A Baseball Blog

Amarillo – Week Seven

The mighty Midland Rockhounds have returned to Hodgetown. This was the first week as a Soddie that I was not on a bus on Sunday night or Monday during the off. It was nice relaxing and having a get together with the guys away from the field. The grill wasn’t cooperating as it was supposed to but we had a good time.

I was ready to rock on Tuesday based off of how last week went throwing three times. I like the frequency of throwing when I am throwing well, who wouldn’t? It was also a good test for my arm and body to see how I would respond to an increased work load. This was the most I’ve thrown in a week since the days of Fargo.

I did not know the behind the scenes gears were already in motion and my days in Amarillo were limited. In a good way. No worries.

The action started Wednesday and I didn’t throw in that game either. During the game I was protecting the catcher while the pitcher warmed up and had a conversation with the manager. He made a comment about the team wanting to throw me but they heard I was scared. It caught me off guard and I wasn’t sure what he was trying to get at. I told him that I watch the game, and when my name is called I check in. That was that and the game continued.

The game ended and afterwards as I was cleaning up I was told to come into the coaches office. In my time as a player everyone knows what being called into the coaches office means. One of two things. Going up. Or going down. I tried to cover up my anxiousness but I had no idea what they were planning. I had been throwing well, in a limited sample size, but you never want to play GM and guess what the organization is thinking.

When I walked in it was my manager and pitching coach. He told me he didn’t appreciate that I wasn’t checked in all the time and that doesn’t want players like that on his team. Which is why I have to go to Reno and be part of their team.

I wasn’t sure what my face looked like when he told me I’m sure it was relief based on the way the conversation was going. I was happy and I thanked him and said I’m glad that we were getting to know each other but now I’m leaving. It was already 10:45pm or so at this point and my flight was leaving at 8:15 am for Dallas, then on to Reno. In typical baseball fashion my dad was flying in Thursday for Father’s Day so his flight was also diverting course to Reno from Dallas.

The day of travel got off to a bad start. My flight from Amarillo was delayed three hours which meant I would miss my connection to Reno and the next flight was at 7:00 pm meaning I would miss most of the game. My first impression was me missing a flight and arriving mid game instead of being ready to rock in Reno. The good news is that is all out of my control and the Dallas airport isn’t so bad especially with my dad being there to help pass the time.

I arrived in the later innings of the game and I had an opportunity to get the lay of the land and meet the coaching staff. Friday would be my first official day in AAA and I had that feeling they would throw me right into the mix. The opportunity came in the seventh inning of a 4-1 game that we were winning. I had told my catcher pregame what my tendencies were and what I like, but this was the first time he had seen me throw a baseball. Always fun.

I got off to a good start getting a groundout from the first hitter. I was officially in the books. I was reminding myself this is the new Mitchell that comes in hot on his first day. Not the Mitchell who has had hiccups on his debuts in the past. All things considered I did fine, one bad pitch for a home run, but home runs are no strangers here in the PCL. In the series before this between Reno and Vegas there were 31 home runs hit.

The most important factor is I left the game with a lead and we won. In AAA the National League teams have their pitchers hit when they play, and I was told I was going back out for another inning of work. My spot in the lineup came up which meant that I was being pinch hit for and my debut was finished. I’ll take it. Officially in the book.

The series continued on and I warmed up the next day but did not get in the game, and I warmed up on Monday but did not get in the game. I pitched again on Tuesday and it did not go as well as I had hoped. I wasn’t executing my fastball as well, and when they put the ball in play they found the soft spot of the defense. My fellow bullpen mate Mella picked me up and left some runners on base or it would have been much worse.

When I am out there and things aren’t going as well as I’d like I remind myself that my stuff is good enough to get out of any jam. I’ve shown it before this year in Amarillo and now I finally had a hiccup where the runners cross home. What I have heard about the coaching staff here is that if they trust you to get it done they will throw you. I was also told by the staff that all I need to do is pitch when my name is called. I can do that. It isn’t about effort or anything like that anymore it is about getting results because everyone here is one call away from the league or trying to get back to the league. The name of the game is winning.

A positive was that my dad was in town for Fathers Day and we got to have a catch on the field with all the fans. I’m not sure if the fans realized that I was a player, if my get up of all Diamondbacks apparel was noticed or maybe they thought I was a super fan. Either way I’m glad I got to experience a good ole fashion game of catch.

After Tuesday’s day game that wasn’t ideal, I thought when in Reno it is time to gamble. In the past when I have done bad on the field, the casino has picked me up. Not this time. In this league the off day is Wednesday instead of Monday which meant I would have a good few days to calibrate and really soak in what is happening.

What I noticed so far in my two months here is that this organization is the first to give me a chance at AAA. I thank them for that. I will do my best to get the job done when my name is called. I also am proud of my body and thankful for the offseason I put in with my coaches back in Illinois. It was a long offseason but I am healthy. I am healthy without the buildup of spring training or any proper on ramp to pitching in games. I have my health and my opportunity and I can’t ask for anything else at this point. Now it is up to me to earn my place in Reno and become a trusted bullpen member.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the Amarillo guys. I was just starting to open up a bit more and be social with them. The good news is a few of the bullpen guys here are from Amarillo and the reinforcements give me a good group to talk with during the game.

The next step is a two week road trip to Sacramento and Tacoma. I have never been to California or to Washington state so this is all new to me. That’s a perk of playing ball, getting to see the inside of a hotel room in multiple new places. I’m sure I’ll venture out at some point and see what each city is all about. My seven year signing anniversary is coming up on June 28. Who would have thought I’d be in Sacramento to celebrate. I’m playing with house money as they would say in Reno and at this point the chips are all in. Okay that was cheesy but the point stands. It is almost July which before I know it the season will be winding down.

Thank you to everyone who has been following I appreciate it and I will be updating from the West Coast for the next two weeks.

Amarillo – Week Six

Week Six is in the books. The Hooks were in town this week and we split the series 3-3 including a 19 run outburst by the Soddie offense.

I want to start by saying baseball is weird and as a reliever it can be even weirder. Last week I wrote about my one appearance in Frisco and before that my two appearances against Corpus. Corpus came back to Amarillo this week and we go to Corpus again soon which means I’ll be throwing against the same guys for most of my early appearances.

The Frisco series ended and we had a short drive back to Amarillo which was nice. Had an opportunity for an actual off day that did not include the bus. The MLB rules with Covid and vaccinations took us from three busses down to two but that is still enough room to move about the cabin.

The limited action in Frisco told me that I would be one of the first guys to throw against Corpus. Now that I have been here for a bit I am expected to throw more than three outs and that’s fine with me. If I am throwing well the more outs the better. My first appearance was the first game of the series and I came in with two outs and nobody on. I got a pop up and then I went back out for another inning and I worked myself into a bit of a jam. I had second and third with no outs and nobody warming up in the pen. For me it is huge to work through those because it reminds me that my stuff plays.

When I had guys on with no outs I remind myself that until they score they haven’t scored. Which mmo is obvious but as a pitcher it is your job to limit the runs and handle traffic on the mound. I was able to make good pitches and get out of the inning with no runs to my name. Another building block for me going forward. The offense rallied late but we lost 8-6. The second game of the series was the 19 run outburst and I was down that day.

I was right back in the mix again on Thursday but this time it was a clean inning for me. I mixed in an 0-2 count to a walk which is always a bummer but if they don’t score then I don’t mind. It beats throwing a 3-1 cookie in Hodgetown where the ball gets launched with the Texas wind. It was nice knowing they throw me right back out there with one day off knowing I am capable and in reality the bullpen has covered a decent amount of innings this series.

Saturday was Harry Potter night and I was available but did not pitch. The uniforms were some quidditch uniform thing from what I could tell and the auction for them was an animal shelter charity. All in all it is always fun to mix it up for uniforms and that is part of the minor league experience.

My third and final appearance came on Sunday and it was again coming in the middle of an inning and then going back out for my own. I gave up a homer unfortunately and it was the first lefty to get a hit off me which was a bummer in the moment. I bounced back for a quick strikeout to finish the inning and went back out for another.

The inning went well and I was throwing a good amount of strikes. There was a play that was initially ruled and error and then changed a hit. When I had two outs I thought that runner was unearned so I relaxed a bit and said alright I can attack these guys. Bad choice because when the inning was over they changed it to a hit which meant I would have been coming in all happy and then realized it too late if they scored. It felt good to pitch in a game we went on to win because it shows the team trusts me in that role. We have mainly been throwing whoever has the most rest but I was the only guy to make three appearances this week. My arm is fine and my body is holding up. My first “game” as I call it is almost in the books. I considered a “game” to be my first nine innings of the season and then I start a new game.

If I take it pitch by pitch, that leads me to inning by inning, which leads me to game by game. I’m sure I’ll have good stretches and other stretches where I grind it out but so far so good here in Amarillo. We welcome the Midland Rockhounds to Hodgetown for six games. It was our first true off day after the Corpus series so guys will be rested and ready to go in theory.

This week we host Midland again just like when I made my debut. I’m sure I’ll be in there sooner than later and that’s good with me. The more appearances and more of a rhythm I get into the better.

Thank you everyone again for following along and I look forward to reporting about week seven. Bring the ruckus as we say in Amarillo.

Frisco – Week Five

The Poodles continued their road trip and rolled into Frisco for the next series. It is weird to think this is the 5th series of the year already, and after this the season is 25% of the way. This season is 20 series of 6 games, totaling 120 games total and ending September 19.

This was our first and one of two trips to Frisco for the season. As the wily veteran presence I was one of a few guys who had been to Frisco before. I didn’t want to reveal too much about the set up of the field because I remember my first time experiencing the Rough Riders Stadium.

In Frisco you feel like a fan watching the game down the line. Any field that has their bullpen off the field is a good bullpen to me. The series was a back and forth series in which one game we had 20 hits. The only annoyance during the series was that we started a game Saturday when the forecast said we shouldn’t. That burned the starter for both teams and that meant Sunday was a getaway bullpen day for the team.

My one appearance came in a high leverage situation on Thursday. The Soddies were down 2-0 in the game and I came in with runners on first and second with 1 out. This was my first time coming in a game with runners on base, runners the team and the starter would much rather leave out there. I did what I normally do, make it interesting. After what I am calling a “tactical walk” to their hottest hitter, I got a ground ball double play to end the inning. Our second basemen at the time, Mikey, made a nice tag and throw play to end the inning. Was it poor base running? Good play? A combination of both? What mattered is I left the runners and put up a zero.

I’m proud of my ability to work through a jam and ultimately help the team. I’m still working on learning my release and my body is still catching up the rigors of the season. I never thought I’d say I would miss the Spring Training life but I now see how important going through a tough outing in spring or working through multiple innings is instead of doing it on the fly. I’m not trying to make any excuse for myself, I am a pro and at this point in my career I am capable of learning on the fly. As a member of the bullpen we are doing our best to bring the energy and keep the team motivated. From my observation of the guys, we are a good team, and when my manager in Fargo used to say, “they play to the back of their baseball cards” then we will start rolling.

It seems like I just got here a week or two ago and I think part of that is because we haven’t played a home series in a while. I joined on the road, we had 6 games at home, then went away for two weeks. We are back in Amarillo for the next two weeks. We play Corpus first, then Midland, then back on the road to Corpus. Standard AA Central stuff.

As always thank you for following along and I look forward to updating about the Corpus Series.

Corpus Christi – Week Four

The Sod Poodles and the Hooks. A classic matchup. This was my first full road trip with the team and it just happened to be the longest bus ride we make.

With the new off day setup we left post game Sunday, and arrived to Corpus in the early hours of the morning. This half of the division is rough for travel during a normal season, but the built in off day certainly helps.

For the people who have never been to Corpus it has sunshine, humidity, and mosquitoes. I had been here before in 2019 but it was late in the summer, and only for three games if I remember correctly. The field is close enough to the hotel where you can scooter yourself or walk if you really wanted to. It adds some freedom to the schedule, especially after games when you head out before the bus is leaving to gain that extra time to hangout.

The series got off to a rough start for the squad as we lost the opening game 17-4. The series was all Hooks from start to finish with a Poodles victory sandwiched in the middle. I threw in the 17-4 loss and threw the 8th inning. To be honest I did not think we would throw a pitcher down so much, but this is the minors and if we have arms available we throw them. I had that feeling I’d be in, then it went away, then it’s like ok I’m in. I struggled to start, but then I locked it in much better and left the bases loaded.

It was a big inning for me even though it did not mean much in the grand scheme of things. I’ve been known to let things spiral out of control. In this case, I was thinking well nobody is going come rescue me and I better start bearing down. It was a big moment for me to work through it it gives me confidence going forward for sure. The days I don’t have my best mental focus or my best pitches are the days I need to grind out.

My second appearance went much better and it was a 1-2-3 inning. From my understanding they are building me up for multiple innings. Without the spring they are tossing me in clean innings but as far as I know now I will be coming in to clean up innings and then going back to my own innings. Whatever role they give me then I’ll do my best. I know my role on the team as the bullpen Abuelo (Grandpa). I’ve been enjoying getting to know my teammates and coaching staff.

The bridge in the background of Corpus has come along since my last visit. There are a lot more posts and construction cranes in the background than before. Once I’m in this league in 5 years I’ll be able to see the bridge at completion.

Frisco is then next destination for the squad. Six games against the Roughriders and then it is back home to Amarillo for two weeks. It’s already June which blows my mind especially because at this point last year I wasn’t in a season. It all gets put into perspective when I think of things that way. How lucky am I to get back into the game and be able to contribute to a new organization. It is a new month for everyone and a new leaf. Crazy that is already June 1 and before I know it the season will come and go.

Thank you again for tuning in and I’ll be back with the Frisco report.

Hodgetown – Week Three

Baseball is back in Amarillo. A 2020 layoff and an organization change happened between now and then but the Sod Poodles are back. As the warmup hype video says it is time to bring the ruckus.

When we returned to Amarillo from Wichita the weather was not cooperating with opening night. What was supposed to be the return of the Soddies turned into a waiting game. The original start time of 7:05 turned into a 10:15 start time. We all figured there was no way this game was being cancelled because it was opening night and the hot dogs were being sold.

The opening game we came out hot and won 10-0. It was nice being back in Amarillo and returning to a familiar stadium. I am still learning how this organization does things and how everyone here operates.

I was still waiting for my first opportunity and to officially be part of the team. My time would come on the third game of the series on Thursday night. We were down 7-1 and I was tasked with throwing the seventh inning. Was I nervous? Not nervous I would say but anxious to make a good impression and become a member of the team. What was interesting to me is that nobody knew what to expect when I came in. Nobody had seen me throw yet and I was the new guy.

It was time to see what I could bring to the table without much prep and my body answered the called. It usually does when it senses that hey it is game time. The normal aches and pains of the body disappear for an outing. I’m pleased with how I’ve been feeling the day or so after throwing also. Any burnout further down the line is future Mitchell’s problem.

The first hitter I faced had a swinging bunt and tested me right out of the gate. Also, after my outing I thought that I was the first person to throw for the Sod Poodles and against the Poodles. Do I have historical accuracy to back this up? No, but I figured that since I pitched against them in 2019 when they were San Diego, and now they are Arizona, and we haven’t played the Padres yet, I am claiming that title for the back of my baseball card.

My first appearance as a Soddie went well as it was a clean 1-2-3 appearance. I’m glad it went well and I am now officially in the stat book as a member of the bullpen. I was thrown right back into the mix on Saturday in a higher leverage situation and unfortunately it didn’t go my way.

The next appearance was on Saturday and it was a 1-1 game in the top of the 8th. The funny thing is I felt even better than I did before on Thursday. My pitches were better and I was feeling confident but with one swing I gave up the lead on a home run. The 30 mph winds to left field didn’t help, but that isn’t an excuse. The rest of the pitchers throwing on Saturday limited the damage. I said I was part of the team and back into baseball after the first appearance, but now taking a loss for the team means I am officially back and part of the gang.

The series between the Soddies and Midland ended in a 3-3 split. It feels good to be back in the swing of things and chasing the ultimate goal of pitching in the MLB. Like I’ve said in the previous posts, it doesn’t matter why or how they brought me in, they don’t check your ID when you pitch, and each day I get to show up to the field and do my work.

We left Amarillo to head on a two week road trip starting with the Corpus Christi Hooks. I am the wise old veteran of the bullpen that has been to most of these stadiums and fields. I remind myself that the guys here have all known each other for a few years at this point and I’m the new guy, but I’ve been the new guy everywhere. I keep my head down and do my work. There are guys here who this is their first full season of minor league baseball. I’m excited for them and we can bounce ideas off each other.

I’ll be reporting from Whataburger Field down in Corpus for the next week before we head up to Frisco. The setup for the minors this year is nice and we are in one spot for the whole week instead of going here there and everywhere in between. It gives us time to settle in.

Thank you again everyone who is following along. Great to be back and updating!

The 2021 Return

The gripping conclusion to the return story is finished. Without further delay I present…

There I was sitting around and prepping to head back to independent ball when the Diamondbacks put an offer into the universe. It was from left field as they say. I still don’t know exactly when or where the decision was made to bring me in but I am grateful for whoever stuck their neck out and said hey this guy still has gasoline in the tank.

It was a whirlwind few days of packing and recognizing and hopping flights to get to Arizona. I missed my first connector out of Chicago due to mechanical error but we made it work. I arrived the same day as my fellow pitcher Alex Powers. He has a very similar story as I did. Almost exactly the same. Was training for indy ball when the Diamondbacks called and say hey come on out.

The next step for me was to get up to game speed on the extended spring training schedule and then get shipped off to an affiliate. I was throwing in March in Arizona but I had been taking it light since the independent league report and season did not start until middle May. Spring Training just finished up which to me meant that teams had their guys ready to go and would not be looking to free agents. Whatever the case is and whatever role they expect me to fill I am here and I’m ready to make it happen.

The getting up to speed went quicker than I thought. I threw a few bullpens in extended spring and threw one game when I was deemed worthy to join the Amarillo Sod Poodles. It is a team that I played against with Springfield but now I am in the other dugout. I checked their schedule and unfortunately we do not play each other the entire year due to Covid protocol and limited travel between divisions. Oh well.

When I finished my one inning I was thinking okay I will get one more shot at this then it is onto AA again. I’m ready either way and the team knows I had no spring training to prepare but if they deem me ready to go then I am ready to go. What am I going to say? No it’s okay Id rather stay in Arizona. I’ve been in this league before which comforts me as far as knowing what to expect at each ballpark. No where is a new place to me except the two new teams that were added. Which is where I flew to meet the team an old summer baseball stomping ground of mine, Wichita, Kansas.

The Wichita Wind Surge were suppose to be the AAA Marlins in 2019 but with Covid and no baseball that did not happen. Instead with the realignment to make teams closer to their affiliates it is now the AA Minnesota Twin team. Strangely enough in the flurry of offseason moves and teams filling their rosters I played against a few of the Wind Surge last year in Fargo. Baseball world gets smaller and smaller each year I play.

I arrived in Wichita around 3:00 for the 6:45 game and when I arrived the pitchers stretch had come and gone. Nothing like playing catch with your new pitching coach on day one. Speaking of my new pitching coach, Doug Drabek, former Cy Young winner. He will be a good guy to learn from.

I thought for sure the first game or two I would be in the mix to dip my toes back into the Texas league but the games came and went. So far with Mitchell in attendance the Sod Poodles are 2-0. Not saying but I’m just saying.

The MILB is following a similar set up to the American Association last year. What I mean is that every Monday is an offday for the league and we play six straight games against the same opponent. This upcoming week we host the Midland Rockhounds for six games for the first series at Hodgetown.

Where I Have Been – Part 2

When we left off I was returning from Charlotte empty handed. I went to Charlotte and all I got was a cool HD video of me throwing. Was the trip worth it? Yes. Did I enjoy meeting new guys who are pursuing their passion like me? Yes. Throughout my career I have met people from all over the country and you never know when someone from the past will make an appearance.

I was starting my rehab for my elbow in Jupiter when I had nowhere or no one to throw with. Longtime readers will remember the days when I went to random baseball tournaments asking random summer ball players if they would stand 45 feet away so I could get my throws in. One of the first people I met on my recovery was Connor Rooney

Connor and I met behind the Marlins backfields at an outdoor racquet ball court. He was doing some baseball drills with the plyo balls and I was throwing into the wall. It was one of those hey let’s be friends and since then we have kept in communication. Where does Connor fit into my latest journey?

Connor mentioned to me that Driveline baseball was keeping their “pop up” shop open for all players to come to Arizona and train. Normally the building is only open before spring training and for Driveline athletes. In this case because of the pushed back spring they were going with the flow. In my case I thought what an opportunity. I could be in Arizona training, when my chances of being seen are much greater there than in Illinois.

I couldn’t do any of this without my support system back home behind me. I know my chances are slim, and I’ve had my ups and downs, but I’ll be 30 this year if I am playing or if I am not.I’m going for it.

The schedule for Arizona Training Trip 2021 was to throw live to hitters on Wednesday and Saturdays. Once I felt comfortable and decently built up on the mound I would see if any teams would send a scout over to say what’s up. The first day I threw live it was about 10 people and next thing you know we were at the field from 3 pm to 11 pm on Saturdays. There were 30+ guys throwing because there was no spring and teams wanted their minor leagues to be ready to go. Shout out to our catchers who wore the long days and nights.

This was the routine and the plan was to take this momentum straight into a spring training out here. We joked how it’d be funny if I came all the way out here only to get a call I needed to fly out to Florida or something like that. It was a good time training and being around like minded guys. I enjoy my solitude at home in the basement gym and throwing into a net but nothing beats being outside on the dirt.

I ran into former teammates while I was here as well as what I hope will be future teammates. The longer I play the more people I know or know of and that’s one of the best perks of the gig. Shoutout to Desert Edge High School for hosting.

What was the result of Arizona Training Trip 2021? Well nothing. It came and went. I enjoyed my time. When Spring Training started I figured it was time to head back. I didn’t think teams would be releasing anyone right away because most of the players they were waiting to see had not played since 2019. Teams would take inventory and then by the end of spring have a better idea of what they have and what roles they need to fill.

The best course of action was to regroup and get ready for another independent season since now teams are playing again in a non shortened Covid season. What does this mean for me? Well in part 3 I have good news, but I want to drag it out a tad longer for content. I was given a lot of cool video clips and data metrics about my pitches which going forward will be nice to look at one day as an old retired player. Show my team that I used to have it when they try to talk crap.

Yoink. He ended up hitting a single.

Thank you all for ready and I look forward to updating in the final installment of “Where in the World is Mitchell San Diego”

Where I Have Been – Part 1

Hello friends and family. I went dark after my time in Fargo and I apologize for that. I was processing a lot and instead of updating and being true to the blog I took a hiatus. I have returned and over my next few posts I will bring everyone up to speed.

Fargo Departure

I was cruising in Fargo. I had my saves looking good and I was feeling confident on the mound. Then I lost the team back to back games in not so confident fashion. It was a hit to the ego and hit to the pride but I was looking forward to getting back onto the mound for redemption. The redemption out would have to wait until a TBD date.

What happens when you get released from an independent team that drafted you to their team because of Covid? Well the normal protocols from what I can tell. When I was drafted by Fargo I was told either way that Kansas City had my contractual rights for the 2021 season. One of the reasons I was given for my release was I was not returning to Fargo in 2021, and it was time for them to look for players who they would have for 2021. I don’t blame them whatsoever and I appreciate them lessening the blow, but ultimately we all know why guys get released.

I would still have to clear waivers through the five other teams in the Covid season. I was checked out at that point even though I tried to sign on with a team at the end just to get that stink of the last outing out of my brain. When those calls never came in and the season was over the next step was okay how can I showcase myself to any team who saw me this summer and get a spring training invite?

Winter Ball

The first attempt we made was trying to find a winter league team that was taking players. When a pandemic is going on who knew that countries would lock up the borders and not allow imported players? I joke, but it was hard to find a league that was proceeding like normal and I don’t blame any league or country for being wary last winter of bringing in new players. I even reached out to the Cardinals about if they knew anyone for winter ball as a favor. There was a small glimpse and chance of a four team league in Colombia that I thought would have been a great month. Then they were not looking for a right handed reliever which is all good. The winter ball season came and went and then it was onto the next option.

The Charlotte Trip

One day in December my friend Brock Stewart was making a celebrity appearance at the gym in town. He mentioned that back in Charlotte they were going to host a pro day at their gym for guys looking to showcase and potentially sign with affiliated or Independent league teams. At this point in my throwing program I was not ramped up to showcase my ability but my trainer Josh and I felt like in a month I could be presentable. Teams would understand that it is January and that guys aren’t fully ramped up. My track record of velocity and pitch profile was in a database somewhere that teams could check and make sure I am who I say I am.

When I decided to make the trek to Charlotte I wasn’t sure what I was expecting. I was riding on the hopes and fumes that when I was put into the pressure situation that my body would respond and we would be all good.

The facility and host of the inaugural pro day is Tread Athletics. As I’ve mentioned in the past the baseball community is large and small at the same time. The owner and founder of Tread Athletics is Ben Brewster, who was an intern in normal one summer at the baseball gym. I teased him that I knew him back before he was big time. I even had him blocked on Twitter for some reason which made it a bit awkward when they were trying to promote me for pro day.

The facility is a nice spot and is your standard baseball laboratory. A mound, a weight room, cameras, you name it they had it and I was glad that I made the trip. If all else, I got to see a new city I had never seen and network with like minded guys who are trying to continue to reach their goals.

Another factor in the Charlotte trip was to gather more data on my pitches and see what we could find out to make them more successful. The name of the game these days for pitchers is have the data to back up your pitches and then execute those pitches. For me, I know my fastball isn’t the best but my secondary pitches have been improving. Lucky for me the game is moving more toward off-speed pitches, and I have the required velocity to get my foot in the door. What does a data sheet look like you might ask?

This is a one pitch sample of my curveball. What do all the numbers mean? Next time they pull up a stat cast on a MLB broadcast here is what they are talking about the way I understand it.

Speed – 82.5 MPH
Spin – In general the higher the better. More spin means more movement for off-speed in general.
Tilt – The direction my ball is going and the spin direction
Vertical – movement downwards – in this case -17 inches of drop on this curve from release
Horizontal – movement left or right. -7.9 horizontal means it moved right to left from my release
All in all not a bad pitch if you ask me

When teams are debating who to sign and all that I know for a fact they check the database of information. One of the reasons the Cardinals signed me was their database of analytics on my pitching repertoire. When I can get a good report on myself, the next step is distributing the information to teams to let them know I am still active and kicking.

I left Charlotte without a contract but I 100% am glad I went. I met some great baseball guys, got to expand my network, and train in an environment of like minded players. I wasn’t at my best on short notice, but I knew what I signed up for. I even popped at 95 which is always nice in January.

What do you do when the Charlotte pro day comes and goes and the teams let you know that they have higher priority free agents on their list? I guess you will have to stay tuned for Part 2 !

Thanks to everyone who reads this and everyone who has been supporting me through the years. It means a lot to me and I look forward to continuing to update!

Week 5 & 6 – Saints, Gold Eyes, Dogs

Baseball is back in St. Paul. The Saints were given permission to leave Sioux Falls and return to their home ballpark for the remainder of the season. This is good news for everyone in the league and a step closer to baseball being back to normal.

The Saints ballpark is known around baseball as one of the better ballparks and entertainment venues throughout all of baseball. The success has not gone unnoticed, and the Saints were targeted as a team to leave the independent ranks and join Minor League Baseball. This would be a loss for the American Association but there are no formal agreements in place yet. With that being said, this year is different as far as entertainment and on field theatrics go. The stadium lived up to the hype to a first timer like myself.

This week was a weird one for the schedule as we only had four games scheduled rather than the normal six. The series versus Saint Paul Tuesday-Thursday, then a single game against Winnipeg on Sunday. The culprit behind the weekend off was the Fargo Blues Festival rented out the field. This is why when we play Winnipeg we have two weeks of seven games in six days. I think the double headers are a fair trade off for the two off days around the halfway mark. It gave everyone a chance to reset their minds and bodies before we make our final push into the 29 game finale. It feels like I just got here and now we are already making the sprint towards September.

The St. Paul series didn’t go our way, but we won the last game which means in the second half we are 1-0. The Hawks are hot. The first two games had a bit of a bullpen problem that I contributed to in the Wednesday game. The first night we had a lead going into the 8th inning, and ended up losing that one. The second night same story, different chapter, up in the 8th and losing that one. It is not a good feeling coming into the game knowing that the team has battled all day, then a pitch or two alter your team is down with only the 9th to retake the lead. Before the series started they showed the Saints march to the championship as this was their first game in their stadium. The funny part was the first round playoffs were against Fargo, and the highlight tape was them beating the team from last year three games in a row. I’m hoping that I won’t be on a highlight tape next year, but if it happens then hey I guess pitch better.

The last two outings have been tough for your favorite writer but like I said, 29 games left, can’t hold back now. When I look a the last two outings I thought I threw the ball well, just one or two hittable pitches that turn the tide of the outing. I have to be better when I get ahead of hitters and make sure my execution of pitches when I am ahead puts the hitters away. Also, making sure Dylan and I are on the same page about how we want to attack hitters early and how we want to put them away when I have two strikes. I know I have zeroes in me as we saw after my first night debacle I went on a good stretch, and now the second good stretch is about to be here.

The Sunday Winnipeg game was rained out which means another double header to start week six for the Redhawks. I have never played a double header where the first game the team was the road team and the second game we were the home team but I’ll keep everyone posted on how that goes. Week six we play Winnipeg for four to start, then our final match up against the Chicago Dogs this weekend. If we play the way I know the guys on our team can play when September rolls around we will be in a good spot to make the playoffs. There are rumors and murmurs of expanded playoffs that have four teams in them which means all we need to do is sneak into that fourth position.

The sixth week of Covid season started with a double header against Winnipeg. The old visitors into home double header but wearing grey pants at home double header.

To me, the single Sunday game vs Winnipeg was the start of the second half. I thought that the whole league got two days off to recover and get ready but it was a simpler explanation. Newman Outdoor Field was hosting the Fargo Blues Fest. That is why we played and early double header against Winnipeg, and why in two weeks we have another set of 7 games in 6 days against Winnipeg.

The moon and stars were aligned in my favor against Winnipeg in the first game of the double header. I was excited to get in the game and especially in the first game because I knew that since I threw in game 1, I would be down for game 2. My first true game knowing that I didn’t have a chance of pitching. I pitched a scoreless seventh inning and started the week off on the right foot.

The rest of the games against Winnipeg were nail biters. It seemed like every game we were down 1-2 and they happened to eek out the win. The closer for Winnipeg threw three games in a row against us, and in the third game he earned his 71st save, a new league record for the American Association. I’m not sure about the throwing three days in a row, but that is how Winnipeg rolls.

The starting pitchers on our team have been doing really well and have been carrying the pitching load. The double headers and rain outs shorten the games for the team which allows us to have a well rested bullpen. The last game against Winnipeg our starter, and former Pitcher of the Week, Tomshaw, went complete game which gave the bullpen the day off. Then it rained all night and into the next day which meant Saturday we played a double header against Chicago. There are two days right there for the bullpen to recover.

The rain that started Thursday night continued to Friday evening which cancelled the Friday game against the Dogs. This meant another double header for the Hawks and again the starters can carry a seven inning game. We are 3-3 against the Dogs this year and this is the last time we play them. The first game of the double header on Saturday, Mr. John Anderson threw his first professional complete game in a 6-3 win. I warmed up, had the last hitter if John couldn’t get the out, but I was ready in the bullpen.

The second game of the double header started at 9:00 pm. It was a long day in the office for both teams but again we were well rested going into the game. I wasn’t concerned about warming up in the first game and then warming up again in the second game since I did not pitch game 1. If I pitched I would have been chilling.

The second game was 1-0 Chicago for most of the game until a Drew Ward 2-run homer to put us ahead. I pay attention to all games but when it gets late and we have a lead I am focusing on loosening my body to pitch the ninth. I am still working on my routine for late inning work and this year has been big for me in that part of my development. When we took the lead to go up 2-1 I knew that I’d be called upon at some point soon as it was a seven inning game and it was already the fifth. I came into the game in the top of the seventh and secured the game for the Redhawks. A long day but no time to celebrate as we had a 1:00 pm game on Sunday.

The Sunday game was a 1:oo pm start and we had two starers lined up to pitch. That is music to the bullpens ears because that means we are spectators unless something crazy happens. I know in my role that I need to be ready everyday and a night double header into a day game is no exception. The bats showed up in the Sunday game and broke the game open late. The starters did their job and did their thing to give the pen a break. This was our first time winning three games in a row. Some say the Hawks are hot and playing well down the stretch.

There are 22 games left in 24 days for the Redhawks. I feel like I was just rolling into Newman Outdoor for the first Covid test of the season. Hawks are playing well down the stretch and have a six game affair against Sioux Falls. The first look at the Sioux Falls Canaries, and the first road trip to Sioux Falls all in the same week. After that it is our final seven game set against Winnipeg but that is a while away. I’m excited for the direction that the team is going and we are going to make noise heading into the second half of August.

Thanks as always for reading and I am looking forward to updating the next few weeks of the 2020 summer.

Week 4 – The Saints and Milk

The calendar rolls into August and the Redhawks are almost halfway through their season. We are 10-18 on the season following the 3-3 week we put together. An early series win and a weekend series loss. Let’s recap and see how we the week went.

Following the seven game stint with Winnipeg is was time to play two different teams. The first team we played was the St. Paul Saints. This was our first time playing them this season. They have been sharing their facility with Sioux Falls but this was also their first time coming to Fargo.

My friend from last year and former Cardinal Chris Chinea is playing for the Saints this year and I thought early in the first game what if it came down to Chris and I with the game on the line. Well sometimes I should be careful what I wish for because Tuesday night it was go time for me. Tuesday’s game was a good win for the Redhawks. When I finished the game it was 7-5 with Chinea at the plate. I got the count in my favor and our shortstop Ibarra made a nice running play to his left on a groundball with the spin move throw to end the game. It was an exciting moment for me as I secured the win while making it a tad interesting for the team.

As fate would have it I made the game interesting in the next game on Wednesday. It again came down to Chinea at the plate with runners on base and the Redhawks up 2. Runners on first and third this time following my second two out walk in as many days. This time he popped up to center field on the first pitch of the at bat and we won the series. The next day game didn’t go well for our team but it was a competitive game and the Redhawks are rolling into August.

The team vote decided that we would leave Fargo at 11 pm and arrive in Milwaukee around 8 am. The alternative was leaving at 6 am on Friday and playing that night after riding the bus all day. The overnight bus ride sleep into a hotel sleep in the morning was the more attractive option. The Milwaukee trip is the first of our two Milwaukee trips and the longest trip that we have left. The next time we come here is the end of the season in September.

The Milk Men’s field is all turf including the mound. Similar to the Corn Crib back home that I was training at before I came to Fargo. The mound is also turf which can give guys trouble who are not used to it. The good news is they allowed us to wear metal spikes instead of turf shoes or molded cleats. The metal spikes are the best option for a pitcher since the front leg needs to stick on landing or you’ll be leaking energy. All things you block out when you get onto the mound in a game situation. The rain doesn’t effect this field either which is nice.

Into the games in ole Franklin, WI. The first game was a back and forth game that we ended up losing but came right back and won the next night 7-0. I warmed up to secure the victory but then we hot swapped and went with the legend Ryan Thurston who has been huge for the bullpen this year. I appreciate that they want to “save” me for opportunities when there is a save situation. I also recognize we have a 5 man bullpen and that I will take my turn and throw just like everyone else here. I’m part of the team on days we lose too.

With that being said my outing on Sunday wasn’t my best. I was tagged for a few hits, a homer, and ultimately four runs added onto the old ERA. The worst part was that the pitches I threw were good and the location wasn’t bad. I thought I was executing the pitches well, we threw the right pitches, they were ready to go and ready to hit. In the moment and after it was a tough pill to swallow thinking about how well I’d been throwing the ball all month. I started the month off tough in July also which means I am due for a good stretch here in August. After my first hiccup I rattled off a good stretch of outings and that’s what I’ll do again. One pitch at a time and then you look up and the inning is over.

If I throw the ball the same way as I did Sunday then the ball will fall in my favor. I threw a lot of strikes, Dylan was calling a good game and still grinding back there for me behind the plate. I know how it’s hard to stay locked in as a position guy when the Sunday day get away game starts to roll out of hand and everyone wants to get on the bus. Especially when the bus is a nine hour trip.

The Redhawks started August off with a bit of a slide but there are positives everywhere when I watch the team. The starting pitching has been stepping up for us. The hitters are starting to string it together and now it is time for the bullpen to step their game up and shorten the game. It starts in St. Paul on Tuesday. I expect a large crowd this week because it is St. Paul’s opening weekend for their season. The MLB is shutting out fans and with the Twins being so close to St. Paul I’m sure the fans will be out in whatever limited capacity the stadium is allowing. After this three game set, that will take us over the half ways point. 31/60 after this week, the little over half ways point for the #covidseason of American Association Baseball.

The dog days of August are here. Are they really the dog days when you’ve only played 28 games? The Redhawks are ready for the next 30 and potentially work our way into a playoff run. I’m optimistic. I’m looking forward to updating as we progress, and generally happy to be playing ball even on the bad days. It’s a short and perspective filled season for everyone who gets a chance to play this year and I need to remember that.

Thanks again for checking in and I’ll keep everyone posted on what happens in the St. Paul opener.