Weird loss but I moved one step closer

Tonight was the second game of hosting the Baysox from Bowie and it was weird from the beginning.  Skipper had decided to let me have the night off again so I was gonna relax and be a fan for the night, or so I thought.  In the first inning, our first basemen, Ramirez, injured his knee trying to beat out the runner to first on a atom ball.  We don't know how bad it is yet but he had to leave the game.  So what does Skip do? He puts me in at first base.  I started out playing there, so this shouldn't be a problem and it wasn't.  We battled back and forth with Bowie but heading into the bottom of the 9th, we were down 7-3. We started a good rally but were only able to plate three runs and lost 7-6 as Bowie clinched the series with a 2-0 lead.  My "day off" saw me go 2-4 at the plate with another solo home run.  

As disappointing as the game was, I'm very excited right now because after the game, Skipper called me into his office.  He told me that I was recovering well from the ankle injury and was beginning to round back into form.  He said that he was gonna be disappointed to not see how much more I progressed in person and I must say, that confused me.  I asked him if he was going somewhere and he told me no and said that I was the one going.  I just stared at him, still confused.  Skip got up from his desk and walked over and shook my hand while saying, "Pack your bags, Mack.  You've been called up to Rochester and will catch them in Durham tomorrow."  I was blown away.  I had been called up to AAA and was just one step away from The Show. My dream was coming true.  I thanked Skip, ran out of his office and started packing my bags.  The guys were really supportive and seemed genuinely glad for me.  I hope to play with them all again soon.  There is so much more I could say, but I have to get to Durham because now I am part of the Rochester Red Wings of the International League. Later.

Bowie tames Cats in series opener

The Bowie Baysox came to town tonight for the first of a three game series with my Rock Cats and it looked like it would be a pitching duel through the first four innings.  In the bottom of the fourth, I came up with two outs and managed to blast a solo shot to straight-away center to give us a 1-0 lead.  In the 6th, Bowie got on the board with three runs before adding another in the 8th.  We tried to answer in the bottom of 8th but could only plate two and we ended up losing 4-3.  My line was 2-4 with the homer and a double.  The home run accounted for my only RBI.  It was a decent line but I would have traded it for the win.

Erie wins series 2-1

After the disappointing sweep in Akron, me and the guys boarded the bus and headed to Erie for a three-game weekend series against the Seawolves.  Skip decided to give me Friday off to rest up since I had just returned from the DL.  Turns out I was never needed as we went on to win 12-7 in a game that was never really in doubt.

Saturday's game saw Erie jump out to a 4-0 lead before we tied it in the 5th at 4-4. Erie then went up by one in the 7th but we tied it back up in the 8th.  Unfortunately, after Erie scored two more in the bottom of the 8th, we couldn't answer in the 9th and lost 7-5.  I didn't really help the cause by going 1-5 on the day.  My lone hit was a triple in the 1st inning but I was left stranded.  

Sunday's game was not one of our best outings at all.  We ended up losing 6-1 in a game where we didn't even get out first hit until the 5th inning and our only run came in the 8th.  Another disappointing day for me as I finished 1-4 with one RBI. 

We are headed home for a day off tomorrow before we open up a six-game homestand on Tuesday.  The Bowie Baysox come in Tuesday for a three-game series followed by a weekend series against the Harrisburg Senators.  We would love to see you and your family out at the park to cheer us on.  Hope to see you there. 

Swept Away

After losing the series opener with Akron, we looked to bounce back against the Rubber Ducks Wednesday but we stumbled instead.  Well, not so much stumbled.  More like we tripped and fell flat on our faces....on concrete.....with spikes sticking out of it.  Yeah, it was pretty bad as we lost 9-2.  I only managed one hit in five at bats but did drive in one of our runs.  

Thursday's game was a little better but we still lost 8-6.  We were up 6-2 but let them score six runs in the bottom of the 8th and we could never recover.  I finished the game 2-5 with two solo homers for my two RBIs.  I'm still trying to find my groove but I am getting there. 

First game back and its a doozy

Well, I was excited for my first game back from the DL but I had no idea that it would be like this.  I went 2 for 8 from the plate with a solo home run and a RBI.  Yes that's right.  That's not a typo.  Eight plate appearances.  That's because we ended up playing 17 innings.  In the end though, we lost 9-8 to Akron.  I'm gonna keep this short because, after not having played for two months, I am exhausted and need to rest. 

Wolfpack in a catfight

As the Seawolves from Erie came to New Britain on Thursday, the Rock Cats were hoping to give them a case of cat-scratch fever.  It seems that we forgot to tell Erie that though, as they went on to win 3-2 in game that was definitely a chess match from the beginning. 

Friday was another squeaker but this time the Cats were on the winning end as we managed to slip by with an 8-7 victory to tie the series up at 1-1.

Saturday produced the third consecutive one-run game as Erie inched out the Cats with the narrow 5-4 win.  The hardest part of watching the loss was that three of the five runs Erie scored were unearned.  Errors will kill you every time.

Today saw us bounce back and even the series up at 2-2 as we were able to knock off the Wolves 5-2 in dramatic fashion.  Tied at two in the bottom of the 9th, Frankie came up with runners on 1st and 2nd and one out.  He got the count to 2-2 when he took a hanging slider deep to left and won the game with a walk-off three-run homerun.  The place went nuts and so did we.  It was such a great moment and couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.  

So, it looks like this was the last series I have to sit out as I am scheduled to come of the 60-day disabled list on Tuesday.  The doctors have given their blessings and I have worked hard to get back in form.  I guess we shall see.

The Thunder rains on the Cats parade

After taking three of four games against Portland, the boys headed to Trenton to take on the Thunder.  After losing the series opener 4-2, the Cats bounced back for a 10-3 win in a game that was never in doubt from the beginning.  Today was the rubber game and unfortunately the Thunder bounced back for a 7-6 win to take the series 2-1.

Now the boys come back home to host the Erie Seawolves for a four-game homestand so make sure to come out to the park and see us.  I am hoping that this will be the last series I will miss and I will be able to take the field against Akron. 

Rain, cats, dogs and a doubleheader

Thursday saw the Portland Sea Dogs come to New Britain and we were looking to take it to them early and often. We jumped out to three early runs in the 1st inning and it looked like we were on the right track.  That is until the Sea Dogs shut us down for the rest of the game.  After scoring three in the first, we never crossed the plate again and barely got anyone on base.  We only got three more hits and each of those was in separate innings.  Meanwhile, Portland woke up and tied the game in the fifth before taking a one run lead in the 7th.  They went on to a 6-3 lead in the 8th and that turned out to be the final score.  

Friday's game saw a rain out as a pretty bad storm system blew through New Britain.  After holding out for a couple of hours, it was decided we weren't playing and that the game would be made up Saturday in day night double header.  

Saturday morning rolled around and there were hardly any signs of the storms from the night before.  The sun was shining, a cool breeze blowing across the field and a buzz in the air as people filed into the stadium.  It was perfect baseball weather and everyone seemed to know it.  In the early game, the Cats jumped out to another quick 3-run lead in the 2nd inning and managed to hold on 3-1 with some great defense and very stingy defense. The late game started out the same way with the Cats scoring three in the 2nd on their way to another 3-1 win.  So after taking both games on Saturday, we had a 2-1 series lead and were looking for a series win on Sunday.  

Sunday's game didn't start out well for us as we gave up two in the 1st and two more in the 2nd.  Then we gave one more in the 3rd inning to trail 5-0.  But that's when everyone came alive and we started putting the ball in play.  Playing small ball, we scored one in the 4th, two in the 5th, three in the sixth, two in the 7th and our final run in the 8th as we went on to win the game 9-5 and the series 3-1. 

An update on the ankle, I passed my first real test Thursday.  I was taking some infield practice and went to try and roll two but all I rolled was the damn ankle.  I hit the ground quick thinking that I had really screwed it up but it turned out to be okay.  Just rolled it and had a little swelling but nothing unusual. By game time Thursday night, it was nearly a distant memory.  

Right the ship guys!!!

I previously posted about the post all-star game slump the Cats seemed to be in and hoping that the homestand would do them good.  Apparently I forgot to tell the rest of the guys this as Altoona came to town and took the first two of a three game series 4-3 and 9-3 respectively.  We did bounce back to take the final game 2-1 but this was not the turnaround that we were looking for at all.

On the injury front, I am feeling pretty confident now in my recovery.  I have been rehabbing and conditioning pretty hard and the ankle is feeling fine.  I can't wait to actually get back out there with the fellas.

All-Star letdown?

Bad news? It seems that the Rock Cats may be having just a little trouble getting back into the swing of things after the all-star break.  The boys traveled to Reading for another four-game series against the Fightin' Phils.  They lost the opener 8-6  but it appeared they were bouncing back into form on Friday as they won 8-5.  But then Saturday delivered a 5-0 loss and Sunday wasn't much better, as we loss 8-5.  Not exactly the way we wanted to start off the second half of the season, with a 3-1 series loss.  Hopefully, when we get back home for a nice little homestand, we can get it turned around. 

Good news? I'm getting better everyday and getting closer to being released.  I'm starting to do light running and I am pain free so far.  I still have a little over two weeks before I can be taken off the DL, but I plan on being ready that first game.

We won - we won!!!! Uh.....hmmmm...they won?

Yeah, I sort of got confused there in the post title.  I am talking about the Eastern League All-Star Game that I was selected to play in but as you know I couldn't because of the bum wheel.  It was a hard fought game but the Eastern Division managed to squeeze out a 3-1 victory.  With three of the top six home run hitters in the lineup, including Home Run Derby champion Mickey O'Sullivan of the Erie, you would expect it to be an offensive explosion.  But quite to the contrary, it was small ball that won the game.  Thanks to a couple of walks, two stolen bases and a well placed bunt, the Eastern team were able to overcome the solo homer from Bowie's Michael Christian for the Western team.  I wonder what I would have done had I been able to play?

As for the New Britain Rock Cats? Most of the guys enjoyed their off day and are now on their way to Reading for another four-game series with the Fightin' Phils.  What is it with these damn four-game series with them?

Two for you - two for me

Well, the Fightin' Phils came to town for another four-game series as we head into the all-star break.  Things started out well on Friday as we managed to win a pitching duel 1-0.  Saturday was a quick turn around as we had an early start but still managed to win 3-0.  With back-to-back shutouts, we looked for the three-peat on Sunday afternoon but Reading had other ideas.  They lit us up for 5 runs in the first and we never really recovered.  The Phils went on to win handily 8-4.  Monday started out in similar fashion as the Phils scored four in the first to take the early lead.  We managed to come back and take a 5-4 lead in the 7th, only to watch Reading take a 6-5 lead in the 8th.  After loading the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth, our rally fell short with a game-ending double play.  So we had to settle for a series split and now everyone gets a much needed two days rest thanks to the all-star game. 

On the health update front, I am off my crutches but still in the boot.  The docs say that I am healing well, better than expected actually.  They are extremely optimistic that I will be ready around the first of August.  I am hoping they are right because I am going absolutely out of mind not being able to play the game I love.  Ok, I'm getting depressed now so I am out of here.  Peace!

Clean up in aisle three? Hey, you're an all-star!!!

Aisle three? Oh, aisle three is in New Hampshire.  You know, where my Cats managed to sweep another four-game series.  It started off with a 10-5 win on Monday followed by 4-3 win on Tuesday.  We survived a late surge on Wednesday to hold on 6-4 then closed it out on Thursday with a narrow 4-3 victory.  The boys head home for a four-game series with Reading before everyone takes a couple of days for the all-star break.

Speaking of all-stars, I got notified today that I was selected to play in the 2014 Eastern League All-Star Game in Altoona on July 16th. I was also supposed to compete in the Home Run Derby. Too bad I can't go with this damn ankle.  It would have been fun to play with the best in the league.  Oh well, there is plenty of years left.  I'm sure this won't be my only selection.  At least I hope not. 

Former Dore Mike Yastrzemski hits for cycle

Mike Yastrzemski is one of two Minor Leaguers with double digits in homers, triples, doubles and steals.
(Tracy Proffitt/MiLB.com)

Former Vanderbilt Commodore Mike Yastrzemski managed to hit for the cycle Saturday night going five for six at the plate with a single, two doubles, a triple and a solo home run.  The home run came at the expense of former Vanderbilt pitcher Navery Moore.  You can read the whole story here.

Series catch-up and a series lost

As my Walking Dead marathon came to a conclusion, I managed to catch up on a couple of other series that I've been following (gotta love a DVR).

First, I caught up on the new HBO series The Leftovers.  Still not sure if I like it or not.  I watched the premiere on the DVR then caught the second show tonight.  It is different, that's for sure.  Its about a small town in New York dealing with the disappearance of part of the people three years ago.  It seems that 2% of the population just vanished from the face of the earth.  Like I said, different. 

Of course, since it's Sunday, I had to watch True Blood.  Couldn't believe that Alcide got killed but hey, they killed Tara in the first episode this season.  I guess, since it's the final season, anything goes.  

Now it is time to catch up on AMC's new series Halt and Catch Fire.  If you haven't checked this one out, you should.  Especially if you are a nerd like me. 

Oh yeah, the team didn't fare well in Portland losing the series 2-1. After squeezing out a 2-1 win on Independence Day, my Cats lost Saturday 7-3 and Sunday 6-4.  Now they are headed to New Hampshire for another four-game series.  Let's hope we sweep them like we did last time.  I'll let you know. 

I'm gonna try a marathon

Ok, not that sort of marathon.  Especially since I'm nursing this broken ankle (which is doing well, by the way) and I'm still wearing this protective boot.  But I did find the marathon for me.  It's the Dead, White and Blue Weekend on AMC.  That's right!!! It is The Walking Dead marathon.  Every episode of all four seasons back-to-back-to-back-to-back.....you get the picture. Wish me luck!!!!!!

Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy 4th and tell everyone to be careful out there.  Don't party too much and don't drink and drive.  As for me? Since I'm still in this damn boot and on the DL, I'm gonna stay at the apartment and try to find something to watch on TV.  Netflix here I come!!!!! 

Well, what happen was.....

We got beat. By the Fightin' Phils.  Not just one game either but the series.  It wasn't a sweep but we did get beat three out of four.  After losing 4-3 in the first game on Monday, we bounced back for a close 2-1 win on Tuesday.  Looking to take a two to one series lead on Wednesday backfired on us as we fell 4-2.  Then on Thursday as we looked for a series tie, we scored four runs in the bottom of the 8th to take a 6-5 lead only to watch Binghamton score two in the top of the 9th. In the bottom of the 9th, we had the meat of the order up but they barely made a whimper as they went down in order.  The boys took it pretty hard but didn't have too much time to dwell on it as they had to hop the bus and head to Portland where they have a three-game series versus the Sea Dogs. 

Swept off their feet?

Is there anything better than traveling to an opponents stadium and getting a three-game sweep? Well, actually yes there is.  How about traveling to their stadium and getting a four-game sweep?  That is just what happened as my Rock Cats traveled to New Hampshire to take on the Fisher Cats at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.  Thursday resulted in easy 10-2 win while Friday delivered a 5-1 victory.  Saturday gave me a scare but we managed to win 5-3 and then we closed it out on Sunday, winning 8-2.  For the four-game sweep, we managed to outscore the Fisher Cats 28-8. 

In other news, apparently we may not be playing here in New Britain after next year.  It seems Hartford's mayor announced the city's intent to build a new $60 million stadium for us to leave New Britain and relocate there.  Hmmm.....who knows?

Trouble with the curve? Nope

Monday saw the Altoona Curve invading New Britain Stadium and it was definitely a battle.  We only managed to get three hits against the four Curve pitchers but since two of them were home runs, we won 2-0.  On Tuesday, the Curve got there revenge as they had three pitchers combine for the 4-0 shutout.  In the rubber game on Wednesday, there was never any doubt after we jumped on the Curve for five runs in the first inning.  It was smooth sailing after that as we cruised to an easy 12-0 blowout.  

Just when I was getting used to being back with the team, they head out for a four-game series at New Hampshire. Damn it, I hate being injured. 

Finishing the Fightin' Phils

So the Reading Fightin' Phils came to New Britain Stadium for a friendly three-game series which we managed to win 2-1.  Friday's game was easily won 8-3 as the outcome was never in doubt.  Saturday's game was a snooze-fest as my Cats cruised to an easy 8-1 win. Sunday had us looking for the sweep but Reading had other ideas as they squeezed out a 4-3 win.  Still, it was great to be in the clubhouse and dugout with the guys. I even took some batting practice before the game.  It wasn't pretty as it is hard as hell to hit with a boot on your broken ankle.  Now to get home to watch the Season 7 premiere of HBO's True Blood.

Two weeks since my injury

Yeah, two weeks ago was when I slid into second and my life changed.  It was a normal slide like I have done a thousand times but this time something went wrong.  This time I didn't pop up like normal.  This time I didn't get up at all.  This time instead of popping up, something popped and I fractured my ankle.  Now, two weeks later, I am growing frustrated as I sit at home while my teammates travel around and take to the diamond playing the game I love.  I don't know if I can deal with this much longer.

As for the team, Tuesday began a three game series with the Senators in Harrisburg and we were able to double them up as we won 6-3.  We weren't so lucky on Wednesday as we loss 6-1 and despite jumping out to a 4-0 lead on Thursday, we loss that one too, 6-4.

Now the boys come home for six-game homestand as we welcome Reading and then Altoona to New Britain Stadium. 

Thunder without the storm

The Trenton Thunder came to New Britain looking to rain on our parade but they didn't bring the storm but more like a sprinkle.  After a 7-1 blowout win in Friday's game, we fell 7-6 in a hard fought brawl fest on Saturday. It was a game that had both teams flexing their muscle not only at the plate but in the dirt as well.  This game featured not one but two benches-clearing brawls in the 7th inning.  We managed to win both fights but not the game. A Pyrrhic victory to say the least.  So in the pivot game on Sunday, we fought back to an exciting 8-7 victory thanks to five runs in the bottom of the ninth capped by a walk of single by Ramirez. 

Had an appointment with the Doc today and he seemed to be pleased with how things are progressing.  Hopefully it continues this way. 

No Reading Rainbow

After traveling to Reading, the team had a day off before taking on the Fightin' Phils in a three game series.  Unfortunately there was no rainbow or pot of gold waiting for my Cats as Reading took two of three to win the series. In Tuesday's game, it was a pitching duel which we lost 1-0.  After managing to sneak away with a 6-5 victory on Wednesday before losing a heart breaker on Thursday.  Yeah, the series finally (and rubber game) looked like a win for us until the 9th inning when we gave up a walk-off three run homer.  I'm sort of glad that I wasn't there for that one. 

On the rehab front, I'm still in the boot and on crutches.  I've been working out my upper body and trying to stay in shape but it's hard.  Sometimes I wonder if I was meant to play this game.  Two injuries in just over a month.  It makes you wonder. 

And that's a sweep

While I sit here and mope around on the DL, my boys went to Binghamton and took on the Mets for a three game series and what a series it was.  As you can see by the post title, they swept all three games from the Mets.  In Friday's game, we doubled them up 12-6. Saturday brought about a 7-0 shutout and then to top that, Sunday was a 9-0 shutout.  Solid hitting and great pitching led the way for us.  Great job, guys!!!!

As for me, the swelling is going down and the docs say that there is no ligament damage.  They are pretty optimistic that I will be back in six weeks but until then I'll be on these damn crutches.  I've almost broken my neck twice already.  Wish me luck. 

It's official - 60-day DL

Well, it's official now.  I have been placed on the 60-day disabled list retroactive to yesterday so the earliest I could come back would be August 5th.  We had another CT today to confirm the severity of the fracture.  It is being called a Lateral Malleolus Stress Fracture and it appears to be a stress break of the fibula on the outside of the ankle. The doctors said it is a common injury that could have happened to anyone sliding into a base.  We also had an MRI so they could check the ligaments around the ankle to make sure they weren't damaged.  The initial results doesn't show any soft tissue damage but I will find out more tomorrow.  The good news is, since its a stable fracture, I won't need any surgery or anything.   The bad news is I will be on crutches and a boot for the next few weeks.  As long as there is definitely no ligament damage, the doctor thinks I could be back in six weeks and ready to play in eight weeks.  Let's hope. I'll keep you posted and updated on both the team and my recovery. Man, it's gonna be weird not traveling with the team again. 

Here we go again

No sweep.  No win.  We lost 3-2.  I finished 2-4 again with a RBI and a double.  That double was in the eighth inning and we were trying to start a winning rally.  But that double proved to be costly for me as ended up fracturing my left ankle sliding into second base.  I just got back from the hospital where the CT scans and X-rays confirmed it.  I can't believe it.  I've only been off the DL for a week and a half.  What the hell?  I'm gonna go.  I have rehab to do and by rehab I mean I have a bottle of Jack Daniels calling me. Later.

Ruffling some feathers

2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a solo home run.  That sums up my day as my Rock Cats beat the visiting Akron Rubber Ducks 8-3 before a sold out crowd in New Britain.  The game was never really in question as we jumped out 2-0 in the bottom of the first and then added three more in the 4th.  Akron did manage to plate one in both the 8th and 9th but it was too little too late by then as we were coasting to the win.  This win gives us four series in a row and tomorrow we will go for back-to-back series sweeps.  Hope to see you there.

It's duck season

After having the day off yesterday, we opened a three game series at home against the Akron Rubber Ducks today.  Despite giving up two runs in the top of the 8th, we managed to hold them off for the 9-8 victory.  I finished the game going 2 for 3 with a solo homer, two RBIs, two runs scored and a walk.  The great news is that our entire lineup joined the hit parade with our three through seven hitters all collecting multiple hits as we racked up 15 hits for our 9 runs. 

Sweeping up on the off day

Today was the series finale with the Mets and tomorrow we have an off day before hosting the Akron Rubber Ducks.  Skip decided that I was pressing too much at the plate and, since I was just a little over a week removed from the DL, maybe I needed a break.  So he sat me today and that will give me two days to get refreshed for Akron.  So what could I do to help the team? I grabbed the broom is what I did.  That's right, I grabbed the push broom as we swept the three game series over Binghamton by winning 4-3 in front of the home crowd. 

Goose Egged

Yeah, I wore the yoke today.  The big goose egg.  Oh-fer.  I mean I hit the ball well all day but it was either right at someone or I got a little too much under it.  One I just knew was gone as a pulled a slider right down the left field line.  But I got just a little too much under it and it got up into the wind that was blowing in from left and was caught at the edge of the warning track.  The good news is that we won 4-3 to guarantee us the series win again against the Mets and our third series in a row.  I would love to have a great game at the plate but I'll take the win every time. 

4fer

As the title suggests, today I went 4 for 4 with two solo home runs and two RBIs (my average climbed to .477) as we eked out a 5-4 win over the Binghamton Mets today.  It was a nail biter but thankfully Bernier turned his day around after going 0 for 3 with a walk-off RBI double in the bottom of the ninth. It wasn't pretty but a win is a win and now we are 1-0 for the series.  

I would also like to thank Todd, Lori and the kids for coming all the way from Tennessee to catch the game and say hi.  I know they didn't come all this way to see me, they are actually on vacation, but I can spin it however I want since it's my blog. 

Cats and Dogs

On Tuesday, we opened up a three game series with the Portland Sea Dogs and manage to hold on for a 4-2 victory.  After playing my first three games back from the IR, Skip decided to give me the day off but that didn't last long.  In the 4th inning I was called on to pinch run for Ramirez in the fourth inning after he rolled his ankle really bad at first.  I finished the game at first base and went 2 for 2 with a double and two RBIs bumping that average up to .465.

After trying to give me the day off on Tuesday fell through, Skip gave me the day off Wednesday instead.  We went on to win 5-3 but it took us 10 innings to do it.  After being down 3-1 in the sixth, a run in the 7th and another in the top of the 9th sent us to the extra frame where we managed to plate two and then shut down the Sea Dogs in the bottom half.

Today we tried for the sweep of Portland but the Sea Dogs rose to the challenge and managed to hand us a 9-8 loss.  We started out strong scoring six in the top of the 1st inning but couldn't hold them off as they scored five in the 7th to tie it up at eight all before plating what would be the winning run in the bottom of the 8th.  I finished the game 2 for 6 with a homer, one RBI and two runs scored.

Now it's time to head home as we host Binghamton for a short three game weekend series.  Come out to the park and say hi. 

I ate my Wheaties!!!!!!!

First of all, we won.  We won big.  I mean we won really big.  We were on the good side of a 14-4 blowout.  Everyone pitched in for the victory as everyone in the line up scored at least one run.  Shaver and Barton were the only ones who didn't join the hit parade but they both picked up walks and scored.  We got seven strong innings on the mound from Owen before Franco came in and slammed the door.  Well, not actually slammed.  More like he got up and checked to make sure it was locked.  So after losing the first game in the series, we went on to sweep the last three handily much to the dismay of the Binghamton fans.  Sorry folks.

As for me? Maybe yesterday was the fluke because as the post title says, I definitely ate my Wheaties this morning.  I went 5 for 6 today with three home runs, five runs scored and six RBIs.  I was also just a double shy of hitting for the cycle as I added a single and a triple to my three homers pushing my average up to an amazing .454 for the season.

I also want to take a minute to say that I am thinking about changing the way I post.  I'm seriously thinking about just doing one post for each away series we play.  Sometimes it's just hard to travel, play, rest and then post.  But we will see what happens.  I still haven't made up my mind completely yet.

Wish us luck as we head over to Maine for a three game series with Portland.

Trying to get the flow back

I sort of struggled in today's game and only went 1-4 with a sacrifice fly for a RBI.  I was hoping that yesterday wasn't a fluke and that I wouldn't have any lingering effects of my long layoff.  The good news is that we won 6-2 and now have a 2-1 lead in the four game series. 

5/24: Guess Who's Back?!?!?!?!

That's right!!!! I'm back and needless to say, I couldn't wait to get on the field.  I must admit, that first time up in the batter's box, I was a little nervous. It was like the very first time I stepped up to the plate in AA.  But after I fouled that first pitch off, it was like riding a bike.  So when Valdez, the pitcher for the Mets, left that slider up, I jacked it out of the park for a solo home run.  Not a bad way to come back from injury, huh?  I came up two more times after that and even though I was hitting the ball hard, they were all atom balls.  But in the 7th I went yard again, this time off Cabrera, with another solo shot to left. We finished with a 6-3 win as I went 2-5 with the 2 solo home runs and 2 RBIs.

5/23: Loss but a win

We lost a tough one tonight to the Binghamton Mets as they scored in the bottom of the 9th to win 4-3.  Not exactly the start that we wanted for the four game series here in New York but we have three more games and I'm sure we will at least get a split of the series if not a win.  Mark my words. 

That was the loss I mentioned in my post title.  The win is this.  Immediately after the game, I was informed that I was removed from the 15-day disabled list and placed back on the active roster.  I was hoping this would happen this weekend but I didn't think they would move so quick.  It couldn't have been 30 minutes after the game ended when I was told.  And get this, the Skipper said that he wants to watch me take infield and BP tomorrow.  If he like what he sees, then I'm backing in the lineup.  Oh hell yeah!!!!!!!!

5/22: Series Split

So we won tonight, 6-3, to split the series against Richmond.  I would have preferred to have won it 3-1 or 4-0 but a split is better than losing the series.  

But I have to say that I am more excited that I will be boarding the bus in about 30 minutes to head to Binghamton with the team. That's right people, it looks like my rehab stint is over. Even though I'm still on the 15-day DL through tomorrow's game, I am hoping that maybe Saturday morning I will be taken of the list and returned to the active roster.  Keep you fingers crossed and wish me luck. 

5/19: Rough start against Richmond

After winning two of three from the Senators in Harrisburg, the team returned home to host Richmond again.  It was a rough start for us as we lost 4-3 in the first game of this four game series.  I'm sure we will bounce back tomorrow. 

As far as my rehab, I've actually been running nearly full speed and have been taking batting practice like normal.  I'm really trying to get back this weekend.  Right now, it looks like I will be traveling with the team when we leave for Binghamton on Friday.  Hoping to be back in the lineup by Sunday at least.  We shall see I guess. 

5/16: Phase 3 is under way

YEAH!!!!!!!! I actually started Phase 3 yesterday and things are really looking up.  No ill effects from the deep tissue massage and I the stretching was a piece of cake.  The strengthening is going well and the cardio is on par.  I can't wait to get back out there.  

The team headed to Harrisburg today after taking two of three from the Sea Dogs of Portland.  

UPDATE: We beat the Senators 9-3 to run our meager win streak to three games.

5/12: Series split and very little pain

After winning the first game against Bowie on Thursday, we won the next game on Friday to only go on and lose the next two on Saturday and Sunday to split the series 2-2.  The team has an off day today which I think they really need.  A few of the guys are getting some BP in and a little fielding but most of them are enjoying their off day.  I think they are also getting mentally prepared for upcoming three game series where we will host Portland.

As for me, I am still rehabbing the hammy and I will say that it is going great.  The therapist and the training staff are wonderful.  I'm hoping to finish up Phase 2 by this weekend and start Phase 3.  Phase 3, or the Final Stage, involves deep tissue massage along with strengthening, stretching and aerobic fitness.  If I can get that done, I should be ready for when this round on the DL expires on May 24th.  Wish me luck.

5/8: Another 15-day DL but it's all good

Ok, so yesterday I had a scare thinking that I may have had a setback with my rehab.  Today, I feel fine.  Walked into physical therapy without any problems.  After the ultrasound therapy, we did the massage and I had no issues to report.  We even started some light stretching and everything felt fine.  These are all good signs.  However, since I'm still not ready to go and have at least another week to 10 days, I have been placed on the 15-day disabled list again. 

Meanwhile, the guys took care of business tonight as they beat the Baysox 7-2 for our third straight win.  That's what I'm talking about guys!!!!

5/7: Small setback?

Today, after rehab, I was in the most pain I've been in since I began Phase 2.  The training staff is at a loss for words and if it continues tomorrow, I may have to go back for another MRI.  Damn it, I am ready for this to be over.

Meanwhile on the field, the boys took two of three from the Trenton Thunder.  After losing the series opener on Monday (5-2), they came back and won Tuesday (6-1) and Wednesday (3-1).  Next the team hits the road for a four game series against the Bowie Baysox.

5/4: End of the skid

So the guys managed to finally turn it around and ended the five game losing streak as they knocked of the Fisher Cats 2-1 in the final game of the series. Yeah, it wasn't pretty but we don't get runs for style or beauty. 

As for rehab, it's getting a little easier.  The massage isn't nearly as painful. When it first started, it told them I'd rather have a colonoscopy with a porcupine.  Now, not so much.  I'm still a couple of weeks away from Phase 3 though. 

5/2: Phase 2

The good news is I've officially begun Phase 2 of my rehab which is called the Sub-Acute Phase.  The bad news is that I am probably looking at two to three weeks of this so it looks like I will be out longer than my initial 15 days.  The therapist used the ultrasound on my hamstring today and I will admit that it felt great.  That is until she finished and moved on to the soft tissue massage.  That hurt like hell.  I don't know what was worse, the massage or the initial injury.  They say it's normal but I think they're just being masochists.  

We hosted New Hanpshire today and got beat 4-3 for our fourth straight loss.  C'mon guys, we have to turn this around.

5/1: Think I'm ready for Phase 2

Over the last few days the pain has greatly subsided.  Yesterday, I was practically pain free as I walked around and performed routine daily activities.  Today, there has been no pain what so ever.  I talked to the training staff and they said that I would start with Phase 2 tomorrow.  At least the team will be back tomorrow once they finish up this last game tonight against Harrisburg.  So far it hasn't gone well as they lost the first, won the second and then got beat badly in the third game.  Hopefully they will get the win tonight to split the series.  

Update:  We lost 5-1 and lost the series 3-1. Damn!

4/27: Not as bad

The pain is a little better but I still can't walk without some pain.  It's not as bad as the last two days but it is still there.  Still in Phase 1 of rehab so I'll let you know when I'm ready to move on to Phase 2.  

The good news is that we beat Richmond 4-2 to win the series two games to one. The team now heads to Harrisburg. PA to take on the Senators in a four game series.  Good luck guys and I am with you in spirit.

4/26: Still Hurting

Not a lot to report today.  My rehab continues and while my team is in Richmond taking on the Flying Squirrels, I am here laying on the couch.  Since I'm supposed to stay off my leg, I've spent most of the day playing MLB The Show 14 on the PS4. 

As far as the game today, we lost 3-0. 

4/25: And the results are......?

Just got back from the hospital where I had my MRI and the results are good but not great.  I have what's being called a severe Grade 2 Strain/Tear to the semimembranosus muscle.  At least it wasn't the Grade 3 that we initially thought which would be a complete tear of the muscle and would have shelved me for several months.

To give you an even better idea of my injury you can look at the picture above.  The partial tear is just below the Proximal tendon. It won't require surgery but it will require physical therapy and for me to go on the 15-day Disabled List.

I have actually started my therapy already and I am in what is called Stage 1 or the Acute Stage.  This stage requires complete rest, no running and as little walking as possible.  Stage 1 is expected to last 3-4  days and then hopefully I can move on to Stage 2 of my rehab. I will keep you posted.

New Britain traveled to Richmond where they beat the Flying Squirrels 5-4 in the first of a three game series.