It's been a month since we left Dave in Springfield, and much has transpired.
He has gone from mid relief to closer and in AA had converted 4 of his 5 saves. He acheived much in the little time he's had and he likes it very much. He is hitting 97 with ease, still a bit wild but effectively so. He is also a bit on the crazy side while on the mound, something I hear they like for releivers and closers. It's been a transition from knowing you have to command all of your stuff for 100+ pitches, while learning you can just throw the ball as hard as you can for 1 0r 2.
Friday he was called up to AAA. With just a few weeks left, he will be in short relief, and will most likely go in when there is a wide enough margin for him to feel comfortable.
Considering the circumstances he has come a long way from his last surgery (nerve tranposition) less than a year ago, shoulder inflammation, bad starts, taken off the 40 man, moved to the pen.
He's worked hard and he deserves his promotion, I know the organization thinks highly enough of him to do the right thing, either protect him again or let him fly.
Either way, the journey continues........
Monday, August 15, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
It's Not All About The Game
Dave has been in relief twice this week and done well. Really well. Of course last night with a 12-1 lead there was no reason to NOT do well, but it has been good experience for him. He is learning to adjust his routine, and understanding what it takes to come into the game under all situations (which he is doing) as a relief pitcher.
The Sunday before we left, it was Pink at the Park Night. The players wore pink jerseys which were auctioned off and signed after the game, lots of stuff going on, silent auctions, giveaways, all in honor for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks(bcfo.org), the local organization that gives support for breast cancer patients. The fans in red were now in pink, lots of stories we heard that night, it's amazing how many people's lives are touched by breast cancer.
My son was sent pink cleats this year by one of his sponsers, reebok. He finally got a chance to wear them. We had no idea what he intended to do with them after the game.
Let me jump on to something first.
That night was also about being Cardinal fans. You probably couldn't meet a nicer bunch of fans, and I am not saying that because my son is a redbird. It's part of being from the midwest, part of being a fan of a team that has a rich history. Part of being "America's Team" before there was one, part of Musial, Whiteyball, Hornsby, Busch, Clysdales and the Gashouse Gang, Albert, Yadi and "That's a Winner". And about a whole lot more.
Last year Dave introduced us to the huggy sisters, two elderly woman who have attended almost every game for 7 years since Cardinal baseball came to Springfield. They stand in line at every game to meet and hug the players who are at the entrance where they enter, everyone knows the huggy sisters, who sit way down in the front row close to the field, rain or shine, hot or cold. Great examples of diehard Cardinal fans.
About 2 months ago, one of the huggy sisters died from breast cancer. I heard that it touched everyone at the park, including the players. Of course my son has been there pretty long compared to most. After the game, he quietly sought out the surviving sister and gave up his pink cleats, in honor os her sister. We had no idea, we saw her leaving the stadium, she opened the box under her arm, there were the pink cleats, and she told us that this would become one of her great Cardinal treasures and thanked us for sending Dave to Springfield to play (we actually didn't send him but you get the idea). She cried, we cried, people standing by us cried, it was just more than baseball that night for sure.
A few days ago a fan we met alerted me to an article written on Tuesday in the local paper, I usually read the online addition of teh game teh night before but I some how missed this one. The press hasn't been all that kind to him this year, but this made up for some of the tough articles written.
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011107180350
I knew after reading this that he was ok (he doesn't say much these days about his game), we didn't have to worry about him, no matter what he decided to do, he would be fine.
We are proud of DK, after all that the game has taken from him lately, he still found a way to give back. That's what life should be about, giving back.
Thanks all for dropping by, I am going to put this aside for now, I will let you know when something out of the ordinary night happen, between now and end of season.
The Sunday before we left, it was Pink at the Park Night. The players wore pink jerseys which were auctioned off and signed after the game, lots of stuff going on, silent auctions, giveaways, all in honor for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks(bcfo.org), the local organization that gives support for breast cancer patients. The fans in red were now in pink, lots of stories we heard that night, it's amazing how many people's lives are touched by breast cancer.
My son was sent pink cleats this year by one of his sponsers, reebok. He finally got a chance to wear them. We had no idea what he intended to do with them after the game.
Let me jump on to something first.
That night was also about being Cardinal fans. You probably couldn't meet a nicer bunch of fans, and I am not saying that because my son is a redbird. It's part of being from the midwest, part of being a fan of a team that has a rich history. Part of being "America's Team" before there was one, part of Musial, Whiteyball, Hornsby, Busch, Clysdales and the Gashouse Gang, Albert, Yadi and "That's a Winner". And about a whole lot more.
Last year Dave introduced us to the huggy sisters, two elderly woman who have attended almost every game for 7 years since Cardinal baseball came to Springfield. They stand in line at every game to meet and hug the players who are at the entrance where they enter, everyone knows the huggy sisters, who sit way down in the front row close to the field, rain or shine, hot or cold. Great examples of diehard Cardinal fans.
About 2 months ago, one of the huggy sisters died from breast cancer. I heard that it touched everyone at the park, including the players. Of course my son has been there pretty long compared to most. After the game, he quietly sought out the surviving sister and gave up his pink cleats, in honor os her sister. We had no idea, we saw her leaving the stadium, she opened the box under her arm, there were the pink cleats, and she told us that this would become one of her great Cardinal treasures and thanked us for sending Dave to Springfield to play (we actually didn't send him but you get the idea). She cried, we cried, people standing by us cried, it was just more than baseball that night for sure.
A few days ago a fan we met alerted me to an article written on Tuesday in the local paper, I usually read the online addition of teh game teh night before but I some how missed this one. The press hasn't been all that kind to him this year, but this made up for some of the tough articles written.
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011107180350
I knew after reading this that he was ok (he doesn't say much these days about his game), we didn't have to worry about him, no matter what he decided to do, he would be fine.
We are proud of DK, after all that the game has taken from him lately, he still found a way to give back. That's what life should be about, giving back.
Thanks all for dropping by, I am going to put this aside for now, I will let you know when something out of the ordinary night happen, between now and end of season.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Trip To Springfield
We decided to go take a trip to see for ourselves what was going on. There had been some tension in conversation with DK, perhaps something was bothering him and he didn't want to tell us. He's had 3 operations to improve upon issues that were not very serious, so you automatically think, ok what's wrong now.
Listening to games had been painful, not really sure what to say to him after each outing. I know he really didn't want us to come see him when he was down but we decided that it was time. There were some things that were going on that he had no control over (very young team), but we felt that he needed support whether he wanted it or not. It wasn't like he has never struggled, but as he told me one night it had become a bit more like embarrassment to him, I have never heard that from him before.
The first night that we were there he came in and did a great job, the other two times were fair outings, one in which he got the win. Last Thursday two solid innings and a hold. He still is not happy with his total performance, but there has been improvement. I really feel that getting out every few days rather than carry it in his head for 6 days has helped, less time to think about what you did or didn't do wrong. As a releiver he doesn't have to chart, doesn't haven't to do some other stuff required from the startersso he likes the change.
I am learning the difference between starter and releiver mentality, it's interesting, you don't have to think quite as much, just throw the ball, get through 3 or the most 6 outs and you are done.
Listened last night to see if he would go in. Dave seems to have more of the "let's see if we can get the pitcher out of the jam" kind of role. He began to warm up as the pitcher looked like he was toasted, but he got himself out of the jam, then the birds scored, so he didn't get in. Tonight the birds were ahead, now a tie game in the 7th and I am assuming he is going to get in, maybe?
Listening to games had been painful, not really sure what to say to him after each outing. I know he really didn't want us to come see him when he was down but we decided that it was time. There were some things that were going on that he had no control over (very young team), but we felt that he needed support whether he wanted it or not. It wasn't like he has never struggled, but as he told me one night it had become a bit more like embarrassment to him, I have never heard that from him before.
The first night that we were there he came in and did a great job, the other two times were fair outings, one in which he got the win. Last Thursday two solid innings and a hold. He still is not happy with his total performance, but there has been improvement. I really feel that getting out every few days rather than carry it in his head for 6 days has helped, less time to think about what you did or didn't do wrong. As a releiver he doesn't have to chart, doesn't haven't to do some other stuff required from the startersso he likes the change.
I am learning the difference between starter and releiver mentality, it's interesting, you don't have to think quite as much, just throw the ball, get through 3 or the most 6 outs and you are done.
Listened last night to see if he would go in. Dave seems to have more of the "let's see if we can get the pitcher out of the jam" kind of role. He began to warm up as the pitcher looked like he was toasted, but he got himself out of the jam, then the birds scored, so he didn't get in. Tonight the birds were ahead, now a tie game in the 7th and I am assuming he is going to get in, maybe?
Friday, July 15, 2011
From Starter To Reliever
Hi everyone!
For those of you that are unaware, Dave has had a pretty difficult season since returning to the mound mid May. Originally everyone thought that he needed a couple of outings to find his mojo and then off to AAA, but that never happened.
Probably feeling the best he has in years, there was no explanation to the lack of command that had taken place, other than an arm feeling better means an arm thowing harder. Wild.
Dave was removed from the 40 man roster, that was a big blow for him, but business is business and they needed his spot, so after being designated for assignment, passing waivers, he's now back to square one.
Recently, Dave was removed as a starter and sent to the bullpen, some say it was a demotion. Ok if that is how they perceive it fine, it does appear that way. It was not presented that way to him. One night after a really bad start, a discussion was held with upper management and his current manager and it was decided that he might be more successful putting in fewer pitches 3-4 times a week, rather than 100 in 6 days. He did come out of the bullpen as well as close at Clemson. He also was very unhappy, so much so that he told us at one point he might need to walk away. That would be his decision but I knew that they wouldn't let him do that.
It's been an adjustment but he seems to be coming around, and he REALLY likes the pressure situation he finds himself in. He has two holds and a win as a reliever, just within this past week.
It's been an adjustment for us as well, no more planning around listening to starts every 6 days, and to be honest, actually seeing him pitch 3 times in 5 games while out to visit was a treat!
For those of you that are unaware, Dave has had a pretty difficult season since returning to the mound mid May. Originally everyone thought that he needed a couple of outings to find his mojo and then off to AAA, but that never happened.
Probably feeling the best he has in years, there was no explanation to the lack of command that had taken place, other than an arm feeling better means an arm thowing harder. Wild.
Dave was removed from the 40 man roster, that was a big blow for him, but business is business and they needed his spot, so after being designated for assignment, passing waivers, he's now back to square one.
Recently, Dave was removed as a starter and sent to the bullpen, some say it was a demotion. Ok if that is how they perceive it fine, it does appear that way. It was not presented that way to him. One night after a really bad start, a discussion was held with upper management and his current manager and it was decided that he might be more successful putting in fewer pitches 3-4 times a week, rather than 100 in 6 days. He did come out of the bullpen as well as close at Clemson. He also was very unhappy, so much so that he told us at one point he might need to walk away. That would be his decision but I knew that they wouldn't let him do that.
It's been an adjustment but he seems to be coming around, and he REALLY likes the pressure situation he finds himself in. He has two holds and a win as a reliever, just within this past week.
It's been an adjustment for us as well, no more planning around listening to starts every 6 days, and to be honest, actually seeing him pitch 3 times in 5 games while out to visit was a treat!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Been Gone For Awhile
It's been hard getting back to reporting, mostly haven't had much to report.
Dave returned to Springfield active roster two weeks ago and has pitched 2 games since his return. Both have started out rough but he recovered nicely the last outing, and touched 96 quite a few times. I guess that's a good thing, because you know the more speed you have the more they like you. And he had 11 groundouts, just the type of pitcher they like.
The roster moves are crazy. Pitchers released, pitchers resigned, today they optioned a 27 year old pitcher to AAA who has been up in STL the last few years, that must be tough, you don't want that to happen. Returning from the good life of MLB to AAA is never easy even when you have to take the shuttle back and forth routinely(that's what they call it in AAA when they send you up and then back again). They resigned a player last week that they traded and today one player that was taken in the rule 5 draft by the Nats. It's such a crazy business, you never know where you are going to lay your head down from day to day or week to week.
Springbirds are having a difficult time this year, the players are young, some got moved too fast due to injury. Other teams look to sign FA guys to fill in, in the Cards organization, they just move them up. I am not sure if that is a good thing or not, not getting in a full season of the lower levels. It can work against you. I thought that it would be a short stint in AA, but with all the pitchers going down, being resigned, not much room in AAA.
But, it really doesn't matter what I think, does it?
It's hard to believe that another college year has passed by, really crazy. I miss college baseball, I am so glad that son didn't miss out on that experience. I think he is too. :)
My thoughts and prayers to those who got hit by the tornado yesterday, it doesn't look good for the next few days either. Springfield is only 70 miles from where the tornado hit, bad weather going on as I write now and Dave said they have to pass through Joplin to get back to Springfield. ):
Dave returned to Springfield active roster two weeks ago and has pitched 2 games since his return. Both have started out rough but he recovered nicely the last outing, and touched 96 quite a few times. I guess that's a good thing, because you know the more speed you have the more they like you. And he had 11 groundouts, just the type of pitcher they like.
The roster moves are crazy. Pitchers released, pitchers resigned, today they optioned a 27 year old pitcher to AAA who has been up in STL the last few years, that must be tough, you don't want that to happen. Returning from the good life of MLB to AAA is never easy even when you have to take the shuttle back and forth routinely(that's what they call it in AAA when they send you up and then back again). They resigned a player last week that they traded and today one player that was taken in the rule 5 draft by the Nats. It's such a crazy business, you never know where you are going to lay your head down from day to day or week to week.
Springbirds are having a difficult time this year, the players are young, some got moved too fast due to injury. Other teams look to sign FA guys to fill in, in the Cards organization, they just move them up. I am not sure if that is a good thing or not, not getting in a full season of the lower levels. It can work against you. I thought that it would be a short stint in AA, but with all the pitchers going down, being resigned, not much room in AAA.
But, it really doesn't matter what I think, does it?
It's hard to believe that another college year has passed by, really crazy. I miss college baseball, I am so glad that son didn't miss out on that experience. I think he is too. :)
My thoughts and prayers to those who got hit by the tornado yesterday, it doesn't look good for the next few days either. Springfield is only 70 miles from where the tornado hit, bad weather going on as I write now and Dave said they have to pass through Joplin to get back to Springfield. ):
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wow
Wow! In a just a few short days MLB will begin the 2011 season. We spent this weekend at the ballpark, not to see son play but just as fans of the game. It was a great weekend, great weather and the park was packed. I don't know how other teams do it, but the Cardinals allow fans to watch pre game batting practice and we also got to take in pitcher's batting practice, that was neat. A long walk over to the red fields (some of you have played PG events on those fields) you will find the minor league games going on, so the place is just bustling with activity. Saturday was fun as I got to watch my Marlins beat my Cardinals...lol. Today the redbirds played the Mets, not as many Met fans as I thought would be in attendance. It's been a tough spring for Met fans. I sat with a very successful business person today, I was impressed, yet all he could talk about was baseball and thought how neat it was that we had a son that played baseball. That really struck me as ironic, hopefully my son will be as successful in his career choice as this guy was in his. It's been a tough week and will be another for some players, as they set the MLB 25 man roster, and send guys back down, players are released, it has already happened for some, that's tough, that's business and sometimes that is just why decisions are made, no other reason, business is business. Son is still just tossing, and will be for awhile, so there isn't much to report, I ave afeeling he will be placed on a roster and remain in Jupiter until he is ready , it could be for awhile, have no clue, neither does he.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sidelined
Sorry been away for a bit, haven't had much to report. A few days after son was optioned back to Memphis, he threw a bullpen, and he felt pain in his shoulder, the area where he had his cortacoid impingement surgery.
Ugh. Actually turns out he has been struggling with it since he got to camp, blaming on trying to do too much too soon. So they shut him down, put him on a cortisone dose pack (yes legal steroids) and maybe he will begin a toss program end of this week.
This kind of leaves all up in the air where or when he will begin his season, and he has been bummed out for sure but making the best of it. The way I see it, there are a lot worse things in the world that have happened recently, so we try to stay positive for him. We'll see how it goes, and as soon as the season gets going I will be here, thanks for stopping by!
Ugh. Actually turns out he has been struggling with it since he got to camp, blaming on trying to do too much too soon. So they shut him down, put him on a cortisone dose pack (yes legal steroids) and maybe he will begin a toss program end of this week.
This kind of leaves all up in the air where or when he will begin his season, and he has been bummed out for sure but making the best of it. The way I see it, there are a lot worse things in the world that have happened recently, so we try to stay positive for him. We'll see how it goes, and as soon as the season gets going I will be here, thanks for stopping by!
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