Another update

What was I thinking?

Since I started writing the previous post, the Defenders committed two errors.

I retract speaking of fundamentals and will say that Chris Begg is pitching a fine game.

Three-inning update

Maybe I am reaching. Maybe I am looking for something positive to build upon, but the Defenders have gone three innings today aganist Altoona and have managed to stay in the game. It seems trivial, but watching this game, you see the Defenders doing little things the right way. Does it mean playing fundamental baseball equates to winning the game? No. But if you play fundamental baseball you are going to give yourself a chance to win more often than not. With the exception of an error by shortstop Jake Wald (the runner was picked off), the team has done little things to keep itself in the game. That's a lot more than they've been able to say for sometime.

Rain, Rain Go Away

That's it! I'm officially a jinx. OK, not really. It just seems that the majority of the time when I head to Dodd Stadium, it rains. Team officials know it, I know it, and now you know it. It really is a sad state of affairs.

In all seriousness, this rain is just another bump in the road for the Defenders. They lose 11 games in a row and when they finally win one, any momentum they might have been able to build upon, is shot because of the rain.

Almost there ...

Brilliantly-pitched game by the Defenders' Geno Espinelli today in Connecticut's 1-0 loss to Bowie. The only run scored came from Espinelli's throwing error, but the pitcher went 7 2/3 innings and allowed only five hits. It's something to build on ... and hopefully it's not too late for the Defenders to make the season respectable.

Mike Trocchi

VP's contribution

I was struck by what Defenders corporate sales director Johnny Gill relayed to Bulletin correspondent Marc Allard when Marc talked to him about the departure of former vice president Keith Hallal, who was a big driving force in the Defenders successful brand transition from being the Navigators.
When asked why he moved on, Gill said one of Hallal’s kids one night asked him why he was here (home), that he didn’t leave here, meaning Hallal was neglecting his kids and family.
It just goes to show how tough these kinds of baseball jobs are. They’re not glamorous, just a lot of long days and nights over a long summer.
***
A long summer is what it continues to be for the Defenders, who dropped their 10th in a row Tuesday night. The team still isn’t hitting and I think that puts the pitchers behind the 8-ball from the start. Mentally, it gives the pitchers the idea they have to be perfect or else and that frame of mind is never good.

Mike Trocchi

Woes continue

It just keeps getting worse for the Defenders, who showed signs of life right after the All-Star break, but have now hit their worst stretch of the season. East Lyme's Todd Donovan of Bowie was the latest to tag Connecticut's pitching early and often. That makes me think that Defenders manager Dave Machemer should maybe try the old Lou Pinella trick in Tampa a few years ago when Pinella put his relievers in early and his starters in after the sixth.
Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Mike Trocchi (filling in for Joe Perez while he's on vacation).

Hot and cold

Hey folks!

The Defenders are still on the road and are in serious need of some home cooking. The road trip started off well, but the team has seemingly fallen back into a slump offensively. It is this same slump that has plagued what could have been a promising season.
How frustrating must this year been for the pitching staff?
It seems the starting pitchers give the team a fighting chance almost nightly. That's not to say the hitters haven't had their moments, because they have.
After seeing the way the Defenders played heading into the All-Star break, I think this is just a matter of a team cooling off after a hot streak.

What do you think?

A good deal?

The team has extended its Player Development Contract with the San Francisco Giants through 2008. While I have no doubt this is a good move for the Defenders, I want to know what the fans think. Would you rather see the team affiliated with a different team. When the Navigators were linked to the New York Yankees, did the proximity of the parent club make you more interested?

New start

Hey Defenders fans!

I’m Joe Perez, the new Defenders beat writer for the Norwich Bulletin. There is a lot of potential for the team in the second half of the season. I will do my best to deliver all the ups and downs as the Defenders make a push for the Eastern League playoffs.

By reading my blog, I hope to bring you an inside – and candid – look at the team. We can have some great discussions about the Defenders or baseball in general. Most importantly, this blog will provide you, the fan, a great opportunity to communicate with me and other Defenders fans.

Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks,
Joe