Commentary

It's June 9th and we can actually say that the Syracuse Chiefs are only 3.5 out of the division lead. What a difference a little over 2 weeks makes. Now, suddenly, the Chiefs currently have the BEST home record in the whole IL. Amazing for the fact that there have been nights I have witnessed with under 300 in the stands, and at least 2 of them had 100 or less. Some will say it is the quality of opponents. Out of the past 15 games, the Chiefs are 12-3, BUT 11 of those wins were against Norfolk, Columbus, and Pawtucket. The thing that these people don't realize is that these are games Syracuse is typically know for losing. We can also point to the fact that Pawtucket handled the "upper echelon" Richmond Braves this past week. They also forget the fact that there were many series splits already this year with some of the better teams in the league. As a fan, I say enjoy it and have fun at the ballpark, which as much as I complain, is a pretty good deal in comparison to most entertainment in this area, as well as the prices I have seen at other ballparks.

What has caused this team to suddenly start playing up to potential? I offer a few thoughts:

1. Internal Distractions Gone:

The team has been tormented with suspensions this year. Matt Roney's suspension brought the team to spotlight, as all of these 50 game suspensions get good media attention nationally. Then we have the suspension to Beau Kemp (which Chiefs management have done everything possible to hide..which in itself would be a distraction to the team). If the rumors are true (and without 100% proof that they are, I will not be posting them) this would have been a HUGE distraction to the team. Couple that with the fact that he gave up deadly runs in important situations anyways, and you get frustrated players.

2. Playing Up To Their Skill Level

Let's face it, when a team has NO batter hitting over .300, that is a huge cause for alarm. But that is how it was, and still is, for the Chiefs. The only player who had been fluttering around the line was Curtis Thigpen. But lately we have been seeing guys stepping up bigtime. Wayne Lydon and John Hattig are 2 that fly into mind quickly. Two of the nicer guys you will ever meet, it's great to see them performing again. Before this streak, both were struggling mightily. Lydon was having a nightmare, striking out multiple times per game, as well as a lack of confidence in his outfield play. Now, he is playing with confidence...something he lacks at times, as he gets down on himself a lot and thinks too much (especially in important at bats). Hopefully the big hit in the 9th last week vs Columbus is a sign that he is ready to jump to the next level of his game. As for Hattig, he has cut his strikeouts down a lot recently and is seeing the ball amazingly well. His fielding has improved a bit too. With Toronto's constant injury woes, I wouldn't be shocked to see him jump up if another infielder goes down. Chad Mottola and Russ Adams definitely caught their strokes too, especially Chad who has gotten his power back, but also seems, at times, to be able to punch the ball for a single at will.

3. Relief

The bullpen has been pretty amazing lately (with the exception of game 1 versus Toledo). Justin James has been nearly unhittable. I still believe Doug Davis misuses the bullpen horribly, but that hasn't mattered as most of the guys have taken advantage of their play time. The starters have been inconsistent, which has put a lot of burden on these guys, but it is great to see that most are up to the challenge.

So 61 games into the season, the Chiefs are only 1 game under .500, an astounding feat after being 10 games under 2 weeks ago. While this is great, and as a fan I love it, we can't get too overboard in hopes and dreams. There should be a few rehab assignments coming up. What will that mean to a team that is finally gelling? I hope the Zaun experience isn't a sign, but the Zambrano rehab hasn't been much better. Unfortunately, Toronto does not care about a championship in Syracuse. They will continue to break chemistry up, some of which isn't avoidable. We all know that rehabbing the big leaguers is a duty and important. What I am stating is the fact that they will continue their interesting callups (Thigpen, which now gives you FOUR catchers on the current roster?!) , wait a few days, and give us a backup from New Hampshire, or single A Dunedin. But that is for another blog coming up soon, which will ask the question: "Why does Toronto want New Hampshire to win more than Syracuse?"

Anyways, enough of that. Congrats to the team for some great ballplaying, and let's hope that this TEAM can stay together and keep up the good work.