Random Observations from my Tri-City Trip

My recent trip to Tri-City was more challenging than usual as far as getting to know the players. My first day at the ballpark saw no BP because the team had arrived home from a road trip shortly before dawn and were, frankly, walking zombies most of the afternoon. Rain cut early work short on my second day (and canceled BP completely) so there wasn't much of a chance for observation on that day either. Finally on the third day, I was able to observe early work and BP and get just a tiny sense of some of the player's personalities.

Overall the Tri-City team is on the quiet side. There are a few outgoing personalities such as Alex Hernandez ...

And the Latin players always seem to enjoy themselves ...

Ariel Ovando and Juan Santana

And I was told that pitchers Jay Gause and Ryan Thompson are on the colorful side, but I didn't get the chance to talk with them.

The 'Cats lost the first two games while I was in Troy and it looked as though they were pressing at the plate. The recent loss of the bats of A.J. Reed and Ryan Bottger seemed to have impacted the line-up in that they were trying to do too much at the plate instead of just being themselves as hitters. By the third game, they appeared more relaxed and they made it back to the win column where they have stayed for four straight games.

I always forget how imposing a figure Joe Musgrove is. Listed as 6'5" and 230 pounds, he is the very definition of a big-bodied pitcher.

Except for heavy rain one afternoon, the weather was fantastic (I'm not used to wearing a jacket in the evenings in summer). It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the troops (ballpark staff) assemble when rain is in the offing. And let's just say that Media Relations Manager Chris Chenes showed some moves, leaping into action at the first sign of rain with catlike reflexes. That tarp went down fast!

The evening after the rain was cool and damp and by the end of the game a fog settled on the field.

Jordan Mills

I was surprised by the crowd mid-week. The 'Cats staff does a fantastic job with bringing in the casual fan with promotions to supplement the diehards chanting "Vamos Gatos" at a high decibel reading.

Diehard Fan Robert Witt with Derek Fisher

There's always one guy to whom I blurt out something inadvertently and inappropriately. Aaron Vaughn was my recipient this time. Those eyes!

Thank you to Chris and Sam for your help and hospitality. It was great seeing and talking to Brendon as well. Thanks also to the ValleyCats and Astros fans who always give me a warm welcome and a kind word.

I will be posting some interviews from my trip this week and next and am also planning a post about my visit to Cooperstown during induction weekend with advice for those who may be interested in going next year when Biggio will (!) be inducted (he'd better be!). In the meantime, keep your eye on the ball.

Raul Rivera

I have uploaded WAAAAAYYYYYY too many photos as usual and have not weeded them out or labeled them yet, but if you're game, you can go here. As usual, the players and coaches are free to use these photos for personal uses. All other uses require permission and acknowledgement.