Upon reading syracusechiefs.com's blog entry for marketing last night, I was left utterly confused. Apparently on July 30th, former MVP, Cy Young award winner, and long time federal prison inmate, Denny McLain will be signing autographs at Alliance Bank Stadium. While I think we all appreciate things like autograph sessions and good promos, I think Chiefs management dropped the ball on this one. Yes, McLain was great on the field in his prime, however, his post career antics are shameful and repulsive.
McLain plead guilty to federal charges involving racketeering, extortion and narcotics in the 1980's. But that's not all. In the mid-1990's he was convicted of conspiracy, theft, money laundering and mail fraud. The first charge carried a twelve year sentence, but he only served 27 months and received five years probation. The second charge sentenced him behind bars for eight years, which he served more than six years of.
McLain had a few great seasons, including 1968 when he was the last pitcher to win 30+ games in the majors, and won the AL MVP and Cy Young. He had a share of the Cy Young in 1969, however, off field antics got him suspended three times in 1970, helping solidify the downfall of his career. He was suspended twice by the commissioner, once for bookmaking charges and another for waving a gun in a restaurant. Between those two suspensions, he was suspended by the Tigers for dumping water on reporters.
I am just trying to piece together why the Chiefs would bring him back (he did play in Syracuse in the mid 1960's) when there are so many good players they could have had return. McLain is about as far away from a role model as you can get, and apparently either the Syracuse Chiefs didn't do enough research or just didn't care about this fact. The man pitched two great seasons, but how can that or any on field greatness be a substitute for three decades marred with disregard for rules and laws?
Tell me management, is the next guy to sign at the stadium going to be Ugueth Urbina? Nothing would shock me now.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
6/28/07: Chiefs Neal To Knightmare Ninth
Before I get to writing, I just wanted to point out what I just read on the wrap up of the game. According to MLB.com's reporter "Brian Anderson ripped a go-ahead two-run single in the top of the ninth inning as Charlotte rallied past Syracuse, 4-3, on Thursday." Nice to see their writers don't pay attention, as that rip went a whole 15 feet. Good job MLB.com and MILB.com, proving to be as valuable as suntan lotion in a Syracuse winter.
Anyways, as anyone who reads may have noticed, on games like Thursday's game, I just tend to stay away from writing a wrap up, review, commentary, or whatever because I really don't care to think about the game that was blown. Great game for 8 innings, Jesse Litsch pitched another great game. Not sure about pitch counts Toronto has on him, but if there isn't one, there was no way he should have been pulled. He wasn't laboring and looked great still, but as the old adage goes hindsight is 20/20.
Chiefs pulled out the stunts, finally, in the 6th, as they scored three runs, including 2 on a squeeze play (I've been calling for it all year with the way these teams shift against Syracuse). The play set up as Ray Olmedo at bat, with Jeff Duncan on third and Sal Fasano on second. Knights pitcher Lance Broadway threw the ball, pulling first baseman Ernie Young off the bag. Young, however, must have forgotten about Fasano on base, as Fasano keeps running around third and beats the throw home. This came after Fasano opened up the scoring, driving Chad Mottola home. That was, however, the only inning the Chiefs would score.
Charlotte comes back with one run in the 7th, off a Wiki Gonzalez 2 out single. Then, the nightmare ninth came. Coach Doug Davis decides to go to the bullpen to bring lefty Mike Venafro in to face left handed hitter Ryan Sweeney. Sweeney, however, takes the first pitch and bunts to reach base. Out comes Davis again, this time bringing in Blaine Neal. To put it simply, Neal got hammered. He struck out Ernie Young on a very questionable strike three call (one of a whole lot of questionable strike zone calls by Josh Carlisle for both teams). That's when the Chiefs' train derails. Three straight singles load the bases and scores Sweeney. Next batter was Brian Anderson. Neal gets him to a 1-2 count and gets Anderson to hit a very weak ball. The problem was, it was so weak, no fielder could get to it. There was no chance at a play, however third baseman Ryan Roberts still takes the ball and launches it towards first. It ends up going far past first baseman Kevin Barker and the go ahead run scores.
The Chiefs has a chance in the bottom of the ninth. With one out, Barker ripped a ball into right-center. However, on a very questionable decision, he tries to go to second on the play and is throw out by a full three steps. I am unsure who sent him, or if it was a self-made decision, but needless to say it was a pretty poor decision either way. John-Ford Griffin walked with two outs, however Chad Mottola struck out to end the game.
Simply put, this one hurts. The Chiefs drop to 8.5 behind Buffalo, and even in June, hopes of the playoffs are starting to fade. Friday ends the homestand, and the Chiefs won't be back until after the all star break. Enjoy the fireworks and hopefully tonight will have a better ending
Anyways, as anyone who reads may have noticed, on games like Thursday's game, I just tend to stay away from writing a wrap up, review, commentary, or whatever because I really don't care to think about the game that was blown. Great game for 8 innings, Jesse Litsch pitched another great game. Not sure about pitch counts Toronto has on him, but if there isn't one, there was no way he should have been pulled. He wasn't laboring and looked great still, but as the old adage goes hindsight is 20/20.
Chiefs pulled out the stunts, finally, in the 6th, as they scored three runs, including 2 on a squeeze play (I've been calling for it all year with the way these teams shift against Syracuse). The play set up as Ray Olmedo at bat, with Jeff Duncan on third and Sal Fasano on second. Knights pitcher Lance Broadway threw the ball, pulling first baseman Ernie Young off the bag. Young, however, must have forgotten about Fasano on base, as Fasano keeps running around third and beats the throw home. This came after Fasano opened up the scoring, driving Chad Mottola home. That was, however, the only inning the Chiefs would score.
Charlotte comes back with one run in the 7th, off a Wiki Gonzalez 2 out single. Then, the nightmare ninth came. Coach Doug Davis decides to go to the bullpen to bring lefty Mike Venafro in to face left handed hitter Ryan Sweeney. Sweeney, however, takes the first pitch and bunts to reach base. Out comes Davis again, this time bringing in Blaine Neal. To put it simply, Neal got hammered. He struck out Ernie Young on a very questionable strike three call (one of a whole lot of questionable strike zone calls by Josh Carlisle for both teams). That's when the Chiefs' train derails. Three straight singles load the bases and scores Sweeney. Next batter was Brian Anderson. Neal gets him to a 1-2 count and gets Anderson to hit a very weak ball. The problem was, it was so weak, no fielder could get to it. There was no chance at a play, however third baseman Ryan Roberts still takes the ball and launches it towards first. It ends up going far past first baseman Kevin Barker and the go ahead run scores.
The Chiefs has a chance in the bottom of the ninth. With one out, Barker ripped a ball into right-center. However, on a very questionable decision, he tries to go to second on the play and is throw out by a full three steps. I am unsure who sent him, or if it was a self-made decision, but needless to say it was a pretty poor decision either way. John-Ford Griffin walked with two outs, however Chad Mottola struck out to end the game.
Simply put, this one hurts. The Chiefs drop to 8.5 behind Buffalo, and even in June, hopes of the playoffs are starting to fade. Friday ends the homestand, and the Chiefs won't be back until after the all star break. Enjoy the fireworks and hopefully tonight will have a better ending
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
6/27/07: Chiefs Finally Heat Up
On a muggy night at Alliance Bank Stadium, the Syracuse Chiefs finally started to get as hot as the temperature, dominating all aspects of the game to beat the Charlotte Knights 7-2. Victor Zambrano made the start for Syracuse, and after his 2 run homer he gave up to the third batter of the game, it looked like his bad run, as well as the Chiefs' would continue. Well, things aren't always as they seem. Zambrano went a total of 7 innings, only giving up one more hit, and the bullpen kept the Knights hitless, as the Chiefs pitched a one hitter in the final 8 2/3 innings of the game.
The Chiefs made sure that the intial two runs were not enough, as they broke out of their 3 game batting slump, getting four runs in the first inning. Syracuse loaded the bases before they recorded their first out of the game, but were almost kept off the board. After Chad Mottola struck out for the first out, John Ford Griffin ripped a grounder to second baseman Jason Bourgeois, who boots the ball, which had potential to be a double play, but instead scored Wayne Lydon from third. Next batter was Mike Vento who ripped a two run single, scoring Ryan Roberts and Kevin Barker. The other run scored later, as Ray Olmedo hit a sac fly to score Griffin, giving Syracuse a 4-2 lead. Solo home runs by Barker in the 2nd and Griffin in the 3rd brought the lead to 6-2. In the 6th inning, a throwing error by Jason Bourgeois allowed Ray Olmedo to score, and give us our final score of 7-2.
Andrew Sisco (0-3) started for the Knights and gets the loss, giving up six of the runs in four innings pitched. Only four of those runs were earned. Every starter for the Chiefs picked up a base hit tonight, which is amazing considering there were only ten hits in the game (Barker was the only player with multiple hits). The Chiefs are 7.5 out of first, as the Buffalo Bisons were idle Wednesday night, due to a rainout.
Notes:
Pitcher Yusaku Iriki has been placed on the 7 day disabled list.
Pitcher Ty Taubenheim has been added back to the Chiefs roster, while Brandon League has been sent back to Toronto.
The Chiefs made sure that the intial two runs were not enough, as they broke out of their 3 game batting slump, getting four runs in the first inning. Syracuse loaded the bases before they recorded their first out of the game, but were almost kept off the board. After Chad Mottola struck out for the first out, John Ford Griffin ripped a grounder to second baseman Jason Bourgeois, who boots the ball, which had potential to be a double play, but instead scored Wayne Lydon from third. Next batter was Mike Vento who ripped a two run single, scoring Ryan Roberts and Kevin Barker. The other run scored later, as Ray Olmedo hit a sac fly to score Griffin, giving Syracuse a 4-2 lead. Solo home runs by Barker in the 2nd and Griffin in the 3rd brought the lead to 6-2. In the 6th inning, a throwing error by Jason Bourgeois allowed Ray Olmedo to score, and give us our final score of 7-2.
Andrew Sisco (0-3) started for the Knights and gets the loss, giving up six of the runs in four innings pitched. Only four of those runs were earned. Every starter for the Chiefs picked up a base hit tonight, which is amazing considering there were only ten hits in the game (Barker was the only player with multiple hits). The Chiefs are 7.5 out of first, as the Buffalo Bisons were idle Wednesday night, due to a rainout.
Notes:
Pitcher Yusaku Iriki has been placed on the 7 day disabled list.
Pitcher Ty Taubenheim has been added back to the Chiefs roster, while Brandon League has been sent back to Toronto.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
6/26/07: Offense Still Eludes Chiefs
Syracuse ended their 28 inning scoreless streak in the 8th inning Tuesday night at Alliance Bank Stadium, however they could only muster that one run. Syracuse lost to the Charlotte Knights 4 to 1, as Knights' starter Gavin Floyd (6-3)pitched seven innings, giving up only four hits, one of which was a solo homer by Chiefs catcher Erik Kratz. Carlos Vasquez pitched a perfect 2 innings to get the save, as again the Chiefs could do nothing at the plate. Syracuse starter Yusaku Iriki left the game in the 3rd inning with what looked to be a foot injury. He left the bases loaded with no outs, however Justin James came in and got Ryan Sweeney to hit into a double play, which almost turned into a triple play, as 3rd baseman Brad Hassey took the grounder, tagged Jerry Owens in going to third in stride, as he threw to get the out at second, but the throw was late at first. This accounted for Iriki's (0-1)only earned run, however it was enough to give him the loss. Things stayed 1-0 until the top of the 8th, when Charlotte started their 2 run rally on one of Wayne Lydon's two miscues in right field. Danny Richar took a Ryan Houston pitch to right field for a triple, as Lydon never found the ball until it bounced in front of him, and the turf gave it a mighty lift over his head. After walking the next batter, Earl Snyder, Houston was replaced by Mike Venafro, who hit first baseman Casey Rogowski on a 2 strike count to load the bases. After a sac fly by Brian Anderson scored Richar, Wiki Gonzalez brought home Snyder with a single to give Charlotte the 3-0 lead. Ernie Young capped off the scoring with a solo homer in the 9th, to give us our 4-1 final.
In their last three games, the Chiefs have only scored one run while accumulating a miniscule twelve hits. They find themselves 8 games out of first, and looking at the standings, the upper teir (Buffalo, Rochester, Scranton) are starting to pull away from the bottom half (Syracuse, Pawtucket, Ottawa), a big 6.5 games between 3rd place Rochester and 4th place Syracuse) The North Division now has three of the worst four records in the IL, the only other team in that range was tonight's victors, the Charlotte Knights.
In their last three games, the Chiefs have only scored one run while accumulating a miniscule twelve hits. They find themselves 8 games out of first, and looking at the standings, the upper teir (Buffalo, Rochester, Scranton) are starting to pull away from the bottom half (Syracuse, Pawtucket, Ottawa), a big 6.5 games between 3rd place Rochester and 4th place Syracuse) The North Division now has three of the worst four records in the IL, the only other team in that range was tonight's victors, the Charlotte Knights.
Monday, June 25, 2007
6/25/07
Well it's been a few days, other things take priority at times, but I am back. In those days, the Chiefs are 2-2, though are currently in the bottom of the 8th down 2-0 to the Scranton W/B Yankees. Things started off well in this timeframe, as Syracuse made a nice comeback to defeat the Braves and avoid the sweep on Thursday night.
Things, however, were not as pleasant most of the rest of the four days, as Friday night's loss to the Yankees (7 to 4) was yet another horrific start by Victor Zambrano. I look at the three pitching pickups from the offseason by Toronto, and find it hard to believe that they would release John Thomson, who pitched much better than Zambrano has even come close to in any start. Speaking of Thomson, I wish him luck in his debut tonight with the Kansas City Royals..I think he can make the Blue Jays regret their move. The bright side from that game was Chad Mottola's two home runs, accounting for three of their four runs.
Saturday, Jesse Litsch finally got to show Chiefs' fans how he can pitch, and I was impressed. Two runs in seven innings pitched, and got the win, even though Brandon League gave up two more in his one inning stint. Hopefully he can work out the kinks, so he can get back up to Toronto soon, but they aren't going to rush him, which is a good thing. Batting-wise, the Chiefs were brought on early by back-to-back homers by Mike Vento and John Ford Griffin. It was nice to see Lee Gronkiewicz back in a Chiefs uniform, getting his first save of the year Chiefs won 6-4.
Sunday, was a nightmare for Syracuse, as Chase Wright pummelled them, allowing only 3 hits in seven innings, and combining with reliever Ed Ramirez to pitch a shutout. Wayne Lydon had 2 of the team's four hits (a double and triple) but could not score after either of them. John Banks pitched alright, giving up 4 runs in 6 innings, while Jim Crowell gave up the other four runs, in one inning pitched, give the Yankees the 8-0 victory.
Finally, we come into tonight, and again the Chiefs are stymied, losing to the Yankees 4-0. The Chiefs had an opportunity in the top of the 8th, down 2-0. They were able to load the bases with one out, however Kevin Barker hit into the inning ending double play. Michael MacDonald gave up 2 runs in 5 2/3 innings getting the loss. Blaine Neal also allowed two runs in during his one inning of work, but even one run was enough, as the Chiefs could only muster four hits, being shutout for the second time in as many games.
Syracuse starts a four game homestand against Charlotte Tuesday, and it will be the last home games until mid-July, after the all-star break. In roster news, John Schneider was finally returned to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, while John Hattig was placed on the 7-day DL.
Things, however, were not as pleasant most of the rest of the four days, as Friday night's loss to the Yankees (7 to 4) was yet another horrific start by Victor Zambrano. I look at the three pitching pickups from the offseason by Toronto, and find it hard to believe that they would release John Thomson, who pitched much better than Zambrano has even come close to in any start. Speaking of Thomson, I wish him luck in his debut tonight with the Kansas City Royals..I think he can make the Blue Jays regret their move. The bright side from that game was Chad Mottola's two home runs, accounting for three of their four runs.
Saturday, Jesse Litsch finally got to show Chiefs' fans how he can pitch, and I was impressed. Two runs in seven innings pitched, and got the win, even though Brandon League gave up two more in his one inning stint. Hopefully he can work out the kinks, so he can get back up to Toronto soon, but they aren't going to rush him, which is a good thing. Batting-wise, the Chiefs were brought on early by back-to-back homers by Mike Vento and John Ford Griffin. It was nice to see Lee Gronkiewicz back in a Chiefs uniform, getting his first save of the year Chiefs won 6-4.
Sunday, was a nightmare for Syracuse, as Chase Wright pummelled them, allowing only 3 hits in seven innings, and combining with reliever Ed Ramirez to pitch a shutout. Wayne Lydon had 2 of the team's four hits (a double and triple) but could not score after either of them. John Banks pitched alright, giving up 4 runs in 6 innings, while Jim Crowell gave up the other four runs, in one inning pitched, give the Yankees the 8-0 victory.
Finally, we come into tonight, and again the Chiefs are stymied, losing to the Yankees 4-0. The Chiefs had an opportunity in the top of the 8th, down 2-0. They were able to load the bases with one out, however Kevin Barker hit into the inning ending double play. Michael MacDonald gave up 2 runs in 5 2/3 innings getting the loss. Blaine Neal also allowed two runs in during his one inning of work, but even one run was enough, as the Chiefs could only muster four hits, being shutout for the second time in as many games.
Syracuse starts a four game homestand against Charlotte Tuesday, and it will be the last home games until mid-July, after the all-star break. In roster news, John Schneider was finally returned to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, while John Hattig was placed on the 7-day DL.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
6/20/07: Double Dipped
Pardon the changes in format as I try to develop a style more suitable for me. Anyways, a belated blog from the game last night, as frustration kicked in and I just didn't want to relive those games.
As for those games, I guess we will start with game one. Gregor Blanco helped the Braves win 7-3, ending only a home run away from the cycle. He ripped a double down the first base line (nearly the same spot as Brayan Pena hit a triple earlier in the game), both of which apparently had Kevin Barker in awe, as he didn't even move for them, even though they were within a foot of him. Justin James (1-2), who didn't even play yesterday, received the loss for his two innings pitched the night before. Ismael Ramirez took over on Wednesday, and gave up nine hits leading to four runs (three earned) in four innings. The Chiefs made it 5-2 before Ramirez left, on a two run single by John Ford Griffin. The momentum died soon after, as Brandon League came in, giving up two unearned runs. The reason they were unearned was that League himself, threw the ball into the ground on an attempt to get an inning ending double play. Griffin ended the scoring with another RBI single giving us our final score of 7-3. Winning pitcher was Dan Smith (3-2) who gave up only 3 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs.
Moving on to game two, the Chiefs jumped out quickly for spot starter Jim Crowell. Mike Vento brought home Wayne Lydon and Ryan Roberts on a 2 out single. He then scored from second himself on a John Ford Griffin single, making it 3-0 after the first inning. Crowell pitched great, going four innings, only allowing 3 hits, no walks, and 2 unearned runs. Those were unearned as the inning was extended by a Ray Olmedo throwing error. Now, I understand if he is hurt, as the Chiefs have reported, but then my question is...why have him at shortstop? Either put Brad Hassey into the game, or maybe move Olmedo to second, pushing Adams to short. Injury or not, something needs to change because his throws have been inconsistent and his batting is non-existant. Back to the game, Mike Vento hit a solo homer to give Crowell a 4-2 lead as he left after the 4th. This is where things fall apart.
In the fifth inning, reliever Ryan Houston was brought in for the Chiefs. Richmond gets two singles to start off the inning. After a sac bunt and a strike out, there are runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. The pitching coach comes out to talk with Houston after this. Houston then gives up a walk to Carlos Mendez to load the bases. Next up was Graham Koonce, who rockets a home run deep out of Alliance Bank Stadium. Houston stays in to give up another homerun to Larry Bigbee, before leaving to a chorus of boos. Now, I agree Houston pitched horribly, but as a FAN I picked up on him tapping his chest at least three times after pitches, telling his catcher "my bad". As a manager/pitch coach/whoever, if I see my pitcher saying that, I am getting him out as quick as possible. Some may argue that with the short bullpen that we had, they were "saving" the bullpen, but to that I argue that they still used Venafro (both games) as well as Blaine Neal.
Richmond added another run in the 7th (final inning due to it being a doubleheader), making it 8-4 going into the Chiefs last at bats. Griffin hit a leadoff double, capping a great night for him, and giving fans false hope at a comeback. Next up was Jeff Duncan. Now, here is where things get interesting. He is apparently told to bunt, as he shows it twice before going to swing. I cannot understand this. If he shows once, fine, maybe its an attempt to get on for a single, but the second time makes me wonder if Coach Davis didn't realize the game was only seven innings long or what. Duncan goes on to strike out, but again you have to wonder what if he was allowed to swing at the first two pitches. Next to bat was catcher John Schneider. Schneider, yes the same guy who is batting .045, is allowed to bat. You have Chad Mottola on your bench, even Brad Hassey for crying out loud, and Davis leaves Schneider in! Again, one might argue that he wants to show confidence in the guy, but I will point you to game one of the season. Chiefs were leading going into the 9th and Curtis Thigpen is replaced by Sal Fasano defensively. Thigpen, a young guy who could use the confidence, was pulled strategically. Schneider flies out, Olmedo grounds out and that's the game. The win goes to Braves pitcher Ryan Basner, who came in for rehabbing pitcher Lance Cormier. Basner (3-2) gave up 1 run on 3 hits in 4 innings pitched. Houston (1-2) gets the loss for the Chiefs.
I will give Davis one prop, he actually did chime in at game one home plate umpire Josh Carlisle, as he felt the ump was making bad calls.
Notes:
I dropped the ball last night finding out Lee Gronkiewicz was sent to Syracuse, while Ty Taubenheim was called up, but not getting to make a post on that. My bad.
Yusaku Iriki is starting tonight for the Chiefs, don't know much about this guy, except he didn't do too great in New Hampshire.
As for those games, I guess we will start with game one. Gregor Blanco helped the Braves win 7-3, ending only a home run away from the cycle. He ripped a double down the first base line (nearly the same spot as Brayan Pena hit a triple earlier in the game), both of which apparently had Kevin Barker in awe, as he didn't even move for them, even though they were within a foot of him. Justin James (1-2), who didn't even play yesterday, received the loss for his two innings pitched the night before. Ismael Ramirez took over on Wednesday, and gave up nine hits leading to four runs (three earned) in four innings. The Chiefs made it 5-2 before Ramirez left, on a two run single by John Ford Griffin. The momentum died soon after, as Brandon League came in, giving up two unearned runs. The reason they were unearned was that League himself, threw the ball into the ground on an attempt to get an inning ending double play. Griffin ended the scoring with another RBI single giving us our final score of 7-3. Winning pitcher was Dan Smith (3-2) who gave up only 3 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs.
Moving on to game two, the Chiefs jumped out quickly for spot starter Jim Crowell. Mike Vento brought home Wayne Lydon and Ryan Roberts on a 2 out single. He then scored from second himself on a John Ford Griffin single, making it 3-0 after the first inning. Crowell pitched great, going four innings, only allowing 3 hits, no walks, and 2 unearned runs. Those were unearned as the inning was extended by a Ray Olmedo throwing error. Now, I understand if he is hurt, as the Chiefs have reported, but then my question is...why have him at shortstop? Either put Brad Hassey into the game, or maybe move Olmedo to second, pushing Adams to short. Injury or not, something needs to change because his throws have been inconsistent and his batting is non-existant. Back to the game, Mike Vento hit a solo homer to give Crowell a 4-2 lead as he left after the 4th. This is where things fall apart.
In the fifth inning, reliever Ryan Houston was brought in for the Chiefs. Richmond gets two singles to start off the inning. After a sac bunt and a strike out, there are runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. The pitching coach comes out to talk with Houston after this. Houston then gives up a walk to Carlos Mendez to load the bases. Next up was Graham Koonce, who rockets a home run deep out of Alliance Bank Stadium. Houston stays in to give up another homerun to Larry Bigbee, before leaving to a chorus of boos. Now, I agree Houston pitched horribly, but as a FAN I picked up on him tapping his chest at least three times after pitches, telling his catcher "my bad". As a manager/pitch coach/whoever, if I see my pitcher saying that, I am getting him out as quick as possible. Some may argue that with the short bullpen that we had, they were "saving" the bullpen, but to that I argue that they still used Venafro (both games) as well as Blaine Neal.
Richmond added another run in the 7th (final inning due to it being a doubleheader), making it 8-4 going into the Chiefs last at bats. Griffin hit a leadoff double, capping a great night for him, and giving fans false hope at a comeback. Next up was Jeff Duncan. Now, here is where things get interesting. He is apparently told to bunt, as he shows it twice before going to swing. I cannot understand this. If he shows once, fine, maybe its an attempt to get on for a single, but the second time makes me wonder if Coach Davis didn't realize the game was only seven innings long or what. Duncan goes on to strike out, but again you have to wonder what if he was allowed to swing at the first two pitches. Next to bat was catcher John Schneider. Schneider, yes the same guy who is batting .045, is allowed to bat. You have Chad Mottola on your bench, even Brad Hassey for crying out loud, and Davis leaves Schneider in! Again, one might argue that he wants to show confidence in the guy, but I will point you to game one of the season. Chiefs were leading going into the 9th and Curtis Thigpen is replaced by Sal Fasano defensively. Thigpen, a young guy who could use the confidence, was pulled strategically. Schneider flies out, Olmedo grounds out and that's the game. The win goes to Braves pitcher Ryan Basner, who came in for rehabbing pitcher Lance Cormier. Basner (3-2) gave up 1 run on 3 hits in 4 innings pitched. Houston (1-2) gets the loss for the Chiefs.
I will give Davis one prop, he actually did chime in at game one home plate umpire Josh Carlisle, as he felt the ump was making bad calls.
Notes:
I dropped the ball last night finding out Lee Gronkiewicz was sent to Syracuse, while Ty Taubenheim was called up, but not getting to make a post on that. My bad.
Yusaku Iriki is starting tonight for the Chiefs, don't know much about this guy, except he didn't do too great in New Hampshire.
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