June 24 Skyhawks @ Rapidz Doubleheader

[OttawaBallFan]

After being rained out on Monday, the Skyhawks and Rapidz played a doubleheader on Tuesday.

In the first game, Kyle Ruwe improved to 6-1 as he went the distance by scattering eight hits. Tanner Watson made his Ottawa debut after recently being released by the Cubs organization where he was pitching at the AA level. He allowed six hits in a complete game losing effort. The Skyhawks' big inning was the fourth when they scored four runs and took a 5-2 lead. Neither team scored the remainder of the game.

In the second game, the Skyhawks started the second game strong by scoring three runs on Alex Frazier's second home run of the night, a three-run shot in the first inning. He had a solo shot in the first game and it was his sixth of the year, one behind league leader Scott Grimes. He is also near the RBI leaders and in the top ten in batting average.

But the Rapidz did not roll over and play dead. They scored one of their own in the first inning. Jose de Los Santos ran aggresively and was able to make it to second to lead off. He continued his baserunning aggresiveness when the next hitter, Juan Infante, singled to drive him in.

Ottawa tied it 3-3 in the second by getting three straight singles, scoring a run on a double play and a triple by Jared Lemieux. The Skyhawks again took the lead in the third on consecutive doubles by Kevin Rios and Jorge Moreno. But the Rapidz came back with four runs of their own, this time to take the lead for good, as they batted around in the fourth. Key hits were Pete Pirman's double to drive in the go-ahead run and Lemieux single to score two more.

Ottawa scored another run in the fourth without the benefit of a hit as Sussex made two errors. In the fifth inning, the Rapz tacked on two more runs, all the action taking place with two outs as Lemieux drew a walk, stole second and scored on de Los Santos' double. They round up the scoring in the sixth on Jabe Bergeron's third home run of the year.

The Rapidz scored at least one run in every inning making them the first team to ever accomplish this feat in the Can-Am. No team has ever scored in every inning of a nine-inning game. One Can-Am team came close when Nashua scored in 7 of 8 innings - not doing so only in the first - on August 6, 2007. In 2006, Sussex allowed North Shore to score in five of six inning in the second game of a double-header. Three teams scored in 7 of nine full innings, all in 2005, North Shore doing it twice against Elmira, both times in Elmira.

Starter Fraser Robinson earned his second win against two losses while Mark Michael dropped to 0-2.

The Rapidz are 8-22, still last in the Can-Am, six games back of seventh place Nashua. The Skyhawks are still one game below 500 at 15-16, five games out of first.

[titanium]

Great wrap up OBF. I was at the games.

Infante continues to impress me with his hustle down to first base, his bunt for a hit was a gem. Lemieux displayed incredible speed around the bases on his triple. Bergeron did what I though he would do soon......hit a mammoth HR over the centre field fence. He did that in one of the exhibition games also.

After several weeks of watching this team, I have come to some conclusions. Compared to Triple A ball, the play at times is erratic, especially in the infield. This team is much better than its current record indicates. They are certainly stronger now than they were in the first 2 - 3 weeks of the season. Sometimes if it wasn't for bad-luck, they would have no luck at all, i.e. hard hit balls right at some one.

It was nice seeing Hal Lanier again. Saw him several times during his tenure as mananger of the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Northern League. I wonder how many recall that he was once the manager of the Houston Astros, & I'm pretty certain was named Major League Manager of the year one year when he was with them. He and Nottle are great examples of dedicated baseball men. I recall when Lanier made his debut in the majors as a second baseman with the SF Giants.

After rooting for this team since day one, here are some things I would like to see, obviously some are more important than others:

1. More fans at the ball park.
2. More media coverage of the team. (a real ass burner for me)
3. A scoreboard that works.
4. A more professional looking and current team web site.
5. Box scores in the papers after every game.
6. A few upgrades at the park, eg. paint some of that dull concrete.
7. Nottle wearing a complete uniform, i.e. a jersey & w/o that jacket.
8. The manager staying in the dug-out, with a coach at 3rd base.
9. English radio broacast of team games, obviously related to #2.
10. Less silly promotions, although I realize they are an attempt to draw fans.

Having said all that, I am enjoying following and rooting for this team more than I did Triple A baseball.

[OttawaBallFan]

> I have come to some conclusions
> Compared to Triple A ball, the play at times is erratic, especially in the infield

Agree that is the big difference between Can-Am and AAA level I've noticed. The Rapz are not the only team that commits lots of errors. In fact, a staggering percentage of runs are unearned. Would you believe 17% league-wide? Ottawa is just below that and Sussex is best by far at 6.5%.

Only two MLB teams since 1950 have percentages higher than this year's Can-Am: 1972 Dodgers and 1967 White Sox. Last time majors as a whole were over 10% was in 1990 and 1922 when it was as high as 17%. So, yes, defense is not this league's strong point. Otherwise, I think it is entertaining and good baseball.


> This team is much better than its current record indicates.

Agree again but I still don't think this is a .500 team. Many changes still to come which may make me a liar. Example: Ndungidi was released yesterday. New player: Nathan Hall, an infielder from UNC.

> I wonder how many recall that he was once the manager of the Houston Astros

I do. Won 1986 division. I think that's also the year he was manager of the year. As for his debut with the Giants, I don't recall that. You're probably a bit older than I am.


> 1. More fans at the ball park.
The attendance average is where I expected it to be so far. That's about the same average the Lynx had.

> 2. More media coverage of the team.
Well, what can you do? Baseball will always be the token sport in this town, even if its the only game in town.

> 3. A scoreboard that works.
Balls and strikes part last night? I know what you mean. I'm more frustrated because I'm the one who works it.

> 5. Box scores in the papers after every game.
Goes with your second point. To be fair, the lateness of the end of games probably makes this unfeasible. Even the Can-Am site doesn't have them until noon the next day.

> 7. Nottle wearing a complete uniform
I guess Ed's cold.

> 9. English radio broacast of team games
Check ShoutCast, but that may change. A link may be on Rapidz site about this today. If enough people listen, a radio station may decide to do it. But don't hold your breath. I think a minimum of 500 per game is very doable because the Lynx got that and more. But do log in and show there are fans in this town. Only problem is, it's only home games.

> 10. Less silly promotions
Which ones you found silly? Suggestions?

[titanium]

Guess I meant promotions during the game & maybe they are not really promotions. They have a tendancy to detract from the game, however, I know the kids like them. I think they could get by with less of them.

Thanks for your observations & comments OBF. I think the team's biggest weakness right now is pitching. They seem to be outhitting their opponents in most of their games lately. Now that another Canadian was released (Ndungidi) I guess "annonymous" from that other blog will be nattering again.

Since your the scoreboard operator OBF, maybe you can convince the new owners, or maybe its the city's responsiblity, to spend money for repairs. Don't like your chances though.

As far as being older, I will only say that I saw Mickey Mantle play for the Yankees at Yankee Stadium in 1952 - when I was 8 yrs. old. I was a Giants fan but they were out of town when my family visited relatives in the Big Apple.

[OttawaBallFan]

> Now that another Canadian was released (Ndungidi) I guess "annonymous" from that other blog will be nattering again.

OMG, we'll never hear the end of it!

Promotions between innings are meant to keep people entertained. I'm too busy to be distracted by them but I don't dislike them. You won't see the player name scramble again, which personally, I thought was kind of lame.

> maybe you can convince the new owners, or maybe its the city's responsiblity

I don't have any pull with the owners. Probably shouldn't say this here, but here's what I know. One of the first things the new owners asked the city for is a video scoreboard. However, nothing can be re-negotiated until the lease is up after the 2009 season. Apparently, these things don't cost that much and if the figure I was told is right, we could very well see a new one in the near future.

The problem with the current graphical section (the top section above the linescore) is the poor resolution which means little in the way of graphics because they just won't look good. Notice poor look of Rapz logo for Due Up screen. Although I thought my new large Rapidz logo didn't look that bad last night.

These systems are supposed to get maintenance before each season and was done as far as I know. The balls and strikes for some reason has had many problems this year. I think it's a controller box problem, not the display itself.

[summerfan]

Great wrap up OBF. I was at the games.

Infante continues to impress me with his hustle down to first base, his bunt for a hit was a gem. Lemieux displayed incredible speed around the bases on his triple. Bergeron did what I though he would do soon......hit a mammoth HR over the centre field fence. He did that in one of the exhibition games also.

After several weeks of watching this team, I have come to some conclusions. Compared to Triple A ball, the play at times is erratic, especially in the infield. This team is much better than its current record indicates. They are certainly stronger now than they were in the first 2 - 3 weeks of the season. Sometimes if it wasn't for bad-luck, they would have no luck at all, i.e. hard hit balls right at some one.

It was nice seeing Hal Lanier again. Saw him several times during his tenure as mananger of the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Northern League. I wonder how many recall that he was once the manager of the Houston Astros, & I'm pretty certain was named Major League Manager of the year one year when he was with them. He and Nottle are great examples of dedicated baseball men. I recall when Lanier made his debut in the majors as a second baseman with the SF Giants.

After rooting for this team since day one, here are some things I would like to see, obviously some are more important than others:

1. More fans at the ball park.
2. More media coverage of the team. (a real ass burner for me)
3. A scoreboard that works.
4. A more professional looking and current team web site.
5. Box scores in the papers after every game.
6. A few upgrades at the park, eg. paint some of that dull concrete.
7. Nottle wearing a complete uniform, i.e. a jersey & w/o that jacket.
8. The manager staying in the dug-out, with a coach at 3rd base.
9. English radio broacast of team games, obviously related to #2.
10. Less silly promotions, although I realize they are an attempt to draw fans.

Having said all that, I am enjoying following and rooting for this team more than I did Triple A baseball.

1)Fan wise there right about where they expected to be.
6)Since they don't own the park its a bit tricky to paint it etc.They need the ok from the city.

[summerfan]

> I have come to some conclusions
> Compared to Triple A ball, the play at times is erratic, especially in the infield

Agree that is the big difference between Can-Am and AAA level I've noticed. The Rapz are not the only team that commits lots of errors. In fact, a staggering percentage of runs are unearned. Would you believe 17% league-wide? Ottawa is just below that and Sussex is best by far at 6.5%.

Only two MLB teams since 1950 have percentages higher than this year's Can-Am: 1972 Dodgers and 1967 White Sox. Last time majors as a whole were over 10% was in 1990 and 1922 when it was as high as 17%. So, yes, defense is not this league's strong point. Otherwise, I think it is entertaining and good baseball.


> This team is much better than its current record indicates.

Agree again but I still don't think this is a .500 team. Many changes still to come which may make me a liar. Example: Ndungidi was released yesterday. New player: Nathan Hall, an infielder from UNC.

> I wonder how many recall that he was once the manager of the Houston Astros

I do. Won 1986 division. I think that's also the year he was manager of the year. As for his debut with the Giants, I don't recall that. You're probably a bit older than I am.


> 1. More fans at the ball park.
The attendance average is where I expected it to be so far. That's about the same average the Lynx had.

> 2. More media coverage of the team.
Well, what can you do? Baseball will always be the token sport in this town, even if its the only game in town.

> 3. A scoreboard that works.
Balls and strikes part last night? I know what you mean. I'm more frustrated because I'm the one who works it.

> 5. Box scores in the papers after every game.
Goes with your second point. To be fair, the lateness of the end of games probably makes this unfeasible. Even the Can-Am site doesn't have them until noon the next day.

> 7. Nottle wearing a complete uniform
I guess Ed's cold.

> 9. English radio broacast of team games
Check ShoutCast, but that may change. A link may be on Rapidz site about this today. If enough people listen, a radio station may decide to do it. But don't hold your breath. I think a minimum of 500 per game is very doable because the Lynx got that and more. But do log in and show there are fans in this town. Only problem is, it's only home games.

> 10. Less silly promotions
Which ones you found silly? Suggestions?

The probleam is there is alot of sports in ottawa.If the rapidz were the only show they would get more attnetion.

[spaggis]

It appears that the Rapids will get some English language radio. The Rapids web site says Team 1200 will broadcast 10 games (see http://ottawarapidz.com/press-broadcasts.asp and scroll down near the bottom).

If this is true, then it should generate some more fan interest since Team 1200 should do some promotion of the games to try to get some listeners. Unfortunately I can't find any reference to the games on the Team 1200 web site (other than a Rapids logo on the home page). The first game to be broadcast is supposed to be June 29th.

The only reason I found this info was I was just looking at the Rapids web site again to remind myself how bad it is. I can't imagine them getting an English radio deal and not putting it on the home page. Of course, I never saw any mention of the Rogers broadcasts, so they are at least consistent...

Lastly, does anyone else think the Rapids are padding their announced attendance more then the Lynx used to? Sure didn't seem like the stadium was 25% full tonight.

[summerfan]

It appears that the Rapids will get some English language radio. The Rapids web site says Team 1200 will broadcast 10 games (see http://ottawarapidz.com/press-broadcasts.asp and scroll down near the bottom).

If this is true, then it should generate some more fan interest since Team 1200 should do some promotion of the games to try to get some listeners. Unfortunately I can't find any reference to the games on the Team 1200 web site (other than a Rapids logo on the home page). The first game to be broadcast is supposed to be June 29th.

The only reason I found this info was I was just looking at the Rapids web site again to remind myself how bad it is. I can't imagine them getting an English radio deal and not putting it on the home page. Of course, I never saw any mention of the Rogers broadcasts, so they are at least consistent...

Lastly, does anyone else think the Rapids are padding their announced attendance more then the Lynx used to? Sure didn't seem like the stadium was 25% full tonight.

Don't forget its paid attendance not bums in the seats.

[spaggis]

Don't forget its paid attendance not bums in the seats.

I know that but I would change it to 'issued tickets' instead of paid attendance. I know they were giving tickets away for last night's game to Dragon Boat Race participants.

It just seems that the announced number is much larger than what I remember the Lynx announcing for a crowd that felt about the same.

[summerfan]

I know that but I would change it to 'issued tickets' instead of paid attendance. I know they were giving tickets away for last night's game to Dragon Boat Race participants.

It just seems that the announced number is much larger than what I remember the Lynx announcing for a crowd that felt about the same.

Its would get to complex.If they said tonight attendance is 1000 but the paid attendance is 4500.

[titanium]

Glad radio 1200 has agreed to do some games. That's one of my beefs partially taken care of, 10 games is better than nothing. Hope it leads to a broadcast of all games both home & away.

Agree with you 100 % spaggis, the team's web site leaves a lot to be desired.

Disappointed in their loss last night. It was a great chance to win back to back games for the first time this season.

[OttawaBallFan]

Summerfan:
> The probleam is there is alot of sports in ottawa.If the rapidz were the only show they would get more attnetion.

I've said this before and I agree. Not only other sports, other entertainment such as all the festivals we have pretty much every weekend, not to mention the arts, museums and bunch of other things. Still, over 4000 paid attendance last night although many stayed away for fear of getting wet. Saturday should be interesting.

Radio: yes, I got wind last night of Team 1200 doing some games. It's a start.