MTBrew

Re Gindl, taking nothing away from what he has accomplished thus far, I don't think he should move up. I have watched himthe past month and there are parts of his game he needs to work on. He does not hit left handed pitching as well as right ~ .270 ave. His fielding, particulary picking up ground balls needs work as does his base running. These are all things he can improve on while in Helena without the pressure of having to produce at the next level or worse sitting on the bench or playing sporadically. Having watched Caufield, Fermaint and Chapman here they are all much much better defensively. Going 4 for 4 tonight was good but it was a "soft" hitting night. The guy who is really spanking the ball is Wilson. Neither Bryson or Anundsen were as dominant as they have been but hung in there and pitched well without their best stuff. Probably learned alot tonight. I think that it is way to premature to think that anyone will be called up any time soon, barring a season ending injury at the next levels. The only guy that I see that is ready is Swaydan. These players are have yet to work their way thru the entire league and are just now seeing opposing pitchers for a second time.

I've got to second the comments on Pasma. He was just teriffic. Threw strikes, kept the hitters off balance definately in command. Anundsen did a nice job as well. Showed confidence in pitching through a couple of jams. 2 outfield miscues could have been costly but weren't. The team is really playing well and Isom has them playing agressive baseball - stealing bases, hit and runs and taking the extra base. I particulary liked when he sent Wycklendt home in the 6th (something I don't think that Eddie Sedar would have done). Even though he was thrown out it put pressure on the defense to make a good play. For baseball fans, and even casual ones, it was a great night at the ballpark. $2.00 tickets, $2.00 beers, beautiful night -temps in the 80's, slight overcast, no wind. Well played game with action in most every inning. Lots of kids and happy players signing autographs.

I got a good look up close at Caleb tonight, even though he didn't play. When I didn't see him during warm ups I thought that maybe he had been called up (not that I think he is ready for that). I am 6'2", 210, and compared to me he is short however he has a big upper body and chest and good sized arms, very stout kid. He also appears mature for a young guy. I know that Steve Wendt, H-Brewers broadcaster thinks very highly of him and his love and knowledge of baseball. When talking of power hitters I don't see him as the "classic" 35 HR, 100 RBI, 150 K type of hitter. He has a more compact swing and good plate disipline. Although he gets the bat on the ball and hits it hard. Maybe a 20 HR, 80 - 90 RBI, 300 AVG with a bunch of doubles guy. Hes been fun to watch, I look forward to seeing him tomorrow night.

Just have to second the comments about the H-Brewers being aggressive. No cheap shots, just good hard slides and an awareness of the play at hand. The play on which LaCroy was thrown out was a good one. Props to the Ospreys catcher as LuCroy really leveled him. Props also to Isom for sending LuCroy, it took a perfect throw to get him. I like seeing that. I was also impressed with the plate disipline in the 9th, nobody was trying to be the hero and swinging for the fence. They were tring to get the bat on the ball, get a hit and/or move the runners overs. Swaydan behind the plate looked like a real pro. He worked with the pichers, hung on to the wild ones, threw out a bunt and made a nice play at the plate. The night before he blocked the palte on a throw at home and got the out as well. Just good heads up baseball. Good fundamental baseball. Despite the loss it was a very enjoyable game.

I just got back in town and caught Sundays and last nights games. What a difference, Sunday was "one of those games", it was great to see the team bounce back and play so well last night. Grindl - looks very good, not a big guy but solid! Big upper body and legs, compact swing and good plate disipline. Plays the field well, tracks the fly balls and can cover some ground, good arm. If I saw one area he needs to work on its cleanly fielding the ground balls. Seidel - was just plain dominate. Threw the fastball by alot of hitters but also located his pitches very well. Wasnt afraid to mix up his pitches either, he didnt just rear back and throw he definately had a game plan and pitched. Tall lanky guy with an easy delivery. I am not sure if most of the fans knew it was a 1 hitter but the team must have because the relivers Baron and Tyson came in with a purpose. Threw strikes! Very impressive. The poise exhibited by all 3 pitchers was very impressive, especially at this level. Newton - what a surprise. He had a cup of coffee with Helena last year and I didnt expect to see him again. Very solid at bats. Just a very good overall outing by the team, nice to see. BTW, after listening to the Billings radio broadcasts (we were camping in SE MT) its great to be back with Steve Wendt.

I'll add a little to the ballpark thread here, especially in light of wibadgers comment. Having been going to games here for 20 + years I've seen some very nice improvements to the park. The most recent in the late 1990's when it was brought up to MLB minor league standards. Being involved with hosting players I have definately heard the comments and complaints concerning the quality of the infield and the lighting needs to be improved. I am not sure about the rest of what the owners are proposing. This is an old ballpark, but in my opinion, a great place to see a game. It is small and intimate and you are right on the playing field. In todays world of cookie cutter parks and retro stadiums (nice in their own way) its nice to go to a game and sit in a park with wooden bleachers ( the reserved seats were "upgraded" and now sport folding seats from the Oakland A's renovation ) wooden beams and a minimalist pressbox and scoreboard.. The restrooms are roomy, modern and clean and the consessions are easy to get to. Too many of these parks have been torn down or are neglected/unsused and when they are gone thats it. I really think that the management here is missing a promotional oppertunity with this park, just my opinion. Maybe its me growing up in Chicago and going to old Comisky and Wrigley but I have been to well over 100 pro ball ballparks and this is one of my favorites. I just hope that the ownership doesnt change the character of this park if they are successful in getting the money they are asking for. I dont see any chance that a new park will be built here. If you havent been here for a game I highly reccommend it, or any of the Pioneer Leagure parks for that matter. Its just baseball at a very pure and simple level and the kids play their asses off.

colbyjack, I think its very cool that you listen to the Helena games via the internet feed. I always wondered what kind of audience it drew. What do you think of Steve Wendt, the play by play announcer? I really enjoy him and am always surpised when he comes back, figuring that he would get an offer from a bigger market. I stopped by the ballpark and watched a couple hours of todays workouts. I got a good look at the catchers, I was surpised at how slight of build Lucroy is. Fryer is a good sized guy with a very stong arm, Swaydan looked like he is ready to go. The infield impressed me as well, Wheeler at 3b is very agile (although to look at him you wouldnt think so) with a nice arm, McKnight, Fonseca, Farris and Cline all looked to be in mid season form. I didnt get to see much of the outfield or the pitching staff, I am still figuring out whos who. But the infield D and catching sure looks strong.