Random Observations From My Corpus Christi Trip

I haven't had time to write up much from my Corpus Christi trip yet, but I hope to have my interview with Andrew Aplin ready tomorrow. Interviews with Brady Rodgers and Preston Tucker will follow. In addition to those interviews, I talked with interim Pitching Coach Doug Brocail about Rodgers, Luis Cruz and Tommy Shirley. Brocail was very generous with his time and his thoughts on those players and I will be sharing those as well.

In the meantime, let me leave you with some random observations.

Speaking of Luis Cruz, I was disappointed that I wouldn't see him pitch while I was in Corpus Christi and I told him, "Well, I guess I won't be seeing a no-hitter this trip." That was in reference to the tandem no-hitter that Cruz tossed with Kyle Hallock in Lancaster last year. He grinned and told me, "When you come back, I'll throw one for you." He does not lack confidence and is a bulldog on the mound, but a laid-back sweetheart off the mound.

Jorge de Leon and Luis Cruz

The fun and camaraderie of last year's Lancaster team definitely carried over to this year's Corpus Christi team. This team works hard, but they also have a lot of fun. Watching the pre-game antics and rituals in the dugout is a show unto itself. And you can usually find Leo Heras and Jio Mier in the middle of it all.

Jio and Leo in a pre-game ritual

Heras is a high energy guy, zipping back and forth in the dugout, jumping up on the railing, dangling from the dugout overhang. It made me almost dizzy to watch him. He's also a fun player to watch on the field. Keep your eye on this guy!

The Corpus Christi bullpen has done some excellent work this season. Now we know the reason. They are all secretly superheroes!

Jordan Jankowski, Andrew Robinson, Alex Sogard

and Travis Ballew reveal their true identities

I didn't think I would like the baby blue jerseys, but I absolutely LOVE them.

M.P. Cokinos models the light blue jersey

Delino DeShields is looking oh-so-much better and he's getting antsy to get back on the field. He's been taking BP and is participating in most baseball activities so it shouldn't be too much longer (I hope).

Delino DeShields

Similarly, David Rollins is on the road back from an oblique injury and tossed for what I believe was the first time on Sunday.

David Rollins

All in all, it was a great trip (until somebody turned the heat up at Sunday's game). I would like to thank Michael Coffin, Chris Blake and Travis (whose last name I unfortunately don't remember) for all of their help.

I have uploaded my photos from the trip, but I haven't finished weeding them out and labeling them yet. If you're game to look through almost 400 pictures, go for it! As always, I just ask that photos only be used for personal use by the players and their families. Otherwise, use of the photos requires permission and acknowledgement.

One final thought. This team may currently be in third place in their division, but they are definitely not a third place team. Things are really starting to come together for them as a team and I'm looking for them to put up a lot of W's in the not so distant future.