Playoff Berth

I write this between periods of dozing on our way home from Appleton, Wisconsin.  We just wrapped up an eight-game road trip, and are coming home to play the last regular season series against Clinton (Texas Rangers affiliate) beginning Friday. 

While this was not the first two-city and weeklong road trip we made this season, it feels like it was the longest, and the team is finally happy to be returning home.  More importantly, we were able to clinch the wild card playoff spot Wednesday night with a 3-2 win.  Aside from player development, the goal every year for a team is to make the playoffs.  Emphasis for the first half of the season is generally put on player development, but there is a transformation in the second half atmosphere that puts winning at a higher level.

After clinching the playoff berth, there was an incredible celebratory mood in the clubhouse.  A major goal of ours had finally been achieved.  Our hitting coach joked that this team might have taken the longest road possible to get to this point, but no one can take away from what we were able to accomplish.  There is validity in this statement, especially after our solid 14-11 start in April led into a woeful 7-21 May.  While pitching was strong during that time, the bats were as cold as the weather was when we rolled into Cedar Rapids at the beginning of April, with the team last in the league in batting.  However, the team kept grinding throughout the dismal times, and this, combined with the renewed optimism that comes with the start of the second half enabled us to put ourselves in the playoffs.

This playoff berth is a testament to all of the effort the players and staff have put in throughout the season.  While adversity struck at inopportune times, the team came together and persevered.  We had to absorb the losses of players leaving from promotion, but this only improved the team collectively as everyone else stepped up their game to make up for their departures.  We had to deal with the emotional strains of seeing friends let go, but again, this brought the team together further and the attitude of “playing for each other” became prevalent.

In the end, this is the epitome of baseball.  It is a team sport made up of individual efforts, and it requires that these individual efforts be selfless and have a team-first priority, not me-first.  Once August rolls around, a player has an idea of where his statistics are going to finish for the season, and this is where “playing for each other” becomes most important.  While performing one’s role is stressed throughout the season, its importance is highlighted in big games during a playoff run.  Putting the team first and moving a runner over wins championships, while trying to drive a run in by yourself only precludes you from the opportunity.

While this may not been the banner season that is remembered for decades to come, for the players on this team, it is a season that will evoke success, regardless of how the playoffs conclude.  Yes, we are hungry to win the Midwest League Championship and that is now our goal, but the year will not be a failure if we do not finish with the hardware.  We will be using this final regular season series with Clinton to gear up for the post-season.  As we finally pull into the stadium about four and a half hours after departing Appleton, I will conclude with a quote we heard earlier this season: “You are never as bad as you think you are, and you are never as good as you think you are.”  Despite this modest approach, right now, we think we are damn good.

If You Can’t Hit, then Play Defense

We are midway into August and in the midst of our playoff run with the team playing well and finding ways to win.  This late in the season, wins come at a premium and we have had the focus of a team determined to earn a playoff spot.  While baseball is a game played by individuals with their collective efforts deciding the ultimate outcome, a strong emphasis has been placed on every player playing for the team and doing everything within his power to help the team win.  A player’s individual statistics are not going to change drastically in the final two weeks, and with the playoffs at stake, a heightened awareness of playing for the team has been made.

The nature of the game can make it difficult for players to keep the offensive and defensive parts of the game separate.  If a player dwells on a poor at-bat, that can affect his defensive performance as soon as the next half inning, or if a player laments about an error in the field, this can contribute to his poor at-bat in a tight situation.  The best players are the ones who can separate offense from defense.

Many players have heard the adage, “If you can’t hit, then play defense.”  While simple in nature, there is a powerful truth behind these words.  Playing for your team means finding any way to contribute on a given day, whether it is at the plate, in the field, or even something like figuring out how an opposing pitcher tips his pitches.

I started behind the plate in Sunday’s 5-4, 13-inning victory and was forced to put the adage into effect.  I started the day with two strikeouts, one looking at a curveball down the middle, and the other swinging at a ball about eye-high.  My next three at-bats only got better in the sense that I was able to put the balls in play, grounding out three times to the shortstop.  I hit two of the balls fairly well, but had nothing to show for it, as he was able to make the plays in the hole.

Despite my lack of success at the plate, I knew I could still contribute to the team’s efforts and subsequent victory by playing solidly behind the plate.  I did well with my blocking and pitch calling, helping the team put up zeros for the last nine innings of the game.  My two throws to second, which were not even that great, still gave us a chance to get the base stealers, and got a break with the second one when he over slid the base and was called out.

Perhaps the biggest separation I was able to make to keep offense and defensive separate was after I was unable to drive in the winning run from third with two-on and two outs in the bottom of the 12^th inning.  After grounding out for the third time of the game and having nothing to show for my five at bats, I was exceedingly frustrated.  However, I had to leave those feelings in the dugout and focus my efforts back on defense.  I feel that this mindset aided me in a crucial tag play at the plate in the top of the 13^th inning on a one-out single to right field with a runner at second base.  I got into position and was able to block the plate and tag the go-ahead runner out.  This left us in a tied game and we were able to win on a walk-off home run in the bottom half of the frame.

With my lousy day at the plate, I had plenty of opportunities to dwell on this and let it affect my defensive performance.  However, I understand that as a catcher (especially in the Angels organization), my primary responsibility concerns defense and doing everything in my power to catch a winner.  I feel that my ability to keep the offensive and defensive aspects of the game separate greatly contributed to my strong defensive performance in this win.

Happy to be Back

This is being written from an Interstate somewhere in Illinois.  It is 1:30am and most of my teammates are trying to catch a few bonus hours of dozing before our expected 2:30 check-in at the hotel.  The early morning hours are not deterring the card players, and there are a few quiet words of Spanish being spoken elsewhere.

Tonight’s win was big and we were able to salvage a split with first place Burlington, keeping our distance behind them where it was when we arrived in town, two games.  We just completed day four of a quirky seven-day, eight-game road trip.  The cause of this is twofold: Burlington (Kansas City affiliate) is a commuter trip and we have been going back and forth the past three days; and, tomorrow’s meeting with Kane County (Oakland affiliate) will be a continuation of a game suspended in July, followed by the regularly scheduled game.  Tomorrow, we will have to overcome the short turnaround of playing a game in excess of three hours tonight, a three-hour bus ride through the night, and a modified doubleheader in order to continue our playoff push.

My arrival back in Cedar Rapids has been about as seamless as I could have expected.  I have gotten back to the routines I was accustomed to prior to my departure in early July and it almost feels like I never left.  I have played in two of the five games since my return, and I am pleased with the results. My knee is holding up, in part to a good daily tape job, a brace that I don for games, and the continuation of my rehab exercises several times a week.

The past six weeks have been a blur to me having traveled across the country, only to get back to where I started.  However, as much as I was dreading Iowa at the beginning of the season because of the cold weather, I am very happy to be back.  Being back with most of my original teammates, the coaching staff, and stadium and support staff is a comforting feeling.  It seems that this is what baseball players are trying to do: find something that is comfortable, whether it be new mechanics or a living situation.

It is still tough driving around the area and seeing the devastation from the flood.  It seems like it was ages ago, but it was only two months ago that the city was inundated with water and placed the lives of many people in peril.  However, I see the city being cleaned up and there are signs everywhere of support and a city that will be rebuilt.  Situations like these put the game in perspective and you are able to realize things that are more important than your at bats that night.

Despite the flooding situation, the support of Kernels fans has been fantastic.  While we know we are not going to get sellout crowds every night, we are exceedingly appreciative of the scores of fans that have still been coming to games considering what must be weighing on the minds of many.  I was definitely taken aback by the energy of our fans during our 3-1 victory Friday night.  It was awesome to be able to play in front of 4,400 fans my first night back as a Kernel, and there was a playoff-like atmosphere that made the win feel that must more important.  Every bit of enthusiasm helps during a playoff run and players definitely respond to fan support.

As we arrive at the hotel, I will close by saying that I cannot thank enough all of the people who have wished me well upon my arrival back in Cedar Rapids, either in person, email, or through the blog.  There is nothing more comforting than playing in front of hometown fans who are passionate for their team and its success.  The support all year has been phenomenal and I know it will continue as we continue to battle for a coveted playoff spot.

A Kernel Again

I have finally reached the end of rehab road.  After making rehab starts the previous three nights, I will be heading back to Cedar Rapids.  This is very exciting for me as I will be able to play again for the first time since July 5 (not on rehab assignment).  Once again, I got to interact with another set of knowledgeable coaches and worked out with some talented players and will be leaving them to join with most of the original set I began with in April. 

My rehab outings were three innings catching on Monday, three at-bats of designated hitting on Tuesday, and catching six innings Wednesday.  My knee is feeling better and I am looking forward to getting back into the regular routine of a normal schedule.

I know that some people are wondering how I feel about this move back to Cedar Rapids and not to Rancho, and how I feel about being “demoted.”  Honestly, I am not looking at this as a demotion but as an opportunity to play and get back into things.  There is a need in Cedar Rapids for catching and I am being sent there to satisfy this need and produce for the team and the organization.  It would be tough for me to look at this as a demotion since I was only able to play two innings for Rancho.

My feelings about playing time and being moved up and down is simple: as long as you are still on a team’s roster in a Major League Baseball team’s organization, you have a shot.  Players are bound to be injured with our long schedules and the nature of the game.  There is always a need for role players as well as everyday players.  Role players have opportunities to become everyday players and everyday players can squander their chances and become backups.  Just like the game of baseball and nothing ever being over until the final out, your shot is never gone until you are no longer on a roster.

My flight to Cedar Rapids leaves at 6:15am MST (yes, not daylight time-Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings so it is at the equivalent of PDT right now).  So, I fly through Dallas, will lose two hours from the time zone change, and am due into Cedar Rapids at 2pm CDT.  I will arrive sleep deprived but expecting to play and help the team to a playoff berth in this final stretch.

Rehab Update

Rehab has been progressing well.  I have been doing all baseball activities with the exception of playing in games.  I hope to be game eligible early this week and be playing in games very soon.  The rehab has been grueling and sometimes monotonous, but I am satisfied with the progress and look forward to finishing. 

When a player is sent to Arizona to rehab, he goes through the rehabilitative program until the training staff determines it is safe for the player to play again.  After this is decided, the player is then presented to the organization, and they decide what the player will do.  This generally involves playing some rehab games with the Rookie level Tempe Angels, and then being assigned to another team in the organization.  So, there is no guarantee I will be heading back to Rancho after playing in some rehab games.  There are many factors that go into the decision, including current personnel, player outlook, and timing.  I can only focus on things that are under my control and get back to the best game shape possible, and be ready to play when I am told.