The Replacement Royals are starting to get warm...
We really have started to gel as a groupd of guys...
I think playing together each guy is starting to see his role on the ball-club... I'm sure there are a few guys who wish they were starters and some pitchers who wish they were in different roles...
But Bob Boone and his brain-trust have started to use each guy in the role they see them their strongest...
Pat Perry is throwing the ball very well and could be our closer... with his 5 years of big league experience he has a definate advantage over alot of us...
I have been delegated to the set-up role with an occasional game finished... something I liek very much.. I like trying to get out of a jam in the 7-8 innings and alot of times the game is won right there...
I have no problem at all where I am used now... that all could change depending on how I respond with it...
Now to the game... We played the Cardinals in St Pete this afternoon. they are a pretty good team and we started Tom Dozier, one of our right-handed relievers... he wanted to get a few more innings to work on some things... he pitched very well.. leaving with men on first and second in the 4th with one out... Mike Browning came in and gave up those two runs.. and then got the 2 outs he needed... leaving the score at 3-1 Cardinals after 4 complete... We then hit the starter up for a 4 spot in the 6th... and then 2 more in the 7th... to win 7-3... Bo Kennedy finished the game with 2 scoreless innings...
We also played 3 'extra' innings after the game to get in some of the guys who have not had a chance to pitch or play much... playing in these 'extra' games is like a curse... I have played in way to many to not know the curse of the extra innings scrimmages... these guys usually are let go or sent down very soon after...
Pat Perry and I were on the list to pitch but did'nt get in... We play the Reds tomorrow at home and since there are only 10 games left in spring, Boone has 8-10 pitchers on each days pitching roster and using guys in their pre-determined roles...
With Wednesday off We figure we will get in to tomorrow's game for sure... I for one would like to work on a slider and on my two-seam fastball to get in on lefties and for ground-balls from righties...
It's really hard to 'work' on something when you are trying to win a position on a team... I requested some side-work last week.. but they probably want me to get into game situations. so much for improvement...
Most of the guys are ready for the season to start.. everybody knows pretty much who will make it and who won't... there might be a couple of surprises... but not many...
will have more on the roster tomorrow.. we don't have to be in until 11:00 and that usually means that there are meetings... these are the ones where they decide who make it and who goes...
wish me luck
mallyman
Next Day's Report