Post-Season Plans

Posted on September 30th, 2007 in rehab, commentary, working out by Jacob

My Red Sox were ousted by my Red Sox, only seven players showed to the last game. It was a combination of injuries and disinterest. Even though I’m not happy with the way the season went, I can’t say that I couldn’t see it coming.

In other news with me, I went to my doctor again to see what’s the matter with my shoulder. It had only gotten marginally better with the rest and anti-inflammatories prescribed by my doctor. He sent me to physical therapy for rotator cuff tendonitis. The therapy has gone really well, I can already feel the difference.  They have me doing exercises to strengthen the backside of my shoulder.   My next appointment is tomorrow at 8:30AM, if I get cleared for swimming, I’m off to 24 Hour Fitness to get a membership.

New Season: Nandemoya

Posted on September 29th, 2007 in gamelog, stats by Kyle

We played our first game of the winter league on Saturday, losing 5-2. Here are the stats from the day:

Hitting Stats (winter 2007):
.666/.750/.666 over 3 AB / 4 PA
2 H, 1 HBP

Pitching stats (winter 2007):
0-0, 0.00 ERA
1.0 IP, 3 K, 1 BB, 0 H

So, I’m off to a good start. I walked the first batter I faced, then eventually struck out the side, the last one coming off a great two-seam gyroball (of which I have good command of now). My velocity is picking up with a few minor adjustments I’ve made, and I am generally happy with the course I’m on. I will be sticking with a fastball/gyroball combo in relief and using my circle change as a starter for the 2nd time through the lineup as a new pitch. I’ll probably throw in a curve as my show-me pitch as well, but otherwise won’t use it because it sucks.

Hitting Stick

Posted on September 27th, 2007 in tools, coaching by Kyle

More Safeco Pics on the way when I upload them (about to head to the gym), but here’s a tool called the Hit Stick as made by a hitting coach that I respect, Jim Booth:

This will really help promote a circular hand path and help to understand the launch phase of the swing for both myself and the kids I coach.

End of summer stats

Posted on September 15th, 2007 in goals, gyroball, stats by Kyle

Hitting Stats:
.300/.380/.410 over 113 PA / 100 AB
30 H, 9 2b, 1 3b, 12 RBI, 14 R, 8 SB, 8 K, 9 BB, 4 HBP

Pitching stats:
2-2, 1 SV, 6.94 ERA
33.7 IP, 20 H, 32 BB, 18 K, 26 ER

Not too bad, I guess. I ended the season on an 0-for-15 slump with 3 walks and a HBP, so that explains the dramatic drop in batting average. That being said, hitting .300 with a little pop in the bat ended up being pretty good for me, and though I need to fix my swing after breaking it in the middle of the season, I’m confident I’ll get a home run next year if I stay here in Seattle (I might be moving back to Cleveland).

Pitching was another story, as my shoulder faded in and out of health and my command/control went with it. Nearly a walk per inning is inexcusable, especially when you don’t strike out enough batters, but in the middle of the season I had some of the best stuff all year as I rarely got hit hard (gave up few XBH and only one HR). Despite my fastball being barely average, the late life on it is something Jacob can attest to, and my change is a plus pitch at getting groundballs. My breaking ball started off terrible and was a real plus pitch for two outings, but faded back into obscurity. I barely threw the gyroball, never really getting the command on it like I wanted.

To sum it up, I didn’t work hard enough during the season to get to the level I wanted to. I consider that a failure, but I have all winter to work hard again with Jacob, Otto, and my students.

PSSBL Safeco Game - Saturday 22nd

Posted on September 15th, 2007 in Uncategorized by Kyle

I’ll be playing at Safeco Field on Saturday, September 22nd at 4 PM with other members of the PSSBL. Come by if you want (it’s free - printable ticket below) and watch me strike some people out!

PSSBL Mariners, Regular Season Over

Posted on September 14th, 2007 in coaching by Kyle

Well, the regular season is over, as we went 1-2 in the playoffs and were eliminated by the Sox.

Nandemoya starts up in two weeks, and I have my Safeco Field game on the 22nd, so there’s plenty more baseball to go around. I’ll be coaching Eli and possibly others over the winter to keep in shape. Sorry that updates have been sporadic, but life’s been busy.

Red Sox in the Playoffs!

Posted on September 6th, 2007 in commentary, gamelog by Jacob

This year I really have enjoyed my batting average being reset now that playoffs have arrived. We lost today, a lot to a little less, and I had a really good game. I was totally relaxed at the dish today, and I got on base in three out of five plate apps. Two walks, two K’s and a solid base hit the other way… overall I’m pretty satisfied. My team is getting a little better about sportsmanship, but they still talk to the blue way too much in my opinion.

My shoulder woes have forced me to correct my throwing form, and tonight I really put it together. I cut down a runner at the plate, and my GM told me after the game that it was our first assist as a team at home plate this year. Kinda stunned me. It was nice to make a good defensive contribution; our catcher, Koosman, made me look pretty good.

Since it’s double elimination, we have at least one more game. I may not be able to make it due to work, but we’ll see what I can do. We only have 9 guys due to injuries, so hopefully my boss (a huge M’s fan) will have a sympathetic ear. I definitely want the AB’s.