Third Day of Regular Action (Wed., Feb. 4)

(Written by Meg Goldsmith on behalf of Kerry)

Kerry said that this was the warmest day of the week, reaching 80 degrees, with a high sky and no wind.  He also noted that the Grizzlies probably won’t make The Ring championship round in the playoffs at camp after splitting their games on Wed.  He also commented that there had been a lot of bad defense at camp this year, which isn’t typical of the camp.  Since the fields have dried out completely, it can’t be blamed on bad conditions.

They won the morning game 11-6 or 11-7 playing Veteran’s Tournament rules in which each pitcher only goes one inning.  Kerry gave up one run, which was an earned run this time.  He gave up two hits and one strikeout in his stint on the mound.  At the plate, he was 2 for 2 with two walks, two RBI’s, and one run scored.  He played shortstop but only had routine plays in the field.

In the afternoon game, the Grizzlies gave up two runs in the first and another in the second, putting them in quite a hole to Rocky Johnson’s team (“The Rock”).  The Rock scored two unearned runs when, with runners on first and second none out, a routine grounder to third was caught and the force at third was made but the third baseman then threw the ball down the RF line.  Overall, Kerry struck out three and walked one in the two innings he pitched.  And he finally hit a batter in camp during his stint on the mound in this game (the Beflry’s own davidwb).  (Kerry’s note:  Actually, the pitch I threw skimmed off Dave’s batting helmet and forced in a run.  It was a pitiful pitch that got away from me completely.)  The Grizzlies were down 5-0 in the top of the fifth when Kerry led off with a bunt single despite some players on the other team yelling “watch for the bunt.”  This sparked a rally by the Grizzlies.  The next batter doubled to right and Kerry came all the way around from first base to score their first run.  Ultimately, they had a runner at second with nobody out and the tying run came to the plate.  He hit one up the middle which was fielded but the throw pulled the first baseman off the bag.  Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, the umpire was in the wrong position and he called the batter out.  That put a fizzle to the rally and the inning ended with a 5-4 score in favor of The Rock and the Grizzlies went down in order in the top of the sixth, with Kerry popping out to third to end the game, giving him a 1-3 tally for this game.

Kerry commented that they have played very lethargically in the afternoon games all week.  Their 2-3 record reflects this.

One "pro" note:  Kerry got a pitching lesson from Jim Palmer.  Kerry has very small hands and has problems gripping the ball for breaking pitches.  Palmer told him that with a circle change it's not necessary to complete the circle.  "Just do the best you can."  Kerry noted that while this was going on, Palmer stood in the batters box to help simulate the strike zone.  Kerry said he hoped like crazy that he didn't "buzz" him or, worse, hit him.  And he didn't.  (Kerry’s note:  I was warming up on one of the bullpen practice mounds when Palmer saw me.  I’ve spoken to him a number of times over the years, but this is the first time he’s seen me pitch.  He could see that I knew what I was doing mechanically, but he came over and suggested a couple of adjustments in how I grip my breaking ball and my straight change.  (I found it interesting, in discussing it with him, that he didn’t complete a circle with his index finger and thumb when throwing a “circle change.”  His hands are easily big enough to do so, but he said he felt more comfortable not completing the circle.)  In any case, his suggestions really helped, particularly with the breaking ball.)

The Stat Line--Batting

The Stat Line--Pitching

Previous Reports from 2004 Fantasy Camp:

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