Don't we need to acknowledge this accomplishment? I mean, before yesterday, when is the last time the Senators, Pirates, Nationals, Phillies and Orioles all won on the same day?
Anyone care to research? Maybe that'd be a good question for Geoff Morrow (@patriotnews_gmo).
It would have been a clean sweep had the Pirates taken Game One of their twin bill against Colorado. As a bonus, the Hershey Bears also won their playoff game at the Giant Center in overtime. What a night!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
First Homestand in the Books
Danny Rosenbaum spins another stellar pitching performance to close out the season's first homestand. On the heels of Jeff Mandel's blanking of the Altoona lineup over 7 IP one night earlier, Danny one-ups his mound mate with a very compact complete game.
The Sens were running again, making every stretch pitch interesting for Curve pitchers and catching prospect Tony Sanchez. Those situations created a great game-within-the-game during a game that seemed to last mere moments.
That's how precise Rosenbaum was. At one point I counted eight consecutive infield ground outs. It was a pleasure to watch.
Now I'll rely on the magic of radio to keep tabs on the road trip. I wonder if Terry can beam down a draught and some peanuts through those airwaves?
The Sens were running again, making every stretch pitch interesting for Curve pitchers and catching prospect Tony Sanchez. Those situations created a great game-within-the-game during a game that seemed to last mere moments.
That's how precise Rosenbaum was. At one point I counted eight consecutive infield ground outs. It was a pleasure to watch.
Now I'll rely on the magic of radio to keep tabs on the road trip. I wonder if Terry can beam down a draught and some peanuts through those airwaves?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Designated Hacker
Last night's Altoona-Harrisburg tilt represented yet another in a long, long, long string of examples why the designated hitter rule needs to be picked up from the curb in the early morning, never to be seen again. Many thanks to Jeff Mandel for proving my long-standing point that a baseball game is a beautiful, unfolding drama when played by nine players who all must hit, run and field.
In case you weren't among the 1,700+ on the island last night, Jeff not only pitched a shutout through 7, but he also tagged three balls on the button from the nine hole in the lineup. The first one found the Curve rightfielder's glove. The second and third plate appearances resulted in clutch hits to plate 3 of the Sens' 4 runs.
With all due respect to David Ortiz, who can absolutely rake, that's exactly why this game doesn't need a tenth part-time player. If you want David's stick in the lineup, get him a glove, too.
I invite you to weigh in on this topic, pro or con. I've found that the DH is like politics: everyone has an opinion.
After tonight's "real" baseball to close out the homestand, Matt LeCroy must begin filling out more softball lineup cards in Trenton. I wonder if (with the Nats' blessing) he'd consider penciling in "Mandel-DH" once in a while?
From deep short,
Brian
In case you weren't among the 1,700+ on the island last night, Jeff not only pitched a shutout through 7, but he also tagged three balls on the button from the nine hole in the lineup. The first one found the Curve rightfielder's glove. The second and third plate appearances resulted in clutch hits to plate 3 of the Sens' 4 runs.
With all due respect to David Ortiz, who can absolutely rake, that's exactly why this game doesn't need a tenth part-time player. If you want David's stick in the lineup, get him a glove, too.
I invite you to weigh in on this topic, pro or con. I've found that the DH is like politics: everyone has an opinion.
After tonight's "real" baseball to close out the homestand, Matt LeCroy must begin filling out more softball lineup cards in Trenton. I wonder if (with the Nats' blessing) he'd consider penciling in "Mandel-DH" once in a while?
From deep short,
Brian
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
July in April
Before we get started, kudos to Josh Johnson for his blazing start and subsequent well-earned promotion to AAA. Continue to be the same player and teammate in Syracuse, JJ, and another promotion will be in your future. All the best from deep short!
+++
Night games at Metro Bank Park in April can be pleasant, but it'd be tough to beat last night's 80 degree, shorts-and-tee shirt weather. Very comfortable start to the Altoona series.
Speaking of comfort (or "discomfort" for opposing catchers): I bet word is already circulating the Eastern League regarding the Senators' aggressive base running. No matter the score, the number of outs, or who may be at the plate, you can count on Matt's boys taking off.
I especially love the jumps from 2nd. Doesn't concern the skipper even if there's a left handed hitter.
In my opinion, it sure beats station-to-station DH ball. And, with weather like we had last night [Monday, April 16, 2012], nobody should pull a hammy. Bring your track shoes!
From deep short,
Brian
+++
Night games at Metro Bank Park in April can be pleasant, but it'd be tough to beat last night's 80 degree, shorts-and-tee shirt weather. Very comfortable start to the Altoona series.
Speaking of comfort (or "discomfort" for opposing catchers): I bet word is already circulating the Eastern League regarding the Senators' aggressive base running. No matter the score, the number of outs, or who may be at the plate, you can count on Matt's boys taking off.
I especially love the jumps from 2nd. Doesn't concern the skipper even if there's a left handed hitter.
In my opinion, it sure beats station-to-station DH ball. And, with weather like we had last night [Monday, April 16, 2012], nobody should pull a hammy. Bring your track shoes!
From deep short,
Brian
Friday, April 13, 2012
TGIFortyInchFlatscreens
Wasn't last night simply amazing? Tim Foreman, Brandon Forsburg and their team did a fantastic job on the surface. When I attended Fan Fest, I couldn't believe how incredible the field looks. I doff my blue Senators cap to those magicians and their crew.
The home opener didn't result in a victory, but it felt victorious all the same. I know we occasionally see each other during the off-season, but the ballpark made last night's conversations even more special.
Even the weather cooperated. No wind, and just an early spring nip in the air. Not the night chill and cold breeze I'd expected.
May pitched a great game for Reading. At first, he disrupted hitters' timing. Later in the game, the Sens hit a few on the screws, but right at fielders' gloves.
Now we look forward to our first TGIF of the season. Wishing you nine innings of flatscreens luck on Friday the 13th!
Brian
The home opener didn't result in a victory, but it felt victorious all the same. I know we occasionally see each other during the off-season, but the ballpark made last night's conversations even more special.
Even the weather cooperated. No wind, and just an early spring nip in the air. Not the night chill and cold breeze I'd expected.
May pitched a great game for Reading. At first, he disrupted hitters' timing. Later in the game, the Sens hit a few on the screws, but right at fielders' gloves.
Now we look forward to our first TGIF of the season. Wishing you nine innings of flatscreens luck on Friday the 13th!
Brian
Thursday, April 12, 2012
T Love's Countdown is Over
Do you get the same feeling I do? The entire off-season for me becomes a vast, dark, cold baseball vacuum.
Not that I don't attempt to treasure every moment of every day, but when baseball season ends, something happens to me. I no longer have daily radio and TV broadcasts or box scores to follow. Instead of looking forward to seeing you at the ballpark, I face piles (and piles) of dead leaves and prepping the snow blower. (At least that wasn't as necessary this past winter.)
Fan Club meetings and hot stove chatter keep my blood flowing through the long winter wasteland. I talk to Terry Love, whose tenure as a Senators vendor is now also of legal age to enjoy an adult beverage at Metro Bank Park.
"T Love," as he's affectionately, known, will be hawking beer throughout the stands for his 21st year beginning tonight. Throughout the off-season, I can call and ask T Love at any time of day or night, "How long until the home opener?"
Without skipping a beat, no matter what he may have been doing, Terry will respond with the exact number of days, hours and minutes until first pitch. I'm always amazed, but sometimes his answer seems so long and so far away. But not today.
Bundle up. We'll see you at the ballpark in less than 11 hours and 42 minutes!
Brian
Not that I don't attempt to treasure every moment of every day, but when baseball season ends, something happens to me. I no longer have daily radio and TV broadcasts or box scores to follow. Instead of looking forward to seeing you at the ballpark, I face piles (and piles) of dead leaves and prepping the snow blower. (At least that wasn't as necessary this past winter.)
Fan Club meetings and hot stove chatter keep my blood flowing through the long winter wasteland. I talk to Terry Love, whose tenure as a Senators vendor is now also of legal age to enjoy an adult beverage at Metro Bank Park.
"T Love," as he's affectionately, known, will be hawking beer throughout the stands for his 21st year beginning tonight. Throughout the off-season, I can call and ask T Love at any time of day or night, "How long until the home opener?"
Without skipping a beat, no matter what he may have been doing, Terry will respond with the exact number of days, hours and minutes until first pitch. I'm always amazed, but sometimes his answer seems so long and so far away. But not today.
Bundle up. We'll see you at the ballpark in less than 11 hours and 42 minutes!
Brian
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Welcome Back Senators
The opening day roster and coaching staff are set, the field looks amazing for the home opener ... the least we can do is welcome the 2012 edition of the Harrisburg Senators to Central PA. Dinner and program will be held this evening [Wednesday, April 4, 2012] with special guests, the 2012 Harrisburg Senators players and coaches, and the Senators Front Office staff.
Due to security at the New Cumberland Army Depot, no tickets are available at the door. However, make plans to join us prior to the 2013 season for the 27th annual event!
Brian Williams
Fan Club President
Due to security at the New Cumberland Army Depot, no tickets are available at the door. However, make plans to join us prior to the 2013 season for the 27th annual event!
Brian Williams
Fan Club President
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