12:58 PM - Tonight is the Spirit Preview Show on 1510 the Zone at 7 PM. Thinking about it and blogging about it gives me a convenient excuse to get away from studying for finals for a little bit. On this post I'll run 'live updates' as I listen to the show, and I want to get your reaction to what you hear tonight in the comments. Also, if I happen to miss anything because I'm studying, fill me in. :) -JG
7:31 PM - I just got a chance to tune in. Brent Connolly and Nick Lopardo are talking about how important Jeff Ware was to the pitching staff last season. Nothing but praise [and rightfully so]. Now they're talking about Pete Filson: "He has 8 or 9 years of experience with the Big Leagues... he brings great experience and great wisdom" -Nick Lopardo
7:35 PM - Hahahahaha, Nick Lopardo said "I just met Pete Filson for the first time today" - then two minutes later, he said that during the interview process, he liked Filson's "attitude and enthusiasm." I suppose it could come through over the phone, but still....very funny
7:40 PM - Here we go - the position by position breakdown:
Catcher - "It's going to be tough to replace Alex [Trezza]" - Nick
"It's wide open this year" between Gutierrez and Mike Torres to become the starting catcher. "Torres was a Spirit killer on Brockton" - Nick
Torres "wants to be the starting catcher," he bulked up to 195 pounds
7:49 PM - And we're back...
1st Base - "A lot of buzz about" Brad Rea in training camp
"It's an open spot and someone will win it for us out of camp.... we'll have to see what happens" - Nick
Due to the number of veterans on the roster, Jeff Brooks will be left out.
2nd Base - It's "[Ricardo Cordova's] job to lose"...no surprise
According to Nick, the four Veterans have been in town for four weeks working out together and getting ready for the upcoming season
3rd Base - Another "open position," says Nick; Gilbert Gil was mentioned first. Additionally, Mike Torres "may wind up being our third baseman" if Gutierrez becomes the Catcher. "It might be another revolving door."
Lots of nice talk about our old pal Andy Howdeshell.
Shortstop - Jerson Perez will step in to play short.
"We are very good [up the middle]... it's a matter of filling the corners" -Nick
Outfield - "Looks like the strongest part of the Spirit lineup" -Leahy
Rob Fischer is back: "He understands what it's all about to play North Shore Spirit baseball" -Nick
BJ Weed will be a part of the outfield: "BJ has bulked up" in the weight room this offseason.
Carlos Rodriguez: "A proven veteran... played for Bridgeport and Reno last year, hitting .288" and "A guy that killed us in 2003 for Quebec"..... Tom Donahue thinks that Rodriguez is "one of the finest" minor league players he's ever seen.... "I think he can have a big year for us" - Nick
Darren Blakely: Hit 25 home runs in 2004 for Winston-Salem; "a legitimate professional baseball player... one of the few guys with [AAA experience]] on our team" - Nick
"Not only do we have a very capable defensive outfield, we have some thunder in those bats... they will go a long way toward filling the home run void caused by Trezza and Davilla"
Chad Gabriel: "Could be the sleeper of the bunch... he's got a lot of pop in his bat"'
Designated Hitter - "It's an opportunity for any one of five guys to play that role... and a chance to platoon guys a little bit but still get him in the ballgame"
My take: the offense seems a bit unstable, but there are a lot of talented players on it. I'm fairly optimistic. Pitching talk when they come back
8:11 PM: We are back. Pitching talk, baby!
"The starting rotation looks to be very strong and very deep":
1. Bryan Morse - enough said
2. Chris Farley - "He had injury problems, but... [from time to time] he was unhittable"
3. Joey Siak - back again
4. Shawn McNamara - another returnee
5. Matt Bishop
The starting rotation is the same as it was last year, and that's certainly not a bad thing. 5 deep.
Bullpen:
-Jamie Baker:"We've added a great veteran in Jamie Baker"..."He will be the star of the bullpen" - Nick
-Dennis Robinson returns for another year
-For the rest of the 'situational guys,' it will be a competition "8 solid pitchers coming back... so out of this group you just mentioned there are 2 or 3 spots available"
-Fitz is back to be the closer
8:29 PM - "The parking situation will be much, much better next year" - central parking will be back beyond the centerfield fence
8:30 PM - Pregame buffets: As you come in on the lower concourse down by the offices, there will be some entertainment/music and a pre-game buffet for about $10.
8:34 PM - A new ticket manager has been hired for this season; she was the ticket manager for Lancaster who had the highest attendance in the Atlantic League last year.
8:36 PM - On approx. August 3rd, there will be a Doug Flutie Bobblehead Night and Flutie will be in attendance. There will be another Buffett night, and potentially 'another special event, involving soccer'
8:41 PM - New concessions: soft serve ice cream, McKinnon's steak sandwiches, and a Budweiser beer named after the Spirit
Showing posts with label season preview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label season preview. Show all posts
Friday, May 11, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Will this be 'our year'?
In 2003, as it turns out, the team just wasn't good enough; they were overwhelmed in the final by a superior Brockton side. They made their way to the final that year by overachieving, and riding the heroic pitching performances of John Kelly and the rest of the rotation. They pulled off a number of miraculous wins with their dynamic and speedy offense. And although they never overwhelmed anyone with their talent, their penchant for coming up big and playing as a team made us believe they could win the title. But it was not to be.
The 2004 Spirit were eerily reminiscent of the 2003 Red Sox: they had a prolific lineup led by MVP-caliber slugger Vic Davilla, meaning that they were never out of any game [game 1 of the 2004 playoffs springs to mind instantly, in which the Spirit came back from down 5-0 in the 5th inning to beat Quebec]. But they also had an achilles heel: the bullpen. They couldn't close teams out down the stretch - as was displayed in that frustrating 7 game losing streak to end the regular season in which it seemed like Bicondoa was blowing a save every night.
But the Spirit showed the same heart and resilience in the playoff series with Quebec that served them well in 2003. After a dramatic and at times ugly 5-game playoff victory over Les Caps and a 2-0 lead against New Jersey, victory seemed in the cards. But just like in all of those games down the stretch, the Spirit could not hold the lead. Not only did they allow the Jackals to come back from an 0-2 deficit, they let them do so despite being down to their last 5 outs in game 3 and their last 3 outs in game 4. When Game 5 was played on that chilly and mostly empty Monday night at Fraser Field we all kind of knew what the end result would be - more disappointment. Once again, it was not to be.
2005 was a much different story. Theirs was a story of an underachieving team - a team with arguably the best talent in the league, but one that hit a horrible cold streak at the worst time during the 1st half pennant chase. They put together a remarkable run in the last week of the half but came short of the pennant. They remained hot in the 2nd half but the Rox were hotter. Despite having the league's 2nd best record (and it could have been the #1 best record, if not for basically tanking it once they were eliminated) the Spirit were shut out of the playoffs - victims of their own underachieving in the first half and of the Can Am League's quirky playoff format. Spirit fans lamented the fact that 2005's pitching staff -- particularly with the addition of Alex Herrera -- was the best one yet. In fact, it was hard to argue that that year's Spirit team wasn't the most talented of the 3. But there would be no playoffs in Lynn that season.
Last year, it seemed like the Spirit were finally destined to win the title. They dominated the league so completely that some speculated that the Spirit were the best independent baseball team in the entire country. I'm still convinced that at their peak they could have given any AA team a run for their money. The rotation was chugging along, the bullpen - led by Robinson and Fitzgerald - was unstoppable, and the lineup was solid enough to pick up W's for the pitchers. BJ Weed and the late return of Rob Fischer provided amazing hustle and outfield defense. The Spirit also had their share of magical moments, such as the 12-hour long doubleheader against Sussex to nail down the first half title.
But the Spirit lineup hit the skids at the worst possible time. In what could only be described as a colossal meltdown and a major disappointment, the Spirit coughed up series leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in Quebec as the rent-boy cheating Capitales finally managed to get use out of their magical 2nd half acquisitions, upsetting the Spirit before beating out the Rox in a classic championship series. Adding to the frustration that night during Game 5 was having to listen to the game En Francais and listen to their annoying announcer go nuts because our broadcast was on tape delay. Despite demonstrating their strength and dominance of the Can Am League all summer, the Spirit once again fell short in their quest to win the title.
There was also the specter hanging over everyone's head that 2006 would be the last season of Spirit baseball. After the last game ended, one got the depressing sense that it was the end of a fun 4-year run. But the Spirit made another 'last-second comeback,' and now are preparing for 2007.
On paper, this year's pitching staff looks even better than last year's. The line-up --- the weak spot of the Spirit during the playoffs, for sure --- is completely overhauled and patched together with numerous new pieces. Only time will tell if they can become the lineup that propels the Spirit to the Can Am League title. As we learned last year, you can't ONLY rely on the arms.
With a new manager, a completely new lineup, and continued questions about the team's future existence swirling around the franchise as it enters its 5th season, it should be interesting to see how the season develops. Here's hoping that this year's team is the one that gets it done.
The 2004 Spirit were eerily reminiscent of the 2003 Red Sox: they had a prolific lineup led by MVP-caliber slugger Vic Davilla, meaning that they were never out of any game [game 1 of the 2004 playoffs springs to mind instantly, in which the Spirit came back from down 5-0 in the 5th inning to beat Quebec]. But they also had an achilles heel: the bullpen. They couldn't close teams out down the stretch - as was displayed in that frustrating 7 game losing streak to end the regular season in which it seemed like Bicondoa was blowing a save every night.
But the Spirit showed the same heart and resilience in the playoff series with Quebec that served them well in 2003. After a dramatic and at times ugly 5-game playoff victory over Les Caps and a 2-0 lead against New Jersey, victory seemed in the cards. But just like in all of those games down the stretch, the Spirit could not hold the lead. Not only did they allow the Jackals to come back from an 0-2 deficit, they let them do so despite being down to their last 5 outs in game 3 and their last 3 outs in game 4. When Game 5 was played on that chilly and mostly empty Monday night at Fraser Field we all kind of knew what the end result would be - more disappointment. Once again, it was not to be.
2005 was a much different story. Theirs was a story of an underachieving team - a team with arguably the best talent in the league, but one that hit a horrible cold streak at the worst time during the 1st half pennant chase. They put together a remarkable run in the last week of the half but came short of the pennant. They remained hot in the 2nd half but the Rox were hotter. Despite having the league's 2nd best record (and it could have been the #1 best record, if not for basically tanking it once they were eliminated) the Spirit were shut out of the playoffs - victims of their own underachieving in the first half and of the Can Am League's quirky playoff format. Spirit fans lamented the fact that 2005's pitching staff -- particularly with the addition of Alex Herrera -- was the best one yet. In fact, it was hard to argue that that year's Spirit team wasn't the most talented of the 3. But there would be no playoffs in Lynn that season.
Last year, it seemed like the Spirit were finally destined to win the title. They dominated the league so completely that some speculated that the Spirit were the best independent baseball team in the entire country. I'm still convinced that at their peak they could have given any AA team a run for their money. The rotation was chugging along, the bullpen - led by Robinson and Fitzgerald - was unstoppable, and the lineup was solid enough to pick up W's for the pitchers. BJ Weed and the late return of Rob Fischer provided amazing hustle and outfield defense. The Spirit also had their share of magical moments, such as the 12-hour long doubleheader against Sussex to nail down the first half title.
But the Spirit lineup hit the skids at the worst possible time. In what could only be described as a colossal meltdown and a major disappointment, the Spirit coughed up series leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in Quebec as the rent-boy cheating Capitales finally managed to get use out of their magical 2nd half acquisitions, upsetting the Spirit before beating out the Rox in a classic championship series. Adding to the frustration that night during Game 5 was having to listen to the game En Francais and listen to their annoying announcer go nuts because our broadcast was on tape delay. Despite demonstrating their strength and dominance of the Can Am League all summer, the Spirit once again fell short in their quest to win the title.
There was also the specter hanging over everyone's head that 2006 would be the last season of Spirit baseball. After the last game ended, one got the depressing sense that it was the end of a fun 4-year run. But the Spirit made another 'last-second comeback,' and now are preparing for 2007.
On paper, this year's pitching staff looks even better than last year's. The line-up --- the weak spot of the Spirit during the playoffs, for sure --- is completely overhauled and patched together with numerous new pieces. Only time will tell if they can become the lineup that propels the Spirit to the Can Am League title. As we learned last year, you can't ONLY rely on the arms.
With a new manager, a completely new lineup, and continued questions about the team's future existence swirling around the franchise as it enters its 5th season, it should be interesting to see how the season develops. Here's hoping that this year's team is the one that gets it done.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
SEASON PREVIEW 2007: Burning Questions
SEASON PREVIEW:
Preseason Burning Questions
Feel free to volunteer your own answers.
NOTE: I said this was coming sooner, but my computer died. It happens.
1. What are the strengths of the Spirit?
Pitching, pitching, pitching, experience, and pitching. The Spirit had by far the best rotation and bullpen last year and it looks to be bolstered with the addition of Jamie Baker and a few other strong arms. The Spirit are also a very experienced team. New guys Torres, Blakely and Gill all bring Indy ball experience, and the Spirit also return veterans like Cordova and Bryan Morse.
2. What are the Spirit's biggest question marks?
The lineup, specifically power production; health of the rotation; team chemistry; the manager; and whether or not Fitzgerald can repeat his performance as a closer.
The Spirit lineup is certainly a big question mark. The offense put up some good numbers last year but it was exposed as the team's Achilles Heel in the postseason by Quebec's good pitching. The re-retirement of Vic Davilla leaves a gaping hole in the order and there are a lot of new guys patched together.
The production of big man Brad Rea will be important to the team because he will probably be the guy expected to put up the biggest power numbers.
Additionally, as is always the case in baseball, the Spirit will need their starters to stay healthy, which is questionable given the age of some of the starters. Morse has always been a durable guy, and the Spirit need that to continue. Also, having a dominant closer is critical to any team's success and Fitzgerald was that last year. However, time and time again we've seen 'lights-out' closers fade after a good season or two.
The Spirit always seem to put together a good group of guys with great chemistry - it will be interesting to see how that changes with the departure of John Kennedy and with Vic Davilla being named manager. Will he command the respect of the players the way Kennedy did? How will all these new guys come together?
3. Spirit: Bottom Line
If Vic proves to be a qualified manager, the new guys have decent power numbers, and the pitchers stay healthy, there's no reason why this Spirit team can't be the one that brings home the Can-Am League championship --- finally. I'll go ahead and predict they will, on the strength of their pitching.
4. Who are the three most important players to the Spirit's success this year?
Kevin Fitzgerald, Bryan Morse, and Rob Fischer. Fischer will have to be the centerpiece of the Spirit offense - assuming he'll be here this season. Losing him would be a huge blow. But since we're very close to the start of the season and he's still on the roster, I'm feeling optimistic.
5. What will the Spirit's off the field/attendance situation be?
I believe that attendance will remain constant and steady. I'm guessing the average attendance will be at about 2,000 a game, which will hopefully be enough to keep the team around for Year Number 6. Also, expect more aggravating tape delays from 1510 the Zone to bring us Tuesday Night Bass Fishing Talk on Sporting News Radio, without the option of a live webcast.
6. Can Quebec defend their crown?
It's so hard to repeat as champions in any sport, but with the turnover in Indy ball it's particularly challenging. The Caps have lost some pieces that were key to last year's team but still look to have a strong side this year. However I do believe that this year the Spirit will win the title.
7. What team will be the most improved on the field?
Sussex. First of all, anything is an improvement compared to last year. But more importantly, they re-shaped the entire roster and added a bevy of new, decent arms - you know that they don't want to repeat the embarrassment of last year. They won't contend for the league title, but they could get up to mid-table.
8. What team will slide back the most on the field?
Quebec. They still have a good team, but they overachieved in the playoffs and lost some pieces from that team to boot.
9. What team will improve the most in terms of off-the-field, attendance, publicity etc.?
Nashua. Their local ownership group is very dedicated to improving and promoting the franchise, and the addition of El Guapo will add an extra buzz around Holman Stadium and should get the Pride mentioned all over the New England media.
10. Who will slide back the most off-the-field?
Atlantic City. We've seen time and time again that first year teams in the Can-Am League in cities that used to have higher level teams experience a significant drop off in attendance. I wonder why the league keeps trying it. Atlantic City is an aberration in that they are a great, big market for the CanAm league, but teams like Sussex and New Haven were doomed to failure from the start.
11. Who will win the league title?
The Spirit. Yep, I said it. Shoulda' had it last year. They'll finally do it this year.
12. Who is a dark horse to win the league title?
New Haven - they had a solid run late last year but ran into a hot Brockton team.
13. I know predictions like this are silly early in the season, but take a stab at ranking the teams 1-10, first in order of record, then in order of average attendance.
Record:
Spirit
Brockton
New Haven
New Jersey
Worcester
Quebec
Nashua
Sussex
Atlantic City
Grays
Attendance:
Quebec
Brockton
Worcester
North Shore
New Jersey
Nashua
Atlantic City
New Haven
Sussex
Preseason Burning Questions
Feel free to volunteer your own answers.
NOTE: I said this was coming sooner, but my computer died. It happens.
1. What are the strengths of the Spirit?
Pitching, pitching, pitching, experience, and pitching. The Spirit had by far the best rotation and bullpen last year and it looks to be bolstered with the addition of Jamie Baker and a few other strong arms. The Spirit are also a very experienced team. New guys Torres, Blakely and Gill all bring Indy ball experience, and the Spirit also return veterans like Cordova and Bryan Morse.
2. What are the Spirit's biggest question marks?
The lineup, specifically power production; health of the rotation; team chemistry; the manager; and whether or not Fitzgerald can repeat his performance as a closer.
The Spirit lineup is certainly a big question mark. The offense put up some good numbers last year but it was exposed as the team's Achilles Heel in the postseason by Quebec's good pitching. The re-retirement of Vic Davilla leaves a gaping hole in the order and there are a lot of new guys patched together.
The production of big man Brad Rea will be important to the team because he will probably be the guy expected to put up the biggest power numbers.
Additionally, as is always the case in baseball, the Spirit will need their starters to stay healthy, which is questionable given the age of some of the starters. Morse has always been a durable guy, and the Spirit need that to continue. Also, having a dominant closer is critical to any team's success and Fitzgerald was that last year. However, time and time again we've seen 'lights-out' closers fade after a good season or two.
The Spirit always seem to put together a good group of guys with great chemistry - it will be interesting to see how that changes with the departure of John Kennedy and with Vic Davilla being named manager. Will he command the respect of the players the way Kennedy did? How will all these new guys come together?
3. Spirit: Bottom Line
If Vic proves to be a qualified manager, the new guys have decent power numbers, and the pitchers stay healthy, there's no reason why this Spirit team can't be the one that brings home the Can-Am League championship --- finally. I'll go ahead and predict they will, on the strength of their pitching.
4. Who are the three most important players to the Spirit's success this year?
Kevin Fitzgerald, Bryan Morse, and Rob Fischer. Fischer will have to be the centerpiece of the Spirit offense - assuming he'll be here this season. Losing him would be a huge blow. But since we're very close to the start of the season and he's still on the roster, I'm feeling optimistic.
5. What will the Spirit's off the field/attendance situation be?
I believe that attendance will remain constant and steady. I'm guessing the average attendance will be at about 2,000 a game, which will hopefully be enough to keep the team around for Year Number 6. Also, expect more aggravating tape delays from 1510 the Zone to bring us Tuesday Night Bass Fishing Talk on Sporting News Radio, without the option of a live webcast.
6. Can Quebec defend their crown?
It's so hard to repeat as champions in any sport, but with the turnover in Indy ball it's particularly challenging. The Caps have lost some pieces that were key to last year's team but still look to have a strong side this year. However I do believe that this year the Spirit will win the title.
7. What team will be the most improved on the field?
Sussex. First of all, anything is an improvement compared to last year. But more importantly, they re-shaped the entire roster and added a bevy of new, decent arms - you know that they don't want to repeat the embarrassment of last year. They won't contend for the league title, but they could get up to mid-table.
8. What team will slide back the most on the field?
Quebec. They still have a good team, but they overachieved in the playoffs and lost some pieces from that team to boot.
9. What team will improve the most in terms of off-the-field, attendance, publicity etc.?
Nashua. Their local ownership group is very dedicated to improving and promoting the franchise, and the addition of El Guapo will add an extra buzz around Holman Stadium and should get the Pride mentioned all over the New England media.
10. Who will slide back the most off-the-field?
Atlantic City. We've seen time and time again that first year teams in the Can-Am League in cities that used to have higher level teams experience a significant drop off in attendance. I wonder why the league keeps trying it. Atlantic City is an aberration in that they are a great, big market for the CanAm league, but teams like Sussex and New Haven were doomed to failure from the start.
11. Who will win the league title?
The Spirit. Yep, I said it. Shoulda' had it last year. They'll finally do it this year.
12. Who is a dark horse to win the league title?
New Haven - they had a solid run late last year but ran into a hot Brockton team.
13. I know predictions like this are silly early in the season, but take a stab at ranking the teams 1-10, first in order of record, then in order of average attendance.
Record:
Spirit
Brockton
New Haven
New Jersey
Worcester
Quebec
Nashua
Sussex
Atlantic City
Grays
Attendance:
Quebec
Brockton
Worcester
North Shore
New Jersey
Nashua
Atlantic City
New Haven
Sussex
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