ITP Dynasty: Avery Thomas - SS Trying to make it to the Bigs

[MacroGuru]

Alright,

I have my Inside The Park game, I have had it for quite some time, and I stopped playing it for a bit due to not getting paid for a season or two due to a glitch in the game.

Anyways, I am playing using my Sons name and trying to get him to the Bigs.

Anyways, Avery isn't a power hitter, but a great fielding SS. He can hit the gaps, and get the contact he needs to make it onto the base. One of the faster shortstops out there.

Anyways, I am going to take this dynasty from his point of view.

[MacroGuru]

Boy are my nerves frazzled, 4 years of college ball, in a boring as hell state to try and make it to the bigs.

It's draft day, and I don't know what I am going to do. I am nervous, the girlfriend has been bugging me. My father, he is another story, one antsy and anxious man. He is genuinely happy for me, as he taught me a lot about the game, but his knowledge was rudimentary at best. It was my High School coach that ramped me up, and prepped me for the future. I could have stepped out in High School, but the one thing my father did was stress degree first, and I wanted to make him proud that way.

So, as the draft kicks off, we are all sitting at our house, waiting patiently for the call to come.
7 picks into it, I am too nervous. I decide to hop in my car and head on down to the local coffee house, to see if a cup of java will ease me a bit. Making sure, I take my cell phone with me.

I walk back into the front door and they are only on the 20th pick in the 1st round. My phone hasn't rang yet. Still nervous, but not like I was before. I sit with family again, and try and wait it out.

We waited for a few more hours and my phone rings. It was the GM from Atlanta. They took a chance on me as the 29th pick in the 1st round.

WOW!!

The offer comes with a $330,000 signing bonus, and my dad is already talking to me about investment. Can't wait to get to Atlanta, and away from them, It's go time!

[MacroGuru]

Atlanta's single-A organization. Obviously, I have to prove myself to make it into the big leagues.

April 1st is hear, and it's opening day, I have been at the camp, been training and I am ready to go.

I am starting, at SS and batting 7th in the lineup. Our opponent is Florida.

Not a bad 1st inning for us as we retire them, 3 up, 3 down, with me putting the last out with a grounder.

Our turn to bat, and we make it to me in the 1st inning. We have already scored 2 runs. We have 2 outs, and I have runners on 1st and 2nd. Am I nervous? You bet I am. My first at bat for a professional organization, my family is here, they followed me out. Regardless of what I said in the beginning, they are needed, and are my strength. I'm not a power hitter although couch is working on that, but I like to poke the gaps.

The pitch comes, it's a blur to me then seems to slow as it gets closer. All I am hoping for is to get the ball into play. I break from my stance into the swing, and I feel the wood connect with the ball, and it flies between 1st and second.

Our runners advance, and one is sent home. Lee the RF for Florida tries to throw out at home, forcing us to move on. I arrive to 2nd safe. I am credited with an RBI Single. Not bad for my first at bat.

2nd inning we retire the side - 3 up, 3 down and we go 3 up, 3 down.

3rd inning - Our pitcher ended up a little frazzled as a few shots were made. He walked the bases to full, and one earned run came in. We go 3 up, 3 down.

4th inning - Our pitcher is shot, he is walking guys, and allowing the shots, and we are all rattled now, making bad plays, including myself, with a fielding error allowing a score, and a base advancement. How could I be so stupid as to not go down on the hopping grounder, damn thing hit my glove, but just the outer part of my webbing. We are now down 6 - 3 with us coming up to bat.

Rowland our RF, and the #6 batter just cranked a solo HR down the left field line. Leaves me coming up to bat, with no outs, and nobody on. I try and work the count, get the count set to full, and as the final pitch comes in on my zone, I swing, catching on top of it, forcing the grounder to their shortstop, and he throws me out at 1st. Followed by 2 walks, a strikeout and a groundout. We are down 6-4 now.

5th inning - 3 up 3 down much better inning. Our #rd baseman gets up, and cranks a 2-run shot down the left field line, and we almost thought this one was foul. Florida's coach argued the call for a bit, but realized nothing was going to happen and finally went back to his dug out. Rowland then gets the infield single, and I am back up to bat with 1 down and a runner on 1st. Here is where it gets tricky, I could sac bunt it, knowing our DH isn't on tonight, as he is 0-1, play the hit and run game, work the count, or just try and keep the ball in play. Coach decides he wants me to work the count, and I do, but I end up going down swinging, that curveball killed me. Our DH stepped up, and took this one out of the park, this one down the right field line. We end up in the lead 8-6.

6th inning - 3 up, 3 down, solid defense on this one. Another 2 run shot this time by our LF. Rowland gets another infield single, and I am back up to bat. This time, 2 out, and a runner on 1st and I am informed to swing away. I make contact, but this time, their 1st baseman makes a spectacular play, diving, and gloving it as I aimed for the gap. He managed to barely beat me with the throw to 1st. We are now up 11-6

7th inning - 4 up, 3 down, Rogers gunned the runner trying to steal 2nd. We go 5 up, 3 down. Score is still 11-6.

8th inning - I make the last out of the inning, as I snag the grounder in a full sprint, and throwing the guy out at first. Wasn't even close. I was on top of that one fast. We go 3 up, 3 down. Score is at 11-6 for us.

9th inning - Suttles allows 2 doubles in a row, and then we intentionally walk Ransom, although I am trying to figure out why as he has been miserable today. Suttles then walks another to load the bases, I am thinking choke city here. Suttles then strikes out their Pinch Hitter Chavez. Lee then grounds one to me, and I make the play to home, with Rogers. Suttles ends the game, with a K. Atlanta wins 11-8

Not bad for my first game in the pros. The bugs were there, and I finished 1-4 with a RBI.

I need to go shopping, see if I can find any equipment that will suit my needs. I also need to organize my workout regimine for the season.

[MacroGuru]

Not bad, I manage to find a new glove, and I am retiring my old college ball glove.
This one isn't to bad, it's the LeatherTech WP-1 and it is lightweight, and just a geniunely nice glove. Right now, nothing else is decent at the store. I could try online, but I don't know if I want to deal with that market right now.

As for my workout regimine, we will see how it pans out. Right now it is as follows:

Monday - Bench. Upper Flex Plus, Seated Row, Wrist Twist
Tuesday - Leg Press, Dot Drill, Leg Flex Plus, Wheel Drill
Wednesday - Batting Practice X2, Fielding Drills, Arm Flex Plus
Thursday - Lat Pull, Arm Flex Plus, Incline Press Plus, Upper Flex Plus
Friday - Cowboy Squats, Leg Flex Plus, Calf Raise, Lower Flex Plus

As you can see, It's about strength and flexibility. With Batting and Fielding practice in the middle of the week. It will be modified if this doesn't pan out for me.

We will see though.

[MacroGuru]

Game #2, April 2nd

Again, it's Florida, and I am batting 7th and playing SS. The nerves are gone now, and it's business as usual for me. I am ready to play, and I want to move up as fast as possible to the bigs.

1st inning - 3 up, 3 down for both squads

2nd inning - We manage to give up a run due to a double and some aggressive base running on Florida's part. I finally come up with 1 out, and runners on 2nd and 3rd. I do what coach calls for, a Sac bunt. I am thrown out at first, but we advance a runner to 3rd and score. So I get the RBI. We end the inning tied 1-1

3rd inning - Nitta pitched himself into some trouble, allowing a Solo HR, a double, and then 2 Stolen bases happend (2nd and 3rd) due to his slow wind up. He managed to fan 2, and force the other to pop up. We get a runner into scoring position by a stealing 2nd, and a bad throw by the catcher allowing him to get to 3rd. Then we quickly strike out. We are now down 2-1.

4th inning - 4 up, 3 down followed by a 3 up, 3 down by us.

5th inning - Nitta fans 3 of the 4 batters he faced in this inning and has 5 K's for the game so far. I am now coming up to bat, and I am given the take what you get signal from the coach as I am a lead off hitter this inning. Not a bad shot, hoping to gap it, but Florida was ready, and they played their OF up. And it was a shallow right field pop out. We are down 2-1 still.

6th inning - 4 up 3 down again for Florida. A nice triple by Escalona put 2 runs in for us, and we are now up 3-2, and I will be leading off again next inning.

7th inning - Nitta gets himself into trouble again, allowing 1 run to score to tie the game up, but the best play of the game so far happens to me. Line drive to me, I caught it, and whipped it to third, catching the base runner with his pants down. Line Drive Double play retiring the inning. Back up to bat again, I am frustrated, it looks like Florida's pitchers have my number. I get a 1-2 count pitch, and I crank it right up the middle for a base hit. Not bad, the confidence is still there, trust me, I was going to start doubting after this one. Coach is having some aggressive base running, and has me round second on a throw, challanging the OF, and I slide into third safe....beating the throw. I'm getting dirty now. Our PH steps up, and knocks me home. We end the inning up 4-3.

8th inning - We cycle through 3 pitchers as the bases are loaded. Suttles is our pitcher when Kearse makes an amazing play, diving towards the bag, snagging the line drive, and sliding into the bag. Making the out. The stadium went wild, and it almost looks like we might have deflated some of the Florida players with that one. But no need to get our hopes up, we still have runners on 2nd and 3rd. Suttles forces the grounder to second, and we escape that inning still in the lead 4-3. 3 up, 3 down for us in the order.

9th inning - Suttles comes out and fans 2 in a row, and then snags the hot grounder back at him. Game over

....Suttles gets the save, and I think the appreciation of the team as he singlehandedly kept us in this game with his aggressive pitching.

[MacroGuru]

Game #3 April 3rd

I am starting to fall into the day to day drudges of being in the minor leagues. Doing my job and such, but glamour isn't all it's cracked up to be. We make a small wage,and get beat up for it. Hopefully it pans out.

We are welcoming the Montreal team into Atlanta. I am still at Shortstop, and batting 7th in the lineup.

1st inning - 4 up, 3 down. With the final out a pop up to me, No error this time, and I was able to end the inning. We crank 2 hits off, but do not score any runs, with us leaving runners on 1st and 3rd.

2nd inning - 1st batter was walked, and he tried to steal. Rogers fired that ball, I waved off the 2B and made the tag. Hassel our pitcher walks two more, and then our 2B made a play on a line drive to end the inning. I'm 2nd in the order and come up to bat, and I misjusdge the speed on a change up, forcing me to ground it to the 2B, who easily throws me out. We go 3 up, 3 down.

3rd inning - Montreal goes 3 up, 3 down, with 2 of them striking out staring at Hassels fastball right up the pipe. We go 3 up, 3 down. Still a scoreless game.

4th inning - Hassel isn't on tonight, or rather, he making a dumb selection of his pitches. Anyways, he loads the bases with a walk, he then forced a grounder to me, I was able to scoop and make the play to second. Our defense has still held them scoreless. I come up to bat with runners at 1st and 3rd, I work the count, watching and being patient bringing it to full, I then take the swing, hoping to bring the play down the 3rd base line, but the 3B is able to make the snag, and barely throw me out at 1st, retiring us for the inning. So close.

5th inning - Uneventful inning for both teams, with a double happening by Montreal, and then held at the bag, and a single by us, held at the bag. Still scoreless, and Hassel is looking a bit better.

6th inning - Montreal goes 4 up, 3 down. I caught the 2nd out, another pop out to me. Still no error, and I am feeling a lot better about the new glove and my defense. We go 4 up, 3 down. Leaving me as leadoff batter next inning. Score is 0-0

7th inning - Suttles replaces Hassel and fans out 3 in a row. Suttles is pissed, I heard he and his girlfriend were fighting on the phone before the game. I come up, and what can I say, try to take this one up the middle, and the pitcher snags it. Throwing me out at 1st. We manage another single, then go out in a double play. Score 0-0

8th inning - Suttles walks a guy, he then steals second, then Suttles walks another. We change him for Ugarte, and Ugarte fans the next 2. We go 4 up, 3 down, another single another scoreless inning as we enter the 9th 0-0.

9th inning - Strike out, followed by a fielders choice to me, I take it to 2nd, and then a ground out to 2nd. Looks like we can win it here with a run. They walk Martinez and he steals second. They intentionally walk our PH Alcevedo, and now I am up. Coach is giving me the sign to to take it deep, hoping Martinez can score on this one. They change the pitcher, and he gets an inside curve on me, but I take to shallow left, and it holds Martinez on at second, as the SS makes the play. We then fly out twice in a row.

10th inning - My first extra inning game in the pros, guys are a little pissed at my pussy hit, but coach reassures me and tells them to layoff, he needs my head in the game on defense, not worrying about my hitting right now, but mumbles something about more BP. We hold them with runners at 1st and 2nd as they ground into a double play. We go 4 up, 3 down. Still scoreless.

11th inning - Well the fans are into it now, they are liking the game, as it is definately a defensive struggle. The first team to mess up will more than likely lose. We were able to retire Montreal with runners on 1st and 3rd, I was getting nervous there. I hit a solid hit at the shortstop, who had to make the play on his belly. He tosses the ball to 2nd, and makes the out, with me safe at first. That forced us into the second out with me on 1st. Coach uses my speed, and gives me the single to steal, I give a good lead, and I am gone. It's amazing how it seems like an eternity to get there, and everything looks like it is in slow motion, but all you can think about is getting to the bag, I manage to get under the tag, as I am called safe. My 1st Stolen Base. We then groiund out to the SS. Score is 0-0.

12th inning - We hold them again with runners at 1st and 3rd, and pull a double play off. I was up ended on the play, but was still able to get the throw. If Sierra slides into me with his cleats up again, my throw to 1st might hit his face. We go 3 up, and 3 down.

13th inning - WOW, is this game ever going to end? We are getting wore out, especially our bull pen, it's now an endurance game. I make the 1st out, and then we fan the next two. Again another 4 up 3 down inning. 0-0 score.

14th inning - We give up a 2 run homerun. Everyone trots off the field a little down. I have to admit, I am myself, but I wouldn't consider this game over, not with the bats we have proven to have in the last 2 games. Lets wake em up guys! I lead off the inning. I ground out to the 1st baseman, not a good start. Followed by 2 more grounders, and thats the game. Montreal wins 2-0.

My final stats 0-6, 1 SB.

Hopefully we all wake up better for tomorrow, but I am extremely upset with myself over my batting performance.

[MacroGuru]

Hey guys, for those of you reading this thread, do you like the style of my reporting? Should I try something different. It's easy for me to keep the typing going with the game.

[nfg22]

I like it....keeps me informed...I just read what you are doing and skip over most the rest but Ilike the style.

[MacroGuru]

My 4th game - April 4th. Montreal is still in town.

My high school and College coaches were right, the rigors of the pros are there. I am starting at shortstop and still batting in 7th. I had extra BP this week, I hope it works for me.

1st inning - Montreal comes out, a little hyped still over their win in a 14 inning game last night, and scores 1 on us. Kearse comes out, and takes a 2 run shot down the right field line. We finish the inning ahead 2-1

2nd inning - 1st out is a grounder to me, I manage to knock it down, and throw the runner out at first. We retire them 3 up, 3 down. Rowland singles to left, I am pretty grumpy today, pissed off more than like it, due to my horrible hitting slump I am in. I am embarrased to say the least. With Rowland on, and me at bat, I am working the count, and I am still in my slump as I ground into the double play. My arguing as well as my managers that I beat the throw didn't help much. We go 3 up, 3 down. Score is still 2-1 for us.

3rd inning - 4 up 3 down with our 2B making the snag and the base tag in full stride getting the DP. We manage another run through agressive base running, and the score is 3-1 at the end of the inning.

4th inning - Sheerer gives up a Home run in deep left, we then retire the side after some play, with another single and stolen base given up. As I come up to bat, the coach tells me to swing away, try to advance the runner, and if you strike out, get in the way of the catchers throw. I go down swining miserably, but manage to block the catcher trying to get the throw to second. Martinez is safe. My embarassment is growing, and some of the older guys, are ribbing me pretty hard in the dugout. We finish 4 up, 3 down, and the score is 3-2 at the end of the inning for us.

5th inning - Montreal goes 3 up 3 down. We go 4 up 3 down. Score is still 3-2.

6th inning - Montreal goes 4 up 3 down. Rownland grounds into a double play which would bring me into the 7th as the leadoff.

7th inning - Sherrer gives up another Solo home run, this time down the left field line. This evens the game. My turn at the plate again. I am bound and determined to just get on base, right now, I have to have one of the worst avgs in the minors. How the hell am I to get up to the majors? I step up to the plate. I like to crowd the plate, and I am thrown tight to the inside on the 1st pitch, basically a brush back. I try to avoid the ball, and it barely misses me. Boy was that thing humming. Next pitch catches me right on my hip, and drops me. I seriously think that thing was going at least 90, and it was thrown right at me. Doc tell me that I am done.

We win the game 4-3, but Doc tells me I am day to day and it is looking like it will take about 5 days for me to heal. Augustin of Montreal is a little bitch for throwing at me. We will get our just due.

[MacroGuru]

My current stats leading up to my injury.

.188 avg, 16 AB, 3 Hits, 1 DB, 0 T, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1 Run, 1 Stolen Base, .188 OBP, .250 SLG, and a .430 OPS.

Needless to say I suck. The coach thinks this injury may help me clear my head. I am hoping soo.

I need to find a better bat, the one I have sucks.

[MacroGuru]

Game #5, April 5, Montreal again.

Coach came to me, looks like McCammon's performance last night was due to the flu, and they have no one else to play the SS position. I am hobbled a little, but I am going to do, after all, If I am not tough, I won't make it up top will I?

I am at my familiar position of SS and batting 7th.

1st inning - 2nd out is made by me, a rolling grounder I bend to scoop and throw, damn did that hurt, but I still managed to get the out. Montreal put 2 in on us though. Martinez knocked a 3-run home run down the left field line. Wow, looks like both offenses have the pitchers number so far. I manage to make it up to bat, Rowland reached 2nd on a throwing error. 2 out, and I go down swinging. We are in the lead 3-2.

2nd inning - Montreal forces 2 more runs and we bring in one. Game is tied 4-4.

3rd inning - Montreal goes 3 up, 3 down. My turn to come up to bat with 2 outs, and I ground out to shortstop. Can my week possibly get any worse?

4th inning - We give up a deep center field solo shot. We then retire their side. Escalone hits a 3 run double. And Martinez then goes down swinging. We are now up 7-5.

5th inning - I manage to make the last out of the inning to stop the bleeding, hitting sieve that is called our pitcher. Man Heath is an asshole, He has already yelled at us the last 2 innings. It doesn't look like he is putting anything on his pitches. Rowland singles to left, bringing me up to bat. If I can't get a hit, I might as well quit and bag groceries or something. I connect, but guess what, It's a double play I ground into. Inning ends and we are up 7-6

6th inning - Heath gives up another Solo HR shot, this one to deep left. Aggressive base running by Hart, he steals second, but is thrown out trying to steal third. Inning is over, and we are now tied 7-7

7th inning - Suttles comes in to clean up Heaths mess. Montreal goes 4 up, 3 Down. I come up to bat, and fly out to shallow right, leaving Rowland on 1st. Game is tied 7-7

8th inning - After Suttles gives up a 2 run double, Torrance comes in and finishes Montreal. We go 4 up, 3 down. Montreal leads 9-7

9th inning - Montreal is retired at 5 up, 3 down with runners at 1st and 3rd. I come up to bat after watching Martinez hit into a DP. Well, this game is on my shoulders here. Acevedo was on 1st, I drop the blooper into right field, and Acevedo pushes it, making it to 3rd. I am safe at 1st, and my first hit in at least 11 AB. Next batter grounds out to 3rd, ending the game. We lose 9-7.

I finished the game 1-5, making me a little happier, but not much.

[MacroGuru]

Game #6, Montreal still in town.

I am still playing. McCammon is still ill.

1st inning - We give up a 2 run homerun. We go 5 up, 3 down Montreal leads 2-0.

2nd inning - Ugarte comes out on fire. He fans 3 batters. Rowland comes out and doubles to center. I am up to bat, no outs, Rowland at 2nd. A deep fly can get Rowland to 3rd. And then another deep fly can drive in a run, coach tells me to go for the contact and base hit though. I ground it to the 2B, allowing Rowland to move to 3rd. And thats were it ends. We are still down 2-0.

3rd inning - I make a routine pop out play for the 2nd out of the inning. Montreal goes 3 up, 3 down. We go 3 up, 3 down.

4th inning - We allow 2 more runs, one was due to a wild pitch. Ugarte reminds me of the Wild Thing from that Movie Major League. I come up to bat with Rowland on 1st, and 2 outs. I try to yank it down the 3rd base line. The 3B makes an amazing play, but was able to throw Rowland out at 2nd. We are down 4-0 now.

5th inning - Montreal goes 4 up, 3 down. We score one, and Hart is thrown out at second being aggressive again. Score is 4-1

6th inning - Montreal goes 4 up, 3 down. My turn to bat, I have runners on 1st and 2nd and 2 outs. I am always put in these difficult situations. Time to try and over come it, but not this time as I ground out to the SS. Still down 4 - 1.

7th inning - We hold Montreal scoreless while we go 3 up 3 down.

8th inning - Suttles comes in and goes 3 up 3 down. It's time for us to work some magic or something. Acevedo has bases loaded and 1 out and goes down swinging. My turn to bat, and I have the bases loaded, and 2 outs. Again, I am being teased, tormented. I fly out to shallow center, I almost had it. Montreal is still leading 4-1

9th inning - We retire Montreal without any additional runs coming in. We choke. Montreal wins 4-1.

I finish the game as the biggest choke artist of them all going 0-4.

[MacroGuru]

At the end of my 1st week in the pros. My batting stats are horrible.

.160 avg, 25 AB, 4 Hits, 1 DB, 0 T, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1 Run, 1 Stolen Base, .160 OBP, .200 SLG, and a .360 OPS.

[MacroGuru]

Game #7 - Travel Time!

We are heading up to New York, and playing.

My hip is still hurting but nothing like before.

I am still 7th in the lineup and playing at shortstop. Let's hope playing on the road helps my offense out some.

1st inning - We go 3 up, 3 down. New York goes 4 up, 3 down.

2nd inning - Rowland gets a double, and I am up to bat. 2 outs. Again, this is a horrible spot to be, and I don't know why it is happening to me. I connect, hoping to drop into shallow right, but the RF Lamas makes a play, catching me out. We allow 1 run. Score at the end of the inning is 1-0.

3rd inning - We go 4 up, 3 down. New York goes 4 up, 3 down. However, they are still in the lead 1-0.

4th inning - We go 3 up, 3 Down. Maybe the travel to New York is whats killing us, we are sucking. We were roughed up a little allowing 3 runs, most of them were off of doubles. End of inning score is New York 4, Atlanta 0.

5th inning - Rowland doubles down the left field line. I come up to bat, this time no outs. I am given the swing for the fences call from the coach. If I can take it deep enough, we can get the score off of Rowland. Nice slider, going down low, I connect taking it deep into left, the catch is made at the track, and relayed to third. Rowland wasn't fast enough to round it. But the next pitch was wild, and Roland makes it home. Rojas gives up a Solo Home Run to deep left. We end the inning down 5-1

6th inning - We go 3 up, 3 Down. New York goes 4 up, 3 down.

7th inning - Another 3 up, 3 down. New york goes 3 up, 3 down.

8th inning - Im leading off. This time it's a fast ball right down the pipe, I connect with it, taking it deep into left, this time Akers robs me, steals it over the fence. I was so close to getting my first pro home run. After that, we go 2 out. I make the 2nd out of the inning with a rolling grounder snagged behing the pitcher. New York goes 3 up 3 down. Score still stands at 5-1 for New York

9th inning - Looks like Dallas has our number as he finishes out the game getting the CG. New York wins 5-1

My stats for the game. 0 -3, at least I am making contact, and not striking out as much.

[MacroGuru]

Game #8, we are still in New York.

Man, I sat in the hotel room quite depressed last night, I have to get out of this funk.

Back to the grind. Batting 7th and playing shortstop still.

1st inning - We come out a little lethargic. Go 4 up, 3 Down. New York follows suit.

2nd inning - Rowland strikes out, Martinez was walked. So I approach the plate with a runner on 1st and one out. I ground into a fielders choice, and they take Martinez. I am safe at 1st. I go to steal, but Harbert cranks it down the 3B line hard, the play is made to stop the ball, and we are safe at 1st and 2nd. Rogers then grounds out. New York goes 3 up, 3 down.

3rd inning - Rowland grounded out to second with runners on 1st and 3rd, leaving me to lead off the next inning. I get the 2nd out of the game with a hopper right to me. New York goes 3 up, 3 down. We are up 1-0

4th inning - Time for me to lead off again. I pull it down the 3rd base line, reaching first on a infield hit! Hopefully it's turn around time. Rogers grounds into a fielders choice. I am out at 2nd. Kearse knocks a double and brings 2 runs home, then Landeros flies out. New York goes 4 up, 3 Down but were close with a runner on 3rd. We are now leading 3-0

5th innning - Rowland singles, then steals second, a throwing error moves him to third. So the count is 0-1, with runner on third and 2 outs. You know what time it is right? Time for me to mess up. I ground out to the SS. I get the fielders choice on the 3rd out, taking the play to 2nd. We are still up 3-0.

6th inning - We go 4 up, 3 down as does New York

7th inning - Rowland goes down swinging again. But I come up to bat with 1 out, and runners on 1st and 2nd. I connect well, getting the blooper to short center, and loading the bases up for our DH. He promptly grounds into a double play. Dang so close. New York goes 3 up, 3 down and we are up now, 4-0.

8th inning - We go 4 up, 4 down. Nitta still has his power as he has pitched for the past 8 innings now, and has 7K's. We end the inning still in the lead 4-0

9th inning - We go 3 up, 3 down. Nitta is trying to finish this one out. After loading the bases up, and forcing a double play, yet allowing a run, coach replaces him with Riley. Riley fans the batter ending the game. Atlanta 4 New York 1

Well, we won, I went 2-4 and not bad at all. I am a lot happier now I got out of my slump a little. Time to go out on the town tonight.

[MacroGuru]

We all go out to celebrate at one of the closer clubs. I try to pick up on a honey and she slaps me down, it's ok, I am going to get trashed, regardless of the hangover I will have tomorrow.

3 Lady Intimidators, 2 Jamaican Hard Rums, and a Zombie waste me. I was totally drunk, and needed help getting back to the hotel, but it was much needed, and I am a happier man now.

Although, I do wake up in the morning with a terrible hangover.

[MacroGuru]

Game #9 - Still in New York, and my head is pounding and I feel real sluggish. Coach was pissed when he found out a bunch of us got sauced last night.

Anyways, 7th in lineup, shortstop again.

1st inning - We go 3 up, 3 down as does New York.

2nd inning - Rowland flies out. Leaving Martinez on 1st. I come to bat with 2 outs. and I am fanned. It's only my 3rd strikeout in 9 games. We allow one run. New York takes the 1-0.

3rd inning - We bring in a run to even the game. We are brutalized in the 3rd allowing 7 runs. One of them being a 3 Run shot. And we replace pitchers, not a good sign at all. And as we come off, coach lays into us about partying, I think we all might have learned our lesson. Score is 8-1

4th inning - We go 3 up, 3 down, leaving me to lead off next inning. We hold New York to 3 up, 3 down.

5th inning - I fly out to deep center, I think I am trying to hard to make things happen. My out is followed by 2 others. New York goes 3 up, 3 down. Score is still New York 8 Atlanta 1

6th inning - We bring in 2 runs, but Rowland goes down swinging leaving me to lead off again next inning. 3 up, 3 down for New York, and the score is now 8-3

7th inning - I pop out to 3rd. Followed by 2 more outs. New York goes 5 up, 3 down. Score is still 8-3.

8th inning - We bring in 2 runs, almost 3. They were being agressive with Martinez as Benitez our PH cranked the single. They waved Martinez home. A collision at the plate results in Martinez being out. Looks like I lead off the 9th, with a chance to help us win it. I manage to catch the pop up to me and get the 2nd out. Score is now 8 - 5.

9th inning - Looks like we need to score 4 and hold to win this won. I ma leading it off. I take it to Deep Center, trying to hit the gap as they scooted in on me. I almost got it too, but Barrientos makes the diving catch. Im followed by 2 outs. End of Game.

We drop this one 8-5, and coach lets us have it in the post game tirade.

I go 0-4 with 1 K. If I keep this up, the Braves will most certainly release me.

[MacroGuru]

We travel home, and earn a day of rest. Tomorrows game is against Philly.

[MacroGuru]

Game #10 - Philly is in town.

#7 in the lineup and shortstop.

1st inning - Philly goes 3 up, 3 down. So do we.

2nd inning - Sherrer comes out pitching inside, and nails two batters in a row. Setting up Gonzalez for a 3 Run homer to deep left. Rowland strikes out, and I am up to bat with Escalona on 2nd and 2 outs. I connect with that one, dropping it in the hole between right and center. Escalona scores. I end up stealing second as well. Our DH then grounds to shortstop. We finish the inning down, 3-1

3rd inning - Philly goes 3 up, 3 down. Rogers knocks a solo shot out and thats followed by 3 down. So we are now down 3-2

4th inning - Philly goes 4 up, 3 down leaving a runner on second. Rowland strikes out, and I am up to bat with Escalona on 2nd and 2 outs. deja vu, except instead of the base it, I strike out. Score is still 3-2

5th inning - I am able to get the first out, routine grounder. It's followed by 2K's and Sherrer has 8 for the day so far. We go 3 up, 3 down. Score is 3-2

6th inning - Sherrer gives up another HR, this time a solo shot, ok fine, make that 2 HR's this inning. Landeros takes a 2 Run shot deep into right field. Rowland grounds into a fielders choice and makes it to 1st. Bringing me up with 2 outs. I connect well, but take it to deep center, where I am caught out. Score is now 5-4, and we are down.

7th inning - Sherrer goes 3 up, 3 down. Forcing 3 K's. Sets him at 11 Ks for the day. We go 3 up, 3 down.

8th inning - Sherrer is replaced by Ugarte who comes in with 3 quick K's. We fan 3 times in a row as well. Score is still 5-4.

9th inning - We take them 3 up, 3 down. Now we can win this game with 2 runs, even tie it and go extra with one. I am up, with 2 down, and take the single to right. I am now the game tying run. Acevedo comes into PH, and is struck out.

We drop th game 5-4.

My day wasn't bad, I went 2-4 with 1 RBI. Althouhgh I also had a strikeout.

[MacroGuru]

Game #11 - Philly is still in town.

I am still batting 7th, and playing at SS.

1st inning - Philly goes 3 up, 3 down. We manage to bring in a run. Setting me up for lead off in the next inning.

2nd inning - Philly goes 3 up, 3 down again. I come up to bat, swinging away, striking out. Followed by 2 outs. End of inning. Score is 1-0 for us.

3rd inning - Heath gives up 3 runs in this inning. Rowland flies out to center, leaving Escalona on 2nd. I step to the plate. connect with the pitch, however, its a running grounder to 2B and I am thrown out. We still managed to bring in 3 runs. Score is 4-3 for Atlanta.

4th inning - Philly goes 4 up, 3 down. We score 2 more runs in the 4th. Score is 6-3 for us.

5th inning - A beautiful play at the plate ends the inning for philly, as they tried to be aggressive on the bases. Martinez and Rowland are on 1st and 2nd, and I come up. Coach gives me the signal for a sac fly, and I crank it. Taking it deep. Martinez tags and advances to 3rd. We finish the inning scoring 2 more runs. Score is now 8-3.

6th inning - Philly goes 4 up, 3 down. I come up to bat following a 2 run homerun and 2 consecutive outs. My cut is there, trying to make the gaps, and I don't. The 2B throws me out at 1st. Score is now 10-3

7th inning - We both go 3 up, 3 down. Score is still 10-3

8th inning - 1 catch the 1st out, a small pop up to me. This followed a 2 run homerun that Heath gave up. A base clearing triple is given up by Heath. After this coach calls Ugarte to come in. Finally, inning is over, but the damage is done. Philly scored 5 runs while we go 3 up, 3 down. Score is now 10-8.

9th inning - If our defense can hold them, the game is over. Riley comes into pitch, allows one run, gets an out. Then he fills the bases. However, a double play line drive happens at 2nd to end the game.

We win 10-9.

I go 0-4.

I don't know, I am beginning to think I am cursed, I just might be released if I can't do better.

[MacroGuru]

Alright, I had game 12 typed up, but a bad button hit on my mouse sent it back.

So in the 6 and a half innings of play, I have had a total of 5 fielding outs, 1 error and no hits. The score is 0-0

We resume in the bottom of the 7th with us up to bat.

7th inning - Benitez was sent in to PH for Rowland. Who strikes out. Leaves me as the lead off in the next inning

8th inning - Philly goes 3 up, 3 down. I fly out to short right-center. McCammon comes in as a PH for hart and hits a screamer to Deep Right field. It was a 2 Run Homerun. We are now up 2-0

9th inning - In the dugout, Rojas is talking to us, asking for us to continue playing the great defense we are. He is 3 outs from a CG shut out. He fans the first one, then allows 2 hits, and coach quickly yanks him. He isn't happy, and lets coach know about it in the dugout. Anyways, Riley finishes them off and we win.

Final score is 2-0

My tally 0-3 and 1K

[MacroGuru]

Game #13

We head to the wind city, Chicago. I hope the road helps me out. I am not to keen on my batting skills right now, although, last game, coach complimented me on the skills I displayed on defense. I have really been working on BP, and just hope it helps.

As usual, I am 7th in the lineup, and playing shortstop.

1st inning - We go 5 up, 3 down, leaving runners on 1st and second. Nitta allowed a solo HR. We end the inning down 1-0.

2nd inning - Rowland goes down swinging and I come to the plate. 1 down, nobody on and I fly out to short right-center. Chicago goes 5 up, 3 down, and we were able to hold them with runners at 2nd and 3rd. Score is still 1-0 for Chicago.

3rd inning - We go 3 up, 3 down. Nitta has a double hit off of him that brings two runners home. Score is now 3-0 for Chicago.

4th inning - Escalona takes a shot deep to right, 2 run HR. Rowland strikes out again, bringing me back up. 1 down with Martinez on 1st. And I am fanned. Another double, another run. Chicago is still in the lead 4-2.

5th inning - We end the inning with runners on 1st and 2nd. I get the second out in the inning with a fielders choice, I take it to 2nd, and we were unable to relay the double play. Score is 4-2 for Chicago.

6th inning - Rowland gets a double off an error. So I come to the plate again, 0 outs, and a runner on 2nd. I connect with it, grounding out to the second baseman, but Rowland moves to 3rd. We bring in a run this inning. A run is allowed as we make the inning ending play at second. Score is now 5-3 Chicago.

7th inning - We go 3 up, 3 down. We retire Chicago with the bases loaded.

8th inning - We need to wake up, we are down 2, but we are allowing them to match us run for run. Rowland strikes out, and I come to bat. 0 outs, and no one on. I connect well, running this one over the RF head, and I turn it into a double. I feel a bit better now. We bring in Benitez to PH, and he singles, bringing me in with aggressive base running. Coach makes a dumb move in my eyes as he pinch hits for Hart who is 4-4 on the day, and brings in Acevedo, I think he viewed this inning as an all or nothing inning. We rally in the 8th, with me finishing the 3 up, 3 down with a routine grounder. Score is 5-4, Chicago.

9th inning - We had runners on 1st and 2nd, Rowland up to bat, and he had only been 1-4 on the game. with 3 strikeouts. And coach leaves him in. Rowland struck out. Ending the game.

We drop this one, 5-4, a disappointing loss as we could have roared back, but coach spent to much in the 8th trying to go for it all there.

I went 1-4 with a double, a run, and 1 K.

[MacroGuru]

I went out and bought some Mazano Tech Shoes, they are supposed to help out the fielding as I am able to dig down better.

Shoes are lighter as well.