hiddengem's Regular Season Thread

[hiddengem]

does skipper washington have a running game in mind with you guys this season?
i know that you like to run -- last year i saw you get outta the box and get to first quick! -- so what's the deal?


Yea, I think he's going to let guys run until they prove they can't. My feel is that he's going to be a fun, aggressive, get after it type of manager. Should be alot of fun to play for.

[KHenry14]

Hey HG, I was curious about your opinon about ballparks. You've played in a lot of different ones, both up in the Majors and in all levels of the minors, so I know you've seen both the good and the bad. What do you and the players look for in a ballpark, besides hot water? Is there a specific feature, like the sightlines, or the type of IF dirt? Or just the ambiance? Or is the clubhouse the #1 priority?

Just curious...

[TheKingofKings]

How's ST going HG, any inside scoop on Gagne and Sosa :D... Anyways I hope you have a great Spring Training and hopefully have a shot at the Majors.

[hiddengem]

Hey HG, I was curious about your opinon about ballparks. You've played in a lot of different ones, both up in the Majors and in all levels of the minors, so I know you've seen both the good and the bad. What do you and the players look for in a ballpark, besides hot water? Is there a specific feature, like the sightlines, or the type of IF dirt? Or just the ambiance? Or is the clubhouse the #1 priority?

Just curious...


A comfortable, clean clubhouse is a good start. Good lights are huge for a hitter, and a nice playing surface always helps us minor leaguers without dental insurance.:rolleyes:

A nice batting cage is great as well, and if its indoors and air conditioned even better.

[hiddengem]

How's ST going HG, any inside scoop on Gagne and Sosa :D... Anyways I hope you have a great Spring Training and hopefully have a shot at the Majors.

Well, Sosa is great. I played in a game with him on Friday and we had some very cool conversation. He seems very motivated and has worked extremely hard to come back. I would expect big things from him. I have even seen Gagne to be honest. Here is a cool picture, we got after the game. Should look nice blown up and signed in the game room:)
http://img11.picsplace.to/img.php?file=img10/22/Sammy_Sosa_and_Family_001.jpg

[Ursa Major]

HiddenGem said: Here is a cool picture, we got after the game. Should look nice blown up and signed in the game room. Good point. Where in his game room do you think Sammy will put it? :)
<<Rim shot>>

Gad, Sosa's got the best smile in the history of the game. Can't help but remind you of what his season home run duel with -- and class toward -- McGwire meant to baseball after the strike. Wish its luster hadn't been dulled since then. Anyway, glad you get to be on the field with him. What a treat!

[hiddengem]

Good point. Where in his game room do you think Sammy will put it? :)
<<Rim shot>>



He said he'd put it right next to the bat I signed for him.:D

[KHenry14]

Should look nice blown up and signed in the game room:)
http://img11.picsplace.to/img.php?file=img10/22/Sammy_Sosa_and_Family_001.jpg

This leads me to another question...

Do players sign stuff for each other a lot? I read of that happening, but is there any protocal for that? Do some players do it and others not?


BTW, Lil' Gem is getting big! :)

[hiddengem]

This leads me to another question...

Do players sign stuff for each other a lot? I read of that happening, but is there any protocal for that? Do some players do it and others not?


BTW, Lil' Gem is getting big! :)

Lil' Gem is getting big, and I managed to get another one past the goalie.:D

Players sign stuff for eachother all the time. The only player I've ever heard giving even players a hard time is Bonds. How it usually happens is players from the opposing team will have a clubhouse attendant bring the balls, jersey, bats or whatever over to the other side and have them signed. I did this with Ken Griffey Jr. He retured my baseball signed along with one of his bats.

[cartersball]

Lil' Gem is getting big, and I managed to get another one past the goalie.


Congrats HG! Only seven more to go before you have your own LL team.:) LOL No seriously, enjoy them while they are that young. Glad to hear all is well in ST. We can't wait to follow your season online and hopefully catch a game if we get a chance.

[hiddengem]

Congrats HG! Only seven more to go before you have your own LL team.:) LOL No seriously, enjoy them while they are that young. Glad to hear all is well in ST. We can't wait to follow your season online and hopefully catch a game if we get a chance.

Thanks, looking forward to it.

[Zito75]

Love the photo dude, thanks for sharing. :cool:

Do you know if you're making the trek to Tucson this Spring?

[hiddengem]

Love the photo dude, thanks for sharing. :cool:

Do you know if you're making the trek to Tucson this Spring?
nope, sure don't.

[TheKingofKings]

Good point. Where in his game room do you think Sammy will put it? :)
<<Rim shot>>

Gad, Sosa's got the best smile in the history of the game. Can't help but remind you of what his season home run duel with -- and class toward -- McGwire meant to baseball after the strike. Wish its luster hadn't been dulled since then. Anyway, glad you get to be on the field with him. What a treat!

His Big Puffy Dominican Cheeks make his smile Legendary.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Lil' Gem is getting big, and I managed to get another one past the goalie.:D


So your good at hockey as well. Didn't know. :laugh

Congratulations. Like Cartersball said: Enjoy them while they are with you. They will be out of the house before you know it.

I have two daughters. I remember the day that they were born, like yesterday. But in the meantime they have become 11 and 8 already.

Nice picture. Funny to see how a ball player still wants to take a photograph together with a star like Sosa.

[TheKingofKings]

I've followed Brandon McCarthy a lot during his brief MLB career, have you had a conversation with him, do you think he has "the Stuff" to be an elite pitcher.

[hiddengem]

So your good at hockey as well. Didn't know. :laugh

Congratulations. Like Cartersball said: Enjoy them while they are with you. They will be out of the house before you know it.

I have two daughters. I remember the day that they were born, like yesterday. But in the meantime they have become 11 and 8 already.

Nice picture. Funny to see how a ball player still wants to take a photograph together with a star like Sosa.


Oh, he asked to take the picture with me not the other way around:laugh

[hiddengem]

I've followed Brandon McCarthy a lot during his brief MLB career, have you had a conversation with him, do you think he has "the Stuff" to be an elite pitcher.

I've spoken with him breifly. Sure, the few times I've seen him, he has looked very good. Time will tell.

[RuthMayBond]

Oh, he asked to take the picture with me not the other way around:laughThat's your story, and you're sticking with it :D ;) :coffee

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Maybe I missed some news, but I can't find your name in the box scores. Are you still in MLB ST camp? Or did they send you to Minor League ST camp?

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I have another question for you HG.

You have been in the clubhouses of several ball clubs now. What was the best ball club that you have played for so far? I don't mean the results, but more the people of the ball club, the athmosphere, booster clubs, etc.

[KHenry14]

Hey HG, I was listening to San Diego Sports talk where they were interviewing ex-US Marine now Padre pitching prospect Cooper Brannan. He mentioned that he pitched against the Rangers recently, so I was wondering if you hit off him or got to see him throw? And what were your impressions if you did?

[hiddengem]

Maybe I missed some news, but I can't find your name in the box scores. Are you still in MLB ST camp? Or did they send you to Minor League ST camp?

never was...

[hiddengem]

I have another question for you HG.

You have been in the clubhouses of several ball clubs now. What was the best ball club that you have played for so far? I don't mean the results, but more the people of the ball club, the athmosphere, booster clubs, etc.

Angels were great.

[hiddengem]

Hey HG, I was listening to San Diego Sports talk where they were interviewing ex-US Marine now Padre pitching prospect Cooper Brannan. He mentioned that he pitched against the Rangers recently, so I was wondering if you hit off him or got to see him throw? And what were your impressions if you did?


No, we didn't see him. My guess is he's at the lower levels?? We faced Maddux on Saturday for 4 innings, drew another walk off of him. He remembers what happened last time so now he's scared:D Yea right.

[RuthMayBond]

No, we didn't see him. My guess is he's at the lower levels?? We faced Maddux on Saturday for 4 innings, drew another walk off of him. He remembers what happened last time so now he's scared:D Yea right.Dude, you OWN him!!! :clapping

[BoofBonser26]

I justed wanted to wish you luck this season, HG. I'll be following you. :cool:

[hiddengem]

I justed wanted to wish you luck this season, HG. I'll be following you. :cool:

Thank you.

[hellborn]

No, we didn't see him. My guess is he's at the lower levels?? We faced Maddux on Saturday for 4 innings, drew another walk off of him. He remembers what happened last time so now he's scared:D Yea right.
I think that you've drawn more walks from Maddux than he used to give up in an entire season in his prime.
:clapping
I'm going to start calling you "Old Camera Eye".
Can you tell us a little bit about how the plate appearance went? Did you see the change?
Must be pretty cool to face a 300+ game winner and get pitched around. Thanks for sharing this stuff with us!
:D

[RuthMayBond]

I think that you've drawn more walks from Maddux than he used to give up in an entire season in his prime.
:clapping
I'm going to start calling you "Old Camera Eye".
Can you tell us a little bit about how the plate appearance went? Did you see the change?
Must be pretty cool to face a 300+ game winner and get pitched around. Thanks for sharing this stuff with us!
:DOr the Walking Man.
Or Rajah. The ump sez "Yo Greg, when you throw a strike, Mr. Hiddengem will inform you." :clapping

[hiddengem]

I think that you've drawn more walks from Maddux than he used to give up in an entire season in his prime.
:clapping
I'm going to start calling you "Old Camera Eye".
Can you tell us a little bit about how the plate appearance went? Did you see the change?
Must be pretty cool to face a 300+ game winner and get pitched around. Thanks for sharing this stuff with us!
:D


Well, I've watched maddux pitch for many many years now. I'd faced him before and watch him on TV. Although he does pitch to contact, he does a great job feeding off of hitters aggressivness. He's also very good at being deceptive with his pitches and if you get long with your swing off of him you probably won't be very successful.

That being said, my gameplan going into the AB's was to stay short and try and let the ball get deep in the zone so I wasn't fooled with late moving pitches.

First AB went just like I thought. First 2 pitches were cutters he was hoping I would be too aggressive with and get myself out. Then he through a sinker in for ball 3. The next 2 pitches were sinkers in that were called strikes but were very bordline. When we got to 3-2, my thought was that he just showed me a 3-0 and 3-1 sinker in and that maybe he thought I would look for it again. Instead I felt that he would go with a cutter to try and get me to chase. He did, it was down and out and I walked.

The next time around I k'd as I was put in a hole with tough call and ended up fouling strike 3 into the catchers glove. That AB he stayed away with backdoor sinkers. Again, he's a 300 game winner for a reason, and he does a great job adapting to what you as the hitter are trying to do.

[KHenry14]

HG, you discussion of Maddux got me thinking about deception in pitchers. Can you talk about that more in general? Like deceptive motions, release points etc.? What confuses hitters more?

[hellborn]

Well, I've watched maddux pitch for many many years now. I'd faced him before and watch him on TV. Although he does pitch to contact, he does a great job feeding off of hitters aggressivness. He's also very good at being deceptive with his pitches and if you get long with your swing off of him you probably won't be very successful.

That being said, my gameplan going into the AB's was to stay short and try and let the ball get deep in the zone so I wasn't fooled with late moving pitches.

First AB went just like I thought. First 2 pitches were cutters he was hoping I would be too aggressive with and get myself out. Then he through a sinker in for ball 3. The next 2 pitches were sinkers in that were called strikes but were very bordline. When we got to 3-2, my thought was that he just showed me a 3-0 and 3-1 sinker in and that maybe he thought I would look for it again. Instead I felt that he would go with a cutter to try and get me to chase. He did, it was down and out and I walked.

The next time around I k'd as I was put in a hole with tough call and ended up fouling strike 3 into the catchers glove. That AB he stayed away with backdoor sinkers. Again, he's a 300 game winner for a reason, and he does a great job adapting to what you as the hitter are trying to do.

Fascinating insight into the mental game, thank you. Makes sense to me that you wouldn't look for a third sinker in a row, unless maybe you had hacked wildly at one and looked really bad. I was watching Pedro annihilate the Yanks at Fenway once, but then he threw three changes in a row to Brosius...Brosius' shorts dropped to his ankles on the first two, but he was waiting for that third one, and BOOM. Pedro's change was a beautiful pitch that I'm sure was really difficult to hit under any circumstances, but Pedro had, what, 14 other pitches he could have thrown at that point?
Sounds like the ump was in love Maddux's sinker that day, and it's harsh to get a tough call and a foul tip 3rd strike in one AB. You catch 0.01" more of that ball and you're still alive...at least you went down fighting!
Best of luck for the rest of your season! I always keep an eye out for your name. :waving

[StanTheMan]

Well, I've watched maddux pitch for many many years now. I'd faced him before and watch him on TV. Although he does pitch to contact, he does a great job feeding off of hitters aggressivness. He's also very good at being deceptive with his pitches and if you get long with your swing off of him you probably won't be very successful.

That being said, my gameplan going into the AB's was to stay short and try and let the ball get deep in the zone so I wasn't fooled with late moving pitches.

First AB went just like I thought. First 2 pitches were cutters he was hoping I would be too aggressive with and get myself out. Then he through a sinker in for ball 3. The next 2 pitches were sinkers in that were called strikes but were very bordline. When we got to 3-2, my thought was that he just showed me a 3-0 and 3-1 sinker in and that maybe he thought I would look for it again. Instead I felt that he would go with a cutter to try and get me to chase. He did, it was down and out and I walked.

The next time around I k'd as I was put in a hole with tough call and ended up fouling strike 3 into the catchers glove. That AB he stayed away with backdoor sinkers. Again, he's a 300 game winner for a reason, and he does a great job adapting to what you as the hitter are trying to do.

Fantastic insight into the mental dance between the hitter and batter, and how that dance changes after nearly every pitch. The thing is, if either of those first two cutters are a strike called, the entire AB probably changes. Knowing Maddux, the 2 cutters did not miss by much, as evidence of his 3-0 and 3-1 offerings on the black for strikes. He's willing to nibble at any count.

Either you understand and apprecaite this mental war (and love the game like all of us do) or you don't quite get it......and you label baseball "slow," "boring" or all the other garbage we hear from NFL wackos as they wait another 30 seconds for the next play to start.... or from NBA freaks after player X, Y, or Z hits the 30 Gazillionth 15 foot jumper in history.... then proptly runs down the court screaming at himself or something in general... but just screaming nontheless.

I too, am looking forward to following hiddengem this season, and climbing inside his head a few more times. Consider me a fan.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

That's so awesome about Maddux. I can't even imagine...

I have a question about an old post of yours:
The Process:
First I like to completely sand the bat of all laquer (finish) and take it down to bare wood. Then I like to put Rosen on the barrel of the bat so that when I bone it, it will be pressed into the grains.
Basically, you can bone a bat with anything harder than the wood. I like to go to the Pet Store and pick up a big Cow femer, but some guys bone their bats on a sink or toilet if you can believe it. I put the bat on the floor so I can use my weight as leverage and put as much pressure on the wood as possible. Then you take the bone and run it along the grains with as much force as possible so you compress the grains and wood to make it as hard and dense as possible. I bone the bat before I've ever hit it, and continue to do it for as long as the bat lasts. It will make the bat last alot longer and help to keep the grains from splitting There is usually a noticeable difference in the sound of the ball off the bat after boning the bat.(much louder) and a stronger *Crack*By rosen, I assume you mean rosin. How much does this impact the process? Also, do you see any problem with using the toilet, because I don't see how I am going to get my hands on any decent-sized bones at the moment.

If I were to use the toilet seat, would you suggest using all of my weight against the bat? Just wondering how much force is too much, if there is such a thing.

EDIT: Also, how do you go about applying pine tar? I've just started to use it this year, since I started having trouble holding on to the bat properly. What is the general MLB method?

Thanks for any insight.

[redlegsfan21]

Just wanted to wish you luck this year HG. Also, maybe, just maybe I can see you June 17 (Father's Day) at Great American Ball Park.

[hiddengem]

HG, you discussion of Maddux got me thinking about deception in pitchers. Can you talk about that more in general? Like deceptive motions, release points etc.? What confuses hitters more?


Well, a deceptive pitcher is one who has mastered the art of making every pitch look the same. The delivery and arm action are the same and its how he holds the ball that determines the velocity or action on the pitch. The ones that slow up on their offspead stuff tend to get in trouble. Pedro's change up, or Gagne's change up come to mind. I got to play behind Gange the other day and his deception is obviously amazing. He tends to completely baffle hitters at times.

[hiddengem]

Fantastic insight into the mental dance between the hitter and batter, and how that dance changes after nearly every pitch. The thing is, if either of those first two cutters are a strike called, the entire AB probably changes. Knowing Maddux, the 2 cutters did not miss by much, as evidence of his 3-0 and 3-1 offerings on the black for strikes. He's willing to nibble at any count.

Either you understand and apprecaite this mental war (and love the game like all of us do) or you don't quite get it......and you label baseball "slow," "boring" or all the other garbage we hear from NFL wackos as they wait another 30 seconds for the next play to start.... or from NBA freaks after player X, Y, or Z hits the 30 Gazillionth 15 foot jumper in history.... then proptly runs down the court screaming at himself or something in general... but just screaming nontheless.

I too, am looking forward to following hiddengem this season, and climbing inside his head a few more times. Consider me a fan.


Yea, if you don't understand the game of baseball beyond the surface, it could get boring. But like you said, the NBA is brutal these days. Just a bunch of guys playing street ball.

[hiddengem]

That's so awesome about Maddux. I can't even imagine...

I have a question about an old post of yours:
By rosen, I assume you mean rosin. How much does this impact the process? Also, do you see any problem with using the toilet, because I don't see how I am going to get my hands on any decent-sized bones at the moment.

If I were to use the toilet seat, would you suggest using all of my weight against the bat? Just wondering how much force is too much, if there is such a thing.

EDIT: Also, how do you go about applying pine tar? I've just started to use it this year, since I started having trouble holding on to the bat properly. What is the general MLB method?

Thanks for any insight.

Be carefull or you could have a serious flood on your hands:D

Just go to a pet store and pick up a big femur(sp) and don't risk breaking the toilet. That way you can put as much force as you want on the bat and not worry.

I use 2 types of tar, 1) the normal pine tar that comes in a bottle and you squeeze on to a rag. I put that around the lable of the bat and then put rosin over that to make it tacky. I also use a Manny Mota stick, its a stick you rub on the handle or all over the bat that is instantly very sticky.

[Ursa Major]

HG said: I use 2 types of tar, 1) the normal pine tar that comes in a bottle and you squeeze on to a rag. I put that around the lable of the bat and then put rosin over that to make it tacky.

Just be really careful how far up the barrel you put that pine tar. Just ask our old buddy George B:
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/PineTarKB.gif
Some of you may be too young to remember this famous incident of July 24, 1983.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Be carefull or you could have a serious flood on your hands:D

Just go to a pet store and pick up a big femur(sp) and don't risk breaking the toilet. That way you can put as much force as you want on the bat and not worry.

I use 2 types of tar, 1) the normal pine tar that comes in a bottle and you squeeze on to a rag. I put that around the lable of the bat and then put rosin over that to make it tacky. I also use a Manny Mota stick, its a stick you rub on the handle or all over the bat that is instantly very sticky.That's awesome, thanks. I'll be sure to grab a big femur bone next time I get some more pet food, or go to the butcher's. As for the tar, I was just wondering if there were any secrets that us simpletons didn't know about. Guess not, but thanks for the info.

Good luck this season. Hopefully you can set the table for Slammin' Sammy a couple of times :clapping.

[hellborn]

Just be really careful how far up the barrel you put that pine tar. Just ask our old buddy George B:

Some of you may be too young to remember this famous incident of July 24, 1983.

How could I not remember? I was the one who asked for the bat to be checked!
I was also hoping that Brett would attack me, instead of the umps, so I could beat the "tar" out of him. He thought he was tough, but he was no marshmallow salesman!!


(FYI - I share a name with a certain Yanks player/manager and amateur pugilist)

[KHenry14]

I got to play behind Gange the other day and his deception is obviously amazing. He tends to completely baffle hitters at times.


HG, I've said on BBF that I thought Gagne had the best stuff I've ever seen from a pitcher when he's healthy. When he's right he's truly unhittable.

From an IF'ers perspective, when you are playing behind a guy that's good, do you find yourself admiring the pitching performance? In other words, when someone is just mowing them down and you haven't come close to making a play in the field for many innings, is it hard to keep your concentration?

[hiddengem]

HG, I've said on BBF that I thought Gagne had the best stuff I've ever seen from a pitcher when he's healthy. When he's right he's truly unhittable.

From an IF'ers perspective, when you are playing behind a guy that's good, do you find yourself admiring the pitching performance? In other words, when someone is just mowing them down and you haven't come close to making a play in the field for many innings, is it hard to keep your concentration?

No not really. I mean at this point I've played behind many tremendous pitching performances and if anything, when a pitcher really has it going on a particular night, it makes you focus even that much more to play well behind him.

On the flip side, its tends to be hard to keep your concentration when a pitcher is stinking up the place. Walking alot of hitters, constantly working behind in the count, working slow ect ect. Those are the times where your concentration really gets tested and your nerves. The same goes for a pitcher when he's playing behind a guy or guys that have forgot how to catch the ball.;)

[hellborn]

No not really. I mean at this point I've played behind many tremendous pitching performances and if anything, when a pitcher really has it going on a particular night, it makes you focus even that much more to play well behind him.

On the flip side, its tends to be hard to keep your concentration when a pitcher is stinking up the place. Walking alot of hitters, constantly working behind in the count, working slow ect ect. Those are the times where your concentration really gets tested and your nerves. The same goes for a pitcher when he's playing behind a guy or guys that have forgot how to catch the ball.;)

I've never understood the working slowly thing...I guess I can see that it can help throw the hitter and any baserunners off, but also throws the D off (like you said) and just strongly suggests that the pitcher has no confidence in what he's doing. If a pitcher works slowly to me, I feel like he's scared of me, but by working fast he suggests to me that he thinks he's going to breeze right through me like nothing and continue buzzing through the lineup.

[Zito75]

Hi HG,

Just curious to see what your status is for the start of the season?
Hope all is well with you!

[hiddengem]

Hi HG,

Just curious to see what your status is for the start of the season?
Hope all is well with you!


Okie City.

[Zito75]

Awesome, there is nothing wrong with that. We'll come cheer you on when you pull through Tucson.

[Ursa Major]

Good luck with the Redhawks, HG. It's tough to try to follow what's going on, because the Rangers' site understandably doesn't have much on non-roster folks, and the OK City Redhawks site is a big joke. ("This just in -- Jose Canseco suspected of having taken steroids!") It hasn't been modified essentially since last year. So, any reports you can pass along would be appreciated.

Congrats on "slipping one past the goalie.." Having two kids will let you work on double plays - with the kids taking turns being the first baseman on the second throw. (That is -- until you slow down and YOU become the first baseman. :hyper: )

Best wishes,
John

[hiddengem]

Good luck with the Redhawks, HG. It's tough to try to follow what's going on, because the Rangers' site understandably doesn't have much on non-roster folks, and the OK City Redhawks site is a big joke. ("This just in -- Jose Canseco suspected of having taken steroids!") It hasn't been modified essentially since last year. So, any reports you can pass along would be appreciated.

Congrats on "slipping one past the goalie.." Having two kids will let you work on double plays - with the kids taking turns being the first baseman on the second throw. (That is -- until you slow down and YOU become the first baseman. :hyper: )

Best wishes,
John

Well there hasn't been anything to update since September 06. I'm sure they'll get it going shortly. This year should be fun bringing the little one in the clubhouse and on the field.

[Old Sweater]

Well there hasn't been anything to update since September 06. I'm sure they'll get it going shortly. This year should be fun bringing the little one in the clubhouse and on the field.


Till now. You're on the roster.

[KHenry14]

HI HG, I see you are settled in as the Redhawks' 2B. But what I also noticed is that the Redhawks start the season off by playing 20(!) days in a row! That's just brutal if you ask me. But is it easier having a streak of games early in the season, or is it easier later in the year? Obviously it's hard either way, but I was just curious if you find it easier to do that now when your body isn't too banged up?

[hiddengem]

HI HG, I see you are settled in as the Redhawks' 2B. But what I also noticed is that the Redhawks start the season off by playing 20(!) days in a row! That's just brutal if you ask me. But is it easier having a streak of games early in the season, or is it easier later in the year? Obviously it's hard either way, but I was just curious if you find it easier to do that now when your body isn't too banged up?

20 days in a row is nothing in the minors..actually quite normal. But I would rather have days off later in the year if we get them.

[Ursa Major]

As I recall from last year, it seems that the minors have to cram in so many games because they start late and end early that there's not much opportunity for days off.

HG, I noted that you broke out and had a two-hit game (and started a DP), and then they sat you for a couple of days. I hope you don't suffer that kind of pattern again. I did see that you were DH'ing some - you turning into a no-glove slugger on us?? :faint:

[Zito75]

How's the hammy treating you?

[hiddengem]

As I recall from last year, it seems that the minors have to cram in so many games because they start late and end early that there's not much opportunity for days off.

We play 20 less games that the big leagues and start 4 days after.


HG, I noted that you broke out and had a two-hit game (and started a DP), and then they sat you for a couple of days. I hope you don't suffer that kind of pattern again. I did see that you were DH'ing some - you turning into a no-glove slugger on us?? :faint:


My role on this team right now is not as a starting player. We have Ramon Vasquez here that will play everday at either 2nd or SS and they want to see Drew Meyer at Short primarly for the first month or so of the season. And they have a young kid they want to see at 3rd for a while. I will only DH when there isn't anybody else to do it. Now that Byrd is here either him or Botts will be the DH. I'll just do my thing and wait until something happens, it always does.

[hiddengem]

How's the hammy treating you?

What hammy?

[Ursa Major]

Hiddengem said: I'll just do my thing and wait until something happens, it always does.Hey, 2-for-3 today - including the gamewinning triple - isn't a bad 'thing' to do. I know it's a long season, but it's nice to put the new guys on alert about your clutch heroics. Congrats.

I saw that 'pitcher' turned outfielder Rick Ankiel had a throwing error today for Memphis against you guys. Dang, the guy can't throw accurately from anywhere on the field. (And for the rest of you who don't know about Ankiel, he's the classic pitching phenom with a serious mental hiccup that kept him from finding the plate while with the Cards.)

[hiddengem]

clutch heroics
Sniff, Sniff:happy:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070415&content_id=207763&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

I saw that 'pitcher' turned outfielder Rick Ankiel had a throwing error today for Memphis against you guys. Dang, the guy can't throw accurately from anywhere on the field. (And for the rest of you who don't know about Ankiel, he's the classic pitching phenom with a serious mental hiccup that kept him from finding the plate while with the Cards.)

He's not bad, not quite as polished as some other guys, but he's got some tools. Hit an opposite field homer today and left the yard on Saturday as well. Throwing errors from outfielders are often times not their fault, maybe a bad hope at the dish, and the ball got away from the catcher, things like that. I can't remember his play however.

[RuthMayBond]

Sorry if this has been asked before, and you don't have to answer it. Do your teammates know you log on here, and are there any other fellow players that log in here that you know of? Thanks

[hiddengem]

Sorry if this has been asked before, and you don't have to answer it. Do your teammates know you log on here, and are there any other fellow players that log in here that you know of? Thanks


Not that I'm aware of and no.

[redlegsfan21]

Not that I'm aware of and no.

You should have told Sammy Sosa about us. Of course he might not like some of the people who don't like him on here.

[Zito75]

What hammy?

Sorry dude- I thought you were a little nicked up. I must have been on crack when I posted last.
Nice triple a few nights ago... Way to go!

[west coast orange and black]

20 days in a row is nothing in the minors..actually quite normal

i believe that per the collective bargaining agreement, 21 is the most consecutive days that a team can play. you guys got it rough, man.

[redlegsfan21]

I have a question for you HG.

Do relief pitchers take batting practice at all? I know in the league you are currently in uses the DH but when you were back in Houston, was this true.

I also see you already have a RBI tonight.

[Ursa Major]

Originally Posted by Ursa Major
clutch heroics
Sniff, Sniff
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/n...milb&fext=.jsp (http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070415&content_id=207763&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp)For those too lazy to click through the link, HG is modestly referencing his walk-off homer to win one of Sunday's games.

And that RBI tonight was on a two-out bunt -- safety or suicide squeeze? I remember when you bunted for a hit during the televised game against the Rivercats last year and the announcers couldn't stop talking about how your overall play gladdened the heart of old baseball purists. I guess that's the advantage of being the DH -- who's going to expect one of them to be bunting? And, hey, you're now second on the team in slugging and OPS (behind Diaz).

[hiddengem]

You should have told Sammy Sosa about us. Of course he might not like some of the people who don't like him on here.


I'm the only one dumb enough to take the risk.

[hiddengem]

I have a question for you HG.

Do relief pitchers take batting practice at all? I know in the league you are currently in uses the DH but when you were back in Houston, was this true.

I also see you already have a RBI tonight.

Very rarely. Out of the entire bullpen their will only be a few times a yr when one of them gets an AB.

[hiddengem]

And that RBI tonight was on a two-out bunt -- safety or suicide squeeze?


Neither, its a great play that isn't done very often. I took a peak down to 3rd and saw he was way back. I knew all I had to do was get it down in his direction and I had a hit with an RBI. It turned out to be a big run, we won by one run.

[KHenry14]

Neither, its a great play that isn't done very often. I took a peak down to 3rd and saw he was way back. I knew all I had to do was get it down in his direction and I had a hit with an RBI. It turned out to be a big run, we won by one run.


You know HG, we've all know you've made plays like this before :cool: .

This is old school baseball that isn't played very often nowadays. Speaking for myself (but I bet the vast majority of BBF would agree) I love this type of heady playing. Is there a reason you think we don't see more of this type of small ball being played? I mean, it used to be people swung for the fences because those were the people who got paid the most. but today, if you're good, it doesn't matter if you are a singles hitter, you'll get paid. So I'm curious if there's another reason for it.

BTW, I'm also curious about what your manager and teammates said to you back in the dugout after the inning was over.

[hiddengem]

You know HG, we've all know you've made plays like this before :cool: .

This is old school baseball that isn't played very often nowadays. Speaking for myself (but I bet the vast majority of BBF would agree) I love this type of heady playing. Is there a reason you think we don't see more of this type of small ball being played? I mean, it used to be people swung for the fences because those were the people who got paid the most. but today, if you're good, it doesn't matter if you are a singles hitter, you'll get paid. So I'm curious if there's another reason for it.

BTW, I'm also curious about what your manager and teammates said to you back in the dugout after the inning was over.

Well the power guys are still the highest paid guys, and up until steroids starting getting tested for singles hitters that couldn't pick it in the field found themselves getting released. Even today if your are a singles hitter, you'd better have somthing else in your bag.

But even still, the advances in training, nutrition and the way the game has evolved its just not the same anymore.

Obviously my coaching staff and teamates loved it and they referred to the play as "Salty" pointing to me as being a "Salty Veteran". Its just as heady, instinct type of play that you don't see very often, but when its done it catches the other team with their pants down.:happy:

[brewcrew82]

Listening to the Nashville Sounds broadcasts and noticed you has a really good game last night. Congrats on the three RBI and though I was happy the Sounds won, I found myself pumping my fists in celebration when you got your hits.

My main reason for posting is, how is the fan support in Oklahoma City? I know it's only early in the season but how has it been? Oklahoma doesn't strike me as being a hotbed of baseball (I could be wrong and I hope I am).

Anyway, have a good season.

[hiddengem]

Listening to the Nashville Sounds broadcasts and noticed you has a really good game last night. Congrats on the three RBI and though I was happy the Sounds won, I found myself pumping my fists in celebration when you got your hits.

My main reason for posting is, how is the fan support in Oklahoma City? I know it's only early in the season but how has it been? Oklahoma doesn't strike me as being a hotbed of baseball (I could be wrong and I hope I am).

Anyway, have a good season.


We had 4 or 5 thousand there tonight. I've been a visitor in Oklahoma City when they have brought in 10+. As the weather warms up the crowds will get better.

[redlegsfan21]

What is the best minor league ballpark you've played in HG?

[hiddengem]

What is the best minor league ballpark you've played in HG?

Okie City and Memphis are probably a tie with me. They are about as close to the big leagues as you can get in the minors. I really like Portland too.

[bigtime39]

HG:
If you're bunting for base hits, you'd better watch out...you could be in the Orioles organization before you know it! Sam Perlozzo is already nicknamed "Bunty" on the Orioles Hangout board!
BTW, your former teammate Jon Knott got a quick series with the big club, going 3-4 with a 3-run HR vs the Devil Rays. Apparently, he had quite a few family members in the stands for the series. Sadly, he's back in Norfolk, now...but we expect that won't last forever.

[hiddengem]

HG:
If you're bunting for base hits, you'd better watch out...you could be in the Orioles organization before you know it! Sam Perlozzo is already nicknamed "Bunty" on the Orioles Hangout board!
BTW, your former teammate Jon Knott got a quick series with the big club, going 3-4 with a 3-run HR vs the Devil Rays. Apparently, he had quite a few family members in the stands for the series. Sadly, he's back in Norfolk, now...but we expect that won't last forever.



I know and I didn't even get a chance to call him. I was pumped

[west coast orange and black]

hey, man. good luck this season, h-g.
when you're gonna get a break from the lineup, are you one of the players called on to pinch-run?
are you one of the better baserunners?

maybe i'll see you in sacramento in august.
but i hope that you'll be in baltimore, kansas city, arlington, etc., instead.

[hiddengem]

hey, man. good luck this season, h-g.
when you're gonna get a break from the lineup, are you one of the players called on to pinch-run?
are you one of the better baserunners?


Sure, if the situation calls for it. We've got some good speed in this lineup so if I were to do it, it would be for a catcher late in the game.

[Blowfly]

HG how is the life in Oklahoma? I was looking at the roster and I see four ex Padres, other than you on the team. Is it unusual on a minor league team to have high concentration of players from another major league team? What are your thoughts of Vazquez’s or Ojeda’s chances of getting back in the bigs? I met them when they were in San Diego and they seemed to be good guys, and Ojeda sounds like he could be professional signer.

[hiddengem]

HG how is the life in Oklahoma? I was looking at the roster and I see four ex Padres, other than you on the team. Is it unusual on a minor league team to have high concentration of players from another major league team? What are your thoughts of Vazquez’s or Ojeda’s chances of getting back in the bigs? I met them when they were in San Diego and they seemed to be good guys, and Ojeda sounds like he could be professional signer.


Its ok out here. Nice ballpark. I think the reason we have so many Padres is that some front office people with the Pads used to be with Texas so they tend to work trades together.

Vasquez and Ojeda are Big league insurance policies. So if something happens to an infielder in the big leagues Vasquez will go up, same with Ojeda.

[MarinersFan51]

hey HG, ive always wondered, at the proffesinal level, do you supply your own gear, or do you get like a bat allowance and a certain number of gloves for the season. Or do you have to buy everything yourself outta your take home pay?

[Williamsburg2599]

HG, ever see any good pranks while you were on the road, or in the clubhouse or dugout?

[hiddengem]

hey HG, ive always wondered, at the proffesinal level, do you supply your own gear, or do you get like a bat allowance and a certain number of gloves for the season. Or do you have to buy everything yourself outta your take home pay?

Yes, for the most part you need to supply yourself with everything. Often times teams will give you some shorts and workout shirts. Some teams will provide you with more bats than others. Most of the time they'll give you basic stock wood and somtimes if you want better wood they'll pay half, and sometimes they won't pay anything. You have to find your own gloves, batting gloves, shoes ect. Most players have an agent or a contract with a company that provides them with their gear.

I have a head to toe deal with Reebok, they give me all my shoes, batting gloves, wrist bands, dry fit type shirts and now they even make fielding gloves.

[hiddengem]

HG, ever see any good pranks while you were on the road, or in the clubhouse or dugout?


Yea, I've seen quite a few. The Atomic Situp is pretty good, hot foots and hot seats are pretty funny as well. Gerald Laird had a pretty good one pulled on him this spring. They had the cops come in and arrest him over a paternity suit from an "apparant" one night stand. He's married with a newborn. They got him all the way into the cop car before they told him. Pretty good.

[AutographCollector]

HG,
What is your most memorable moment from playing in "the Big Show" ?
And your best moment in the minors?
Thanks!

[Westlake]

HG,
What is your most memorable moment from playing in "the Big Show" ?
And your best moment in the minors?
Thanks!

I think i guess the most memorable moment in the bigs. It came from the arm of Vicente Padilla.

EDIT: Wrong... I always confuse Padilla and Benoit. Both Ranger pitchers.

[AutographCollector]

I think i guess the most memorable moment in the bigs. It came from the arm of Vicente Padilla.

I know who Padilla is... but in reference to HG... I'm confused. :ughh

[Westlake]

I know who Padilla is... but in reference to HG... I'm confused. :ughh

He hit a HR off Padilla in his first major league at-bat.

[Ursa Major]

Actually, the pitcher's name was Benoit. Here's a tiny clip of the historic swing:

http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DSamSwing0623Slo.gif (http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DSamSwing0623.wmv)

Coincidentally, he's now pitching for . . . the Texas Rangers. I don't suppose you reminded him of the moment during Spring Training, did'ja HG? I've seen the full video, and he looked pretty disgusted as you toured the bases.

So what'ya do off Padilla that could be more memorable than that?

[EricDavis]

I have a random question that I've always wondered about. When you're called up for just a few games how does it affect your salary? Do they essentially pay the league minimum for whatever time period you're up?

[Westlake]

Actually, the pitcher's name was Benoit. Here's a tiny clip of the historic swing:

http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DSamSwing0623Slo.gif (http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DSamSwing0623.wmv)

Coincidentally, he's now pitching for . . . the Texas Rangers. I don't suppose you reminded him of the moment during Spring Training, did'ja HG? I've seen the full video, and he looked pretty disgusted as you toured the bases.

So what'ya do off Padilla that could be more memorable than that?

I swear I ALWAYS get Padilla and Benoit confused. Every time. I was actually about to PM you if you could post the vid for Autograph Collector because I could no longer find it on youtube. Thanks. That must have been quite the feeling.

HG, did your teammates give you the silent treatment in the dugout?

[RuthMayBond]

Here's something I've always wondered about, hope it isn't a repeat. In the playoffs, do you prefer to go a full series and "stay in tune", or do you prefer to broom the opponent and rest? I'd think after about 200 games, you'd prefer the rest

[AutographCollector]

Do you get alot of autograph requests sent to the stadium? Do alot of fans ask you to sign their stuff at the ball park? My 6 yr old son asked me to sign his nerf baseball and I thought that I was God, I couldn't imagine hundreds of people.

[hiddengem]

HG,
What is your most memorable moment from playing in "the Big Show" ?
And your best moment in the minors?
Thanks!


-1st Plate appearance HR in Houston off of Benoit.

-I've had quite a few moments in the minors. My first hit was a grand slam, ranks way up there. A few walk off HR's, 4 championship rings, all star games ect.

[hiddengem]

Actually, the pitcher's name was Benoit. Here's a tiny clip of the historic swing:

http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DSamSwing0623Slo.gif (http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DSamSwing0623.wmv)

Coincidentally, he's now pitching for . . . the Texas Rangers. I don't suppose you reminded him of the moment during Spring Training, did'ja HG? I've seen the full video, and he looked pretty disgusted as you toured the bases.

So what'ya do off Padilla that could be more memorable than that?

Actually, a few players remined him of it and I brought the ball in so he could sign it:)

[hiddengem]

I have a random question that I've always wondered about. When you're called up for just a few games how does it affect your salary? Do they essentially pay the league minimum for whatever time period you're up?


Yes, unless you are on a specific split salary type contract, you will get prorated pay of about 55k/month. I think its like 1,500-2,000/day now.

[hiddengem]

I swear I ALWAYS get Padilla and Benoit confused. Every time. I was actually about to PM you if you could post the vid for Autograph Collector because I could no longer find it on youtube. Thanks. That must have been quite the feeling.

HG, did your teammates give you the silent treatment in the dugout?

Nope,everybody was pretty excited.

[hiddengem]

Here's something I've always wondered about, hope it isn't a repeat. In the playoffs, do you prefer to go a full series and "stay in tune", or do you prefer to broom the opponent and rest? I'd think after about 200 games, you'd prefer the rest

I played in the playoffs a few yrs ago where we won both halves, so we got a by to the championship round. We had 6 straight days off without playing and we sucked big eggs when it came time to play. No need to go the full 7 but playing 4-5 is good.

[Ursa Major]

Yeah, I wouldn't describe this as the silent treatment. I especially like the reaction of the crusty old coach, No. 8. Boy, he wished he were back in your shoes, that's for sure.
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DMHRGreeting2.gif

And here's one guy in uniform who's less than pleased: Messr. Benoit:
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DisgustedBenoit.jpg

[hiddengem]

Yeah, I wouldn't describe this as the silent treatment. I especially like the reaction of the crusty old coach, No. 8. Boy, he wished he were back in your shoes, that's for sure.
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DMHRGreeting2.gif

And here's one guy in uniform who's less than pleased: Messr. Benoit:
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DisgustedBenoit.jpg


That "crusty old coach No. 8" is actually the hitting coach for Nashville this year. We reminisced about that day last week when we played them.

[Ursa Major]

That "crusty old coach No. 8" is actually the hitting coach for Nashville this year. We reminisced about that day last week when we played them.No kidding. If you take this closer look at his reaction, you'll see he looks as though -- if he had a pen on him that moment -- he'd have signed adoption papers to claim you.
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DMHRGreetingCoach.gif

Oh, and speaking of the silent treatment, it looks like you didn't get it on April 15th either:
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/041507DMWalkOffGreetingSm.jpg

You'll all appreciate this: after Marco Scutaro hit a walkoff home run off Mariano Rivera to beat the Yankees here in Oakland last week, a local sports reporter had the idiocy to declare that "Super Marco" had something like 6 walk-off hits for the A's over the past several years -- "and all of them were at home!" . . . . . . . Wait for it. Yup, you got it -- you can't hit a walk-off anything on the road, because the home team always gets a turn at bat!

[RuthMayBond]

I'm an idiot. Ok, that's hardly news, but yesterday I could have been involved in an incident with your spring training picture buddy. I was going to go to the Indians game but it was kinda rainy. Well, that rain kept the actual crowd to maybe 5000. I could have gotten into the bleachers . . .
. . . where Sosa hit a record HR in his 44th different big league park while few fans were spinning around trying to get it . . .
. . . until the guy who finally landed it traded it for only two signed baseballs. Nah, if I'd have gone, it would have rained out. :laugh :laugh

[Ursa Major]

... the guy who finally landed it traded it for only two signed baseballsGee, RMB, that guy needs to get an agent. I think any ball of note should be worth at least a bat and maybe a game uni as well as the two balls.

[Old Sweater]

They test more often in MiLB? See that 3 minor league players got stuck with 50 game suspensions since April 12th. already.

[hiddengem]

They test more often in MiLB? See that 3 minor league players got stuck with 50 game suspensions since April 12th. already.

I've been tested once this yr by MLB

[west coast orange and black]

hey, h-g.
how often can you smell the wood burning after fouling one off?
i saw a hated dodger take a whiff of his bat last week.

[hiddengem]

hey, h-g.
how often can you smell the wood burning after fouling one off?
i saw a hated dodger take a whiff of his bat last week.

Without sticking my nose on the barrell, not very often. If I stuck my nose on the barrell everytime I fouled a ball off I'm sure it would be common. Also, I believe it depends if you are using a non finished bat as opposed to a painted one.

[Ursa Major]

HG, nice, classic HG ballgame tonight. To recap for the uninitiated, you finally got a start at shortstop and apparently had a good fielding night -- a DP, an assist on a ball off the pitcher, and a fielder's choice throw to third on a grounder to nail a runner who'd just doubled. Why am I guessing that it was another of your "salty veteran" moves?

And, on offense, 1 for 2 with a walk and, most importantly, a two-out 9th inning single, followed by a scamper to second on a passed ball, and, finally a sprint for home with the game-winning, game-ending run on a single by Ojeda.

Big fun, yes?

[hiddengem]

HG, nice, classic HG ballgame tonight. To recap for the uninitiated, you finally got a start at shortstop and apparently had a good fielding night -- a DP, an assist on a ball off the pitcher, and a fielder's choice throw to third on a grounder to nail a runner who'd just doubled. Why am I guessing that it was another of your "salty veteran" moves?

And, on offense, 1 for 2 with a walk and, most importantly, a two-out 9th inning single, followed by a scamper to second on a passed ball, and, finally a sprint for home with the game-winning, game-ending run on a single by Ojeda.

Big fun, yes?



Yea those are they days you look forward to.

[DoubleX]

HG, couple of questions for you which you've probably already been asked, but it will probably take me forever to find in this thread, so you can pass if you've been asked before and don't feel like answering again...

1) How did you come upon Baseball-Fever?

2) Do players generally follow or care about things like OPS+ and Win Shares and those kind of stats? Or is it really just the more traditional statistics? And what stat, if any, do players seem to put the most emphasis? Like what's most important to a player? BA, homeruns, OBP, etc?

3) Any plans for when it's time to hang up the spikes?

[AutographCollector]

HG:
If you weren't playing baseball... what other profession would you be in?

[Ursa Major]

HG, if you don't mind my asking, what happened on your bunt play in the midst of the 'hawks' gamewinning rally tonight? According to the log, after Relaford doubled and Tug Hulett walked, it said you "bunt grounds out to first baseman Val Pascucci. [HG] out on batter interference." And, the runners didn't get to advance, so you didn't get a sacrifice. Did the umps find too much salt in your "salty veteran" gameplay?

[hiddengem]

HG:
If you weren't playing baseball... what other profession would you be in?

Not sure..I know I have the skills to do alot of things, its just finding something I like. I'll probably stay in baseball in some capacity

[hiddengem]

HG, if you don't mind my asking, what happened on your bunt play in the midst of the 'hawks' gamewinning rally tonight? According to the log, after Relaford doubled and Tug Hulett walked, it said you "bunt grounds out to first baseman Val Pascucci. [HG] out on batter interference." And, the runners didn't get to advance, so you didn't get a sacrifice. Did the umps find too much salt in your "salty veteran" gameplay?

He said there was some new rule this year, and apparantly I didn't follow it. The bottom line of the whole play was, the first baseman made a horrible throw to first and it hit me, because of that I was penalized for it, saying I didn't run to first base correctly. Should have never been called, I was running straight up the line.

[hiddengem]

1) How did you come upon Baseball-Fever?
Doing a search for Japanese baseball I think. Not really sure.

2) Do players generally follow or care about things like OPS+ and Win Shares and those kind of stats? Or is it really just the more traditional statistics? And what stat, if any, do players seem to put the most emphasis? Like what's most important to a player? BA, homeruns, OBP, etc?

Probabl different for each guy..having a good average and good production (RBI's, Runs ect.) gets you moved up and or paid, same with ERA and Wins

3) Any plans for when it's time to hang up the spikes?

We'll see how this year goes. If I felt my play was going down hill I'd stop now, but I still have it. You have a very small window of time to play this game, its tough to walk away when teams still want to give you a paycheck and a uniform.

[DoubleX]

We'll see how this year goes. If I felt my play was going down hill I'd stop now, but I still have it. You have a very small window of time to play this game, its tough to walk away when teams still want to give you a paycheck and a uniform.

I think I phrased my question poorly, sorry about that. I meant to ask what do you think you'll do when you hang up your spikes? If I were in your position, I would play as long as I could as well and I hope you do.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Greetings H-G.

I always wanted to know the extent that teams scout opposing teams. I know teams have acdvanced scouts that scout the upcoming opponents. With the information explosion how much information do you get on oppoinig hitters and pitchers? Do you get charts that show where opposing hitters hit the ball on the field or the pitch location of pitchers? How much video of pitchers do you watch?

[jbooth]

Should have never been called, I was running straight up the line.

Were you running straight up the line, IN the running lane? If you're hit by a throw while outside the lane, you're out, unless you are hit about a step from the base.

6.05
A batter is out when --
(k) In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the ball is dead; except that he may run outside (to the right of) the threefoot line or inside (to the left of) the foul line to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball;
Rule 6.05(k) Comment: The lines marking the three-foot lane are a part of that lane and a batter- runner is required to have both feet within the three-foot lane or on the lines marking the lane. The batter-runner is permitted to exit the three-foot lane by means of a step, stride, reach or slide in the immediate vicinity of first base for the sole purpose of touching first base.


The bold was added this year. The rest is old stuff.

[Ursa Major]

JBooth posted: "...The lines marking the three-foot lane are a part of that lane and a batter- runner is required to have both feet within the three-foot lane or on the lines marking the lane. The batter-runner is permitted to exit the three-foot lane by means of a step, stride, reach or slide in the immediate vicinity of first base for the sole purpose of touching first base." The bold was added this year. The rest is old stuff. So the ump had that part wrong -- all that was added this year is language that makes it tougher to call out the batter, not easier. But, presuming that HG's left foot had at some point hit to the left of the foul line just before he was hit, the call technically would have been right.

However, traditionally, it's been one of the unwritten rules that the batter could be a foot or so inside the baseline; as long as it wasn't obvious that he was trying to impede the throw, it was allowed. I've always taught Ursa Minor to go right up the line and sure enough, earlier this year, he bunted and got cracked in the back of the neck as he hit the bag, going down like he was shot. Not wanting to be too kid-centric, I let the first base coach tend to him and confirm he was okay to stay in the game while my wife wrung her hands. (I handled the important task of making sure that the official scorer gave him a hit on the play....) [[Just kidding people!]] And that's why that is the only play on which I teach righthanded first basemen to line up with their left foot on the bag so as to give the fielder a wide target to avoid the runner with his throw.

We have our own salty veteran on our 11-12 y/o squad who ran about two feet inside the line on the bunt and would have been out, but the throw bounced off the crown of his helmet and out-of-bounds, sending him to second. He scored on the ensuing batter's single and, the moment he returned to the bench, turned to his teammates and proudly lectured, "You see, guys, THAT is why you ALWAYS run on the inside of the baseline after a bunt." I grinned.

[jbooth]

However, traditionally, it's been one of the unwritten rules that the batter could be a foot or so inside the baseline; as long as it wasn't obvious that he was trying to impede the throw, it was allowed.

It isn't about interfering with the THROW, the judgment is based upon whether the batter interferes with the fielder at first base's ability to catch the throw.

Read this carefully lawyer dude!:)

and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base,

Yes, traditionally, the runner isn't called out for being outside the lane; provided that he doesn't hinder the fielder taking the throw. And that is due to the word "AND" in the rule.

The runner is out if he is out of the lane AND interferes. He isn't out just for being out of the lane, he has to be out of it AND interfere. Being hit by the throw, while out of the lane is accepted in the world of umpires, as interference, UNLESS you are in the immediate vicinity of the base. Your young salty on your team should have been called out if he was hit while out of the lane.

[hudsonharden]

hiddengem,
Big fan of the thread. With the news developments in the Josh Hancock story, I wondered if you could provide a little insight. How common is marijuana use among baseball players? Is it talked about openly, or is it fairly discreet? Obviously, I don't expect you to reveal any names, but what have you seen/heard in your baseball experience?

[hiddengem]

Greetings H-G.

I always wanted to know the extent that teams scout opposing teams. I know teams have acdvanced scouts that scout the upcoming opponents. With the information explosion how much information do you get on oppoinig hitters and pitchers? Do you get charts that show where opposing hitters hit the ball on the field or the pitch location of pitchers? How much video of pitchers do you watch?


We don't get a darn thing in the minor leagues. At the most somebody might know the pitches he has. In the big leagues, totally different story. You have everything.

[hiddengem]

Were you running straight up the line, IN the running lane? If you're hit by a throw while outside the lane, you're out, unless you are hit about a step from the base.

6.05
A batter is out when --
(k) In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the ball is dead; except that he may run outside (to the right of) the threefoot line or inside (to the left of) the foul line to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball;
Rule 6.05(k) Comment: The lines marking the three-foot lane are a part of that lane and a batter- runner is required to have both feet within the three-foot lane or on the lines marking the lane. The batter-runner is permitted to exit the three-foot lane by means of a step, stride, reach or slide in the immediate vicinity of first base for the sole purpose of touching first base.


The bold was added this year. The rest is old stuff.

I spoke with an umpire tonight that was part of a new crew. He said all I need to do is at some point run with both feet between the 3 foot lane, and when I get within about 10 ft or 2-3 strides from the bag its fine to get back in line with the foul line, becaue the bag is in fair territory and if I'm running straight up the 3 foot lane I won't be in line with the bag.

As I said last night, there was no way that I would have interfered with the throw had it been a good one. I'm going to add an illustration as to how the play, played out.

[hiddengem]

hiddengem,
Big fan of the thread. With the news developments in the Josh Hancock story, I wondered if you could provide a little insight. How common is marijuana use among baseball players? Is it talked about openly, or is it fairly discreet? Obviously, I don't expect you to reveal any names, but what have you seen/heard in your baseball experience?



Very sad story indeed, unfortunately he made some bad choices and it cost him.

I would say that marijuana is a fair amount. Especially players on the 40man roster who aren't in jeopardy of being caught. Its not something that is a very open topic however, but you'll hear about it from time to time.

[AutographCollector]

2 part question for ya HG (if you don't mind):
1.) Assuming that you have received fan mail before... what's the weirdest thing that a fan has sent you? Ie; to keep or for you to sign for them?
2.) Do Minor league players have agents? I have always wondered that.

[hiddengem]

.) Assuming that you have received fan mail before... what's the weirdest thing that a fan has sent you? Ie; to keep or for you to sign for them?

A pair of panties with her phone number on them.:shhh:


2.) Do Minor league players have agents? I have always wondered that.

I would say that 95%-100% of all players have an agent.

[jbooth]

I spoke with an umpire tonight that was part of a new crew. He said all I need to do is at some point run with both feet between the 3 foot lane, and when I get within about 10 ft or 2-3 strides from the bag its fine to get back in line with the foul line, becaue the bag is in fair territory and if I'm running straight up the 3 foot lane I won't be in line with the bag.

As I said last night, there was no way that I would have interfered with the throw had it been a good one. I'm going to add an illustration as to how the play, played out.

Based upon your diagram, it seems like a bad judgment call, but who knows what the ump was thinking?

Here is some history on the rule from former MLB crew chief Jim Evans;

Historical Notes: The runner's lane, as we know it, had its origin in 1882. The rules required a line to be drawn from a point half-way between home and first base parallel to the foul line three feet away. The only difference in that layout and today's is that the foul line connected the point of home plate with the center of first base; therefore, part of the runner's lane encompassed part of the base. Technically speaking, today's runner's lane rims adjacent to and bypasses first base.
Though umpires were instructed to declare out the runner from home who ran "in fair territory", common sense generally prevailed and the rule was not invoked unless the ball was being fielded to first base when the infraction occurred. In 1891, this philosophy was manifested in a rule amendment which specified that the ball had to be fielded to first for it to apply.
The rule serves two purposes: (1) It prevents a runner from leaving the base path and intentionally crashing into the player covering first base, and (2) It prevents a runner from illegally screening the player taking the throw at first.
Early in the 1900's, more common sense dominated. The rule was re-worded to allow the umpire to use his judgment in determining when and if a runner's position out of the runner's lane actually interfered with a fielder taking a throw at first base.

From the beginning in 1882, an exception was made for a runner who found it necessary to leave the runner's lane to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. Such runner could not be called out for a lane violation.

Professional Interpretation: One factor influencing the umpire's judgment on these plays is the quality of the throw to first base. If a throw, which has no realistic chance of retiring the batter-runner is made, the batter-runner shall not be declared out for interference (lane violation) if he is hit by the throw or the fielder cannot make the catch.
The ball MUST be thrown for this rule to be invoked; otherwise, it is impossible for him to interfere with a fielder taking a throw.
An allowance should be made for the batter-runner to step inside the foul line as he reaches the "immediate vicinity" of first base; otherwise, the base is not readily accessible for him to touch since the runner's lane runs adjacent and past the base in foul territory.
A batter-runner may be called out for a runner's lane violation when he is out of the lane on either side. This decision is based on where the throw is originating.

[AutographCollector]

A pair of panties with her phone number on them.:shhh:




I would say that 95%-100% of all players have an agent.

Ha ha!! Did you keep them and did you end up calling her?

Really? That many have an agent? Even as far down as Single A? Or say for example the Florida State League?

[hiddengem]

Ha ha!! Did you keep them and did you end up calling her?
Naa, gave them to a single teamate.

Really? That many have an agent? Even as far down as Single A? Or say for example the Florida State League?

Single A players need them more than AAA players in many cases. Agents are responsble for providing players with their equipment. A ball players make no money, often times AAA players are making 15k/month. Most players that go in the top 10-15 rounds will have an agent before they even get drafted.

[hiddengem]

the batter-runner shall not be declared out for interference (lane violation) if he is hit by the throw or the fielder cannot make the catch.
The ball MUST be thrown for this rule to be invoked; otherwise, it is impossible for him to interfere with a fielder taking a throw.



Based on this, the call shouldn't have been made.

[AutographCollector]

HG,
What major league player is the most exciting for you to watch play?

[hiddengem]

HG,
What major league player is the most exciting for you to watch play?

I don't know, Bonds is always pretty impressive to watch.

[AutographCollector]

What MLB pitcher is the toughest for you to hit?
The easiest?

[Pxpwop15]

Hello H-G.. First timer here.. I am a huge Josh Rupe fan. Saw him in Low A ball
(SAL) and just love the guy. One heck of a nice down to earth kid too. Why has he not been called up other then for a cup of coffee? He has good stuff and pitched well the few chance he had in the big leagues. My guess is a numbers game..

[RuthMayBond]

What MLB pitcher is the easiest for you to hit? He absolutely RAKES Maddux :dance :highfive: :bowdown: :applaud: :clapping

[west coast orange and black]

k) In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, [the baserunner] runs outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the ball is dead; except that he may run outside (to the right of) the threefoot line or inside (to the left of) the foul line to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball;

Rule 6.05(k) Comment: The lines marking the three-foot lane are a part of that lane and a batter-runner is required to have both feet within the three-foot lane or on the lines marking the lane.
The batter-runner is permitted to exit the three-foot lane by means of a step, stride, reach or slide in the immediate vicinity of first base for the sole purpose of touching first base. [underlined portion is new for 2007]

the giants lost an argument the other day at first base because of this rule change.

do you happen to know if this rule applicable in the minors, h-g?

[Ursa Major]

Hey, HG, your old Beaver buddy Jack Cust is going crazy out here in Oakland. He hit four homers in his first eighteen at-bats since coming up to fill in for injured players, and now has a .947 slugging percentage. He's the quickest Athletic ever to get to four home runs, which is saying something on a team that's had fellows like Reggie Jackson, Dave Kingman, Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire.

Jack's reaction: "I sat for seven years in Triple-A, and you just have to stay positive, [and believe] that good things are going to happen. People, especially my dad and my wife, told me to keep at it. They have been extremely positive about the whole experience."

Sounds like a good guy. I love stories like that.

[hiddengem]

Hey, HG, your old Beaver buddy Jack Cust is going crazy out here in Oakland. He hit four homers in his first eighteen at-bats since coming up to fill in for injured players, and now has a .947 slugging percentage. He's the quickest Athletic ever to get to four home runs, which is saying something on a team that's had fellows like Reggie Jackson, Dave Kingman, Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire.

Jack's reaction: "I sat for seven years in Triple-A, and you just have to stay positive, [and believe] that good things are going to happen. People, especially my dad and my wife, told me to keep at it. They have been extremely positive about the whole experience."

Sounds like a good guy. I love stories like that.

Jack was one of my favorite teamates last year. He's not a bad player either.:happy:

[jbooth]

k) In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, [the baserunner] runs outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the ball is dead; except that he may run outside (to the right of) the threefoot line or inside (to the left of) the foul line to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball;

Rule 6.05(k) Comment: The lines marking the three-foot lane are a part of that lane and a batter-runner is required to have both feet within the three-foot lane or on the lines marking the lane.
The batter-runner is permitted to exit the three-foot lane by means of a step, stride, reach or slide in the immediate vicinity of first base for the sole purpose of touching first base. [underlined portion is new for 2007]

the giants lost an argument the other day at first base because of this rule change.

do you happen to know if this rule applicable in the minors, h-g?

There are a LOT of updates to the 2007 rule book. Most of the updates are not actually rule changes, they are simply inclusions into the official rules, of interpretations that have been in the pro umpire manual, and accepted for years as the rulings. There are a few actual changes, but as far as I know, the changes only apply to the Minor Leagues and not yet to MLB.

The underlined words you noted are new to the rulebook, but MLB umps have ruled it that way for several years.

[west coast orange and black]

h-g: Bonds is always pretty impressive to watch.

give this a shot, h-g:
please rank 1 thru 7 what impresses you most about bonds.

pitch identification
swing selection
bat control
top hand
still head
power
consistency

[Zito75]

Hello HG, how are ya?

With Blalock going down on the DL for a few months, do you think that unfortunate incident will open a door for you on the ML roster?

[TonyK]

HG,

If you could go back in time and play pro ball during a different era which one would you choose and why?

Are there any pitchers in history you would have loved to bat against one time just to see what it was like?

[hiddengem]

Hello HG, how are ya?

With Blalock going down on the DL for a few months, do you think that unfortunate incident will open a door for you on the ML roster?

I'm good...No they went with a AA kid. Things aren't even coming close to going right in this organization right now. I think there is some major grinding going on in the front office at this point. I can't worry about that though, I've got my own things do deal with.

[hiddengem]

If you could go back in time and play pro ball during a different era which one would you choose and why?

I think I would have been a great player in the late 70's early 80's. Steroids hadn't taken over the game and a player like me who could handle the bat a bit, hit with some natural power and could run and play good defense was a hot commodity.


Are there any pitchers in history you would have loved to bat against one time just to see what it was like?
Nolan Ryan, Dwight Gooden, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson ect ect.

[hiddengem]

h-g: Bonds is always pretty impressive to watch.

give this a shot, h-g:
please rank 1 thru 7 what impresses you most about bonds.

pitch identification-5
swing selection-3
bat control-4
top hand-6
still head-7
power-2
consistency-1

[hiddengem]

Hello H-G.. First timer here.. I am a huge Josh Rupe fan. Saw him in Low A ball
(SAL) and just love the guy. One heck of a nice down to earth kid too. Why has he not been called up other then for a cup of coffee? He has good stuff and pitched well the few chance he had in the big leagues. My guess is a numbers game..

He's not healthy this year and had a bad spring training.

[TonyK]

I think I would have been a great player in the late 70's early 80's. Steroids hadn't taken over the game and a player like me who could handle the bat a bit, hit with some natural power and could run and play good defense was a hot commodity.


Nolan Ryan, Dwight Gooden, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson ect ect.

I think you would have been terrific in the Red Sox lineup of Burleson-Lynn-Rice-Yaz-Fisk-Evans-etc. Versatility was what they wanted back then. ESPN Classic will air a game from that era and the players look like they weigh at least 20 pounds less than today's MLers.

The players said they hated to face Nolan Ryan in late afternoon games with the shadows making it hard to pick up his fastball. About all they could hope for was a walk off of him.

[TheKingofKings]

HG, I've seen that you've had a lot of playing time with Freddy Guzman.
What do you see in this guy, does he have the tools and potential to become a star or even an everyday regular in the major leagues ?

[Ursa Major]

HiddenGem said: I'm good...No they went with a AA kid. Things aren't even coming close to going right in this organization right now. I think there is some major grinding going on in the front office at this point. I can't worry about that though, I've got my own things do deal with.

HG, I know you're not going to talk out of turn about your own organization, so we'll do the trashing on this end. Here in the Bay Area, we've got a bit of rooting interest for the team, as Ron Washington is one of the classiest baseball guys around. But, as is noted in this article ("Rangers need more than Wash"), even he has his limitations in the face of sub-par performances, injuries, and, of course, the stewardship of Tom Hicks, who has a way of turning gold into lead. (And who will be paying part of ARod's $254 million contract until sometime after your son enters pro ball...):

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2007/05/20/SPGNNPU20T1.DTL

And, maybe I don't understand Tiple-A ball, but how does it help the team or the organization when you don't mix in a few extra players in the midst of a blow-out? I remember the Portland manager did so last year and I thought it was weird, but the Redhawks manager seems to take the same approach. I guess the weather in Oklahoma is so mild that players benefit from playing all nine innings night after night? :happy:

Looks like your box score is one only you could have: no hits but a sacrifice fly RBI and a score on another sac fly after going from first to third on a single to left field. How did you do that?

More on the Jack Cust front: he's now got 8 home runs and 20 RBIs in 14 games for a slugging percentage of .848. They're talking about pushing him for All-Star votes now. From the interviews, he's having a ton of fun out here with the A's.

[hiddengem]

HG, I've seen that you've had a lot of playing time with Freddy Guzman.
What do you see in this guy, does he have the tools and potential to become a star or even an everyday regular in the major leagues ?


Freddy can play a very nice center field, has very good speed on the bases and can switch hit. I don't think he'll be an everyday guy, but would make a nice 4th outfielder.

[hiddengem]

And, maybe I don't understand Tiple-A ball, but how does it help the team or the organization when you don't mix in a few extra players in the midst of a blow-out? I remember the Portland manager did so last year and I thought it was weird, but the Redhawks manager seems to take the same approach. I guess the weather in Oklahoma is so mild that players benefit from playing all nine innings night after night? :happy:

Yea, its just not what is done here. Plus, I nor anybody at the AAA level wants to go in and mop up a game for somebody else. And our Manager here is probably the best I've ever had and he understands that. If you are in the big leagues, different story.

Looks like your box score is one only you could have: no hits but a sacrifice fly RBI and a score on another sac fly after going from first to third on a single to left field. How did you do that?


Yea, coming off the stupid Phantom DL and trying to get my feel back is where I'm at right now. So while thats going on you have to find a way to scratch something out. Whether its a Sac Fly, walk or squeak in a cheap hit.

I take alot of pride in my baserunning and I consider myself an above average baserunner. The ball was hit on a line dead at the left fielder. I had the feeling it was going to get over his head, so I ran hard to second and antipated it getting over him. It did and I kept going to third. Many guys would have gone half way to second, slowed up and not been able to get to third. Baserunning is all about instincts, and alot of it you can't teach.

[TheKingofKings]

Freddy can play a very nice center field, has very good speed on the bases and can switch hit. I don't think he'll be an everyday guy, but would make a nice 4th outfielder.

Therefore, you are saying that he could be a "poor man's" Kenny Lofton...

[joe_knowitall]

I would like the Rangers to go out and get a big time power hitter again. A guy that will put up 40 HR's every season. They also need to trade Tex now while there is a market for him.

[hiddengem]

Therefore, you are saying that he could be a "poor man's" Kenny Lofton...

I guess you could say that.

[mojorisin71]

Freddy can play a very nice center field, has very good speed on the bases and can switch hit. I don't think he'll be an everyday guy, but would make a nice 4th outfielder.

Speaking of Freddy Guzman, I noticed he missed significant time when he was with the Padres' organization. What kind of an injury was it and has he fully recovered?

[hiddengem]

Speaking of Freddy Guzman, I noticed he missed significant time when he was with the Padres' organization. What kind of an injury was it and has he fully recovered?


Tommy John...yes.

[redlegsfan21]

Whats the greatest game you've been involved in HG? Also saw you had some rain.

[jaimela]

I would like the Rangers to go out and get a big time power hitter again. A guy that will put up 40 HR's every season. They also need to trade Tex now while there is a market for him.


I agree completely with joe.

[Ursa Major]

I would like the Rangers to go out and get a big time power hitter again. A guy that will put up 40 HR's every season. They also need to trade Tex now while there is a market for him.And, I would like Keira Knightley to come over and tuck me in tonight from the underside of the covers. But, she ain't stupid enough to do that, and I don't think that too many general managers are going to give away surefire 40 HR sluggers. Who do the Rangers have in trade bait?

Anyway, on to more fun news on the HiddenGem front. Big game tonight, but sadly in a losing effort. Two for three - with the two being a home run and a 2-run double. This brings his batting average up to .270. Way to go! :clapping

[varybarry]

The rangers could use a slugger who hits 40 homeruns, but it would be hard to find one that any team would like to trade. They would need to consider giving away a big time prospect for a hitter like that.

[Ursa Major]

Addendum to above post. HiddenGem hit a home run tonight for the Redhawks for the second straight night. :clapping :clapping Who says the Rangers need to trade for a slugger?

[hiddengem]

Addendum to above post. HiddenGem hit a home run tonight for the Redhawks for the second straight night. :clapping :clapping Who says the Rangers need to trade for a slugger?

Sorry bout it.:D
http://xs215.xs.to/xs215/07216/HRvsIowa.gif (http://xs.to)

[Ursa Major]

"Sorry about it"?? In the words of the Sopranos, more like "fuggeddaboutit"!
Compare to this old timer's swing:
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DMHomerJune03Side.gif
Looks like someone's still walking away from his hands and "scooping" a little bit. :) But look at the progress in the weight transfer in your lower body . . . Ya look like Pujols now!
:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[hiddengem]

"Sorry about it"?? In the words of the Sopranos, more like "fuggeddaboutit"!
Compare to this old timer's swing:
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/DMHomerJune03Side.gif
Looks like someone's still walking away from his hands and "scooping" a little bit. :) But look at the progress in the weight transfer in your lower body . . . Ya look like Pujols now!
:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

Yea on the 2 strike approach there is a little "forward by turning" Pujols style.:D

[flash143817]

Great thread. I just spent a crapload of time reading almost all the way through it and it was quite fascinating. Real awesome of you to give us outsiders a look inside that we don't usually get to see.

Just a couple questions that I didn't see so hopefully I'm not repeating a question.

1. HG are you familiar with the saga of pro basketball player Paul Shirley? He has a journal with ESPN talking about his trials and tribulations of trying to make it back to the NBA and some of his every day life. Here's a link to it:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=shirley_paul&page=Journal-48

Seeing as how successful this thread has been, have you ever considered trying to do something similar for a big website like ESPN or Yahoo or anything like that?

2. Let me see if I can phrase this next one properly...I know you played at Pepperdine...were they the school you were shooting to play for once you realized you had the talent to play college ball? Basically I mean, in a perfect scenario where you could have a free ride to any school...which one would it be, if not Pepperdine?

3. Favorite NBA team?

4. Nicest clubhouse/field/facility you've played in/on?

5. Was there a player growing up that you admired or patterned your game after?

Thanks in advance and best of luck with the season.

[hiddengem]

Great thread. I just spent a crapload of time reading almost all the way through it and it was quite fascinating. Real awesome of you to give us outsiders a look inside that we don't usually get to see.

Just a couple questions that I didn't see so hopefully I'm not repeating a question..

Seeing as how successful this thread has been, have you ever considered trying to do something similar for a big website like ESPN or Yahoo or anything like that?

Sure, if they contacted me and wanted to do something, I'd consider it.

2. Let me see if I can phrase this next one properly...I know you played at Pepperdine...were they the school you were shooting to play for once you realized you had the talent to play college ball? Basically I mean, in a perfect scenario where you could have a free ride to any school...which one would it be, if not Pepperdine?

I had free ride offers to OU, OSU, USC and a few others. I chose Pepperdine for a few reasons. I really liked the head coach and his staff. The campus is second to none. And it was a perfect distance from home...

3. Favorite NBA team?
I don't like the NBA. I used to follow the Bulls and Jordan.

4. Nicest clubhouse/field/facility you've played in/on?
Anaheim Stadium

5. Was there a player growing up that you admired or patterned your game after? Gary DiSarcina

[Honus Wagner Rules]

hiddengem,

Given the opportunity would you consider playing in Japan?

[ChrisLDuncan]

What did you think of Felix Pie?

[hiddengem]

hiddengem,

Given the opportunity would you consider playing in Japan?

Sure, if the price was right.

[hiddengem]

What did you think of Felix Pie?

He's no doubt a great talent. I like the fact that he has fun out there.

[The Splendid Splinter]

hiddengem,

I'm just wondering if you gone against Neal Musser from Omaha. He's a RP, been called up twice so far this year, but he's back down again. Just asking cuz I went to the same high school as him and know him well. Also, just how fast is Joey Gathright?

[west coast orange and black]

hey, h-g: how have pitchers gotten in yer head?
how did you get 'em out?

[flash143817]

Sweet deal HG.

Must be pretty cool to get offers from all kinds of schools like that. If I'm doing the math right, you'd have been in school right around the time that USC won the College World Series. Can't disagree with choosing Pepperdine at all though. I've never been on the campus in person but I've seen it in pictures and it looks incredible. Must be pretty sweet to play on a field that overlooks the ocean. :cool: Could be kinda rough though if the winds were blowing in off the water and knocking down some deep flies. :grouchy

Do you make a conscious effort to alter your approach at the plate if you know the winds are blowing in or out pretty heavily?


Here's the obligatory shot of Pepperdine's stadium for those that haven't seen it (wish I coulda found a bigger and better shot):
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/pepp/nonsport/baseball250.jpg

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

HG, just wondering what your take is on what A-Rod did against the Jays wendesday night (calling off the 3B pretending to be the SS).

Of course it's been blown out of proportion, but still. What are your teammates saying about it (if anything)?

[hiddengem]

hiddengem,

I'm just wondering if you gone against Neal Musser from Omaha. He's a RP, been called up twice so far this year, but he's back down again. Just asking cuz I went to the same high school as him and know him well. Also, just how fast is Joey Gathright?


Don't know..I took a couple guys deep in that series..one was a right hander but I don't know his name.

Gathright is fast, but we turned a double play on him.

[hiddengem]

hey, h-g: how have pitchers gotten in yer head?
how did you get 'em out?

Pitchers rarely get in my head..I get in my own head.:happy: A pitcher might throw a good sequence to me on one Ab and have me set up for the next...but I try not and think about it.

[hiddengem]

Sweet deal HG.

Must be pretty cool to get offers from all kinds of schools like that. If I'm doing the math right, you'd have been in school right around the time that USC won the College World Series. Can't disagree with choosing Pepperdine at all though. I've never been on the campus in person but I've seen it in pictures and it looks incredible. Must be pretty sweet to play on a field that overlooks the ocean. :cool: Could be kinda rough though if the winds were blowing in off the water and knocking down some deep flies. :grouchy

Do you make a conscious effort to alter your approach at the plate if you know the winds are blowing in or out pretty heavily?


Here's the obligatory shot of Pepperdine's stadium for those that haven't seen it (wish I coulda found a bigger and better shot):
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/pepp/nonsport/baseball250.jpg


The shot that you put up of the field was the exact image I woke up to every morning when I looked out my dorm room window. Yea..it was really rough.:happy:

If the winds are blowing in, I try and keep the ball low and hard on the ground..if they are blowing out, I drop, lift and drive :happy:

[hiddengem]

HG, just wondering what your take is on what A-Rod did against the Jays wendesday night (calling off the 3B pretending to be the SS).

Of course it's been blown out of proportion, but still. What are your teammates saying about it (if anything)?

To give you an idea has to how little a deal it is within the baseball arena. I had no clue it even happened. And I haven't heard a single thing about it from any of my teamates or coaches.


What exactly did he do?

[rich]

Realize your busy HG...go to the New York post web site.

[Ursa Major]

HG, here's the New York Times description:

The Yankees were leading the Toronto Blue Jays by two runs in an eventual 10-5 victory when Jorge Posada lifted a lazy fly ball to third base with two outs in the top of the ninth inning. Third baseman Howie Clark camped under it, but he backed off just after Rodriguez ran slowly past him.

Rodriguez said he shouted “Ha” as he passed Clark, who was fooled into thinking that the shortstop, John McDonald, had called for the ball. When Clark backed away, the ball dropped safely onto the turf for a run-scoring single.

The Blue Jays were incensed, with umpires restraining McDonald from charging at Rodriguez. John Gibbons, the Blue Jays’ manager, had words with Rodriguez, who smiled as he stood on third base. Jason Giambi singled in two more runs to make it a rout.

“I haven’t been in the game that long,” said Gibbons, who was playing in the majors when Rodriguez was 8 years old. “Maybe I’m naïve. But, to me, it’s bush league. One thing, to everybody in this business, you always look at the Yankees and they do things right. They play hard, class operation, that’s what the Yanks are known for. That’s not Yankee baseball.”

Rodriguez said he hears opposing players shouting at him on foul balls near the dugout three or four times a week. He did not admit to intentionally distracting Clark — “I don’t know what my intention was,” he said — but he pointed out that the Blue Jays had made a heady play in stealing home on Tuesday.

Rodriguez said he was simply trying to win. “We’re desperate,” he said. “We haven’t won a game in a little bit now. We won the game.”

What apparently irritated a lot of people was that ARod afterward stood on the base with a big smirk on his face. Pretty juvenile, it seems to me. C'mon, dude, you're a future Hall of Famer!

[Williamsburg2599]

And here's a video link:
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl.jsp?w_id=575138&w=mms%3A//a1503.v108692.c10869.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1503/10869/v0001/mlb.download.akamai.com/10869/2007/open/tp/archive05/053007_nyator_rodriguez_2_350.wmv&pid=gen_video&vid=1&mid=200705311996979&cid=mlb&fid=gen_video400&v=2&mType=w&urlstr=&mUrl=&type=v_free&_mp=1

[hiddengem]

To me it appeared that A-Rod said "blah" or something along that line. It didn't look like "Mine" and even if he did say that, that is NOT the way an infielder calls for the ball.

The way an infielder calls for the ball is "I got it, I got it I got it". I personally wouldn't move out of the way of the ball on a "blah" call.

You will hear players in the opposing dugout all the time saying things to infielders when they get a ground ball, trying to screw up their concentration. Things Like "boot it" or whatever. I liken this situation with A-Rod to that except he was trying to disrupt the concentration of the infielder on a pop up.

Do I think it was a little weak, yea probably. I wouldn't do that specifically, but I will do things like deek a stealing runner to second if he runs with his head down and a pop up is hit. I'll try and convince him I'm turning a double play to try and get him to slide and not make it back to first.

Some people might put those two plays in the same boat, I don't know. But I think they are different.

[bigtime39]

To me it appeared that A-Rod said "blah" or something along that line. It didn't look like "Mine" and even if he did say that, that is NOT the way an infielder calls for the ball.

The way an infielder calls for the ball is "I got it, I got it I got it". I personally wouldn't move out of the way of the ball on a "blah" call.

You will hear players in the opposing dugout all the time saying things to infielders when they get a ground ball, trying to screw up their concentration. Things Like "boot it" or whatever. I liken this situation with A-Rod to that except he was trying to disrupt the concentration of the infielder on a pop up.

Do I think it was a little weak, yea probably. I wouldn't do that specifically, but I will do things like deek a stealing runner to second if he runs with his head down and a pop up is hit. I'll try and convince him I'm turning a double play to try and get him to slide and not make it back to first.

Some people might put those two plays in the same boat, I don't know. But I think they are different.

HG:
It seems to me that A-Rod is one of those guys who never fully developed intellectually and/or emotionally. If he was a pitcher, it looks like he'd likely be labeled as one of those "$1Million arm, 10 cent head" types. Do you find (much/any) of that among the guys with can't-miss talent? Or is this pretty much exclusively an A-Rod thing?

[hiddengem]

HG:
It seems to me that A-Rod is one of those guys who never fully developed intellectually and/or emotionally. If he was a pitcher, it looks like he'd likely be labeled as one of those "$1Million arm, 10 cent head" types. Do you find (much/any) of that among the guys with can't-miss talent? Or is this pretty much exclusively an A-Rod thing?

I don't know if I'd go that far with A-Rod. I mean I realize he might be one of the most insecure players making 25million, but I don't know if I put him in the same boat as Nuke Laloosh from Bull Durham:happy:

There are a few big talent, no head type of guys out there, but not too many.

[EricDavis]

What did you think about AA manager, Phillip Wellman's tirade after his ejection the other day?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/more?sport=mlb&page=news
Then click "AA Manager takes ejection to next level " if you haven't seen it.

[hiddengem]

What did you think about AA manager, Phillip Wellman's tirade after his ejection the other day?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/more?sport=mlb&page=news
Then click "AA Manager takes ejection to next level " if you haven't seen it.

I thought it was classic.

[hudsonharden]

I thought it was classic.
HG - Do you think this manager is grandstanding just to get on SportsCenter? He can't possibly be that angry about balls and strikes. And if he had really flipped his lid, why crawl on his belly and toss the rosin bag liek a grenade? It seems like a show to me.

[EricDavis]

I thought it was awesome. Some people on SportsCenter were saying he should be fired, but I'm not sure who said it. I thought that was ridiculous.

[Mariano_Rivera]

HG while your batting can you distinguish the difference between a guy throwing high 80's (guys like Mike Mussina) and guys that throw in the mid 90's?

[sds416]

Regarding that manager's epic blow up the other day, I've heard a couple of friends of mine who played pro ball (didn't get beyond A ball but they got beyond where I went) say they thought it was probably a good thing for his players ultimately. They said that in the course of a long season, moments like that can actually relieve a lot of stress and bring a team together through comic relief. True?

[hiddengem]

HG - Do you think this manager is grandstanding just to get on SportsCenter? He can't possibly be that angry about balls and strikes. And if he had really flipped his lid, why crawl on his belly and toss the rosin bag liek a grenade? It seems like a show to me.

Sure it was a show. We are in the entertaiment business. Some managers are more over the top than others.

[hiddengem]

I thought it was awesome. Some people on SportsCenter were saying he should be fired, but I'm not sure who said it. I thought that was ridiculous.

I agree. It was that former Braves GM that was saying he should be fired.

[hiddengem]

HG while your batting can you distinguish the difference between a guy throwing high 80's (guys like Mike Mussina) and guys that throw in the mid 90's?

Absolutely, I can tell the difference from 88 to 91.

[hiddengem]

Regarding that manager's epic blow up the other day, I've heard a couple of friends of mine who played pro ball (didn't get beyond A ball but they got beyond where I went) say they thought it was probably a good thing for his players ultimately. They said that in the course of a long season, moments like that can actually relieve a lot of stress and bring a team together through comic relief. True?


Very True. Another thing that can turn a season around is a bench clearing brawl. It lights a fire in the clubhouse, brings the guys together and I've seen it completely turn seasons around.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

hiddengem,

What are the pay scales for the different minor league levels?

In previous baseball generations there were many more minor leagues and minor league teams. At one point the St. Lous Cardinals had 26 minor league teams I believe. With so many teams a player could have a 15 year minor league career. Is that still possible today? Or do teams today more focus on younger players that can potentially help the major league club?

I think you got one of the coolest jobs out there. You will be able to tell you grandkids that their granddaddy was a professional baseball player! :happy:

[Zito75]

Hi HG, I took some time and filled out my AAA All-Star ballot today and saw that you're listed as DH. Isn't that a little unusual?

[west coast orange and black]

hey, h-g.
what are some of the things you've done to get yourself out of a hitting slump?
what are some of the crazier things you've seen or heard of players do to get out of one?

[hiddengem]

hiddengem,

What are the pay scales for the different minor league levels?

In previous baseball generations there were many more minor leagues and minor league teams. At one point the St. Lous Cardinals had 26 minor league teams I believe. With so many teams a player could have a 15 year minor league career. Is that still possible today? Or do teams today more focus on younger players that can potentially help the major league club?

I think you got one of the coolest jobs out there. You will be able to tell you grandkids that their granddaddy was a professional baseball player! :happy:


The Pay scale is something like this. This is what it was when I was coming up and it hasn't changed much.

1st year-$850/mth
2nd yr(first yr A ball) $1000/mth
1st yr AA $1,600/mth
2nd yr AA $1,700/mth
1st AAA $2,100/mth
2nd yr AAA $2,300

Miniumum in the Big leagues $60,000/mth or $1,700/day



I have a few friends that are still playing and have been playing close to 15yrs in the minor leagues. Desi Relaford is a current teamate. He has 8 yrs in the Big leagues and like 8 or 9 in the minor leagues. Alan Zinter is still playing and I think he was drafted in 1990. Curtis Pride is still playing and he was drafted in 1989.

[hiddengem]

Hi HG, I took some time and filled out my AAA All-Star ballot today and saw that you're listed as DH. Isn't that a little unusual?

Yea, I'd say. I guess its because I had so many DH opportunities early in the yr.

[hiddengem]

hey, h-g.
what are some of the things you've done to get yourself out of a hitting slump?
what are some of the crazier things you've seen or heard of players do to get out of one?


I'm not too wild. I might shave my facial hair, wear different clothes or shoes. Use somebody elses bat ect.

The most common way to get out of a pitching or hitting slump is(for the single players) to go out and find a slump buster:rofl:, sorry ladies. I think you can figure out what a slump buster is, and since this a G rated sight, if you don't know you can pm me.

[hiddengem]

I'm not too wild. I might shave my facial hair, wear different clothes or shoes. Use somebody elses bat ect.

The most common way to get out of a pitching or hitting slump is(for the single players) to go out and find a slump buster:rofl:, sorry ladies. I think you can figure out what a slump buster is, and since this a G rated sight, if you don't know you can pm me.

Here is a very common T-shirt in clubhouses, and an actual website dedicated to the Slump Buster:rofl:
http://slump-buster.com/store/

[jbooth]

The Pay scale is something like this. This is what it was when I was coming up and it hasn't changed much.

1st year-$850/mth
2nd yr(first yr A ball) $1000/mth
1st yr AA $1,600/mth
2nd yr AA $1,700/mth
1st AAA $2,100/mth
2nd yr AAA $2,300

Miniumum in the Big leagues $60,000/mth or $1,700/day



I have a few friends that are still playing and have been playing close to 15yrs in the minor leagues. Desi Relaford is a current teamate. He has 8 yrs in the Big leagues and like 8 or 9 in the minor leagues. Alan Zinter is still playing and I think he was drafted in 1990. Curtis Pride is still playing and he was drafted in 1989.

If you get called up to MLB even for a short time, and then get sent back down to AAA, your new AAA pay is WAY higher than before you got called up, but not nearly as high as the MLB minimum. Is that Correct?

[EricDavis]

Random question... Do you have a favorite baseball card design? And do you have some of your own baseball cards?

[Zito75]

Here is a very common T-shirt in clubhouses, and an actual website dedicated to the Slump Buster:rofl:
http://slump-buster.com/store/

Love it... I asked Mark Grace about that when I saw him at a golf tournament and he just started laughing about it... A few days later, he was talking about it on a D-Backs telecast. It really does exist! :laugh

[hiddengem]

If you get called up to MLB even for a short time, and then get sent back down to AAA, your new AAA pay is WAY higher than before you got called up, but not nearly as high as the MLB minimum. Is that Correct?

Well that depends on what you were making before you got called up. If you play in the big leagues at all, even for just one day during the regular season and get sent back down, the minimum you will make for the duration of the season is around 10k/mth through september.

[hiddengem]

Random question... Do you have a favorite baseball card design? And do you have some of your own baseball cards?

I have all of my cards..but no favorite design.

[hiddengem]

Love it... I asked Mark Grace about that when I saw him at a golf tournament and he just started laughing about it... A few days later, he was talking about it on a D-Backs telecast. It really does exist! :laugh


Oh yes...she is no myth:rofl:

[Williamsburg2599]

HG,
Since the draft is today, where were you when you were drafted? How'd you celebrate? We're you sitting around waiting or out doing something?

[EricDavis]

Drafted by the Houston Astros in the 6th round of the 1998 amateur draft. Player signed June 12, 1998.

[Mr. Pinstripes]

Drafted by the Houston Astros in the 6th round of the 1998 amateur draft.
Player signed June 12, 1998.

I've been wondering who HG is. I looked it up. Now I can at least put a name to HG. Good luck! :thumbsup:

[flash143817]

HG

I was just watching the Dodgers choke up a 5-1 lead in the 9th inning. They are obviously without their awesome closer Saito and Broxton has been VERY shaky in trying to replace him. Is there something in the "makeup" of a successful closer that you've seen that allows them to get the job done in the 9th? Obviously a guy like Broxton has tremendous physical tools and is excellent in the setup role, but as a closer he has struggled. I just wonder if you've seen something which lets you players know that a guy can or can't get it done in the closing role beyond stats.

I just thought to ask you because you had been in Houston with a similar guy like Brad Lidge who is tremendous physically, but seems to struggle with closing.

[hiddengem]

HG,
Since the draft is today, where were you when you were drafted? How'd you celebrate? We're you sitting around waiting or out doing something?

I was at home at my parents house in So. Cal. I believe I was listening to the draft somehow on the internet. I heard the first round, and I knew I wouldn't be going there, but we all hoped I'd get the call sooner than later. It wasn't more than a 1/2 later and the Area Astros Scout called me and told me I'd been drafted by them in the 6th round. He said he be over to my house in a day or two to get the process started. I signed shortly after and was on my way to upstate New York a day later, and here I am 10 yrs later.

[hiddengem]

HG

I was just watching the Dodgers choke up a 5-1 lead in the 9th inning. They are obviously without their awesome closer Saito and Broxton has been VERY shaky in trying to replace him. Is there something in the "makeup" of a successful closer that you've seen that allows them to get the job done in the 9th? Obviously a guy like Broxton has tremendous physical tools and is excellent in the setup role, but as a closer he has struggled. I just wonder if you've seen something which lets you players know that a guy can or can't get it done in the closing role beyond stats.

I just thought to ask you because you had been in Houston with a similar guy like Brad Lidge who is tremendous physically, but seems to struggle with closing.


Brad never struggled closing until he gave up the HomeRun to Pujols in the playoffs. I think that HR rattled his confidence and it was the first real time he encountered some failure. He is now starting to come around and we are seeing signs of the old Lidge. Closing is all about confidence and KNOWING you are the man.

The signs I look for in a good closer are this:

A guy that has thick skin.
A guy that is NOT afraid to fail.
A guy that might be "a few cards shy of a full deck". What I mean by that is that he might be a bit crazy, and is most likely not going to overanaylze to much.
Usually a guy that has 2 dominating pitches. IE Brad Lide. Goose Gossage. Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith, Gagne ect.

[KHenry14]

The signs I look for in a good closer are this:

A guy that has thick skin.
A guy that is NOT afraid to fail.
A guy that might be "a few cards shy of a full deck". What I mean by that is that he might be a bit crazy, and is most likely not going to overanaylze to much.
Usually a guy that has 2 dominating pitches. IE Brad Lide. Goose Gossage. Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith, Gagne ect.


This is an almost exact description of Dennis Eckersley. Anybody who know Eck knows he's a bit...different. And talk about a thick skin, he gives up one of the most dramatic homer's in WS history, and comes back to have a series of outstanding seasons. Intersting analysis HG

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I was at home at my parents house in So. Cal. I believe I was listening to the draft somehow on the internet. I heard the first round, and I knew I wouldn't be going there, but we all hoped I'd get the call sooner than later. It wasn't more than a 1/2 later and the Area Astros Scout called me and told me I'd been drafted by them in the 6th round. He said he be over to my house in a day or two to get the process started. I signed shortly after and was on my way to upstate New York a day later, and here I am 10 yrs later.
Hello hiddengem,

Can you describe what it was like leaving home to play in the minor leagues. Did you feel ready "to be on your own", traveling, dealing with money, fans, teammates, etc? I'm sure you had to grow up fast.

[hiddengem]

Hello hiddengem,

Can you describe what it was like leaving home to play in the minor leagues. Did you feel ready "to be on your own", traveling, dealing with money, fans, teammates, etc? I'm sure you had to grow up fast.


Thats why I went to college. I was completely and totally ready for the professional life after 3 yrs on my own at college. And besides that I was a sudden Millionaire.:p

I've seen alot of high school kids really struggle their first couple of years because they've never been on their own and suddenly they are thrown into small town america traveling on a bus for 13 hrs and often times getting very humbled playing a game they've always dominated. Pro ball is a competely different animal from high school ball and college ball.

[Ursa Major]

HG, I saw that you crept over the .290 mark with your nice night last night, so I finally get to tell one of my favorite baseball stories (even if it may only be apocryphal).

It seems that back when Ted Williams and his teammate and future Hall-of-Famer Bobby Doerr were hanging out and Teddy Ballgame, as he was wont to do, was pontificating about hitting theory. Doerr was a bit bored with it and was tuning him out. Annoyed at Doerr's lack of attentiveness, Williams snapped, "Godd**n it, Bobby! Do you want to be a horses**t .290 hitter for the rest of your life?" :blush: (Note: Doerr retired with a lifetime batting average of .288.)

Teddy B had different standards from those of the rest of us, that's for sure.

[jbooth]

HG, I saw that you crept over the .290 mark with your nice night last night, so I finally get to tell one of my favorite baseball stories (even if it may only be apocryphal).

It seems that back when Ted Williams and his teammate and future Hall-of-Famer Bobby Doerr were hanging out and Teddy Ballgame, as he was wont to do, was pontificating about hitting theory. Doerr was a bit bored with it and was tuning him out. Annoyed at Doerr's lack of attentiveness, Williams snapped, "Godd**n it, Bobby! Do you want to be a horses**t .290 hitter for the rest of your life?" :blush: (Note: Doerr retired with a lifetime batting average of .288.)

Teddy B had different standards from those of the rest of us, that's for sure.

Ahh, stories of Ted. I heard that a rookie pitcher faced Ted once in the rookie's first ever game in MLB and struck Ted out on a slider. After the game, the rookie found Ted and asked him nicely, and humbly if he would sign the ball. Ted obliged him.

The next time Ted faced this pitcher, he waited for the slider and hit it deep into the stands, and as he was trotting around the bases, he yelled to the pitcher, "If you can find that f***ing ball, I'll sign it for you!"

[jbooth]

and often times getting very humbled playing a game they've always dominated. Pro ball is a competely different animal from high school ball and college ball.

Yeah, one of my best friends as a kid, played college then pro, and made it to AA. He dominated in HS and College, did pretty well in A ball, and then when he got to AA, he said, "Everybody in the lineup was hitting my best pitch out of the park." He knew it was time to quit. He wasn't going to make it to the Big League.

Many people just don't understand how good you have to be to get to AAA or MLB. I know a BUNCH of guys who played A and/or AA and they were good players, but not the cream of the crop.

Ask that poor AA pitcher that the Yankees brought up for his first MLB game to face the Red Sox. He gave up 4 consecutive HR's in one inning. As Mike Krukow says often, "Welcome to the Big League meat." :bowdown:

[ReignInBlood]

HG, how different is the level of play between college baseball and Class A or double AA Pro Ball? Would a guy, who batted .350 in college, find himself struggling through the minor leagues? Do you absolutely have to dominate school baseball to get to the major leagues?

[hiddengem]

HG, how different is the level of play between college baseball and Class A or double AA Pro Ball? Would a guy, who batted .350 in college, find himself struggling through the minor leagues? Do you absolutely have to dominate school baseball to get to the major leagues?


You just see much more quality pitching on an everyday basis..If guy bats .350 in college he's probably got a decent idea about what he's doing. But that may or may not pan out in pro ball. You don't have to dominate school ball to be successful, but being good there doesn't always corelate into being good at the pro level and Visa Versa.

[flash143817]

HG

What was the transition from metal to wood bats like for you? Do you think most guys are able to make it easily enough? Do you hit a lot of balls that end up flyouts that you think to yourself, "that would have been a HR with a metal bat"?

[hiddengem]

HG

What was the transition from metal to wood bats like for you? Do you think most guys are able to make it easily enough? Do you hit a lot of balls that end up flyouts that you think to yourself, "that would have been a HR with a metal bat"?

It wasn't too bad for me. I had a pretty short swing going into pro ball so that made the transition a bit easier. The college hitters with big long home run swings are the ones that often times have problems.

You have to be shorter with your swing, because you hae less room for error, obviously.

After 10 yrs of using wood, a metal bat thought very rarely if ever goes through my mind. I just know when a ball is going out and when its not. In the beginning of my career I'm sure I hit a few balls that I said to myself "dam that ball is gone with metal".

[Zito75]

Hi HG,

Here's a question that I meant to ask a long time ago... When did you know that you were a good player? Were you the best one on your little league/ high school teams? Were you scouted heavily? Thanks!

[hellborn]

Brad never struggled closing until he gave up the HomeRun to Pujols in the playoffs. I think that HR rattled his confidence and it was the first real time he encountered some failure. He is now starting to come around and we are seeing signs of the old Lidge. Closing is all about confidence and KNOWING you are the man.
...

I trust your judgment on this more than mine, but I wonder if the Podsednik HR might have been even more damaging to Lidge. That Pujols HR was amazing and had to be crushing for Lidge, but Albert is such an amazing power hitter and I believe that he hit a hanging slider. I could see being able to brush it off somewhat and think "mistake pitch, great hitter, oh well." Plus, the Stros came back to win that playoff series.
Pods hadn't hit a HR that year, I believe that he hit a fastball with some good steam on it and in a decent location, and the Stros ended up losing the WS. If a guy who mostly hits grounders and tries to beat them out takes your heat out to CF and your team ends up losing the WS partly because of it...well, I can see having a complex over that!

[hiddengem]

I trust your judgment on this more than mine, but I wonder if the Podsednik HR might have been even more damaging to Lidge. That Pujols HR was amazing and had to be crushing for Lidge, but Albert is such an amazing power hitter and I believe that he hit a hanging slider. I could see being able to brush it off somewhat and think "mistake pitch, great hitter, oh well." Plus, the Stros came back to win that playoff series.
Pods hadn't hit a HR that year, I believe that he hit a fastball with some good steam on it and in a decent location, and the Stros ended up losing the WS. If a guy who mostly hits grounders and tries to beat them out takes your heat out to CF and your team ends up losing the WS partly because of it...well, I can see having a complex over that!

Well it started will Albert and Pods was the icing on the cake.

[hiddengem]

Hi HG,

Here's a question that I meant to ask a long time ago... When did you know that you were a good player? Were you the best one on your little league/ high school teams? Were you scouted heavily? Thanks!

I guess you could say that. In my little league(not sure if this is still how its done) I was always the first kid taken in the draft and all that. And I guess you could say I was one of the better players on my highschool team. I'm one of only a few players since the 70's to play pro ball from my school.

I was scouted quite a bit in highschool, but alot more in college. I think I filled out info and talked to scouts from almost every club.

I think when I got invited to play for Team USA and got invited to play for the Toronto Blue Jays scout Team is when I realized I had a "real" future in the game.

[paul5150]

hg, u have a pm

[hiddengem]

hg, u have a pm

no I don't

[Zito75]

Thanks for answering those questions... I appreciate it.

One more quicky if you don't mind- How do the "scout teams" work? Is it a collection of the touted players all on one team? Would you guys travel around and play other teams? Thanks!

[paul5150]

no I don't

haha my bad...i guess i didnt hit send? but ill just bother you later.

thanks

[hiddengem]

Thanks for answering those questions... I appreciate it.

One more quicky if you don't mind- How do the "scout teams" work? Is it a collection of the touted players all on one team? Would you guys travel around and play other teams? Thanks!


Yea..when I played there was an Angels scout team, Astros, Blue Jays, Royals and a few others. Basically the team is run by scouts and coaches from the respective organization. They watch you play high school ball and if they like you enough, they invite you to play for their scout team so they can watch you on a more regular basis. The team is made up of all high school players that are considered by the team as potentially future pro players.

We would play an ocassional weekeday game and then play a couple games on weekeneds.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Hey HG, ever been involved in a no-hitter? On either end?

[hiddengem]

Hey HG, ever been involved in a no-hitter? On either end?


Never been no-hit. I actually broke one up in the 8th last year. But I have been on 2 teams that threw a perfect game. Eric Ireland did it in 99 in the Florida state league, and last year while in Portland I think 3 pitchers combined to through one against Sacramento.

[ChrisLDuncan]

How do players become utility guys? What is the basis for making a player a utility guy?

[hiddengem]

How do players become utility guys? What is the basis for making a player a utility guy?

A couple of different ways. Maybe the player hasn't shown a tremendous bat, but has a great glove. Or they aren't good enough to be an everyday guy at one position, but are good enough to move around and be serviceable at a high level.

[ChrisLDuncan]

A couple of different ways. Maybe the player hasn't shown a tremendous bat, but has a great glove. Or they aren't good enough to be an everyday guy at one position, but are good enough to move around and be serviceable at a high level.

Is it usually a "AAAA" guy? Or is it just a short stop who's glove is good but not good enough to justify poor offense that, but can play just about every position?

[hiddengem]

Is it usually a "AAAA" guy? Or is it just a short stop who's glove is good but not good enough to justify poor offense that, but can play just about every position?

I guess it could be both.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

hiddenjem,

I see on your career stat line that you've been called up to the major leagues twice. How do major league teams decide who to call up in September? Do you expect a call up this season?

[hiddengem]

hiddenjem,

I see on your career stat line that you've been called up to the major leagues twice. How do major league teams decide who to call up in September? Do you expect a call up this season?


What ever they have a need for. And often times players that had a good year in AA or AAA. I won't be surprised if I get called up.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

What ever they have a need for. And often times players that had a good year in AA or AAA. I won't be surprised if I get called up.
Cool! I'll be looking for you on TV then. :)

[Ursa Major]

Tonight, Friday, June 15th. HG goes 2 for 4 with his sixth home run in part time play, and now is batting .307. Awesome!

[redlegsfan21]

He needs to be called up and start for the Rangers Sunday.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Hey HG, just wanted to say thanks for that hitting instruction video of you that I found over in the 101 section. Really informative, thanks.

[hiddengem]

Hey HG, just wanted to say thanks for that hitting instruction video of you that I found over in the 101 section. Really informative, thanks.

Sure, no prob.

[Ursa Major]

Ahhh, fun game for HiddenGem and his 'hawks today. Down 2 to 1, going into the bottom of the ninth, the 'hawks rallied for two on 'small ball' with self-described 'salty veteran' HG in the middle of it. Here's the log:

* Kevin Mahar reaches on throwing error by shortstop Robert Andino.
* [HiddenGem] out on a sacrifice bunt. Kevin Mahar to 2nd.
* With Chris Stewart batting, passed ball by John Baker, Kevin Mahar to 3rd.
* Chris Stewart singles on a line drive to right field; Mahar scores.
* Freddy Guzman flies out to left fielder Todd Linden.
* Tug Hulett singles on a ground ball to right field. Chris Stewart to 3rd.
* With Jason Botts batting, Tug Hulett advances to 2nd on defensive indifference.
* Nate Field intentionally walks Jason Botts.
* Nate Gold reaches on force attempt, fielding error by third baseman Scott Seabol. Chris Stewart scores. Tug Hulett to 3rd. Jason Botts to 2nd. Game over.

Fun way to finish up a night, eh, HG?

[hiddengem]

Ahhh, fun game for HiddenGem and his 'hawks today. Down 2 to 1, going into the bottom of the ninth, the 'hawks rallied for two on 'small ball' with self-described 'salty veteran' HG in the middle of it. Here's the log:

* Kevin Mahar reaches on throwing error by shortstop Robert Andino.
* [HiddenGem] out on a sacrifice bunt. Kevin Mahar to 2nd.
* With Chris Stewart batting, passed ball by John Baker, Kevin Mahar to 3rd.
* Chris Stewart singles on a line drive to right field; Mahar scores.
* Freddy Guzman flies out to left fielder Todd Linden.
* Tug Hulett singles on a ground ball to right field. Chris Stewart to 3rd.
* With Jason Botts batting, Tug Hulett advances to 2nd on defensive indifference.
* Nate Field intentionally walks Jason Botts.
* Nate Gold reaches on force attempt, fielding error by third baseman Scott Seabol. Chris Stewart scores. Tug Hulett to 3rd. Jason Botts to 2nd. Game over.

Fun way to finish up a night, eh, HG?


yea, it was a good team win tonight..nice to be in the middle of it.

Oh but I've got a real "salty" one for ya.

The last game in New orleans..runners on 1st and 2nd, 1 out. Bouncing ball up the middle on the 2nd base side of the bag, 2nd baseman fields the ball flips it to me and I immediately turn and throw it to third. Catch the runner with his pants down rounding third (actually turns his ankle, but I think he was embarrased) Relaford tags him out inning over. Guys were telling me the salt was falling off of me as I came in the dugout..Classic.

[Ursa Major]

Dang... you pulled at least one of those exact same plays last year as well, as I recall. Good thing the PCL is so big; it takes awhile for word to get around to watch out for you pulling that play over and over. . . :lookitup

That New Orleans game was the game where you were in the middle of three double plays. When your pitchers are giving up eleven hits and five walks but it nets the opponents only four runs, the staff owes the defense big time.

As fun as the ending tonight must've been for you guys, it must have been h*ll for the Isotopes' ("Isotopes"??? What'n'ell kinda nickname is that?) players back in the clubhouse. Two errors and a passed ball in one inning with the game on the line? Ugly!

[hiddengem]

Dang... you pulled at least one of those exact same plays last year as well, as I recall. Good thing the PCL is so big; it takes awhile for word to get around to watch out for you pulling that play over and over. . . :lookitup

That New Orleans game was the game where you were in the middle of three double plays. When your pitchers are giving up eleven hits and five walks but it nets the opponents only four runs, the staff owes the defense big time.

As fun as the ending tonight must've been for you guys, it must have been h*ll for the Isotopes' ("Isotopes"??? What'n'ell kinda nickname is that?) players back in the clubhouse. Two errors and a passed ball in one inning with the game on the line? Ugly!

Yea, tough inning for them, been there, but fun to be on the other side.