22

That is all...

Trenton loses so...

The Magic Number is 23..

Magic Number

24

The odds

Someone told me Sunday that the Defenders are nowhere near a likely playoff team. In case anyone is of similar thought:

* The Defenders own the largest lead over a second-place team of ANY team in ALL of Minor League Baseball

* If the Defenders play .500 (17-17) from here out, New Britain would have to play 27-7 or .794 baseball just to tie. The Rock Cats would have to go 28-6, or .824, to win the division.

Why the Giants don't win

Brian Sabean, the Giants GM, makes the worst trades/decisions and has horrible timing.

OK, I know that San Fran trumps Norwich. The Tim Alderson trade for Freddy Sanchez had nothing to do with the Defenders. But it was a bad deal to send one of your best prospects, whether he will ever be good or not, for a borderline all-star on the downside of his career. Could the Giants have though so little of Alderson?

Now the Defenders' pitching staff is a mess that required several position players to take the mound. What a joke! Is it worth injuring these guys over poor planning?

And what of Connecticut's rotation? Bumgarner, Maday, Broshuis, English and then who? Henry Sosa might be done for the year, Alderson is gone. Could use Scott Barnes but he, too, was traded. The Giants need to bring up Craig Clark from San Jose.

Unintentionally, the Giants find ways to put the screws to this team every year it seems.

Notes

As you might have read in the Bulletin today, Dan Otero left Sunday's game with a "twinge" in his throwing elbow. He won't pitch for a week as he's been placed on the DL -- and the team is need of a couple of arms ASAP (Can Brooks McNiven turn his plane around?). Geivy Garcia is starting tonight.

Also, Steve Decker called Brock Bond and Brad Boyer the Killer B's. They need a better name since Killer B's belongs to Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio and, to a lesser extent, Lance Berkman.

Suggestions?

Injury updates

Henry Sosa threw on the side Saturday, and manager Steve Decker said the starter won't be in a game any time soon. The same can be said for Brad Boyer, who injured a hamstring Saturday night and is on the DL. He won't be playing for a while, too.

What else goes wrong?

Let's run the list here:

1. The National Anthem, both in talent and in memory
2. Cutter beating the kids in the race around the bases
3. Brandon Crawford getting hit by Jackson Williams' line drive while running to second base.

If you were curious

as to why Madison Bumgarner threw just four innings in the opener of the doubleheader against New Britain, the answer I was given from a reliable source was that Bum was on a pitch limit with the MLB All-Star Futures Game on Sunday in St. Louis. Steve Decker gave him 60 pitches and Bum used 59.

Updates

Back from the Bronx and red from the Sun...

Griffin, English and Richardson are all assigned to Extended Spring Training. This means one of several options:

1. They really could be in Arizona getting work
2. The Giants aren't sure where to send them
3. They are inactive for the time being.

No. 3 seems most likely for English as this move happened after his last start and making this "move" gave the Defenders Maday on the active roster.

Comings and goings

There have been some roster moves. Off of the roster as of late Saturday are: Jesse English and Henry Sosa (probably inactive), Dan Griffin (my guess is released) and Antoan Richardson (also, I think he's been released).

The additions: Daryl Maday (that's why English is inactive - he was the last starter), Mike Musgrave, Brad Boyer and old friend Garrett Broshius.

Hopefully I'll have some clarifications Sunday.

Where do we go from here?

The Eastern League doesn't want the verdict of Wednesday's meeting getting out, so I assume there is a gag order in place with a substantial fine attached for good measure. All indications are that the Defenders are gone after this season.

While it's not official in the press conference sense, don't hold out for anything different. It'll be a tougher pill to swallow even after everything that has gone on here.

On the flip side, I like the chances of a NYP team moving in. The Nationals' affiliate in Vermont is an outside contender, but the Jamestown Jammers (Marlins) are the front runners.

It isn't a lock, though. My understanding is that if attendance suffers at Dodd here on out, there won't be a team. That means when you go to a game, bring a friend.

Anyhow, I suspect that the EL will make some sort of announcement before month's end.

Congrats

To former Defender Ryan Sadowski, who will make his big league debut Sunday against Milwaukee.

Futures team

Congrats to Defender Madison Bumgarner. he was selected as one of two Giants prospects for the upcoming Futures Game in St. Louis. The other is Angel Villalona.

So much info my head is going to explode

Let's start with Tuesday's game. I'm glad I spoke with Steve Decker before the game because he was in a closed-door meeting much too long afterward for me to speak with him then.

The conversation was foreshadowing. He told me that he thinks guys press too much at Dodd Stadium opposed to on the road. He added the one thing they don't have at home is the three-run homer. As it turned out, Portland did.

Joe Paterson gave up a bomb that broke 5-5 tie in the ninth for an 8-5 Sea Dogs win. Jon Still, who hit the homer, was 6-for-65 heading into the game.

Mike McBryde left the game in the second inning with a strained groin. It's considered mild and day-to-day.

Off the field...

Yes, the Defenders are going to pay back the rent they owe the city -- over $222,000. I saw the checks with my own eyes. The debt will be paid today.

It's kind of funny that the money gained as a penalty from the failed purchase attempt by Richmond Baseball LC made this possible. After all, they did agree to pay the bill.

Also, the Shockoe Bottom development that included an expensive stadium for a team -- believed to be the Defenders -- was 86'd Tuesday by not the city, but the developers. They claimed they never wanted to use city-backed bonds to finance the project, but that's not true. If it were true, when the city's report came out over a month ago, the developers, Highwoods Properties, would have said so then. Instead, they pushed their agenda.

Where does this leave the Defenders? Right where they were before the news. Nothing's changed.

Now what?

First let me start by saying it's nice to hear large crowds made their way to Dodd Stadium this weekend. The weather was nice, and mixed with some good promotions and a first-place team, it's hard to justify not going.

Thanks to everyone who e-mailed or commented on my column in Sunday's paper. It had to get out there and people had to know the conditions in which their team is being taken from them.

Despite over 14,00 fans this weekend, the fans are still the primary reason this is happening. There has to be more support. Not just for three days, but for five months. This was a good start.

My gut feeling is that Lou DiBella sells the team soon to a group comprised of Richmond Baseball and any one of the other groups looking into the situation. I think Ripken Baseball makes the most sense, but we'll see.

Will Norwich see pro ball again? I'd like to think so. I'd like to think some of the struggling Penn League teams will think Dodd is a better place than where they are at now. It may take until 2011 to happen. I also think that MiLB knows this whole process is such a disaster because of Joe McEacharn's mismanagement that getting a team here -- even by the same tactics in which it's trying to remove the current one -- may be the closest way to make amends. Will it? Not entirely. Understand that were this a Penn League team at Dodd, the season hasn't begun yet. That's a lot of baseball to have missed. so it's a tradeoff: shorter season or no season.

For now, enjoy what you have.

Links

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/x702315970/Defenders-sale-Advertisers-have-pulled-support-team-official-says

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/x726818527/Defenders-sale-dead-for-now

The second link also contains the audio of the press conference in Richmond.

What a mess!

Yes, the sale of the team to Bryan Bostic's group as originally planned is dead. But this is far from over.

EL presidente Joe McEacharn held a press conference in Richmond, Va. today proclaiming the new attempt to bring local and non-local parties together. There's no guarantee that a sale will happen, something McEacharn acknowledged today. He also tried blowing smoke you-know-where by saying people need to look at the teams not being mentioned. Right. Because the Rock Cats are leaving.

Could the Ryan-Sanders group do this? Yes. They have deep pockets and can move quickly. The spokesman for Richmond Baseball LC -- which has bumbled everything -- said the plan is to pair with other parties to make this happen by Aug. 1. He also said he was the head of the group, not Bostic. He also told others that money was the reason, but denied comment to me. Whatever. Richmond Baseball's handling of this entire process speaks volumes.

More than that, the EL's inability to do this the right way: from forcing Lou DiBella out against his will (read tomorrow's Bulletin) to plotting this entire move and damaging not just the team but the market shows how ruthless the league is when it wants its way.

Check out the audio of the press conference on NorwichBulletin.com. Thanks to my friend Wes McElroy at 910 AM in Richmond for providing and allowing the use of that file.

In the end, this deal has to get done because of all the damage done. I know that DiBella is disappointed that more people aren't supporting the team. All I can tell those who don't want to lose this team is go to games; rally other fans. Consider this a second-chance to try and change the outcome. Maybe Erie goes if attendance surges here.

McEacharn wants to get rid of DiBella and Norwich. He's willing to play dirty if he has to -- and he has. He's also played ignorant as he failed to see that Bostic had money. He didn't care. He hitched his wagon to a pipe dream on the mere hope of getting the team out of here and into Richmond.

Right now, he's left holding the pipe and scrambling to make this happen.

The latest

It appears Bostic added Ryan-Sanders Baseball as a partner to get around the territorial position issue. What this means is if Ryan was going this road alone he would have needed to speak to Lou DiBella. He hasn't. So he becomes a partner and Ryan-Sanders only has to be satisfied with what they hear from Richmond tomorrow. That's right -- Reid and Reece Ryan are en route to Richmond -- to meet with the Mayor, EL president Joe McEacharn and tour The Diamond, among other things on the schedule.

Expect the sale of the Defenders to come through next week.

Radio again

I'll be on Richmond's 910AM at 4:10 today discussing the Defenders. Hopefully their streaming audio works today.

On the Express?

Thanks to Bryan Bostic's empty pockets, minor league baseball needed to find another suitor for the Defenders (or the Sea Wolves) to bring it to Richmond, Va. It's found a possible fit with Nolan Ryan.

Ryan-Sanders Baseball, which owns two teams in Texas, is going to explore the Richmond market and talk to the folks involved down there.

This is funny because no one has spoken to Lou DiBella. And for Ryan-Sanders to speak to anyone in Richmond either they've been granted rights to explore a territory or Minor League Baseball/Eastern League is ignoring the rules.

Expect Ryan-Sanders to form a partnership with Bostic's Richmond Baseball LC and serve as majority owners.

the sense is MiLB and the EL are panicking.

Just a quick note

John Smoltz will pitch for Portland against the Defenders at Dodd Stadium a week from Sunday.

Holy C%@$

The police K-9 dog left a gift in right field before the game. Supposedly it couldn't be removed. I hate to be the right fielder.

D.A.R.E Day

It's a nice day at Dodd Stadium with great weather and roughly 4,000 fans -- mostly kids as part of D.A.R.E. Day.

The team heads into play 1/2 game out of first. A win against the B-Mets Eric Brown (who went to the same college as me) and a win by Portland will thrust the Defenders into first place. There were there briefly on Saturday, but here's a chance to get an extended stay.

Nothing new on the relocation situation for now. I am sure there will be more soon.

FYI

For those who will be at the game tomorrow morning -- see you there. I am sure we'll have plenty to discuss.

Into the blog mailbag...

Mdeep04 asks: If this deal doesn't go through does this mean.
A- AA baseball again next year
B- They attempt to do this deal again next year
C- Lou Dibella still not continue next year but that means that Giants AA has no place to go.

A. It doesn't mean necessarily that there's AA ball here next year. It means that Bryan Bostic won't own the team. Lou DiBella could move the team and take on Richmond-area partners, he could form a partnership with Bostic/others, another ownership group (there were a few Minor League Baseball ignored) could step up and make this happen quickly, Erie could be relocated (easily because its ownership has teams throughout the country) or there are no teams moving.

B. Could this be re-tried next year? Yes. But the circumstances will have to change. However, I don't see that happening. All of the sale talk may have done irreparable harm to the city-team relationship and the Defenders and or DiBella may have to go. The problem with it being just DiBella and not the team is there has been essentially no outcry to keep the team.

If people demonstrated a desire to keep THIS team in town, things could change. But people are going to want to see sustained support -- something that hasn't happened in a decade.

C. One way or another, the team will have a home in 2010.

Greg asks: What's the vibe in Richmond?

The people are split between wanting and team and not. Those who don't think it might be worth waiting a few years for a better situation, i.e. building a new stadium. The others don't want the plan Bostic is pushing. It's the same as me asking all of you to build me a house. Then I'm going to charge you to come in and sit. I'll charge you again if you want food. Meanwhile, he makes all the money.

A funny side note. Bostic was supposed to come on the radio after me today on Richmond's 910 AM. He canceled saying he had a funeral to attend. Sounds like he knows his deal is dead.

Listen in

I will be on Fox Sports Radio's Richmond affiliate 910 AM at 3:25 p.m. to discuss the Defenders-Richmond drama.

http://www.sportsradio910.com/main.html

I've been hearing that the media player on their site isn't working too well, so folks may not be able to hear any of this.

Survey says...

May 31. That is the drop-dead date by which this deal, as presently proposed, needs to be completed or it's not happening.

Trouble in Richmond?

Richmond, Va. Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced the findings of a study Monday to explore the feasibility of a development that includes an 8,500-seat baseball stadium to house the Connecticut Defenders should the sale and relocation of the team be completed.

In the study performed by Davenport and Co., it was determined that project financing is “highly unlikely” unless the city provides credit support. Because of the city’s credit rating, the amount financed would decrease by an estimated $20 million to $60 million. But that is something Jones is unwilling to give a thumbs up to at the present.

Without the financial backing of the city, the project which was to rely heavily upon a sales tax increase is in serious doubt. With the city’s backing, the hike would be 2.1 percent.

Before I forget

Oakland returned Ben Copeland to San Francisco. It remains to be seen where he will be assigned.

Study hard

I've been told there will be significant movement early next week as a city commissioned a study to investigate the potential impact of a new stadium in Richmond.

What I'm hearing is that it's not good news if you are Bryan Bostic.

Where does that leave the Defenders? My guess is probably still gone but to a different ownership group. Likely, it will be one of the groups MiLB didn't want to look at/consider the first time through this process.

Joe McEacharn has said everything needs to be done by Aug. 1 in order to get the 2010 season logistics squared away. That leaves very little time.

The big question is...

Does this sale take place. It's look less and less likely by the day. It may be that Bryan Bostic and Richmond Baseball LC have been able to clear everything between them and the Defenders except for dollars. And without those dollars -- bye bye deal.

That's not even mentioning the battles that still have to be waged in city and state government. A call for a referendum has been made in Richmond, but it's token. It has no influence on what happens. If the Mayor says it's good to go and there's a team that's it.

Bostic's group gave Richmond until Aug. 1 to the Mayor's office OK the development plan that includes the new stadium they want. But his group received a deadline that same day to have the team purchased and approved to relocate, which is really a non issue once the purchase is done.

However, this has been dragging on for months with a whole lot of "we're close" talk coming from Richmond.

What I think we're seeing is EL President Joe McEacharn going to Virginia this week to help drum up more support (dollars) but making it look like his baseball's herald there as an all-is-good sign. But it clearly isn't.

Minor League Baseball and the Eastern League forced this sale process to happen and it may blow up in their faces. If so, someone besides Bostic takes the fall. That's McEacharn. It rolls down hill, if you know what I mean, and McEacharn is standing at the foot of the hill.

So what happens if this does come apart in the next week, which is when Lou DiBella says this will be settled one way or another? Does the team stay and Bostic or someone else try to buy and move the Erie SeaWolves? Maybe. The more likely scenario is another Richmond ownership group emerges, probably one that the taxpayers of Richmond take to more kindly than Bostic and co. If not, DiBella may have to remain as owner and move the team to Richmond. I can't imagine MiLB would say no provided Richmond-area partners came on board.

It's just hard to imagine the team staying after everything its been through in recent months, with the proposed sale being out there for several months. Plus, with attendance being what it's been -- despite increases the last two years -- and a loss of advertising, the team may never recover if it stayed.

If I'm a proponent of the Defenders staying, then I go to as many games as possible and bring a friend to every game I attend.

Who's to say right now? What we do know is McEacharn and Bostic are still saying the deal is almost done. DiBella says it isn't.

This that and the other

Raise your hand if you thought the Defenders would be 1/2 game out of first on May 14.

That's what I thought.

But they are because they are getting timely hitting to go with the always strong pitching. But you know Steve Decker is nowhere near happy.

Check out the front page of tomorrow's Bulletin. Some interesting stuff regarding the sale of the team. We'll discuss more in this blog sometime around midday. Maybe sooner. Sorry, but a man's gotta sleep :)

Here's something I came across on Twitter and think is hilarious and one of the better MLB-related team ads.

http://interdubs.com/r/ntropic/index.php?al=ylxhb3y&an=KgEFqa&e=RciJ0YP3r

Enjoy!

Alderson fantastic

Six 2/3 of no-hit, 10-K baseball. That's what Tim Alderson did in his Double-A debut Sunday against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. I don't care who you ask, that exceeded everyone's expectations.

There was a lot in his favor, such as facing new batters he had never seen and just being generally a good pitcher. But the 'Cats have some decent bats and he made them look bad.

If he stays here the whole season -- which we learned last year is asking A LOT -- Defenders fans could be in for a treat. Now, Madison Bumgarner, who is widely considered to be better than Alderson, takes the hill tomorrow at New Britain.

What are the odds the bats come to life soon? Now, that would make for an interesting summer at Dodd Stadium.

FYI

Garrett Broshuis is out of extended Spring Training in in San Jose.

Odds and ends

We can start with Greg's questions in my last post. No, nothing new with the sale. As much as I believe it will happen, I also believe that each day longer this takes that the odds of a collapse increases. What kind of odds do I give it? 90 percent of going through.

For those who are holding out hope that the Defenders/AA ball stays here, if the sale falls apart, the team ain't going anywhere any time soon. My sources tell me that Eastern League President Joe McEachern as well as some higher ups in Minor League Baseball are the driving forces behind the sale. So much so that there might have been a blind eye or two turned away from some tampering months ago. Needless to say, this all comes down to money and Richmond would make more than Norwich. Should this sale not happen, don't be surprised if there are changes on the executive level around the minor league baseball community.

However...don't count on this falling apart. Pieces are still moving slowly such as Richmond ownership getting a two-year lease to play at the Diamond until a new stadium is built.

Regarding a short-season A team coming in, Lou DiBella has told me he wants nothing to do with making any sort of inquiries that might be seen as tampering or put the chances of a team relocating at risk.

DiBella has been pretty upset -- and I believe genuinely so -- over the way everything has played out. At the end of the day, he feels the fans are going to get the shaft because MiLB won't guarantee a team relocates should the Defenders leave.

What else do I have for you...

Simon Klink is back in school at Purdue, where he played college ball.

I don't want to say this is for certain, but after just a few games that I've covered I don't feel as if the clubhouse has meshed as well as it had in years past. Maybe, considering the past results, this is a good thing.

Nothing new pitchers arriving. Steve Decker said the Giants told him nothing as of yesterday afternoon. "Deck" is a lot more forthcoming than his predecessors, so my guess is this is a waiting game. However, pitching isn't the team's big concern. They need to hit, which is as slow developing as the Earth's plates shifting into the next expected land formation (200 million years from now, give or take a century or five).

Guess where I am...

Dodd Stadium!

I can't tell you how great it feels to be back here even with 34 people in the stands.

It's a chilly night and the threat of rain is defintely keeping folks away. Not to mention the typical early season drought.

Let's see how this game goes.

Twitter

Check me out on Twitter: joeperez23.

I'll give updates there and here, on the blog, during Defenders games.

Decker means business

Any night where there are fireworks at Dodd Stadium, the Defenders like to escape the parking lot before the fans do.

Not any more. And not under Steve Decker.

Upset at how his team hit in the home opener Thursday, Decker called all the hitters together for a meeting at the indoor batting cage. Whenever someone misses a sign or fails to do their job at the plate, on the mound or in the field, they have a postgame meeting with Decker.

Thursday, he wanted players to understand their job. Tyler Graham bunted with two strikes because that is what he was supposed to do. What Graham was also supposed to do was to give up his at-bat for the good of the team. He didn't, fouling off the pitch and making the at-bat twice as wasteful.

It's not the "Giants Way," as Decker said.

I like this guy.

Sounding fuzzy

For those at the game, you know what I'm talking about here. The speakers sounded funny, almost bsted. Supposedly, one of the speakers was not connected properly and as a result we hear a poor quality sound. Expect that to be fixed for Friday's game.

Let's get started

It's Day One of the home portion of the schedule, and I'm excited. It never feels like the season has really started until there's been a home game.

The crowd hasn't been allowed in, but there's already a nice gathering outside of Dodd Stadium for what is the team's final home opener.

I like what I've seen and heard so far from new skiper Steve Decker. He's no nonsense and that should show on the field. We'll see.

Plus, there are fireworks tonight.

2009 Roster

I'm a bit disappointed. I figured after last year's success with Sandoval, etc. that we would see some Giants love with the likes of Posey and Alderson. Guess again.

Plus, EVERYONE'S favorite is back. Yep, EME.

No. Pitchers Bats Throws HT WT Born Resides Last Year
9 Steven Edlefsen B R 6'2 180 6/27/1985 Bloomington, MN San Jose
14 Jesse English* L L 6'3 220 9/13/1984 Vista, CA San Jose
40 Jesse Foppert R R 6'6 215 7/10/1980 San Franciso, CA Fresno
45 Dan Griffin R R 6'7 245 9/29/1984 Schenectady, NY SJ/Fresno
49 Waldis Joaquin* R R 6'2 235 12/25/1986 Villa Tapia, DR Aug/San Jose
54 Daryl Maday R R 6'2 220 8/12/1985 Bristol, WI Aug/SJ/Conn
19 Brooks McNiven R R 6'5 180 6/19/1981 Vernon, BC, Canada Connecticut
39 Mike Musgrave R R 6'2 199 4/10/1984 Ocala, FL San Jose
51 Daniel Otero R R 6'3 205 2/19/1985 Coral Gables, FL Aug/San Jose
18 Joe Paterson R L 6'1 210 5/19/1986 McMinnville, OR Aug/ San Jose
22 Nick Pereira R R 6'0 190 9/22/1982 Cupertino, CA Fresno/San Jose
31 Henry Sosa* R R 6'2 195 7/28/1985 El Seybo, DR SJ/Augusta
No. Catchers Bats Throws HT WT Born Resides Last Year
28 Tyler LaTorre (DL) L R 6'0 219 4/22/1983 Santa Cruz, CA San Jose
35 Jackson Williams R R 5'11 200 5/14/1986 Tulsa, OK Aug/San Jose
17 Adam Witter L R 6'1 229 2/17/1983 Greenville, NC Connecticut
No. Infielders Bats Throws HT WT Born Resides Last Year
10 Brian Bocock* R R 5'11 185 3/9/1985 Dayton, VA Fresno
5 Brock Bond (DL) B R 5'10 195 9/11/1985 St. Louis, MO Augusta/SJ
7 Brad Boyer L R 6'0 185 10/4/1983 Camarillo, CA SJ/Connecticut
41 Andrew D'Alessio L R 6'4 227 9/23/1984 Naples, FL San Jose
8 David Maroul R R 6'2 210 2/15/1983 Benbrook, TX Connecticut
48 Brett Pill R R 6'4 211 9/9/1984 Covina, CA San Jose
15 Sharlon Schoop R R 6'2 191 4/15/1987 Willemstad, Curacao San Jose
No. Outfielders Bats Throws HT WT Born Resides Last Year
20 Bobby Felmy III L L 5'10 194 4/29/1984 Sunbury, PA San Jose
21 Tyler Graham (DL) R R 6'0 180 1/25/1984 Great Falls, MT San Jose
12 Eddy Martinez‐Esteve R R 6'2 215 4/14/1983 Miami, FL Connecticut
34 Mike Mooney R R 6'1 205 6/8/1983 Hillsborough, CA SJ/Fresno/Conn
6 Antoan Richardson B R 5'8 165 10/8/1983 Nassau, Bahamas Connecticut

Pichardo suspended

He has to sit 50 games after violating the MLB banned substance policy. No word on what he took, but he'll be out until late May.

Looking back and forward

Needless to say, Friday was not the day baseball fans in this region wanted to see. I've heard from those who are glad the Defenders are leaving -- some wishing no team replaces them, and others who are saddened.

I'm still hearing from people who believe bringing in a Red Sox or Yankees affiliate is possible or at least, should happen. To those people, please understand the situation. It's can't and won't happen. In the cases of both Double-A squads, they are right where the big league team wants them The Short-season teams are in Lowell, Mass. and Staten Island, N.Y. Neither is moving, especially when they draw so well. If that makes you say good riddance to a team in Norwich, I have to call you selfish and short sighted.

Reality is the deal to Richmond will happen. One way or another the Defenders, as we know them, will be gone after September. If owner Lou DiBella's plan is successful, there will be affiliated baseball at Dodd Stadium next year.

With so many moving parts, could that element colapse and no team come here? Yes. But I think that a team from the NYP league will move. So many averaged less than 80,000 fans last year. My rough estimate would project a team to drawing in the 120,000 to 150,000 range here. Considering some of those teams drew under 40,000 and one didn't sell beer, that ownership could see a spike in revenue that wasn't imaginable before.

Leaving smaller markets and upgrading to bigger communities is the name of the minor league baseball game these days.

Should a NYP team move in, I suspect DiBella will not serve as owner, rather as an investor. I've gotten the feeling he wants to stay involved in baseball, but not to the extent he has been.

Also, I hope these events - no matter how they play out -- reminds the citizens of Eastern Connecticut that minor league baseball is not a God-given right. Should no one replace the Defenders, don't act as if you are owed something. A big reason the team is being sold isn't because of market size, although that hurts, is because "fans" decided to stay away even after the stadium and the game expereince have improved in recenty years. My sources tell me had the team stayed in the 215,000 to 230,000 range, this discussion would have never taken place.

Blame DiBella all you want; blame the city. You can blame the location and you can blame the economy. But at the end of the day, those who decided this team wasn't worth having shoulders the blame.

It's hard for many people, many of whom still see the Defenders as the Navigators. Truth is they still are, even if the final destination is on another coast.

There's one more season of Defenders, Double-A baseball. Take it in. Smell the grass, taste the popcorn, listen to the crack of the bat. Even if its one more time, remember how sweet it is.

Latest news

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/breaking/x679398855/Defenders-headed-to-Richmond-Va-for-2010

There's MUCH more to come, so keep checking back throughout the day as well as Saturday's Norwich Bulletin.

Richmond info

So far...no one is saying much about the Richmond report saying an ownership group there applied to purchase "specific" minor league team on the Double-A level. The people I've spoken to have all said, anonymously, that Harrisburg is the target, not Connecticut.

We'll see. I'm not ready to believe that just yet.

I'll keep you posted.

HOF thoughts

The election of Rickey Henderson into the baseball Hall of Fame was a no-brainer. He is the all-time leader in steals and runs and with his mix of speed and power he changed the way the game he played in materialized.

I enjoyed seeing Henderson play in New York with the Yankees and few things were as exciting as seeing him stand on first base. It was always a guessing game of when he would run -- not if -- and if he;d steal one base or two.

Why he received only 94 percent of the vote makes no sense. I don't believe, like some writers do, that only a very select few deserve a first-ballot induction. If the guy's a Hall of Famer, he's a Hall of Famer. Just vote him in. The player's numbers don't change. Maybe how they stack up historically changces, but that would take most of a player's 15 years of eligibility and something like a steroid scandal to do so.

Speaking of 15 years of eligibility, Jim Rice needed every one to get in.

To be frank, I'm not totally sold on him. I also can't make a strong enough argument against him. I never saw him in his prime, just his last few years. The things I heard were, "You don't want to face Jim Rice with runners on base" or "Jim Rice has always hurt the (insert team)." That should really tell you something.

He was feared and he produced. Are there guys with better numbers? Yes. And almost every one is Cooperstown.

Good for Rice, and I think it's good for baseball. It took a while, but the voters got it right eventually.

Now if they could only get Andre Dawson elected.

Next year's ballot includes Barry Larkin (not getting in), Roberto Alomar (eventually will get in), Fred McGriff (not getting in) and Edgar Martinez (eventually will get in as the first-ever DH in the Hall).

More on Decker

New Defenders manager Steve Decker and I had a good chat tonight. I came away with an overwhelmingly positive reaction to what he had to say. Some, Defenders fans, may not sit well. Some of it will excite you.

The highlights:

*Decker said his main priority is player development. If the team happens to win, that's even better.

*He said all of his teams have played the game the right way. They play hard and with respect.

*He's tired of the excuses. He said whether it was from instructional league or elsewhere, all he heard from players was how they couldn't hit at Dodd Stadium. Not so, the new manager said. Decker wants the players to use Dodd as a weapon, and not a liability.

*Don't expect big power numbers out of the lineup, but do expect -- if he can get the guys he wants to do this -- a very fast, very aggressive team on the bases.

*This is a very confident man with a track record of winning in the minors. He knows this will be tough, but he thinks that most of the players he gets will have played for him in either Salem-Keizer or San Jose, so they already know what he expects. If they can make the adjustment to Double-A, which he considered the proving ground, then there might be winning baseball in Norwich.

New staff

In what I consider as big of a statement on how valuable player development is with the Defenders, the San Francisco Giants named their up-and-coming Single-A manager Steve Decker the team's new skipper.

The Giants cleaned house -- everyone is gone, including Steamer, Bob Stanley.

I've been trying to talk with Decker and should have something later today.

The new staff:
Pitching coach Ross Grimsley
Hitting coach Garey Ingram
Trainer Eric OPrtega.

Grimsley comes from the Giants' low-A team in Augusta, Ingram from the Midwest League's Great Lakes squad, and Ortega from Augusta.

Two Defenders taken in Rule 5 draft

The Oakland A's selected Ben Copeland in the major league phase of the Rule 5 draft. What that means is Copeland must spend all of next season on the A's major league roster or he will be sent back to the Giants organization.

Kyle Haines was taken by the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate, Lehigh Valley. He must spend all of next season in Triple-A or his rights revert back to the Giants.

Haines will have no worries staying in Triple-A. Copeland is going to be a fourth or fifth outfielder with Oakland. His speed is why he will likely stick. This is bad news for East Lyme's Todd Donovan, who is on the A;s Double-A team. It's just another OF to climb over.

Q&A

It's November so it's a good time for y'all to drop by with some questions and I'll give some answers.

Greg asked if Steve Decker would be the Defenders' new skipper next year replacing Bien Figueroa, whose future is uncertain.

I'll tell you what I know. I asked a team official this summer about Decker and was told there was no way the Giants would bring Decker to a place they hate. Another person said Decker would be the right guy at the right time with the expectations low for the Defenders. He's be expected to do more molding than winning.

This and that

Hondo...great seeing you at the Defenders' Beer Fest Saturday. For those of you who were there, it was a nice event that seemed to make a positive impression on those in the community that attended.

To answer Greg's questions from a previous post..

The EL will help a lot to push the Defenders out. Maybe the politically correct term is to pressure Lou DiBella to sell the team to a Richmond-area owner.

As for what happens to Dodd Stadium? Probably nothing until the city determines that its better off torn down so another business can go there. That is, of course, providing the city's leaders aren't delusional and think another team is coming in (maybe...maybe an indy league team, which would be really bad).

The sad saga

The truth is that neither the Reds nor Giants wanted to be here.

A few weeks ago, a Giants official gave me the read-between-the lines message of he being too busy dealing with San Francisco media, so I should not call him and stick to getting my quotes/info from the Defenders. Call it creating distance, call it confidence that they'd be elsewhere, but the Giants were dead set against coming back here.

Defenders GM Charlie Dowd told me he felt his team was never in a position of leverage, something Carolina Mudcats GM Joe Kremer felt his team had going for him. He said that both teams "wanted" to be in Carolina. This is why the whole process took so long -- Carolina was making sure it made the choice it wanted. In essence, the Defenders had to wait until a decision was made for them, and even after that happened, they didn't know which way Carolina had decided to go until hours after it announced it had called a press conference.

Before anyone thinks about doing damage to themselves over the apparent lack of love, the Marlins wanted to be here, but never imagined the Dodgers would leave Jacksonville, Fla. That simple move changed everything. The Dodgers went to Chattanooga, the Marlins left Carolina, the Dodgers' move forced out the Reds, who as we know, decided upon Carolina.

What made Carolina so attractive?
For the Giants, it's closer to Augusta and not Norwich.
For the Reds, its the Southern League and they had been in Chattanooga 21 years, being familiar means something. Plus, both teams wanted the weather and away from the uncertainty here.

Speaking of that, the rumors are getting stronger that the team will be sold within the next year and moved to Richmond, Va. Is that a done deal? No. Would I bet against it? No.

What can be done? First people need to go to Defenders games. If ownership and the Eastern League feel this team can't grow and sustain that growth -- I'm not talking the nice bumps the last two years brought, but double that immediately -- then it's as close to a foregone conclusion. I've asked Lou DiBella several times in the past about selling the team. He's never said it wasn't an option, but he's also said it's not an option he wants to consider.

Getting back to the matter at hand, the Mudcats GM told me both teams wanted to be there. Charlie Dowd said that the Giants and Defenders never expressed a "definitive" desire to go separate ways. That's because both knew they are the red-headed stepchildren in this bi-annual dance. No one wanted the Giants and no one available wanted Norwich.

All along, the Giants were trying to, as a common phrase in politics these days goes, put lipstick on a pig in its presentation to Carolina. Carolina felt the Giants would do well there. Just not as well as the Reds. Once the Reds made their call, the final pieces fell into place.

At that point, neither had a choice.

Staying Giants

Two more years. The Defenders were the runner-up as both the Giants and Reds wanted to move to Carolina. More later.

PDC news

According to the Yankees, the agreement between New York and Trenton was agreed upon weeks ago, but neither side was in a rush to make an announcement.

As for the Defenders, expect word by Wednesday. My guess is Giants.

What the future holds

It's either the Giants or the Reds. Or, well....I don't want to say the other optiion, which is a shot in the dark at best. A decision is expected by the end of next week, and I get a feeling that it will be the Reds here next season. But I also have the feeling after talking to some of the parties involved that comfort, for lack of better word, with the Giants may win out. I suspect either team will sign for two years (the Giants because they want out of Norwich and the Reds to get a feel for the place).

Check out Sunday's Bulletin where I will have more on the situation.

Eastern League Baseball Writers Association All-Star Team

With today the final day of the regular season, I bring you the ELBWA's year-end All-Star squad, as voted on by each team's beat writers and radio broadcasters. The utility player spot is awarded to the position player with the most votes and not receive the selection at his position.

Catcher: LOU MARSON, Reading

First baseman: RYAN ROBERSON, Erie

Second baseman: SCOTT CAMPBELL, New Hampshire

Third baseman: WES HODGES, Akron

Shortstop: JASON DONALD, Reading (17)

Outfielders: LOU MONTANEZ, Bowie; WILKIN RAMIREZ, Erie; NOLAN REIMOLD, Bowie

Utility player: DAN MURPHY, Binghamton

Starting pitchers: BRAD BERGESEN, Bowie

Relief pitcher: EDDIE KUNZ, Binghamton (8)

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: LOU MONTANEZ, Bowie (unanimous).

MANAGER OF THE YEAR: BRAD KOMMINSK, Bowie

Rumor, they say, rumor

This is what Eastern league President Joe McEacharn had to say about the report on BallparkDigest.com:

“To the best of my knowledge…no person, team, club, league official or otherwise has been granted any permission to explore any move of any club to Richmond,” McEacharn said. “There have been no discussions on any level involving any Eastern League club.

“Nobody is talking to Richmond about doing anything.”

McEacharn also had strong words for the website:

Let me summarize this as concise as possible. First, don’t believe what you read on BallparkDigest. It is nothing but a site created to report on various reports. There is no level accuracy or inside information in many of the stories; it’s all speculation."

Defenders GM Charlie Dowd also shot down the report, saying he and owner Lou DiBella have discussed the speculation.

“Our organization has not spoken to any official in either Richmond or Bowie,” Dowd said.

Moving forward

Now that there have been consecutive seasons with improved attendance combined with what should be a more favorable schedule next year, on paper the Defenders should have a more successful 2009 off the field.

Reading quotes from Lou DiBella in today's Bulletin, I'm not sure how sold the owner is on the team. Maybe I'm reading into things too much, especially since I haven't spoken to him recently, but he seems indifferent on affiliation and soured on ownership.

I know Lou would love to turn a hefty profit at Dodd, but it's not going to happen. Three hundred thousand fans a year won't happen. I do think 215,000 can. That wouldn't be worst or second worst in the Eastern League.

Could we see new ownership? It's possible. Could we see a new affiliation? I think it's all but done.

What I can tell you is Defenders fans have every reason to be excited about next season if for no other reason than the increased support. Hopefully it's a wave that continues to rise.

On a PDC note, look for the Yankees and Trenton to announce their extension sometime in the next two weeks.

2,989

That's how many fans are needed at Sunday's game for the Defenders to reach 200,000 fans this season.

Considering it's the home finale, I think it can be done.

Last time

Alas, that day I've not looked forward to has come: My final Defenders game. As I make the jump over to UConn football season, there will still be Defenders coverage from me and others over the next week-plus.

It didn't really hit me until I stepped into the clubhouse and said my goodbyes to the guys. Between the Giants and Norwich likely ending their relationship and my hope that these guys advance, the chances of ever seeing any of them again are slim to none.

The guys who have been here the last two years or more, especially Garrett Broshuis, Simon Klink, Justin Hedrick, Brooks McNiven and Dave McKae have been a pleasure to talk to and get to know. I'm just as honored to have gotten to work with Adam Witter, Kyle Haines, Joey Martinez, Olmo Rosario, Carlos Sosa, Nate Bump, Paul Oseguera (funny dude) and Antoan Richardson to name a few more.

Seasons continue to amaze me with how quickly they fly. It makes one appreciate the times when you stop to hear the crack of the bat or the pop of the glove.

While there's more to come, I just want to thank you, the reader and the baseball fan. I get to live out my second dream (short of playing) by spending my summer at the ball park and bringing you the happenings with the Connecticut Defenders.

Hmmm....

I had an interesting conversation today with a scout of a major league team interested in a few of the Connecticut Defenders.

The scout mentioned he had wanted to see Pablo Sandoval. He added he saw Sandoval a few years ago and was unimpressed. Having heard about the work Steve Decker did with Sandoval and the way the catcher had been hitting in recent years, Sandoval had garnered interest.

Also on the scout's radar: Joey Martinez, Daryl Maday and Ben Snyder.

Surprise, surprise

I was filling out the Defenders box score for Monday's paper when I saw a name that caused a double take: Eliezer Alfonzo. Is this the Giants' idea of making amends for railroading the team's season? If so, it sucks.

Nothing against Alfonzo, who I've had the pleasure of talking with a few times, but he isn't Pablo Sandoval or Ryan Rohlinger. BTW: Pablo is progressing nicely with an irregular spot on the bench.

On a positive, congratulations are in order for former Defender Travis Ishikawa. Travis hit his first major league dinger today to help Tim Lincecum and the Gianst best the Braves.

New GM in Trenton

Trenton will announce a new GM on Monday. Considering how bad things have been with the Defenders and his ties to the New York City area, I called Defenders GM Charlie Dowd to see if he was relocating. Relax, he told me that he's staying put.

On another note, after a few days of phone tag, Charlie gave me the impression he's none to pleased with last week's roster moves. He spoke with Giants Director of Player Personnel Bobby Evans, who I am sure couldn't have cared less.

Dowd's take was that Evans and the Giants are either clueless about what's happened here in the last month-plus or actually believe that Ryan Rohlinger and Pablo Sandoval are going to make a difference this season in San Francisco.

This latest move may have been the move that turns the Giants into an absolute worst-case option in October.

Season = over

Ryan Rohlinger and Pablo Sandoval were both promoted to the majors today, bringing to an end to a successful 1 1/2 month run for Connecticut. In that time the team went from lost to playoff contender. Now, the defenders must hope they can continue to good play for the next 2-plus weeks if it hopes to see the postseason.

Joining them is another former Defender, Travis Ishikawa.

Two other ex-Defenders, John Bowler and Steve Holm, were sent to Triple-A.

Crossing fingers

That is what the Connecticut Defenders are doing. We all know what happened the last time the team tied Binghamton for third place.

You have to give the Defenders a lot of credit. After the way the last road trip and the series with Trenton played out, no one would have been shocked if they laid down and died against Portland. Instead, they play their most inspired ball of the season and then Tuesday defeat the team with the EL"'s second-best record (Akron) on the road.

Since I had been away for the last few days, I will tell you that the general feeling in the clubhouse going into the Portland series and after the first win was one of confidence. It certainly appears to be the case.

With just over two weeks left in the season, there are three teams within two games for the final Northern Division playoff spot. Who gets it?

This is the breakdown of each team's remaining schedule.
PORTLAND:
2 vs. Altoona
3 vs. Harrisburg
3 at Altoona
3 at Harrisburg
5 vs New Britain, including a DH
4 vs. New Hampshire

BINGHAMTON:
2 vs. Reading
3 at Bowie
3 vs. New Hampshire
3 vs. Bowie
3 at New Hampshire
3 at New Britain

CONNECTICUT
2 at Akron
3 at Erie
3 vs. Akron
3 vs. Erie
4 at Reading
3 at Trenton

Looking just at the schedule, it's not looking so good for the local team. I'd say the one-two punch of a two-game lead and the schedule should be enough for Portland to hold on. That being said, how significant was the collapse on the recent road trip to Binghamton and New Hampshire. If my memory serves me correct, Connecticut lost three games in the standing. That's how close the Defenders may have come to the playoffs. At this late juncture, it's sad if the last 18 don't count as much as eight games played over a week ago.

Filling in

I will be gone for the remainder of the series with Portland, but look forward to Matt Stout picking up the slack on Saturday and Sunday (not sure who is at Dodd Friday).

Anyway, enjoy the games as they will go a long way to determine whether the Defenders have any playoff hope left.

FYI: Ronnie Ray will start the fifth in the opener Friday and Adam Cowart will start one of the games on Saturday.

Sea Dogs series

Per request, this is what I can make out of the Defenders rotation:

Thursday: Paul Oseguera and Joey Martinez
Friday: Garrett Broshuis
Saturday: Dave McKae and Daryl Maday
Sunday: Ben Snyder

Ben Copeland

I just spoke with former Defender outfielder Ben Copeland, who was promoted to Triple-A Fresno earlier this week.

Here is the detailed account:

Q: Where were you when you found out about the promotion to Fresno?

A: "It was after the last game in New Hampshire. [Manager Bien Figueroa] called me into his office before we were getting on the bus to leave to let me know."

Q: Players talk about how excited they were when getting the call to the majors. While this isn't the case, how would you compare your reaction to what you've heard others' promotions?

A: “I can guarantee you I wasn’t as excited as I would be if I got a major league call-up. I was happy. It caught me off guard; statistically I wasn’t having that great of a season.”


Q: What were you told your expectations are for the remainder of the season?

A: “That’s all I really try to do. As far as expectations go, with baseball you’re playing every night. You’re not going to have a good game every night; you’re not going to have a bad game every night. What I do try and do is play hard and win a baseball game.”


Q: When you think about being one step closer to the bigs and you realize that all your hard work has paid off so far, what sort of emotions do you have?

A: "I'm one step closer to the major leagues, but this step to the major leagues is the biggest step that you make, more so than Single-A to Double-A or Double-A to Triple-A. We've already seen it a couple times this year where [the Giants] called guys up from Double-A straight to the major leagues. I still feel I am in Triple-A. There's a month left, so I'm going to work hard while I am here. When it gets into the off season, I have to work just as hard as I have in the off season, maybe even harder. The closer you get to it, the more you want it."

Q: Guys talk about the adjustments they have to make when they move up a level. Even though you've played just one game with Fresno, what do you have to work on to succeed at Triple-A?

A: "I've only payed one game, but I think what's going to be tough for me is blocking out that it's Triple-A. That's a distraction. You're with new teammates, new stadiums, new opponents, and it's in the back, of your mind that all this is new. Therefore you lose focus on what you're doing at that point of time whether it's hitting, or in the outfield or running the bases. I just want to play my game and be focused, have good at bats and play solid defense."

Lost run

The way the Defenders score runs, don't be surprised if this play looms large.

With Olmo Rosario on third and Pablo Sandoval on second and one out, Adam Witter flew out to right field. Both runners tagged up. Rosario, considerably faster, crossed the plate. Moments later, Sandoval was thrown out at third on a one-hop throw from Edwar Gonzalez. The home plate umpire ruled that Sandoval was out before Rosario scored. The play ended the inning.

Not Thunder

But Lightning that struck the scoreboard at Dodd Stadium. That's the word as to why the lower portion of the scoreboard has been inopperable of late.

Copeland gone

Defenders outfielder Ben Copeland was promoted today to Triple-A Fresno. Outfielder Mike Mooney is coming tomorrow from Single-A San Jose.

Mooney's numbers: .272, 10 HR, 25 RBIs.


Still...no pitcher.

The not-so short ride home

Perhaps being dumbfounded is my fault. I suspected that the Defenders would have gone into Binghamton and done some damage, much like they have all season when visiting the Mets. I was partially correct. The damage done was to themselves.

Then, with a chance to rebound and even make up a little bit of the ground it lost in Binghamton, Connecticut is planted firmly on its face against New Hampshire.

Losing 1-run and 2-run games are tough, but knowing the defenders' track record, its a little easier to swallow. The 8-0 whipping tonight is unacceptable.

Amazingly, they are just barely within striking distance of second-place Portland.

Here are the problems, however: First-place Trenton comes in for three games starting Monday. Yes, Trenton lost a few players recently and pitcher George Kontos and Phil Coke, who were supposedly dealt to Pittsburgh, are now in Triple-A. All that considered, Trenton is still a good team.

Then the Defenders essentially play six games in four days with the Sea Dogs.

This from my make believe mailbag:

Q: If Connecticut sweeps all six games they will be in better position, right?
A: Yes, but they need more arms, fresher arms for that series and the team is still waiting on another middle infielder not named Dave Maroul.

The infielder becomes a lesser issue against Portland only because the need for arms trumps the need for a back up infielder. what SHOULD happen is whomever starts Wednesday would become inactive/disabled/reassigned. That player is replaced with another starter (Pucetas?) Then another pitcher needs to be added. Also, to make sure nothing else that would impede the team's chances of winning even four games, Olmo Rosario and Kyle Haines need to be at short and second, respectively.

OK, OK...no more mailbag.

This season — the last couple weeks in particular — are worse than any of the past few seasons. Why? There was the tease of hope, the faint smell of postseason play. I'd rather deal with five months of no chance in Hedes than watch the reward just dangle there and no one seem too interested in snatching it.

There are so few home dates left, and obligations have my number a little lower. If that happens to be the final season in Norwich for San Francisco, hopefully it will at least be an exciting stretch unlike that last week.

No title

This five-game series at Binghamton, which concluded last night, was supposed to be the series where the Defenders a) get into third place and b) give their postseason hopes a boost.

Well, they did get into third place. Albeit a brief, one-day tie. Then -- BOOM -- it all fell to pieces. I'm not going to say its time to kiss the season goodbye just yet. Connecticut has just over a week to make a stand. At New Hampshire for three and then home for essentially nine games between Trenton and Portland next week. Anything less than four of six against New Hampshire and Trenton, and four of six against Portland and that should seal the deal.

Little Papi named Player of the Week

That's right, Connecticut's catcher Pablo Sandoval picked up the league's top weekly honor Monday after an outstanding seven-day stretch. What's even more amazing about the numbers below is that because of rain, Sandoval only played three games.

A .421 avg., 2 HR, 2 2B, 11 RBIs, 3 R and an .842 slugging percentage.

Simply incredible. Six of the RBIs came in an 18-6 win at Portland. The other 5 were from Saturday's come-from-behind win over New Britain at Dodd Stadium when Sandoval hit a grand slam and the game-tying single in the seventh.

In just 26 games with the Defenders, Little Papi has a .345 avg., 9 2B, 6 HR, 26 RBIs, 15 R and a .591 slugging percentage.

What are the chances

that the starting pitcher for the Rock Cats today has the name Rainville? Fitting.

What isn't fitting is the tarp has come on and off the field at least three time since 11 this morning. Just cancel the game!!! All 50 fans here will live. There's a double header tomorrow at Binghamton -- a far more important series than this one -- and Defenders starter Joey Martinez can be saved for Game 1.

No, no, no. Let's play today says the team's front office. Please, for the sake of everyone (and my sanity) cancel the game. The radar at this moment is filled with blue, green, yellow and some red that is heading this way. But hey, we have all day, right?

Are the extra concession sales that important? I know things might be tight around Dodd Stadium, but that extra $200 in hot dogs means what exactly?

Answers, questions and hope

I talked to both Bien Figueroa and Dave Maroul tonight.

Bien said Maroul playing second or short is a product of two things. First, he wants better defense up the middle than what the team's been giving and hopes that maybe Maroul's athletic ability can help. To that, Maroul told me the Giants had him play the entire spring at second two years ago, so the position isn't entirely foreign. The first night he was there in Portland he said was weird, but he got used to it quickly.

Figueroa's other concern is that he has no other middle infielders and needs to be able to rest Kyle Haines and Olmo Rosario. Rosario from what I can tell is the player Figueroa is most concerned about defensively.

This is what makes no sense. Nate Bump went on the DL again today and there was no replacement. Brooks McNiven leaves Monday for Toronto to join up with Team Canada for the Olympics. By Monday there will be two open slots on the roster and no guarantee that they'll be filled or that a middle infielder will be one of the replacements when they do arrive.

As for Ben Snyder, he's been over matched but looked good for the most part tonight. He struck out five over four and then after letting two guys single to start the fifth, struck out the next two before drowning. I don't expect him to leave. What the rotation looks like right now in no particular order:

Martinez
Broshuis
Cowart
McKae
Snyder

The crowd was fantastic. Announced -- and looked like -- 7,070. That's the largest I recall in a few years outside of the All-Star Game. What really impressed me was how after Pablo Sandoval (3-for-4, 5 RBI) finished talking to Matt Martinez on the field for the radio postgame, the fans behind the first base dugout cheered for him. Folks, if you don't realize we have something special in town in the form of Little Papi (trust me, don't go with Papisito -- it doesn't translate to what we think).

My worry with anyone getting their hopes up is that a vast majority of the tickets I was told by one Defenders employee on Friday was bought up by people there for the armed forces salute prior top the game (notice the camo jerseys). Charlie Dowd said that was not correct. either way, over 13,000 fans packed into Dodd Stadium the last two nights. Also, the team passed Harrisburg in league attendance.

I also want to mention the excellent hitting of Adam Witter this month. .318 and counting. He'll catch Joey tomorrow with Pablo likely to DH.

Maroul at second

I didn't ask last night, but will tonight. Why Dave Maroul is at second base is beyond me. At least he hasn't hurt the team tonight (yet). Ben Snyder has been sharp with five Ks through four and Pablo "Little Papi" Sandoval has a grand slam.

Video from the derby

HR derby

Prior to a few weeks ago I hadn't swung a bat in seven years. Back then, I stunk. After a few sessions, I was hitting better than I had before; more contact, more power. Sorry, power is a loose term as it applies to me.

I actually took some cuts today before heading to Dodd Stadium. It was a disappointing session. I should have done better. Some of it was nerves and some was just lack of skill.

Truthfully, I was looking forward to today but became nervous this morning. It wasn't the type of nerves I had when I proposed to my wife, to give a point of reference. I was nervous that I'd make a fool of myself. Reality is that everyone is supposed to look foolish. Except if you can hit one 275 feet or better. Can I hit a ball that far? Yes. Will I is a question I don't know.

My goal all along has been make contact. Then as the field filled in, it was make contact and beat Norwich Mayor Ben Lathrop. He, I've been informed by Defenders jack-of-all-trades Johnny Gill, has withdrawn, as did Kevin Nathan of NBC. That means I'm in trouble.

Lee Elci is here, so is UConn football coach Randy Edsall. Both of whom should rake. Defenders pitching coach shold be a wild card in all this. So should Ch. 8's John Pierson, who has taken cuts with the derby's pitcher, Andy Baylock, throwing to him.

Where do I fall? If I get hot and don't swing at pitches too far above my waist, I may get a couple. If I lose my nerve or become over anxious, well, it'll be a quick 10 outs.

Down goes Papi! Down goes Papi!

This is Garrett Broshuis' take on his striking out Big Papi David Ortiz this week, as seen in the latest Sporting News (click the image to enlarge).

Perplexed

I have been debating what I wanted to blog about: David Ortiz or what I consider the worst mangerial move this season. I'll touch both subjects, just one will come later tonight.

What's really perplexing is the decision to play Dave Maroul at shortstop. I'd like to tell you what Bien Figueroa was thinking short of injury forcing his hand, but I can't. Even if I tried my best to find non-injury logic I just couldn't rationalize my thoughts.

The answer is that Bien Figueroa is simply trying Maroul at different positions. Tonight he is at secnd with Haines at short and Olmo Rosario in left field.

Here's the "logic": It's easily the most important series of the season and the Defenders choose to play a poor defensive player on consecutive days at positions that he should be worse at than the ones he's supposed to be good at.

Decisons like these are why the team won't catch Portland -- or Binghamton. If this was a matter of needing another middle infielder after Jake Wald was promoted last week, tell the Giants you need help. Don't put square pegs into round holes when they don't fit.

A couple of notes

Former Defender Geno Espineli was called up to the majors today. Unfortunately for him, it means he will not pitch in the Olympics. No player on a major league 40-man roster is eligible.

Also, the two players the Gianst received from the Bewers in today's Ray Durham trade will probably not play for the defenders. One is a single-A outfielder hitting .230. The other is in Triple-A and a left-handed pitcher with a high ERA. He may come here to help ease some of the load on the pen. I still don't imagine it happening, however, especially if Nate Bump comes off the DL any time soon.

If you were wondering

why Kelvin Pichardo pitcher just 1/3 of an inning Thursday night, the answer isn't because he's hurt. He's fine. My guess is with the all-star break, Bien Figueroa was trying to get as many guys into the game for the sake of work.

Many of you have asked about Chris Begg, he was released from San Jose this week. This seems to have more to do with Begg being part of Canada's Olympic team. His participation was an issue in the past, so it probably was again. In light of Begg's recent efforts to battle back from injury, the Giants probably insisted he stay with San Jose through August.

Also, no roster move yet to fill the last spot just yet.

Because it's more fun

to have to face rehabbing big leaguers, the Defenders get some more over the next week. They've already faced Chris Duffy and Moises Alou, now they go up against Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, one of my favorites, and then next week Big Papi David Ortiz.

I got a feeling Little Papi Pablo Sandoval is going to rough up El Duque.

All-Star standouts

First I want to thank my friend Dan Hickling for covering the EL All-Star Game for the Bulletin. He did a great job.

Also, check out my team report card in Thursday's papers.

Getting back to the all-star game, Joey Martinez earned the win with two scoreless innings. He was also named Pitcher of the Game. Justin Hedrick pitched a shutout inning, Olmo Rosario had two hits, including a double, and scored a run, and Kyle Haines helped turn two impressive double plays. Congrats to those four Defenders.

On another topic, I don't know how many of you have seen the Bulletin's new design. With it comes a daily segment where fans speak out. Normally, we will take comments from comments in our blogs. Don't worry, we don't use your real names, just your alias. If you want to see your screen name in print, be sure to leave comments (keep it clean and on topic).

Red, White and Geno

Former Defenders pitcher Geno Espinelli was named to the United States' Olympic squad set to compete in Beijing next month. Congrats to Geno!!

Bye-bye Waldo

Jake Wald has returned to Triple-A Fresno and Pitcher Paul Oseguera was activated from the DL. For Jake's sake, I hope he doesn't come back unless its for a Stache and Hawk concert.

Since Fresno needed a shortstop and the Defenders do not, my guess is Travis Denker will return to the Defenders on Thursday.

Why the long faces?

The night the lights went out in Norwich

Just when you thought it was safe to come back to the ballpark, the lighting bacnks in left and center fields, as well as one of the banks over teh first base seats.

You might recall there were lighting issues earlier in the season. Toss in one working computer at the box office and unfinished bathrooms, and Dodd Stadium is starting to resemble a money pit. Now if the seats only fell apart when sat in and the fun would really begin.

Stepping up

While people stay away from Dodd Stadium in droves, the Connecticut Defenders continue to step up for the community.

Today the team welcomed a group of roughly 20 blind fans, upgraded them to a suite and set up a computer so that the fans can listen to the internet broadcast as there is no radio for today's game.

No Alou

Moises Alou is not playing for the Binghamton Mets today, nor is he present at Dodd Stadium. Alou left last night's game early due to a strained left hamstring and is expected to undergo an MRI exam in New York today.

Everything is going right

Winning 11 of 13 games seemed as much fairy tale as wishful thinking a month ago. Even the most die-hard Defenders fan would have likely said that sort of success is a stretch. Here we are, however, July 9 and that is exactly what the Defenders have done.

Not to junx them, but with another game versus the Mets tomorrow morning and four with the woeful New Hampshire squad starting Friday, Connecticut could be 16 of 18 going into the all-star hiatus.

What's more is the lineup looks dangerous. There's some power and there are some guys who are great for contact or situations. Let's not forget the ability to run bases.

Of course, the pitching is still what makes this team click. Adam Cowart, who has been up and down, was clearly up Wednesday. I came away impressed with his make up as he got a dangerous Moises Alou to ground out weakly with the bases loaded in the fifth inning.

Ronnie Ray and Josh Sharpless did their parts in relief.

What really caught my attention came after the game. Manager Bien Figueroa said he has his eyes on a four-game set at Portland 12 days from now. That takes some brass when you are 2-8 against the Sea Dogs. But he has every reason to be confident. No longer are the Defenders two hot hitters three or four spots apart in the lineup. Right now, names like Haines, Sandoval, Rohlinger, Wald, Martinez-Esteve, Witter and Richardson are doing damage.

There may actually be postseason play at Dodd this season and based on the sparse crowds the past two nights, no one cares.

FYI: Nate Bump will miss his scheduled start tomorrow because of a sore right shoulder. He will likely not be pushed back a day, but start his next time through, which would be the first game back from the break. A little rest should do him good.

After the split

Following up on a recent comment about last night's doubleheader...

I understand the logic of playing Witter at catcher in Game 2 and Sandoval at first, but I agree with Hondo in saying I don't like it. Not because Witter shouldn't hit. In fact, why not play Witter at first, but because Sandoval has demonstrated a better arm. The other part of the equation -- which I don't know -- is maybe Brooks McNiven and Sandoval haven't gotten on the same page yet. I need to go back and see if Sandoval has caught McNiven since he arrived here two weeks ago.

What I do agree with is Sandoval getting to rest his knees here and there. If the Defenders truly climb back into the playoff race, then down the stretch Sandoval will be behind the plate every game. It's really not the unusual, no matter the situation, for two different catchers to start doubleheaders. At the end of the day, I can't take exception to the move. Yes, Witter's throwing error proved costly as it let the game's only run to get to third base, but the lineup also failed to produce and is as much at fault as Witter's throw.

Alou playing for Mets

Two weeks ago Felipe Alou was here for the Giants, today his son, Moises, is in the lineup on a rehab start for the Mets. Don't expect too much from him: The Mets' Nick Evans was called up to New York and I expect Alou to join him there after the opener.

Goings as of late

Yes, it's true that Andy Pappas recently left the Defenders. Andy was well-liked by all. And even if Andy made someone upset, they couldn't stay upset with him more than a second. He is truly one of the nicest, most genuine people you could find.

The story I was told was Andy decided to move on, that minor league baseball wasn't for him. I am sure there is more to it than that, and when I find out more, I'll let you know. I also know that there was a recent event at a game that may have soured Andy on working for the Defenders.

Whether or not the team is now looking for another box office manager to replace Justine, who replaced Tony, I cannot confirm. Again, I'll let you know what I find.

Let's also keep this in proper context. Two resignations, firings, defections or whatever the situations may, within roughly a week doesn't mean the sky is falling. The Defenders were here before Justine and Andy and they will be for the near future. There could have been policy changes, career opportunities, family obligations or simple burn out (life in minor league baseball has never been glamorous).

I also want to address something that was being spread on another blog. That is the Defenders are assured or nearly assured of remaining a Giants affiliate beyond this season.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, two Eastern League teams have had their PDC's extended, but there are several teams that have not: Milwaukee, Florida, Minnesota, N.Y. Yankees, Cincinnati, L.A. Dodgers, Arizona, Seattle, L.A. Angels, San Diego and Kansas City.

Unless relationships fall apart between now and October, the Yankees and Twins will extend with Trenton and New Britain, respectively. The Yankees historically do not like to handle PDCs in-season. Based on the proximity of affiliates and location of the major league team, don't expect The Dodgers, Angels, Diamondbacks, Mariners, angels or Padres to come into Dodd Stadium next season. That leaves The Reds (highly unlikely), Kansas City (also highly unlikely), Milwaukee, Florida or the return of the Giants.

The situation is more complicated if the Atlanta Braves' new Triple-A stadium is ready for next season. The move opens up the Richmond, Va., market, which both the Eastern and Southern Leagues want. Detroit would love to move its Erie team to Richmond. If that happens, could the Defenders move to Erie? Possibly, but I doubt it. But what if the Giants moved their affiliate to Richmond, which draws it significantly closer to Single-A Augusta? Maybe Detroit pops down into Norwich. This whole situation is speculative at best.

My point, which I began getting away from, is that the Giants are not guaranteed to return here. I have heard the Giants want out and that they also admitted internally the poor shape of their farm system makes them an unattractive option for other markets. That said, they may re-sign with Norwich out of need for a Double-A home. I have also heard that both Milwaukee and Florida have interest in coming here.

Keep this in mind: Exclude teams who don't negotiate in-season, and the teams that have yet to extended PDCs are the teams that aren't completely sold on where they are. Part of this is negotiating -- teams use one city against the other as leverage. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Bump earns nod

Defenders starter Nate Bump was named the Eastern League's Pitcher of the Week today. Bump was untouched over 12 1/3 innings last week, earning a 2-0 mark. It has been a season of regular improvement for Bump, who spent the past two seasons out of baseball. He is 4-3 with a 3.06 ERA. Bump's success is a big reason Connecticut has pulled itself to a .500 record (won 8 of last 9 games).

Music mates

If you want to know what former Defender Derin McMains has been up to or to learn more about his and Jake Wald's musical exploits as Stache and Hawk, check out today's Norwich Bulletin.

I know some of you heard their first album, Cabin Fever, when it was released last year. The new album, Down on the Farm, is even better and certainly worth a listen. You can hear 30 second sound bites on iTunes, where you can also purchase the entire album or just individual songs.

Sandoval honored

Defenders catcher Pablo Sandoval was added to the Futures Game, part of All-Star Weekend in New York. He will compete on the World team.

Your all-stars are...

pitchers Joey Martinez and Justin Hedrick, along with infielders Olmo Rosario and Kyle Haines.

The Eastern League rosters are very balanced. Unlike in past years where there were some inordinate numbers from some teams, no team has more than five at present and none fewer than three.

It's worth mentioning that former Norwich Navigator Jeff Nettles -- now with Bowie -- made the Southern Division squad.

Sayanora, Matos

It came a week later than I expected, but Defenders closer Osiris Matos was called up to the big leagues Tuesday. Congratulations and good luck!

No word on who will fill his roster spot.