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!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
ML camp is over
Sorry about not posting, there really hasn't been much to report. We went to our first spring training game last weekend, we watched Dave sit on the bench with the other Cardinals, and I watched my other favorite team, the Marlins. Did a little shopping in the team store, went to dinner.
As much as son has had some great stuff to tell, lot of it is personal, team stuff, and that wouldn't be fair. It's his perspective, and this blog is about mine.
I am not sure whether I really like spring training. It is an interesting contrast, the super stars vs the youngsters looking to impress. I know my son has had a blast, unlike milb camp, he has enjoyed his experience. The other day he and another pitcher talked their way onto the ESPN bus. He forgot to take pictures he was so excited, it's been one of those things, he forgets to take pics. There's always something going on. One of the highlights has been sitting in the dugout with Lou Brock. There is a constant stream of famous faces, all friends with Tony. Baseball people, football people, basketball people, you name, it they come to Cardinal spring training.
Today Dave pitched to live batters, first time since end of last season. He rotated with Chris Carpenter, who is on rehab for a hammy strain, and because of that there were about 30-40 people watching. He had to have been nervous. This is what people do, they stand around watching pitchers throw bull pens and batters taking batting practice, this is BIG stuff at spring training. He also was awarded for being an all star last season, then he was told to pack up his stuff and move to the milb locker room, he was optioned to AAA Memphis.
Busy day.
As much as son has had some great stuff to tell, lot of it is personal, team stuff, and that wouldn't be fair. It's his perspective, and this blog is about mine.
I am not sure whether I really like spring training. It is an interesting contrast, the super stars vs the youngsters looking to impress. I know my son has had a blast, unlike milb camp, he has enjoyed his experience. The other day he and another pitcher talked their way onto the ESPN bus. He forgot to take pictures he was so excited, it's been one of those things, he forgets to take pics. There's always something going on. One of the highlights has been sitting in the dugout with Lou Brock. There is a constant stream of famous faces, all friends with Tony. Baseball people, football people, basketball people, you name, it they come to Cardinal spring training.
Today Dave pitched to live batters, first time since end of last season. He rotated with Chris Carpenter, who is on rehab for a hammy strain, and because of that there were about 30-40 people watching. He had to have been nervous. This is what people do, they stand around watching pitchers throw bull pens and batters taking batting practice, this is BIG stuff at spring training. He also was awarded for being an all star last season, then he was told to pack up his stuff and move to the milb locker room, he was optioned to AAA Memphis.
Busy day.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
My Bad
I heard yesterday that one of the guys that signed a milb contract and in spring training has been really very nice to son. Sometimes it's hard to find a real friend (other than your milb teammates) who has been there several years when you get to the place you always dreamed of being (in the ML clubhouse).
Let's be honest, I am going to suppose that until you make the 25 man roster someday you are considered the enemy. This is especially difficult (I would imagine) if you don't know these guys well and this isn't like kindergarten where the teacher is going to force everyone to be friends. So some teams, take on older vets who have been there and done that, near the end of their careers but still have something to give. That something can just be helping a younger guy learn about "stuff" you need to learn about.
So my son has a few of those, one of them being Miguel Batisita.
Now last year I posted a picture of him on the HSBBW, with crown and banner saying Miss Iowa. Yeah, he is the guy who made that crazy statement. He is the player booed by his own fans because he showed up and Strasburg didn't. He made a remark, it was taken the wrong way. I made fun of him.
To be honest, I didn't even know who Batista was until that remark, it was then that I found out that he was a recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award in 2009.
I am going to assume it is part of his nature to reach out to help others. Giving back. He's done that with son, I am assuming, to help him become a better big leaguer someday, and in return my son will learn to do the same.
It's not right to make fun of others, ever. I posted that picture, I feel bad. My bad.
BTW, I told my son about Batista and he knew absolutely nothing that I was talking about!
Let's be honest, I am going to suppose that until you make the 25 man roster someday you are considered the enemy. This is especially difficult (I would imagine) if you don't know these guys well and this isn't like kindergarten where the teacher is going to force everyone to be friends. So some teams, take on older vets who have been there and done that, near the end of their careers but still have something to give. That something can just be helping a younger guy learn about "stuff" you need to learn about.
So my son has a few of those, one of them being Miguel Batisita.
Now last year I posted a picture of him on the HSBBW, with crown and banner saying Miss Iowa. Yeah, he is the guy who made that crazy statement. He is the player booed by his own fans because he showed up and Strasburg didn't. He made a remark, it was taken the wrong way. I made fun of him.
To be honest, I didn't even know who Batista was until that remark, it was then that I found out that he was a recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award in 2009.
I am going to assume it is part of his nature to reach out to help others. Giving back. He's done that with son, I am assuming, to help him become a better big leaguer someday, and in return my son will learn to do the same.
It's not right to make fun of others, ever. I posted that picture, I feel bad. My bad.
BTW, I told my son about Batista and he knew absolutely nothing that I was talking about!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
It is what it is
Not much to report, as you know Adam Wainwright went down this week and for those that have asked, Dave has no chance of getting into the rotation. He has not done his stint in AAA yet and he is still in rehab phase of throwing due to his surgery last fall. Depending upon the season, I expect and would hope a call up when rosters expand in September.
There are some good points and bad points about being placed upon the 40 man roster. The good points are a bit larger salary one can bank on and service time has begun for arbitration, however, what can happen is that he uses up options before that time and put out in the cold. That's what happens, this is never a guaranteed thing (getting to ML field) even for the very talented.
It's tough for pitchers, as I am seeing a lot of them going down before they even get started, lots, another first rounder in son's organization having issues. Unfortunetly, since his future is in question, he was taken off the 40 man roster last fall to make room for those that needed to be placed on. This is the second first rounder (college pitcher) drafted by the Cardinals who may never get in real time in ML .
So as good as things seem to appear at times, it also can go in the opposite direction, and that is one of the reasons why we try real hard to keep it all in perspective.
Dave's expression, "it is what it is", you just need to learn to live by that and try to enjoy the ride on a daily basis, that is all you can do!
There are some good points and bad points about being placed upon the 40 man roster. The good points are a bit larger salary one can bank on and service time has begun for arbitration, however, what can happen is that he uses up options before that time and put out in the cold. That's what happens, this is never a guaranteed thing (getting to ML field) even for the very talented.
It's tough for pitchers, as I am seeing a lot of them going down before they even get started, lots, another first rounder in son's organization having issues. Unfortunetly, since his future is in question, he was taken off the 40 man roster last fall to make room for those that needed to be placed on. This is the second first rounder (college pitcher) drafted by the Cardinals who may never get in real time in ML .
So as good as things seem to appear at times, it also can go in the opposite direction, and that is one of the reasons why we try real hard to keep it all in perspective.
Dave's expression, "it is what it is", you just need to learn to live by that and try to enjoy the ride on a daily basis, that is all you can do!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The 40 man roster and major league spring training
The first right of passage on the 40 man for son was a trip to STL in January for the Cardinals Winter Warm Up big fund raising weekend event (held in different cities as well) for their charity.
David's signing time was in conjunction with Albert's and TLR so it was jammed the 2 hours he was to sign. He didn't talk much about the trip other than it was cold. He's gotten like that, I do beleive he is excited about this stuff but keeps it low key. Most of this is from my perspective.
There were a few letters of significance that have came this off season, of course they are of my opinion to be significant! One was the letter informing him that his milb contract had been purchased by the STL Cardinals, the second was the letter from the team Manager about the 2011 season, team goals, etc. He didn't say anything about them, they were left on his desk, but we thought those letters were cool! The other was his letter about report to spring training. Now, for all the expense money they don't give to milb players, they give to ml players. It's about 700-1k a week depending on if you are a rostered player or a non rostered invite and whether you live in or out of a hotel. Dave decided to get an apartment as he would be there until April and really didn't want to live in a hotel for almost 2 months. He's got a place up the street from the beach, living in FL he really doesn't do the beach that much, but has been there already a few times this week.
There is no set rules to follow in ML camp. You just better make sure that you get there before the guy does who has the highest kharma points at your position. Anyone after his arrival is considered late. I don't think they work as hard either. From some pics taken, I see a lot of hanging out.
Of course it has been hectic, the press waiting for Albert to arrive, lots of distractions the first week but as a Cardinal you get used to it. You hear often the team consists of Albert and the other 39 guys or 24 guys.
Albert's set of wheels and his son seemed to have gotten a lot of attention this week. So I understand that statement.
BTW, this spring he gets to wear his pants down. :)
David's signing time was in conjunction with Albert's and TLR so it was jammed the 2 hours he was to sign. He didn't talk much about the trip other than it was cold. He's gotten like that, I do beleive he is excited about this stuff but keeps it low key. Most of this is from my perspective.
There were a few letters of significance that have came this off season, of course they are of my opinion to be significant! One was the letter informing him that his milb contract had been purchased by the STL Cardinals, the second was the letter from the team Manager about the 2011 season, team goals, etc. He didn't say anything about them, they were left on his desk, but we thought those letters were cool! The other was his letter about report to spring training. Now, for all the expense money they don't give to milb players, they give to ml players. It's about 700-1k a week depending on if you are a rostered player or a non rostered invite and whether you live in or out of a hotel. Dave decided to get an apartment as he would be there until April and really didn't want to live in a hotel for almost 2 months. He's got a place up the street from the beach, living in FL he really doesn't do the beach that much, but has been there already a few times this week.
There is no set rules to follow in ML camp. You just better make sure that you get there before the guy does who has the highest kharma points at your position. Anyone after his arrival is considered late. I don't think they work as hard either. From some pics taken, I see a lot of hanging out.
Of course it has been hectic, the press waiting for Albert to arrive, lots of distractions the first week but as a Cardinal you get used to it. You hear often the team consists of Albert and the other 39 guys or 24 guys.
Albert's set of wheels and his son seemed to have gotten a lot of attention this week. So I understand that statement.
BTW, this spring he gets to wear his pants down. :)
Welcome Back!
Well, lots of things have happened since my last entry here.
David ended having surgery after the season, Doc in NY moved his ulnar nerve. Prognosis was 95-100%, so he figured why not get it done and over with, which he did in October.
Of course that meant back in rehab for the off season, again. He has the TJ zipper scar but the recovery (before he could begin throwing) was 12 weeks. Some begin sooner, but his doctor and the team trainer agreed on 12. He has done well and just threw 2nd pen from the mound the other day. Living close to the trainer has been helpful, he did spend his off season here and driving up when he had to.
Chris Carpenter exchanged stories with him about his nerve transposition surgery the other day, for pitchers it's sometimes about exchanging rehab stories. :)
Dave was protected this fall, he is now a member of the 40 man. This means ML spring training and a raise this season. It doesn't necessarily mean he will see STL, but hopefully if all goes well he will be called up and get to do something in september. In a few weeks I am sure he will be optioned back to milb, hopefully Memphis. Right now in spring training, with those from last year and those signed in the off season, pitching is stacked in either direction, up and down. Appears that they have their 5 man rotation in order, with the sixth in question.
In other words, there is a jam.
David ended having surgery after the season, Doc in NY moved his ulnar nerve. Prognosis was 95-100%, so he figured why not get it done and over with, which he did in October.
Of course that meant back in rehab for the off season, again. He has the TJ zipper scar but the recovery (before he could begin throwing) was 12 weeks. Some begin sooner, but his doctor and the team trainer agreed on 12. He has done well and just threw 2nd pen from the mound the other day. Living close to the trainer has been helpful, he did spend his off season here and driving up when he had to.
Chris Carpenter exchanged stories with him about his nerve transposition surgery the other day, for pitchers it's sometimes about exchanging rehab stories. :)
Dave was protected this fall, he is now a member of the 40 man. This means ML spring training and a raise this season. It doesn't necessarily mean he will see STL, but hopefully if all goes well he will be called up and get to do something in september. In a few weeks I am sure he will be optioned back to milb, hopefully Memphis. Right now in spring training, with those from last year and those signed in the off season, pitching is stacked in either direction, up and down. Appears that they have their 5 man rotation in order, with the sixth in question.
In other words, there is a jam.
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