Q & A part 2 Wednesday, May 9 2007

Well I have received tremendous feedback from users who have said that they loved the first Q & A, so I will once again pick some random questions that I have received from my blog fans and answer thenm. Keep the questions coming as I will be continuing these Q & A’s throughout the season.

OceanHawks4Lyfe (Hartford): David, I know you are struggling right now with your power numbers, how do you go about trying to fix this slump? 

DR: It is always frustrating when you are slumping. I hate to answer you with numbers, but I am going to answer you with numbers. If I continue hitting the way I am currently I will be improving upon my average, on base percentage, OPS, and doubles from last year. Though my power numbers will still be down a bit from previous years I think it shows that I am becoming more of a well rounded player. Not only that, but there is still plenty of time in the season to go on a tear and get hot.

RobbieNY (New York): I know this isn’t your “normal” question, but , of the two expansion teams whom do you feel will be better?

DR: You are right RobbieNY, this isn’t a question I was expecting but I will take a shot at it anyways. I feel immediately neither of the teams will be too good. But in the long run the Patriots will probably be the better team. I say this for 2 reasons. Firstly, because they have some great prospects in the minors, especially Suzuki, he is a special talent. And two, because the Bucs are in our conference, and they aren’t going to beat us.

OldSchoolWhalersFan (Hartford): If you couldn’t play baseball, what other sport do you think you would achieve success at?

DR: Well, I probably would have a lot of success at futbol, but if I could play ANY other sport besides baseball, it would be hockey. I have always secretly admired the game of hockey, maybe because it isn’t that popular in the Santo Domingo, but I think it is a fascinating and complex game.

I would have liked to answer more questions but the bus is leaving for Providence and I need to get on it. I look forward to answering more of your questions later on.

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Q & A part 2 Wednesday, May 9 2007

Well I have received tremendous feedback from users who have said that they loved the first Q & A, so I will once again pick some random questions that I have received from my blog fans and answer thenm. Keep the questions coming as I will be continuing these Q & A’s throughout the season.

OceanHawks4Lyfe (Hartford): David, I know you are struggling right now with your power numbers, how do you go about trying to fix this slump? 

DR: It is always frustrating when you are slumping. I hate to answer you with numbers, but I am going to answer you with numbers. If I continue hitting the way I am currently I will be improving upon my average, on base percentage, OPS, and doubles from last year. Though my power numbers will still be down a bit from previous years I think it shows that I am becoming more of a well rounded player. Not only that, but there is still plenty of time in the season to go on a tear and get hot.

RobbieNY (New York): I know this isn’t your “normal” question, but , of the two expansion teams whom do you feel will be better?

DR: You are right RobbieNY, this isn’t a question I was expecting but I will take a shot at it anyways. I feel immediately neither of the teams will be too good. But in the long run the Patriots will probably be the better team. I say this for 2 reasons. Firstly, because they have some great prospects in the minors, especially Suzuki, he is a special talent. And two, because the Bucs are in our conference, and they aren’t going to beat us.

OldSchoolWhalersFan (Hartford): If you couldn’t play baseball, what other sport do you think you would achieve success at?

DR: Well, I probably would have a lot of success at futbol, but if I could play ANY other sport besides baseball, it would be hockey. I have always secretly admired the game of hockey, maybe because it isn’t that popular in the Santo Domingo, but I think it is a fascinating and complex game.

I would have liked to answer more questions but the bus is leaving for Providence and I need to get on it. I look forward to answering more of your questions later on.

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Q & A part 2 Wednesday, May 9 2007

Well I have received tremendous feedback from users who have said that they loved the first Q & A, so I will once again pick some random questions that I have received from my blog fans and answer thenm. Keep the questions coming as I will be continuing these Q & A’s throughout the season.

OceanHawks4Lyfe (Hartford): David, I know you are struggling right now with your power numbers, how do you go about trying to fix this slump? 

DR: It is always frustrating when you are slumping. I hate to answer you with numbers, but I am going to answer you with numbers. If I continue hitting the way I am currently I will be improving upon my average, on base percentage, OPS, and doubles from last year. Though my power numbers will still be down a bit from previous years I think it shows that I am becoming more of a well rounded player. Not only that, but there is still plenty of time in the season to go on a tear and get hot.

RobbieNY (New York): I know this isn’t your “normal” question, but , of the two expansion teams whom do you feel will be better?

DR: You are right RobbieNY, this isn’t a question I was expecting but I will take a shot at it anyways. I feel immediately neither of the teams will be too good. But in the long run the Patriots will probably be the better team. I say this for 2 reasons. Firstly, because they have some great prospects in the minors, especially Suzuki, he is a special talent. And two, because the Bucs are in our conference, and they aren’t going to beat us.

OldSchoolWhalersFan (Hartford): If you couldn’t play baseball, what other sport do you think you would achieve success at?

DR: Well, I probably would have a lot of success at futbol, but if I could play ANY other sport besides baseball, it would be hockey. I have always secretly admired the game of hockey, maybe because it isn’t that popular in the Santo Domingo, but I think it is a fascinating and complex game.

I would have liked to answer more questions but the bus is leaving for Providence and I need to get on it. I look forward to answering more of your questions later on.

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I miss my friend… Wednesday, May 9 2007

I have been relatively quiet on the subject of a certain ace pitcher leaving Hartford for Allentown, however, its time that I break that silence. When I found out that Shannon Young was going to Allentown I immediately questioned management. I  openly wondered, how we could let such a great pitcher leave? Skip sat me down during Spring Training and basically explained the whole situation to me. As a player it is always tough to see one of your friends leave, and as a fan it is down right disturbing.

Now that Shannon is gone it is a lot tougher to keep in touch. We, obviously, don’t talk as much as we used to but we do have an occasional conversation. It was great to see her last week for our game, and it was even better beating her! I wish I didn’t go 0-3 against her, but she is a dominant pitcher (and lets face it I’m not exactly knocking the laces off the ball). She is a better pitcher then her 1-5 record shows.

There seems to to be a lot of speculation as to why I restructured my contract in the offseason. I would like to put those questions to rest by telling you all that I am not as much as a hero that I am being made out to be. Yes I did take a pay cut and gave up some guaranteed money, however, my contract is now performance based. I will, more then likely, be making much more money with my new contract. I have an old school mentality when it comes to contracts. I do not want to be a financial burden for my team. Why would I want them paying $12,000,000 per for a player that is currently struggling? Having this incentive based contract allows me, partly, to control how much I make.

We head out to Providence for a series against the King Cats this weekend. Hopefully, I can start swinging the bat better.

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Q & A part 1 Wednesday, May 2 2007

I have a received a lot of great feedback from users subscribed to my blog asking me all sorts of questions.  I will be starting to answer these responses more often while the team travels. Be sure to leave some comments as I would love to hear from all my fans, and my skeptics.

Ben1234 (Halifax): Dr, do you hold any grudge toward Halifax at all? I have been a fan of yours for awhile and just wanted to see where you stood on that?

DR: I hold no grudge toward the fans of neither Halifax nor the players, most of which I still talk to. However I do not care for some members of the front office, however, that was a long time ago. I’m glad to hear you are still a fan though.

SamAdams69 (Morgantown): What’s it like to f*ck Shannon Young?

DR: The only I posted this comment is to make everyone aware that nothing happened between former Oceanhawk’s pitcher Shannon Young. There seems to be a lot of questions in regard to this but I would like to put all those questions to rest right now.

WillyGray22 (Pittsburgh): Do you prefer a lot or a little pine tar on your bat?

DR:  A good question I do actually prefer a little bit of pine tar. With the gloves I feel I get a good grip on the bat, just a little pine tar is necessary.

MaryJane420 (Hartford): Have you ever, or do you, smoke pot?

DR: That’s a funny question. I have had my fair share of “flights,” one could say.  During the season, however, I am totally committed to baseball (except ASG weekend, then shit jumps off).

ChrisBallSACK12 (California): How are your relationships with the front office in Hartford?

DR: My relationship with Chisato is great; he gave me a home after Halifax, and also a true friend. Sure he sometimes gets upset at my wild antics, but overall we are friends.

That’s all I have time for now, please leave me comments guys and girls!

 

 

 

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No excuses, play like a champion Wednesday, May 2 2007

The last couple of days have been extremely rough for me. When I woke up opening day I was sick as a dog. I couldn’t swallow, talk, or play baseball for that matter. When I got to the stadium I stopped paying attention to my illness and decided I was going to play. Well of course I went 0-4 and then things got even worse. After the game I had a temperature of 102 and nearly fainted.

I got a ride back to the hotel took some Nyquil and crashed. Literally, crashed, I woke up on the couch in the morning late. At this point I’m still not able to play. I receive treatment at the stadium and the consensus is that I can play. So, once again I play and once again I go 0-4.

This trend continued for 2 more days as I was miserable both at home, and at the plate. I went 0-15 during my illness. I can’t remember, at any point in my career, struggling so much at the plate. Skip kept playing me because he sees me as vital to this organization being successful.

I rounded out the week batting well and even got Player of the Game against Halifax. I went 2-4 with a Homer, 2 Runs, and 2 RBI’s. I should get more comfortable at the plate as the year goes on. This should be a great season!

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A game to remember… Sunday, Apr 15 2007

I woke up before game 4 of the Patriot Cup and could barely move. The long season had finally taken its toll on me. Day in and Day out I played and did my part for the Oceanhawks to be a championship team and I knew tonight was going to be a special night.

Despite the sore muscles and have a relatively poor post season to this point I went to the field and took BP. After warming up for a while I had to go to the medical facility and receive my daily treatment. They tapped me up and Julie our Medical Trainer told me that I was her son Joshua’s favorite player. I told Julie I would get her something for her son later.

So the game gets started and at my first AB I fly out to Nygerski. It was a deep fly and I thought it was gone for a second but the wind blew it back. So I step up in the 4th and Fuqua was pitching a decent game. There was no one on and Fuqua left me a high meatball and I took it deep left and finally got my 1st post season HR with the Oceanhawks.  I was in almost the same situation in the 6th. I leadoff the inning and he threw a curve that just did not curve. I proceeded to take that pitch to deep left as well. 

Before I knew it the surreal moment had happened. We won, 14-0, but we won the Patriot Cup non-the-less. Not only that but I had received Player of the Game in the deciding game of the Patriot Cup and that made me so happy. My official box score that game was: 4-5, 2 HR’s, 3 R’s, 4 RBI’s.

Needless to say we celebrated afterwards, oh did we ever (refer to “After the Championship it’s the After-Party). I saw Julie after the game and autographed my game bat for her son.   

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After the championship its the afterparty Sunday, Apr 15 2007

So September 28th 2012 was a day to remember in the NEBL. Not only was this the first year that Elmira didn’t win it all, but it is also the year Alex Williams (God) received his first post season loss. So after the 9th inning we all went back to the clubhouse and celebrated, however it went much further then ESPN aired.

We all celebrated with the typical champagne and beer showers. After that we took the team bus up to Springfield Massachusetts and went to club rain to celebrate. It was an incredible night, even Chisato came to celebrate. So we all went downstairs and celebrated with shots, luckily club rain had watched the Patriot Cup and all drinks were on the house.

As luck would have it once the “Come back Shannon” cheer started Michael Thomson popped in. I had recalled last year losing to Halifax in the Conference Finals and Thompson rubbing it in, obviously upset I left his ball club, and I held my tongue. I decided to let loose, the conversation went something like this.

DR: Great Series huh?

MT: You shouldn’t have even been there!

DR: Well we proved that we should have been there. You remember when I signed with Hartford and said I’m signing with the 1st team to win the Cup other then Elmira?

MT: *grumbles*

DR: Yeah, being a champion feels great by the way!

I might have gone a bit over the edge because I just heard that he has resigned and retired, however, I’m not sure if it’s for real this time or not.

Since we won the Cup I just wanted to say this, “I’m going to Disney World!”

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An interesting day… Tuesday, Apr 3 2007

When I woke up August 8th I never knew what was in store for me. I woke up late and it was raining so I kind of knew it was going to be “one of those days.” I didn’t have my phone charger, and since my battery was dead, I missed all my calls. I missed the team jet from Boston to Halifax (for the night game) and had to fly coach on a commercial flight.

This would usually be enough to ruin anyone’s day, but my day had just begun. I couldn’t get a direct flight, so I had a layover in New York. I finally made it to Halifax and was waiting for my luggage…still waiting…. After an hour and a half I realized I’m not getting it. Just a reminder, this was a very bad day for me. I then drove a rent-a-car to the stadium and of course the game was nearly over. I had neither jersey nor cleats, so I had to resort to old equipment the equipment manager just happened to have.

So I step in the game and skip throws me right in with the score tied at 5-5 in the 9th. I leadoff the inning with a bloop single. I grab 2nd when Carters at the plate. On a gutsy play I stole 3rd and beat it by a hair. There was controversy over the call, and of course Halifax’s coach came out and caused a scene. I was safe and thereafter wilgus knocked me in with a sac fly to take the lead 6-5 in the 9th. Thankfully we won the game 7-5.

Needless it say it was a long day, and luckily skip didn’t mind I was late. I was just glad I got there for the fun part.

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True Heroes Monday, Mar 26 2007

I’m a baseball player and sometimes people put us on these pedestals and think that we are heroes. However we are not heroes, we are simply adults working for a paycheck.  Sure, most of us play for the love of the game, but we are making a serious amount of money to play this game. Some of the guys and I took a day trip to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute today to visit a few special fans that have been writing us awhile.  Walking into a place like that really makes you thankful. Imagine this, you are surrounded by children and adults who never did anyone any wrong, but have to suffer. Though you wouldn’t think they were suffering while we were there! These kids were awesome they all had smiles from ear to ear from the second we walked in, until we left.

I got to meet some of the nurses and doctors that take care of these patients, and all I kept thinking to myself was how these people are the true heroes. They truly are angels sent from God. It makes you realize that, in the whole scheme of things, baseball really isn’t that important. But do not to these kids that, they all love baseball. We signed autographs and took pictures for 3 1/2 hours.  Some of the boys and I decided we are going to make more trips there to check on a few of our buddies (Hi Patrick!).

We get back into the swing of things tonight finishing our series up against Boston.  Having Halifax constantly breathing down our necks for 1st place in the AC really helps the club. Instead of cruising through the season we are treating each game like a playoff game, and that will definitely be good for us come playoff time.  

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