Blogs of Note-What The Heck, Bobby?; The Crawfish Boxes

Been reading up on this blog, which covers our Astros in their infancy, among other interests. The site admin has an interesting series going now, written by none other than Lancaster Jethawks C-LF Jordan Comadena under the title A Journey With Jordan. Well worth the read, whether you're an Astros fan or not.

The way I see it, anytime you can get an insight into the day-to-day life of a player making his way through the minors, it's worth a look. Check out her Interviews and Profiles section, as well. Certainly a blog of note.

Also, The Crawfish Boxes on SB Nation is one of the best blogs out there for news and views on Astros players and personnel. A must-read for any 'Stros fan. 

NEWS FLASH: Josh Hamilton Is Human, After All

"I think he's got that tiger by the tail. If him and I could be together, it would be awesome because we get along so well. And if I thought that was the case that he would be in some sort of danger, I'd really reconsider."-Michael Dean Chadwick, Josh Hamilton's father-in-law, after declining the position of accountability partner for Hamilton. 

FEB 3rd, 2012-Addiction is a curious issue. 

Among all conditions which are classified as diseases or disorders, addiction is arguably the most controversial. Some folks don't consider it a disease at all, but a choice. Others would disagree, citing genetic markers as proof. 

Regardless of what you may think, the prevailing evidence suggests that it's a mix of both. There may be tendencies in the addict to drink or use drugs, but the decision to do so still lies with the individual. Some tendencies may be stronger than others. And many addicts manage to hide their addiction from friends and family; some even lead relatively normal lives in spite of drugs or alcohol. Most can, at the very least, keep their names and faces off of the front page, even if they're caught. 

Rangers CF Josh Hamilton, however, is not quite so lucky. 

According to Foul Territory, a sports blog written for the Dallas Star-Telegram:

"KTVT/Channel 11 reported Thursday that second baseman Ian Kinsler was seen with Hamilton at Sherlock’s Pub in North Dallas. A source, though, said that Kinsler went there only after receiving a call from Hamilton."

Also, from Drew Silva of NBC Sports' Hardball Talk:

UPDATE, 11:27 PM: Fraley has more details: The incident happened at Sherlock’s Pub & Grill in Dallas and Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler showed up at one point in an attempt to drag Hamilton home. Yikes.

UPDATE, 11:38 PM: From beat writer Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: “Sources say Ian Kinsler received a call from Josh Hamilton and went to bar out of concern.” Double yikes.

It would be hard for me to add anything to the hundreds of news articles and blog entries that have already sprung up on the Net about this incident, but I would like to mention one particular issue: Josh Hamilton is forever linked to the accidental, tragic death of a fan, Shannon Stone. 

Everyone knows the story: Hamilton throws a ball to Stone, a Brownwood area firefighter. Stone reaches for the ball and falls over a railing, twenty feet, to the concrete below. While he was conscious and responsive when EMS arrived, according to Oakland pitcher Brad Ziegler, who stated that he heard Stone say "please check on my son up there", he went into cardiac arrest and died in transit. 

This incident occurred less than a year after another fan (Tyler Morris; coincidentally, also a firefighter) fell 35 feet over a railing, suffering skull, foot and ankle fractures but ultimately surviving the fall. While Hamilton wasn't connected in any way with that accident, he was most certainly connected with Stone's fall, and I'm guessing he carries that with him every single day of his life. 

There's no question in my mind that Hamilton bears no responsibility in Stone's death, but do you really think that makes it any easier for him to cope with the memory of watching a man fall over a railing, one which was supposedly part of team president Nolan Ryan's "safety review" after the Morris incident, and ultimately die as a result of his injuries? Would it be any easier for you? For my own part, I can say that I'd NEVER be able to put that sort of memory out of my mind. I'm not even a drinker, and I'm guessing that a nightmare like that would drive me to it. 

Hamilton, on the other hand, is a recovering addict. There's a reason that the word "recovering" is consistently used in relation to the label "addict": it's because recovery is a day-by-day process, and it must be approached that way. It's a human disease, suffered by flawed human beings, and some days are easier than others. Most addicts don't have the pressure of potentially reliving standing by while another man suffers a mortal wound right in front of them, performing in front of tens of thousands of people 162 times a year (not counting the millions watching on TV or listening on radio), and having their every move scrutinized, criticized or condemned. Oh, and wondering if, while enduring this hurricane of emotion and the constant pressure that comes with it, they just might injure themselves in a way that could bring their career to a screeching halt. That, my friend, is quite a load to bear. 

Oh, and by the way...then he gets to pick that emotional scab by catching the first pitch of Game 1 of the ALCS, thrown by none other than Cooper Stone, son of the deceased. 

There is no doubt in my mind that Josh carries that burden, and for the most part, carries it well. He's an imperfect man, and like many Christians he's doing his best to reach perfection, something he knows he'll never come close to accomplishing. Sometimes, he's going to fail horribly. Monday night was one of those times. That shouldn't change how we look at him any more than how we look at our friends or family when they let us down. Regardless of how or why he was in that bar, he made a mistake: he relapsed. And it sure didn't take long for some writers to condemn him for what, as far as we know, is only the second time since his return to professional baseball that he's had anything to do with drugs or alcohol. Sadly, it is all but completely certain that this will affect the way many fans, as well as Rangers management, look at their star center fielder. But it shouldn't. It's a fact of life: some people would rather curse the darkness than light a candle. 

In the grand scheme of things, and when taken in comparison with what he's overcome in his journey through life, this is only one night, one failure. And that's all it should be. 

But when it comes down to it, I'm guessing that there will still be a large contingent of doubters out there who will be waiting on pins and needles for Josh Hamilton to show us once more just how human he is. From the looks of it, there's plenty to find regarding his previously (highly-publicized) relapse, and lots of people with a lot of time on their hands and a lot of venom on their keyboard. That's just sad. And frankly, pathetic. 

When it's all said and done, when the whole story finally comes to light, the end result could be costly. Not that he made such an egregious error in judgment, but that this one error could cost him more than just zeroes in his next contract. It could cost him the faith and understanding of thousands of fans, fans who may be too quick to take into account his flaws and his weaknesses because they're either unable or unwilling to see past his baseball ability. 

And that's the real shame of it. 

Read more here: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/foul_territory/2012/02/sources-josh-hamilton-relapsed-with-alcohol.html#storylink=cpy

Executive Interview: Chris Maxwell, GM, Bluefield Blue Jays (Short-Season, Appalachian League)

Jan 29th, 2012-In minor league baseball, being a general manager isn't so much about overseeing the day-to-day operations of your team as it is...well, being the day-to-day operations of your team. In the minors, a GM has a hand in every single part of team operations, from ticket sales to promotions to meal money for the players. Even painting the stadium. Painting. That's right.

See, being a general manager in the minors means you generally manage everything. Sure, you have a supporting cast, and they're every bit as important as you'd expect them to be, but in the end it all falls on you to be sure that all the little details (as well as the big ones) are covered. It's not glamour and fame, and in order to be truly good at what you do you really have to love the game. It's probably the most important requirement for the job.

Bluefield has a man that fits that description, and fits it well. After the Orioles pulled out of their commitment to their Appalachian League affiliate, to the surprise and shock of many, Toronto was ready and more than willing to fill the void. Chris Maxwell is running the show for the brand-new Blue Jays affiliate in the tiny mountain town, and he's had a hand in everything. Just as it should be.

The Orioles drew 1/3^rd fewer fans in 2010 than they did in the previous season. What did you find was your greatest challenge in terms of bringing fans out to the park, especially given the issues that sometimes occur when a team pulls out of a city without warning?

I think the original fear was after 53 years could the town accept a new team. I think the shock that came with the Orioles leaving combined with the fact they had had several sub .500 seasons prior to leaving left a hole in a lot of fans hearts. The Blue Jays came in and embraced the town and the history here and the fans came out in droves to support us.

Given that each league and organization has their own way of doing business, have you noticed any significant differences in your time in the Appalachian League when compared with your experiences in the Pioneer League?

The big difference between the Pioneer league and the Appy league is just distance and size. The Appy league is much closer knit simply because we are no more than 3 hours from each other. In the Pionner league you have some 12 hour plus bus rides. The cities are larger in the Pionner league but a lot of the feel of the games are similiar.

Is there any one specific issue or complaint that you hear often from the fans regarding their experiences at the park?

I think we get just the usual type of complaints like the concession lines are too long that sort of thing. You just address them one by one and try to get better.

If you had the absolute, final say on all decisions in Toronto's organization for a day, what would you do with that authority?

Prince Fielder at first, Verlander, Lee, Halladay, Lincecum, Sabbathia rotation and one dollar beers.

Did you always see yourself becoming a part of the professional sports industry?

As a kid I was the worst player on every team I ever played on. I was a cruise director for 10 years before I even knew you could make a living in sports management. Sheer dumb luck and good fortune got me into minor league baseball.

What would you consider your most memorable moment in baseball?

My favorite moment was when I was a clubbie for the Birmingham Barons and we played in a yearly game called the Rickwood Classic. They play it at an old ballpark in downtown Birmingham. They have the old throwback uniforms and everything. The whole game just feels like its the 1920's. It really is something special.

Are there any players in Toronto's farm system who stand out in your mind?

Being new to the organization last year Im really only familiar with our guys but up and down the line the have some really exciting talent at every level.

What specific qualities do you consider most important for a player to possess while making his way up the chain?

I have never professed to know anything about coaching baseball but I always felt you couldn't succeed without listening skills and work ethic. You can have all the talent in the world and you won't get anywhere without it and if your not as talented it can get you too the next level.

What would you consider the most important lesson you've learned in your time in professional sports?

Honor and respect how others get things done. You will always learn something.

If you had one piece of advice for aspiring sports professionals, what would it be?

Learn to throw left handed.

Player Interview: Brandon Culbreth, RHP, GCL Astros

 "It's crazy. It will hit me when I am at the airport about to board the plane. It hasn't hit me that I am a professional baseball player." 

-Brandon Culbreth, shortly after he was announced as the 8^th round pick of the Houston Astros

JAN 17th, 2012-Remember the days before TiVO?

There was a time, not so long ago, when there were no such things as DVRs or TiVO boxes. No pause button for live TV, no skipping commercials. And if you stepped away for a moment, you were gonna miss whatever happened. A bathroom break, ill-timed, and J.R. is stiff as a board, already.

If you weren't born while Gerald Ford was in office, you might not get that reference. Tough. Google it.

Most of us never had to concern ourselves with missing anything terribly important, in situations like that. Situations that changed our lives in ways slightly more meaningful than missing the new Twilight trailer. Like hearing your name announced on a live broadcast as a newly-drafted professional baseball player. But I digress. (ed. note-fortunately we have the Internet; the MLB Draft was 'live' online, and of course the  Draft isn't televised) My point is, there's something to be said for being "in The Moment", "being there", "showing up" or whatever you want to call it. From time to time, The Moment has a habit of sneaking up on you, so it really is true that half of life is just showing up. 

Brandon Culbreth nearly missed his Moment. Turns out Nature called before the Houston Astros.

Recently, I had a chance to sit down with Brandon and talk to him about his experiences in pro ball as a newly-drafted member of the Astros:

I'd like to start by asking you about the day of the 2011 Draft. After having sat through hours of names being called, did you nearly miss your name being called because of a “prior obligation”?

Haha yes I did, on day two of the draft Mom had asked me to stay by the computer all day just in case my name was called. I expected to hear my name in the 40th or 50th rounds so i wasn't too focused on day 2. But seconds after Greg Holts (UNC) name was called i was making a B-line for the bathroom and on my way i heard "8th round pick the Houston Astros select Brandon Culbreth 250th pick overall". Very surreal. Phone blew up after that.

-While the Astros drafted you as a pitcher, you also played third base and OF for Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville, North Carolina. Would you have any preference as to how you are utilized by Houston, if you had final say on the matter?

Haha no sir, I can't hit. I think pitching is the right fit for me. 

-You played your first three seasons at Ronald Reagan High School in Pfafftown, then transferred to FCD and played under coach Andy Partin. Both schools are part of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School District. Was there any specific reason behind the move?

Better coaching and better competition. I owe all of my accomplishments to Partin and the team of Dirtbag coaches. Some had to do with grades but i wont get into that haha. It was a better fit for me and turned out to be the best decision of my life. 

-As far as learning experiences in amateur ball are concerned, what lesson would you say will serve you best, now that you're a pro?

Learned that baseball is a failure sport. Your going to fail way more than you succeed but you have (to) overcome those failures. Also, not to take anything for granted because you never know when your last game will be.

-According to Baseball America's scouting report, you were sitting in the high-80's with your fastball at the time the report was written. As of late summer 2011 you were hitting the mid-90's. Coach Partin attributes the time you devoted in the weight room to your jump in velocity. Do you feel like you were able to make changes to your mechanics or your approach in general that contributed to this increase, or would you credit your time hitting the weights most of all?

Most was the weight room but also the extra year of high school helped me mature and realize that I wanted baseball more than anything and i was going to work my ass off to become the player i wanted to be. I stopped all the partying and stayed out of trouble and it turned my life around.

-Had you not been drafted, you were planning to attend N. C. State. Do you feel your transition to pro ball will be significantly more difficult because you are making the jump straight from high school?

Tough question because I didn't attend college but it's nice not having to find that even mix of workouts, baseball, and schoolwork. Pro ball, I can strictly focus on baseball.

-Are there certain aspects of pitching that you are finding more difficult to master than others?

Throwing strikes! haha. Ask any of my coaches...I can't do it. I still have so much to learn about the game but I feel I've improved a lot since starting pro ball.

-What one experience would you say stuck with you the most from your brief time in the Gulf Coast League in 2011?

My first day in extended, (a) Dominican player walks up to me and asks if I'm "mericon". I thought he said are you American so I answer "si". All the (Dominican players) went nuts. Later learned "mericon" means gay.

-If you could pass on some advice to younger pitchers, what would that be?

Don't let anyone get in the way of your dreams. Hard work pays off.

-If, God forbid, your plans fell through and you had to become something other than a baseball player, what would that something be?

Don't jinx me. Personal Training.

Green Diamonds: Bryce Massanari, C, Asheville Tourists (Class A, SAL, Colorado Rockies)

Name: Jonathan Bryce Massanari

HT: 6’2”          WT:  215

Born: April 29, 1986 in Las Vegas , NV

Acquired: Colorado Rockies , 30^th round, 2009 June Amateur Draft

Bio:

This Southern Nevada CC and Georgia alumnus has shown a hot hand in this, his first season in the Sally League. It’s not exactly like he was an unknown commodity prior to this year; from the beginning of his college career, he showed a knack for clutch hitting and plus power. He set a Nevada prep record for career hits with 222, was a three-time All-State selection and hit nearly .500 for his senior year (.492), along with 8 HR and 46 RBI. He was a First Team All-Region selection as a freshman at Southern Nevada while posting a team-high .435 OBP along with a .469 SLG %. He was a medical redshirt in his sophomore year because of a foot injury, but came back in 2007 to bat .325-11-65 with an amazing 30 RBI recorded with 2 outs. Massanari was a 1^st Team All-SEC selection as a junior. His last college season added even more accolades to his already-impressive resume: his 19 homers was good for 6^th all-time on Georgia’s single season list, again showed a propensity for clutch hitting with 24 of his 57 RBI coming in 2-out situations, he was named Second Team All-SEC, and became the 8^th Georgia player to hit three homers in a game after hitting three homers in as many AB April 3^rd-4^th.

Overview:

He certainly looks the part, with a prototypical catcher’s build. Sloped shoulders, good upper body strength and a thick, sturdy base help him to drive through the ball with relative ease. He carries himself with a quiet coolness and appears every bit the confident player in all facets of the game. While he certainly doesn’t appear very athletic, this is a pretty common occurrence with catchers. After all, how many Joe Mauers or Jason Kendalls can there be?

Batting:

Massanari doesn’t get cheated at the plate, as he usually takes a big cut. He’s not quite a “grip it and rip it” type at this level, though may fall into that approach when he is faced with better pitching at the higher levels. While he has fairly quick reaction time, his swing is a little slower than you’d like to see from a young hitter with the history of success that he has. Even so, he wastes little movement in getting to the ball and tracks pitches well. When he connects, which thus far this year is often, he can put a real charge in the ball. As he makes the rounds in the Sally, there’s no doubt that he’s going to put fear in the hearts of moundsmen everywhere. Once he reaches Class AA and faces better breaking pitches I would expect him to struggle mightily for some time until he adjusts. He will probably end up being an all-or-nothing type of batter if he makes The Show. He doesn’t take much of a stride, preferring instead to use the powerful torque he generates from his hips. As I mentioned before, his solid base helps him to keep his balance very well and he squares up the barrel often. He’s got plus power and puts a lot of air under the ball, and can drive it to left and left-center, but needs to work on driving the ball the other way in order to take full advantage of his power. He certainly can create the leverage to do this on a regular basis. Massanari has a long history of performing under pressure (at least as far as prep and college are concerned), and I see no reason that this wouldn’t carry over in his pro career. He can be made to chase out of the zone, but can handle the slower curves.

Baserunning:

As I said before, he’s definitely built like a catcher. As such, his baserunning speed leaves something to be desired. Since we’re not talking about a leadoff hitter here, I’m not putting a lot of weight (ahem!) on this subject, and he will learn to make up for the lack of speed by learning to be smarter instead of faster. He takes a comfortable lead but is visibly aware of his shortcomings in the speed department and plays accordingly.

At this stage he is just a click above being a station-to-station runner, and that’s not going to get a whole lot better.

Fielding:

Massanari sets a very low target for his pitchers, sometimes even sitting in half-Indian style with one leg outstretched, ala Tony Pena. He gloves the short pitches easily and shifts left to right adequately. Of note in this regard is the two letters he earned while in high school as a TENNIS player, a game which demands strong lateral movement and quickness of foot. You don’t find too many catchers who can make this claim. He also appears to be at least average in blocking pitches in the dirt. Massanari frames pitches well, but can sometimes hold the ball a bit longer than he should, which brings out the impatience in some umpires and could lead to them squeezing his pitchers in the later innings. His pop times are sub-2.00 consistently, but his footwork coming out of the crouch could use a little work and his glove-to-hand transfer is a little slow. He seems to be relying almost purely on arm strength, and could end up above-average in controlling the running game with a little work on these issues. He appears confident in calling pitches; he gives the sign, takes the pitch, and almost immediately gives the next sign. He helps his pitcher maintain a good rhythm because of this.

Outlook:

Massanari looks the part of a late-round gem, at this point. He does have some rough edges in certain areas, but most of it can be corrected with a little coaching and some hard work. My main concern is that he’s facing players who are 3-5 years younger than him in the SAL, and his numbers show the results of this, but only to a point. The talent is certainly legit. However, as is the case with so many others, his eventual promotion to AA ball will tell the story. Still, there’s reason to believe that he will make the adjustments necessary to compete at the higher levels. Conditioning will be of primary concern as he reaches his late 20’s, and he doesn’t have any leeway in this regard. He can’t afford to lose agility or speed, because that would be the kiss of death for a player like him. I would project him to be at least a solid 2^nd catcher in the Majors, assuming he can make the changes required to play higher than A ball, but either deconditioning or the inability to adjust to the breaking ball would keep him from ever leaving the minor leagues. He’s a solid overall catcher at this stage, but he’s probably not going to win any Gold Gloves (at least, not as a catcher).

Projection:

.275, 18, 65 (as full-time ML catcher)

2012 Season:

It's do-or-die time for Massanari, as he's not getting any younger. Granted, catchers often take longer to develop, but come April he turns 26, an age when many hitters are either in The Show or bagging groceries. I still see him as becoming a viable MLB backstop, but if he can't progress through AA this year, he might want to think about a new profession. I expect he'll make the adjustment.