Power Outage

Wish I knew what has caused it, but I don't. The thing is the Grizzlies have shown nothing on offense the last five games really. And even into that Evansville series if you think about it. The pitching has come around, BIG time but the hits haven't. Coming into tonight's finale at Southern Illinois the Grizzlies are tied for the fourth-best team ERA at 4.71. Think about that-there was a time when this pitching staff was last in the league, and the ERA was nearly double that. With Kevin House and Robbie Minor at the top of the lineup they have good speed now-if they get on base. With Breyman/Lisk/Holdren in the middle it should still be a formidable lineup. Now they just need to get back to doing what they do. Mike Breyman really hasn't hit all year. Hopefully he is due. Can you imagine the final month with a red hot Breyman?

I tend to panic less than some. I think Phil Warren and Darin Kinsolving are worried a little bit. I am less worried. I am more encouraged by the strong pitching than the lack of offense. Last year the Grizzlies had a nearly unstoppable offense look where that got them in the playoffs.

I think tonight is a must win. Not because of standing, because if we have learned anything from this season in the West it is that teams can move up and down pretty quickly in this crowded race. I think this game is more important for the confidence of this team in this ballpark. Don't forget there is a real chance that these two teams-the Grizzlies and Miners-could meet in the first round of the post-season. If that happens the Grizzlies would be well served to have won at least one game in this park this year. Weird, because last year the Grizzlies had a better record in Marion against the Miners than in Sauget.

The next nine games could REALLY make or break the Grizzlies. They're home for nine straight and they need to hold serve at home, because then they're on the road for 12in a row. That's a long time away from home, and they're going to be facing Traverse City and Kalamazoo-the East's top two teams at least for now. If they can pile up some wins at home it will make whatever happens on the road easier to digest-plus it will build some more confidence and some good will before hitting the road for essentially two weeks in the heat of August.

I fully believe this team has what it takes to compete until the end, if they want to. The last two days have felt kinda blah. Like no one really cared if they won or not. If that is the case then forget it. If they want it I think they have got the pieces and ultimately the talent. We'll see.

I owe you

A new post.

I'm not very good at this blog thing, am I? It seems when the season gets rolling I am most often doing Grizzlies things. When I am not at the park or on the road I'm with the family. We're on the road now, so I'll try and get a few thoughts down during this three-game series in Marion. It's going to be an important one.

More tomorrow. . .

Rock the Vote

Thanks to my friend, and former Grizzlies centerfielder, Mark Schulte for this one. . .

You can vote here for former Grizzlies right-hander Scott Patterson for the Triple-A All-Star Game. It would be nice to get a former Grizzlie in the game.

Take some time and vote!

Just a couple of things

Chillicothe and more. . .
I really enjoy coming to Chillicothe. Maybe the facilities aren't the greatest, but they treat you like Kings and there's something about V.A. Memorial Stadium that gives you a nostalgic baseball feeling. That being said, I wish the team had the same good feelings. They must not, because the Paints have owned the Grizzlies in Chillicothe. If my records are right, the Paints have won at least the last nine games at V.A. The Grizzlies overall record in Chillicothe dropped to 7-15 all-time after last night's beating. Maybe the two games today can help turn things around. The road has not been a kind place to the Grizz. If you're keeping track, you know the Grizzlies are now 0-7 away from the friendly confines of GCS. I thought the last series against Evansville would have really helped turn things around. They won three games, and did it, for the most part, without the long ball. Sure they hit a few, but they played three pretty solid all around games. Sunday was probably the most complete game the Grizzlies have played this year. They had 14 hits and were driving in runs. Brandon Williams went seven strong innings, then they got a pair of scoreless innings from Alex Merricks and Zach Gray. As I said, hopefully the two tonight will be better. Tune in beginning at 4:50 central time. 88.7 FM or online at KMOX.com!

Changes. . .
Speaking of Alex Merricks-neither he or Billy McKinney was very happy here and both requested trades. They thought they should be starting. Both them were dealt to San Angelo of the United League.

Patty's a Yankee. . .
In case you haven't heard, former Grizzlie Scott Patterson is now a New York Yankee. He is the first Gateway alum to make the bigs. Big congrats to him. Obviously everyone in the organization is happy for him. I had no idea how proud I would feel for him. I am ecstatic for Scott, and have no doubt he worked his butt off to get to the Major Leagues. I feel a real sense of pride in his accomplishments when I had nothing to do with it what so ever! I hope he flourishes for the Bombers.

That'll do it for now.

Weekend Musings

NCAA. . .
The Division II Baseball Championships are wrapping up as I write this. I haven't been here for most of the tournament because we have been on the road. Just walking around talking with some of the fans has been fun today. From all accounts the Grizzlies staff has done a great job. I know Jeff O'Neill has worked his [tail] off, as he does for all of the "extra events" at the ballpark. The other staffers have been busy as well, namely Brent Pownall, Will Myers, Jason Murphy and CJ Hendrickson. That's not saying anything for our GM Steve Gomric who has had to take this on after being named GM in April. Congrats to all of our staff as well as the staffs at SIUE and UMSL for making this happen.

SIDS. . .
I had the pleasure of emceeing an event this morning for SIDS Resources. Thanks to Lori Behrens for inviting me out. They held their first annual Strides for SIDS walk/run in Forest Park. A commemorative ceremony was held prior to the run getting started. It was a moving tribute for/with the families that have lost little ones. It was tough to get through. I thought it was a beautiful ceremony and I was proud to be a small part of it. I am thankful for the opportunity and glad they had a good weather day.

The Grizz. . .
Finally on to the Grizzlies. A tough first week for the hometown team. I really don't think it is one particular thing that has gone wrong, but a combination. Last night they looked good and all parts seemed to click and because of it they took down previously unbeaten Evansville. It showed me and the fans would good can come when they all play together. Hopefully they can keep it up. Some moves today and the next few days should help. I guess we shall all see.

I'll try to check in from the road next week. Should be fun-I like going to Chillicothe.

Spring Training thoughts and more

Finally it is here, Grizzlies baseball back at GCS Ballpark. Spring Training officially opens today around the Frontier League. I, couldn't be more excited. Too bad the weather isn't great, but that's ok the guys are still going to work out this afternoon. Several players have been for a week or so, but now the real fun starts. Should be a good season. We shall all see.

Other thoughts. . .
As you probably know, GM Tony Funderburg has left the Grizzlies. I know this is a great opportunity for Tony and his family, it is also a great loss for the Grizzlies. Tony had been here since before the team played a game. There was a time when he (and I) were one of just three employees. Personally it is sad for me, simply because Tony taught me this business, and I mean that. Not the broadcasting but the baseball business-the pro sports business. It was Tony who taught me how to sell by going on some of my first appointments with me. He taught me how to talk to clients, how to relate with them, and ultimately how to get them involved in what we were doing. For that I am eternally grateful and will miss him. The Grizzlies will be fine, don't get me wrong. Steve Gomric will do a great job, and already has. Steve has taught each of us a thing or two about the business too. I don't expect any sweeping changes since we are so close to the stadium, but Steve knows what he is doing and knows what it takes for this organization to keep operating at the high level fans have come to expect. It will be a great season!

Something else you may have heard-the Grizzlies will be gracing the (powerful) airwaves of WSIE FM this summer. 88.7 FM is the campus station at SIUE and I am so excited that they will be carrying our games. This is a legitimate signal and Grizzlies fans should be able to hear our games no matter where they are. Honestly it is that strong. We're also partnering with KMOX.com, which also affords us some promotion on the "mighty 'mox." KJFF, 1400 AM, will return to carry their usual load of Grizzlies games. All in all it should be a nice set up for our games this year.

Getting away from the Grizzlies. . .but not baseball: Rick Ankiel, wow!
What a night the Cards centerfielder had last night, huh? If you didn't see it, do yourself a favor and find some highlights of him throwing out not one, but two, base runners at third. It was sensational. I must admit I was very very skeptical of the plan to bring Ankiel back as a hitter/outfielder. I thought it was a waste of money. I did not think it would work. I was wrong. I am big enough to admit it. He is a phenomenal athlete and his contributions have been many to this Cards team that has been fun to watch. By the way I did not think the birds would be as bad as many national writers and media types thought, however I also didn't think they'd have the best record in baseball at the beginning of May. For the record I picked them third in the Central behind Chicago and Milwaukee with a record of around 74-88, I think. I wrote it down, as I do every year with a couple of friends, before the season starts. We seal it up in an envelope. We open our picks during the World Series to see how we did. My pick for the Series this year was Cleveland and the Mets. I picked Cleveland to win it all.

That's it for now. Once again I will try to be more diligent in my updating of the blog during the season. Feel free to comment, and get on me if I'm not on top of it!

Just checking in

Quick weight-loss update: I realized I haven't updated you on the end of the competition. I lost the most weight, 34.5 pounds, didn't win the money. Someone else got me by a few percentage points. Oh well. I think I have made a permanent change as far as eating better and I am happy about that.

Baseball season is here: At least for the big boys. Can't tell you how happy that makes me. Had a chance to get to Cards opening day with the Grizzlies crew. We actually got to go twice-thanks to the rainout. We had the pleasure of sitting in the Champions Club. All I can say is congrats to the Cardinals for that masterpiece. All-you-can eat/drink in a beautiful setting. The buffet included some typical ballpark fare, but also some non-traditional food, including pasta and mussels, beef tips, roast pork, barbecue brisket and some great desserts. Some of the best brownies I have ever had. It was great, and that club is no doubt going to be a hit (pun fully intended) for the birds.

As for the team, to loosely quote the movie Major League they don't look too stinking bad. I was part of the group that said that I thought they would be better than people think anyway and after the opening series against the Rockies I'll stick to it. I don't really think they'll compete for the division, but it won't be as gloomy a season as some would have you believe. For the record my pick to win the division is the Cubs. I have the Mets and Indians in the World Series with the Indians winning.

I'll be at the game tomorrow afternoon as well. I am headed down with my father-in-law and his brother. Looking forward to nice afternoon. I am meeting Nationals broadcaster Bob Carpenter before the game. I first met Bob a few seasons ago at a Cards opening day. He has been kind enough to help me out on a number of occaisions. He has sort of become a mentor to me, and I sure appreciate him taking his time to help out a lowly indy guy like myself.

That's it from me today. Look for more Grizzlies news soon as we approach our eighth season.