Fifth Day of Regular Action & Start of Tournament Action (Fri., Feb. 6)

(Written by Meg Goldsmith on behalf of Kerry)

The morning game Fri. was a seeding game for the two championship series to get underway in the afternoon.  This sparked a bit of controversy which actually began Thurs. evening at the hotel and carried over to the complex.  Ultimately, they changed the rules.  Instead of having the first two teams play each other and the third and fourth place teams playing each other, they pitted one vs. four and two vs. three.  Some campers weren’t happy about the last minute rule change but did seem to think this format was fairer.

The change meant that Kerry’s team had to play the #1 team since the Grizzlies were in fourth place in their division with a 3-4 record.  Unfortunately the weeklong trend did not continue as they lost the game.  Kerry didn’t pitch in this game since it was meaningless to his team for tournament purposes.  At the plate, he scored two runs after reaching base with a hit by pitch and a double.  He hit into a fielder’s choice in his final AB.  In the field, he spent the game in the outfield and made a sliding catch of a sinking line drive while in center field, nearly doubling up a baserunner at first base.

In the afternoon game, they played for the right to go to the Trophy Game.  Unfortunately, the trend of afternoon losses continued as the Grizzlies lost the game 2-1 in a close pitchers duel.  The Grizzlies pitcher (Brian Murphy) carried a perfect game into the sixth and the Grizzlies managed to push a run across in the top of the sixth.  But the other team singled and the next batter drove him home as he ultimately wound up on third.  They walked the bases loaded and with the infield in the batter managed to hit one to the outfield which scored the runner from third and end their hope for a trophy.  In the field, Kerry spent the entire game at shortstop and made some nice plays, including a running catch on a pop fly hit down the left field line.  There was a strong wind blowing everything toward the left field corner, but he got a good jump on the ball and ran it down as he crossed the foul line on the outfield grass.  He also made a good play on a ball hit to his backhand side, throwing the batter out at first base from the hole.

On a sad note, Grant Jackson’s team ended the week 0-9.  And one of their players, a first time camper, quit the team.  This camper clearly irritated everyone in camp, but most especially his teammates, with his constant complaining and whining.  There was a lot of frustration on the Buccaneers because many of their losses were one-run losses and nobody on the team was happy with how things worked out.

Kerry and I opted to skip the evening signing session with Brooks and Earl since Kerry has already got several things signed by both of them.  Instead, we drove around looking for a place to eat.  Sarasota is a great place to eat if you like fish but Kerry and I are both vegetarians and there isn’t a lot to choose from at restaurants there.  We ultimately wound up at the Olive Garden.

The Stat Line--Batting

The Stat Line--Pitching

Previous Reports from 2004 Fantasy Camp:

Thurs., Feb. 5-- Fourth Day of Action & Meg Joins in the Festivities

Wed., Feb. 4-- Third Day of Action

Tues., Feb. 3-- Second Day of Action

Mon., Feb. 2-- First Day of Action

Sun., Feb. 1-- Veteran's Tournament Day 2

Sat., Jan. 31-- Veteran's Tournament Day 1

Fri., Jan. 30 -- Preparing for Camp