name. I've checked the roster for middle infielders who doesn't look like a regular and see a few names. Could someone PM me and please let me in on the secret?

Thanks.

[hiddengem]

Interesting how a guy who plays professional ball comes to this site and has " discussions " with fans. I actually did a google search on greenies and came across a thread where you discussed amphetamines and it's benefits. Interesting stuff.


Well its deffinetly not the norm. I got started doing this whole thing to give fans an inside perspective to the game. Its been an interesting ride to say the least.

[WonderMonkey]

Forget it! I found it.

[west coast orange and black]

hiddengem: I got started doing this whole thing to give fans an inside perspective to the game.

for which we are most grateful, h-g.

[cartersball]

HG,
Drake (my 8yr. old) wants to know:
"Were you a very serious player at my age?"
I think he means, were you all about playing baseball? Practice all the time, play whenever or wherever as long as it was baseball.

"What do you do when the other players on your team play bad?"
Here I think he wants to know how you deal with disappointment in yourself or your teamates performance.

[hiddengem]

HG,
Drake (my 8yr. old) wants to know:
"Were you a very serious player at my age?"
I think he means, were you all about playing baseball? Practice all the time, play whenever or wherever as long as it was baseball.

I was a serious player, but not to the degree that "parents" force on them today. I played to have fun, did not play select, played in my local little league and that was it. As I got older I played on a few travel teams.

"What do you do when the other players on your team play bad?"
Here I think he wants to know how you deal with disappointment in yourself or your teamates performance

When other players on my team play bad I forget about it and move on. Nobody is out there trying to play bad and mistakes are going to happen. You pull for eachother, play hard, and try and take it a day at a time. Its easy to get down on yourself but if you don't learn to handle the mental aspect of this game you will be out of it quickly. This game from an offensive standpoint is 70% failure IF you are an all-star, more if you aren't.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Hey HG. I was wondering something yesterday during a game I was playing. The pitcher was throwing around 80 mph, whicc is the fastest we've seen all season. I was wondering if you guys have to guess fastball sometimes, and start your swing before the pitcher releases the ball. Or can you guys react fast enough to guage the pitch and then swing... Thanks.

[hiddengem]

Hey HG. I was wondering something yesterday during a game I was playing. The pitcher was throwing around 80 mph, whicc is the fastest we've seen all season. I was wondering if you guys have to guess fastball sometimes, and start your swing before the pitcher releases the ball. Or can you guys react fast enough to guage the pitch and then swing... Thanks.

Depending on the situation I might look for something other than a fastball. But for me personally I look fastball 90% of the time and adjust for offspeed. 80mph looked pretty fast to you, now bump that up to 92-93mph. You don't have much time, so you need to gear up fastball, be ready early and then see the ball and adjust if its something else.

[Imapotato]

Boy Dave

I wish you would post in other threads around here

I find it no coincedence that guys here that say you can tell everything you need to know about baseball by looking at stats have never posted in your thread

and although its not the success you want....but in my MLB '06 The Show, Pirate Franchise

The Phillies traded for you , I changed ya to 3rd base and you are now the Phillies starting 3rd baseman ..hitting .264 with 7 SB (1 against myself who I created as a C on the pirates)

I wish you luck in September callups, give your all, if you help the Padres into the postseason, ya never know, Walker and Bellhorn aren't exactly tearing it up

[YankeeFan01]

I'm kind of new here.....but....umm.....who is hiddengem in real life?

[cartersball]

Its usually more fun for you to figure this out on your own. But for twenty bucks I'll PM it to you:) .

[cartersball]

Hey HG,
Just messin around the house today cause the rain front cancelled all of Drake's games today. I noticed in your stats you have 1 IP. How did this come about? Maybe its been there for awhile, but I just noticed it today.

[hiddengem]

Boy Dave

I wish you would post in other threads around here

I find it no coincedence that guys here that say you can tell everything you need to know about baseball by looking at stats have never posted in your thread


Those types of folks are better left to be just "fans". Its really not worth trying to explain things to them because they'll never understand.

[hiddengem]

Hey HG,
Just messin around the house today cause the rain front cancelled all of Drake's games today. I noticed in your stats you have 1 IP. How did this come about? Maybe its been there for awhile, but I just noticed it today.


We had 3 extra inning games in a row and our bullpen was toast. They asked me If I'd ever pitched. I told them back in high school, but that was the last time. It had been 13 yrs since I'd done it. 3 up 3 down. 11 pitches.:D

[cartersball]

Now thats funny!! I lmao when I read it. You know you have got all kinds of good luck surrounding you, HR in first MLB AB, and now a 3 up 3 down pitching performance with no pro pitching experience. How about picking my lotto numbers this week:D .

[Skin & Bones]

Well its deffinetly not the norm. I got started doing this whole thing to give fans an inside perspective to the game. Its been an interesting ride to say the least.

I think it's great man. Besides maybe chatting with a ballplayer for two seconds whose signed me an autograph, I've never really " talked " to them about what's going on in the game before.

[YankeeFan01]

Its usually more fun for you to figure this out on your own. But for twenty bucks I'll PM it to you:) .


so do you accept paypal? :(

[cartersball]

ROFL, I tell you what If you look back through this thread you will see some pics of HG. I will (free of charge) tell you he plays somewhere in the Padres org. All you have to do is reasearch thier Minor league club rosters and you will have the info you so crave. You may also find his first name in this thread if you look real hard. That will be very helpful.

[RuthMayBond]

We had 3 extra inning games in a row and our bullpen was toast. They asked me If I'd ever pitched. I told them back in high school, but that was the last time. It had been 13 yrs since I'd done it. 3 up 3 down. 11 pitches.:DMove over Brooks Kieschnick :clapping

[cartersball]

I don't know that he cares, but answer this. Are you freely handing out all your personal info in these threads?? Why should we expect him to. I have never seen more than his first name in here, and I totally believe that without his privacy he would be unable to post here should he become a big time player in the MLB. Thats something I know I would hate to see and I am sure many others wouldn't care too much for. HG is great for baseball and for this site. He is probably the most down to earth pro ball player I have ever talked too. Nobody has ever freely posted his full name on here out of respect for him and his family, and I just think it should be kept that way. JMO

[Ontarioguy]

To All Forumers:

Please Refrain from posting any mention of HiddenGems name. HG does us a big favour by sharing his insights with us about the professional side of Baseball. Like Cartersball said, if you put on your thinking caps, you can probably figure out who he is, but for now, his full name is not to be mentioned in this thread.

Thank you,
From all the Moderators.

[Ursa Major]

HG, gotta question to ask about tonight's game against Tacoma. According to the log, Tacoma had Bohn on second and LaHair at first, with Clement at bat. Then....

"Jeff Clement grounds into double play, shortstop [[HiddenGem]] to third baseman Paul McAnulty to catcher George Kottaras to first baseman Jon Knott to shortstop [[HiddenGem]]. T. Bohn out at home. Bryan LaHair out at 2nd"

How can he hit into a ground ball double play where the lead runner is tagged out two bases ahead of where he started? My ever-clever wife guessed that the runner at second was running on the pitch and, on the ground ball, you caught him napping after rounding third, thinking you were just going to throw to first base. Can you recall what happened? Sounded wacky but very alert on your part.

Also, it looks like you've got something like a five game hitting streak going, including two consecutive successful pinch hit appearances. Good work!

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Hey HG. I was looking at your teams website, and had a couple questions.

First of all, I remember seeing Termel Sledge play against the Blue Jays when he was with the Expos/Nationals. Then I saw that he is playing with Portland also. What is his situation? I remember him as a good young player in the games I saw him play. In fact I think he hit a home run in one of the games. How is he? Might he be making an appearance as a September cal-up?

Also, I read the story on Rodney McCray. Did you get a chance to meet him, or talk to him?

And also... did you get a bobblehead? :laugh

12812

[tadlock11]

HG,
If memory serves, you were Luke Scott's roomate while you two played together in Round Rock. Did y'all ever discuss hitting? If so, what is his approach. Seems like a good guy, always smiling and laughing (then again who wouldn' be with .430 BA)

[KHenry14]

HG, I'm sure you saw the stories about the to games that went to 18 innings yesterday. I was wondering if you could comment upon how players feel about those types of games, beyond the "I wish this game would finally end!" :D They obviously must be exhausting, more so if you have one of those 0-8 line scores. So, what goes on in the dugout during one of these types of games? Does it get so tiring that it gets funny in a weird way? And how much does is screw up a team to go through one of them. I can imagine if you have a day game after one of them that it must be really hard to get up for the next game.

Just curious....

[hiddengem]

Sorry its taken me so long to get back to you guys. I've had a mind lapse and have forgot to check this sight for a few days.

[hiddengem]

HG, gotta question to ask about tonight's game against Tacoma. According to the log, Tacoma had Bohn on second and LaHair at first, with Clement at bat. Then....

"Jeff Clement grounds into double play, shortstop [[HiddenGem]] to third baseman Paul McAnulty to catcher George Kottaras to first baseman Jon Knott to shortstop [[HiddenGem]]. T. Bohn out at home. Bryan LaHair out at 2nd"

How can he hit into a ground ball double play where the lead runner is tagged out two bases ahead of where he started? My ever-clever wife guessed that the runner at second was running on the pitch and, on the ground ball, you caught him napping after rounding third, thinking you were just going to throw to first base. Can you recall what happened? Sounded wacky but very alert on your part.

Also, it looks like you've got something like a five game hitting streak going, including two consecutive successful pinch hit appearances. Good work!

The Veteran in me came out on this play. Do you recall Visquel pulling this on off earlier in the year and I told you its something I think about all the time.

Here was the situation. Runners on 1st and 2nd and 1 out. Ground ball to the first baseman(Knott). He throws to me at 2nd, Lahair out at 2nd on the force. I fake a throw back to first(Nobody was going to be there in time), spin and fire to 3rd catching Bohn with his pants down. He gets in a pickle for a second and is tagged out, end of inning.

[hiddengem]

Hey HG. I was looking at your teams website, and had a couple questions.

First of all, I remember seeing Termel Sledge play against the Blue Jays when he was with the Expos/Nationals. Then I saw that he is playing with Portland also. What is his situation? I remember him as a good young player in the games I saw him play. In fact I think he hit a home run in one of the games. How is he? Might he be making an appearance as a September cal-up?

Also, I read the story on Rodney McCray. Did you get a chance to meet him, or talk to him?

And also... did you get a bobblehead? :laugh

12812

Sledge is a great teamate and a great player. He's in a bit of a tough situation with the outfield we have in San Diego. He was dinged up with an inury in ST, made the club and was sent down shortly thereafter. Struggled for a little while but has turned in a great season here in Portland. He was briefly sent back up a few weeks back and will no doubt get a september callup.

I did meet Rodney and got a bobblehead. Good guy.

[hiddengem]

HG,
If memory serves, you were Luke Scott's roomate while you two played together in Round Rock. Did y'all ever discuss hitting? If so, what is his approach. Seems like a good guy, always smiling and laughing (then again who wouldn' be with .430 BA)


He is an outstanding person with a strong love for the lord. He was my roomate in 04 and we talk regularly. We talk hitting all the time. He's very talented number 1 but has found a few things that work for him. He thinks about sweeping the bat through the zone and hardly rotates on his back foot at all. He feels that pulls him off the ball, he wants to stay on the ball and be able to drive the ball to all parts of the field. Take notice next time you watch him.

[hiddengem]

HG, I'm sure you saw the stories about the to games that went to 18 innings yesterday. I was wondering if you could comment upon how players feel about those types of games, beyond the "I wish this game would finally end!" :D They obviously must be exhausting, more so if you have one of those 0-8 line scores. So, what goes on in the dugout during one of these types of games? Does it get so tiring that it gets funny in a weird way? And how much does is screw up a team to go through one of them. I can imagine if you have a day game after one of them that it must be really hard to get up for the next game.

Just curious....


Yea those suck. What sucks even worse is to play all those innings and lose. We played 13 innings tonight I think, ended up winning and I had a decent game so it wasn't all that bad. But I'm looking at the clock right now and I have to be up in 3 hours to catch a bus to the airport. Our game ended at like 11:45ish and we have a 5am wakeup call. We end the season playing 25 games in a row without a day off. No time to rest, gotta strap it on again tomorrow and find a way to perform. Hopefully we don't have too many more extra inning games or I'm gonna find myself back on the hill.;)

It doesn't screw up a team that much..it can screw up a bullpen however. If you are having a bad game it just wears on you like no other and you just want it to end however. But you gotta find a way to stay in it mentally. Its tough.

[hiddengem]

I don't know that he cares, but answer this. Are you freely handing out all your personal info in these threads?? Why should we expect him to. I have never seen more than his first name in here, and I totally believe that without his privacy he would be unable to post here should he become a big time player in the MLB. Thats something I know I would hate to see and I am sure many others wouldn't care too much for. HG is great for baseball and for this site. He is probably the most down to earth pro ball player I have ever talked too. Nobody has ever freely posted his full name on here out of respect for him and his family, and I just think it should be kept that way. JMO


Thanks buddy..I appreciate that.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

What a blast. Its been over 13 yrs since I'd been on the mound in a game. I pitched quite a bit up until I made the Varsity team in High school. Not a bad job..11 pitches, 3 up 3 down.

I was looking at this, and I remembered another little story I saw:

Wade Boggs pitches one scoreless inning of relief for the Yankees in a blowout loss to the Anaheim Angels. Boggs threw 16 knuckleballs and one fastball that clocked 74 mph. "I was Phil Niekro and Charlie Hough all rolled into one," said a beaming Boggs.

What pitches did you throw? Knuckleball? And how fast was your heat?

Thanks in advance.