quote:

Originally posted by jmepop:
In a season marred by season ending injury in the 4th game against the Terps I can take some small pleasure in saying my son was 3-4 against Baron and 1-1 against Moorer. Hasn't faced Kopp since the 8th grade but pretty sure he didn't fare as well.

All three are fine pitchers and have moved on up. Hope we get another shot some day.

Sorry to see your son get himself hurt at Maryland in March 2007.

Equally sorry to hear and understand it was a season ending injury.

I do remember the ground ball (4-3) in your son's game ending out to get my son the W. The ground ball was anything but routine since it was 1/2 inch of getting through the second baseball (whose older brother is starting 3b for the Brewers), and for a 2 rbi game tying single.

This thread is pretty much for the parents; parents anxious (in the true definiton of the word) about their son's progress through The Dream. With a Free Agent signing son, I've been more than worried about his limited PT. I have my little sulk, and then I slap myself. Whadayacrazy? He's there! He could be job hunting right now, in what is amusingly known as the Real World. He could be knocking on the doors of the Independent Leagues. He could be playing or coaching in Europe.

But he's not. He's a professional baseball player in the American Minor League. What he's wanted since he was old enough to know baseball existed. How many people even have a lifelong dream, let alone get to realize it?

It's immaterial and unproductive to be concerned about what advantages draft position or bonus investment give; the player still has to produce. There are players from every level of the draft (and even Free Agents) who have made the Majors. And there are players from each of those levels who have had a few Golden Years playing the game they love in the Minors before one of a number of reasons ended it.

I always preached to my kids to enjoy their 20's doing whatever they wanted to do. There are many, many years to get married, raise children, pay mortgages, tend to your 9 to 5, an generally Be Responsible. I am so gratified and grateful that he's had the opportunity to do just that. He said it when he called to tell me the Padres called with the contract offer --- "Whatever happens from here, I made it; I'm a professional baseball player."

He's very fortunate to be where he is within that system. He's in an old-time park with a strong local following. He has a manager who has managed at every level of the game and is a calm and positive man. His teammates are gelling nicely. And he's getting more chances.

Prepster saw him play the other night when he went 0-fer. However, he hit the ball well (the evil opposing OFers caught them), and Skip told him just that -- you're hitting the ball well, you'll be catching again tomorrow night. That's the professional game.

I asked him the question asked here --- how does it compare to his college experience? He came from a mid-D1, and although GSU hasn't had any high draft picks the last couple of years, 4 players have signed in each of the last two years. He said it doesn't compare. Nothing, I asked? Only the part about the little white ball you throw and hit and catch...then there's the 27 outs per side.

Every guy in every position is the guy you took notice of in college ball. The coaches know what they're doing. Fundamentals count, and are executed. You wake up and go to the field, you play baseball, and you do it again the next day. All along the way are little Baseball Moments --- a great play, an exchange with a fan, a joke n the field that lightens an upset pitcher....Skip decrying 'lollygaggers'.

One of the team played in AAA for a couple of days while the guy at his position played in the Futures Game, and amongst his descriptions of the differences was the clubhouse spread. AAA gets beef strogonoff and chicken. The Ems get ham sandwiches, PB&J, and an array of jello, brownies, and cupcakes a local woman sends over. There's a difference between A ball and AAA you don't hear about, he told me --- we're apparently in the third grade!

quote:

Originally posted by Orlando:
AAA gets beef strogonoff and chicken. The Ems get ham sandwiches, PB&J, and an array of jello, brownies, and cupcakes a local woman sends over. There's a difference between A ball and AAA you don't hear about, he told me --- we're apparently in the third grade!

That's funny!
Your son's doing pretty d*rn well! He's hitting the ball better than some very high draft picks and I've got a feeling he's the kind of catcher the pitchers love seeing behind the plate.

great post orlando.a different perspective from a player who sounds very happy to be there. i've got a feeling he'll be just fine. congats to him on being a pro.

From my perspective, as an Ems fan and mom of a 13 year old boy with dreams...I hope all the guys, from bonus babies to NDFAs, enjoy the moment they are living NOW. It's a ride that could come to a stop at any time. And hey, Orlando Jr., you don't see third graders offered beer by the teacher . We know what those bullpen fans are up to!

I agree, nice post. I am enjoying Orlando enjoying the experience.

Any news on Canham? Someone told me he is out for the season?

It says in the registerguard.com a few days ago that Mitch would be out a couple of weeks and had probably played his last game as an Eugene Emerald as he had been called up to the Indiana team. Hope he has a very fast recovery.

Looking over rosters tonight on the NYPenn league and notice that Moises Alou plays for the Brooklyn Cyclones.

Can anyone explain why a 37 year old experienced ML player is in ss low A?

Riddoch, the Ems' manager, just said on the pregame show that Canham wasn't at the field and he didn't know what the prognosis was as yet.

Far out, the manager says he's not around, and 45 minutes later Canham's coaching first at the game.

I hope he is waering his protective gear.

quote:

Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:
Looking over rosters tonight on the NYPenn league and notice that Moises Alou plays for the Brooklyn Cyclones.

Can anyone explain why a 37 year old experienced ML player is in ss low A?

...to answer my own question...rehab, leaves tomorrow.

Orlando --
So that was Canham at first with the bubblegum on his cap! People in the stands were laughing; the ump was laughing; it took Mitch a while to realize he had a wad atop his head. (I think someone told him!) Funny old-time minor league stuff.

Heading out to NY to see the kid play on 8/1. In the mean time while surfing the web I actually found a pic of him in a Yankee uniform. While I never gave up hope he'd get an opportunity to play at a professional level, I thought it would be a cold day in helll before I'd see him in pinstripes. I think I feel a "nip" in the air....but it feels pretty good

Great pic rz1!

Where'd you find that old picture of Roger in pinstripes?

I'll double it!
Nope,...I'll triple it!
Hoooow stinkin' coooool!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah babah!!!!

quote:

I always preached to my kids to enjoy their 20's doing whatever they wanted to do. There are many, many years to get married, raise children, pay mortgages, tend to your 9 to 5, an generally Be Responsible.

Amen, Ms. Orlando!

Randy, That is a TERRIFIC picture of Ryan!! Thanks for sharing that!

Randy,
What a great photo. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I can imagine some of your feelings heading to NYC for that trip. Does not seem very long ago we were boarding that plane from SFO/ORD and Syracuse with car rides to Auburn, Batavia, Oneonta, and a side trip to Cooperstown.
What an exciting time for you. Don't be bashful about sharing!