7/15/07: Pawtucket Series

Well this was a forgettable series that was just completed at Alliance Bank Stadium. The Pawtucket Red Sox took 3 out of 4 against the Syracuse Chiefs, leaving the Boston faithful (who will venture out to ABS only for these games) happy, even though before the series they couldn't have named anyone but Jon Lester and Michael Tucker. The best is coming into ABS, cheering against your hometown Chiefs, and trying to heckle, while saying "hey #24 nice swing". Please, at least learn a name if you are going to be that obnoxious.

Anyways, now that I got that off my chest, another series marred by bad Chiefs' pitching. Fifty hits were given up by Syracuse pitchers resulting in twenty-seven runs. To put this into prospective, there was an average of almost seven runs scored a game on 12 1/2 hits. You can't expect to do much giving up that much.

Thursday's game witnessed Josh Banks give up his 17th homer of the year in the 9-5 loss. That ranks him second in the league for most given up. We also saw the Chiefs debut of former major leaguer Scott Sauerback. The word is that Toronto is hoping to have him in the majors soon.

Friday night was the only bright spot for Syracuse, as they beat Pawtucket 8-4. Boston faithful were disappointed by pitcher Jon Lester, as he gave up six hits and four walks in five innings resulting in 5 runs (four earned). Michael MacDonald only gave up two runs in six innings. Yusaku Iriki returned from the DL for an inning of relief for Syracuse. He gave up a two run homer. Michael Vento hit his sixth homer in the game.

Saturday night was dreary. It also featured David Uyl, the umpire many around the International League seem to feel is the most inconsistent and horrific umpire in the league. He helped defend these thoughts with a strike zone that left both teams wondering if he could even see the plate under the dirt. I mention him mostly because the deciding sixth run by Pawtucket was by far a questionable call at home. There was a play at the plate as catcher Sal Fasano blocked home plate extremely well. There was very little conceiveable way that the runner (Joe McEwing) could have touched home. Uyl calls him safe, as Fasano looked on in disbelief. Ty Taubenheim started the game and had some control problems. With a 1-0 lead and two outs in the third, Taubenheim allowed the next six batters to reach base either via walk or hit. He left the inning down 3-1. After a rally to make it 3-3, Jim Crowell came in and got dismantled. Giving up two earned runs in only a third of an inning. Scott Sauerback gave up the next run on that horrific Uyl call leaving Chiefs fans disgusted and down 6-3. Ray Olmedo's 1st homer of the year made it 6-5, as the two run shot regenerated life at ABS. In the ninth inning, Chiefs fans were left cringing as hope was given then crushed twice. The first batter of the inning, Chad Mottola, hit a long fly ball that was about 10 feet foul, but would have easily been a home run. He then struck out. Next up was Ryan Roberts, who hit a ball that was caught right at the right field fence. I guess those hits kind of sum up the season so far for the Chiefs. More on this game at the bottom.

Sunday's game featured Jeremy Cummings debut at ABS. Three home runs later, and fans were probably understanding why he was available. Now, I have to wonder why Toronto signed us not one, not two, but THREE Rochester players whom were released. Beau Kemp was an absolute disaster, as he cost the team a few games, while winning them none. Then we pick up Mike Venafro. He hasn't been horrible, but he hasn't been great either. He has pitched well lately, but early on he was getting shelled. At the very least, he gives the bullpen good innings, which is something they need after the shelling the starters have taken often. Batters are still batting .299 against him since he has been a Chief. Then we have Jeremy Cummings. So far he is having issues, as his two appearances have resulted in an ERA of 7.50. In six innings, he has given up eight hits, three walks, and three home runs. It's just bad when I make the trip to Rochester and they have even more ammo to harass me with (yes wearing a Syracuse cap to a game at Frontier Field brings you nothing but harassment about how horrible your city and sports teams are). Anyways, as for the rest of the game, Ryan Houston was once again easily hit, as he gave up three hits and three runs (two earned) in his ninth inning apperance of the 8-2 loss.

Now back to Saturday's game for a moment. I have to get on a soapbox here, so I hope I don't rant too far off. What I witnessed was twice in one game, Kevin Barker mouthing off to Syracuse fans. Now, to background a bit. Many fans who have come to many games have witnessed Barker's antics. We have seen him throw things in the dugout, yell things from the dugout at umpires, even being involved in comments that have incited other players to become upset. Fans who witness this, get very tired of it. Now, some will say that many professional athletes are like this. This is true, however there is a point where things go overboard. Overboard happened Saturday. This is at least the fourth time that I personally have witnessed Barker shoot off an F-Bomb or gesture towards fans. I can testify that in none of the cases, were gestures or profanity sent towards him, as I witnessed each situation personally. This was Syracuse's POSTER BOY. What a mistake made in that decision. Guys like Chad Mottola, Wayne Lydon, and many others should be profiled more than a guy like Barker. Those are the guys who try every game and act in a professional manner in every trip to every ballpark. A guy like Barker may have the ability to hit home runs and doubles, but that isn't what the game is all about, especially not minor leagues. What minor league baseball is about is being able to cheer on a team. For adults, it's being able to have fun, hope for a win, maybe a shot at a title and excitement. For kids, though, it's much different. What they see on this field can go as far as helping shape parts of their lives. They go play little league, and we hope that they will have fun out there like a Mottola. We don't want to see these kids telling an umpire to bleep off or go into school and start a fight with a kid who says something he doesn't agree with. What these kids hear in the stands from fans can easily be shrugged off, but seeing it on the field? These are the guys they want to grow up to be like. For a player, let alone a home player, to make a gesture or should an F-bomb is disgraceful, embarassing, and pathetic. You are the one making money to play the game, unless someone says something personal about a family member or threatens you with harm, let it roll off your back.

Before I go.. Brandon League was called up to Toronto, as they sent Syracuse Jordan DeJong. Also, Brad Hassey as been placed on the 7 day disabled list.

Take care and see you all at the park for the four game series against Rochester. 10.5 games out of first, Syracuse faces Rochester and divison leading Buffalo the next 18 games, so this stretch will decide the season.