I get this question all the time, “How do remember everyone’s at-bat during the course of the game?”  It’s very simple, my scorebook holds all the numbers and chicken scratches to make me sound smart.  During my career announcing baseball, you start figuring out little tricks to remember certain plays.  I’ll mark an infield hit as IF-1B, put a mark in the direction where a baseball is hit, and the backwards K for a called third strike.  I know most of my peers share this same dorky feeling, but there’s something special about filling out your scorebook before the game.

I’m not sure what it is, but I think it’s the time when things calm down before the game, and you’re the juices flowing for another broadcast.  Since my first game in 1997, I’ve used a four-colored pen (get made fun of a lot, but they work great) so that I can color-code certain plays.  Here’s a simple breakdown of what the colors represent: Green =  for any reaching base (except for an error, that’s in red), Red = player reaching on an error, RBI or run scored, Black = any out and Blue is what I use to write in my lineups and pitchers section.  Last week my Bob Carpenter scorebook arrived in the mail, and it got me even more excited for the season.  Bob is a Major League broadcaster with the Washington Nationals and has been in the scorebook business for over 20 years.   During one season I used a different scorebook, and it didn’t feel right.  Almost like I was cheating on Bob’s book.  I’ve included some photos of some interesting games.  I’ll post more during the season.   Hope you’ve enjoyed some of the blog entries, and you can follow me on twitter at seadogs radio or e-mail at the seadogsradio@gmail.com

Most people think that baseball front office staff lock the gates at the end of the season, and unlock them right before opening day.  If they only could, but if they did, the product wouldn’t be the same.  My situation is a lot different from my co-workers.  I’m a seasonal employee with the Sea Dogs, but I’m very busy in the off-season with a variety of freelancing jobs.  After the 2011 season ended, I was very fortunate to be offered a slot as a talkshow host every Saturday morning (8-12 PM) on 96.3 FM  in Portland, Maine. My new gig also includes: filling-in during the morning and afternoon shows, play-by-play for high school football, producing Celtics Basketball and the studio host for Maine Red Claws basketball.  This has been the best off-season job I’ve ever had.

My broadcast view at UNE

My second freelance gig is providing play-by-play for the University of New England basketball and hockey.  I love covering college sports, because it’s all about winning.  Don’t get me wrong, the Sea Dogs are trying to win every game, but minor league sports is about developing.  The intensity and competition of college sports is so exciting as a broadcaster and a fan.

As the truck left Fenway on Saturday, I’m beginning to plan for the 2012 season.  My assistant Dan Acheson started in the office last week, and will be a vital part of the broadcast for next season.

The start of the season is near, and I have purchased my scorebook.  That makes the season feel closer.

I’ve also had the pleasure of calling a few UMASS-Lowell games.  In Division II and III basketball, they play doubleheaders with the women’s game first followed by the men’s.   There’s usually a 1/2 break in between games.

In closing, I had to put a picture of two very important people in my life – my two nieces.  It’s pretty amazing how two people, no older than the wind pants I’m wearing, have had such an impact on my life.  Now I understand what people mean when they say “kids will change you.”  I don’t have any of my own, but my nieces have had a huge impact on me.

Ashley holding her baby sister Erika...Ashley is my god-daughter.

Can’t wait for the game tonight. I’m heading home to enjoy the Super Bowl with my family, and get to see my nieces on Monday.  What a perfect weekend!

Here are some Super Bowl tweets from former Sea Dogs

Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish - Regarless of the result of the game today Tom Brady has already won… Anyone who wants to argue that… Well u cant #youwilllose

Aaron Bates @A33bates - Anyone else restlessly awaiting super bowl Sunday?

Kevin Millar @kmillar 15 - Tackle the 1st person you see this morning! If they ask why? Tell them it’s football Sunday!

Anthony Rizzo @TheRizzMan27 - Who’s winning the Super Bowl? I think is could go either way.

Ryan Dent @rddeucess - Sweet…ill be flying during the entire super bowl #NOTcool

Daniel Nava @dnavs33 - Sunday set: church, SB!!! Let’s go Pats!!! Can’t wait to get it goin!

Jon Lester @jlester31 - Game time #Patriots

David Ortiz @davidortiz - Big thanks to @Patriots Tom Brady for donating a signed football to the David Ortiz Children’s Fund Auction

This is certainly one special week in sports, but I just had to slip in some baseball talk.  Last season is over with, and I think it’s safe to say that we’ve moved on from what happened in that disastrous (it was historic) September.  I want to go back a bit, not to the start of the season, but let’s go travel to March of 2011.  Sound strange?  I was very uneasy when most people were saying the 2011 Red Sox were a lock to win a 100 games.  Some were figuring that the team would win over a 100.  I was not feeling that at all, and I’m not just saying that after the fact. It’s very hard to win over a 100 games.

I’ve learned in my 15+ years of working in professional baseball that expectations are just that.  But beyond sayings and quotes, I thought the Red Sox 2011 Opening Day roster had some hole.  Below is the breakdown of the 2011 Opening Day roster to this year’s current roster.  I actually think the Red Sox are in better shape on this day.  Call me crazy, but were you really that optimistic about last year’s pitching staff?

PITCHING STAFF
2011                   2012

Can Bard wipe away a tough 2011 and become a key cog in the rotation? Photo courtesy of AP

Consider this, the Red Sox won 90 games with the worst 4 &5 starter combination in the division.  Lackey’s 6.41 ERA was the worst in franchise history for a starter.  Tampa Bay’s 4 & 5 starters were around 4.25 combined ERA.  I understand there is a risk in Daniel Bard, but isn’t there an upside.  I’ve had some reservations about Bard going in the rotation, but if this is better for Bard and the team, I’m all for it.  Losing Papelbon hurt, but Andrew Bailey was obtained via trade, and has been a proven closer.  Last year’s ‘pen featured Denys Reyes, Tim Wakefield and Dan Wheeler to start the season.  I like the “stuff” that Boston has added to their bullpen for 2012 – a lot of hard throwers.  I’m confident they can find a number 5 starter and the final piece to that bullpen.  This could happen internally.

POSITION PLAYERS
2011                   2012

I know there’s a so-called hole at shortstop, and that is a concern, but look at the core players.  Crawford (when healthy), Ellsbury, Gonzalez, Ortiz, Pedroia and Youkilis is a very dominant six.  There’s no doubt Saltalamacchia had a break through season, and could continue to develop as a top catcher in the American League.  Now lets look at the bench: Sweeney, Punto, Shoppach and McDonald is an improvement – mostly on defense.  Cody Ross gives the team a versatile outfielder and that right-handed bat we talked about last season.

Portland, Maine- The Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs has selected Portland Sea Dogs’ outfielder Chih-Hsien Chiang as the Eastern League Player of the Month for July.  Chiang batted .430 (43-for-100) with 5 homers, 25 RBI, 16 doubles, 27 runs scored, 25 RBI, 7 walks, 3 stolen bases and a .740 slugging percentage in 26 games.  This marks the second consecutive month that Chiang has received Eastern League Player of the Month honors and he is the first player in team history to win the award twice.

Chiang hit safely in 23 of the 26 games in July, leading the league in average (.430), hits (43), doubles (16), runs (27), on-base percentage (.500), and slugging percentage (.740). He also ranked among the league leaders in home runs (5,  T- 3^rd) and RBI (25 -T-4^th ), and  hit safely in a team-high 16 straight games from July 15-31. The 23 year-old established franchise records for most doubles (16) and total bases (74) in a single month and his .430 average and 27 runs scored set franchise records for July.

Additionally, Chiang participated in XM Futures Game (0-3, BB, RS) on July 10th in Phoenix, Arizona and the Eastern League All-Star Game (0-for-1) on July 13^th in Manchester, New Hampshire.

On July 31st, Chiang was sent to the Seattle Mariners in a three-team traded that sent left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard to the Boston Red Sox.  Chiang is hitting .231 (3-for-13) in 3 games with the Jackson Generals (Double-A affiliate) of the Seattle Mariners.

At the time of the trade, Chiang was leading the Eastern League in batting average (.340, 109-for-321), RBI (76), doubles (37), extra-base hits (59), runs scored (68) and slugging percentage (.648). In 88 games with the Sea Dogs, he had 18 home runs and 4 triples.

Chiang’s torrid July helped the team set franchise marks for the month of July in wins (17), runs (175), and RBI (158). The Sea Dogs also set the franchise record for doubles (76) in any month, mostly due to Chiang’s personal input of 16.

Chiang , who began his Sea Dog career in 2010, holds the franchise record for career doubles (72)  and grand slams (3).  He ranks fourth all-time in slugging percentage (.524), seventh in home runs (29) and eighth in RBI (141).

A native of Taitung, Taiwan, Chiang was signed by the Red Sox as an international free agent on October 20, 2005. Chiang is the eighth different Sea Dog to earn an Eastern League Player of the Month choice in franchise history and the first to win the award twice.

The Sea Dogs begin a six-game homestand on Tuesday, August 9^th against the Akron Aeros (Indians affiliate) at Hadlock Field. The ZOOperstars will make their last appearance at the ballpark.  Tickets are available online at seadogs.om or by calling 207-879-9500.

After living in Maine year round for eight years, I’ve learned the weather is one issue that always comes up.  It seems like no matter what, we’re never happy, but this latest blanket of heat is a shocker.  The Sea Dogs are taking on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats this weekend, and temps are expected near 100 on Friday.  Now, in the early parts of the season we worry about the cold.  Which is worse?  This will be something I’ll ask the players later today.  From talking to some of the them, they’re use to the heat, but this has been crazy.  For me, all I think about is the early part of the season, and that eases this heat.  I just hope the fans can get comfortable for the games this weekend.

Quick hits….

Portland picked up their second walk-off win of the season on Wednesday.  Mitch Dening blasted a one-out homer over the Portland bullpen.  The ‘Dogs first walk-off win came on a homer by Alex Hassan (June 29 vs. New Britain, also a day game).

The Sea Dogs are visiting New Hampshire and Binghamton for the final time this season.  Portland is 15-15 during a 37-game stretch against the Eastern Division.

Last night was the annual Lobster Bake at the Burke’s (team owners) place in Kennebunkport…It was my seventh, but I enjoy seeing the first-timers.  I thank them for their hospitality.

Will the NFL lockout end?  I want to do fantasy football again, and Ryan Khoury is the commissioner of my league.

Tommy Hottovy is a father, what a couple of a months for the former Sea Dog.

TWO NIGHTS IN MANCHVEGAS

By Ben Altsher

Manchvegas.  That’s what the locals (like me) call it.  Otherwise known as Manchester, New Hampshire, the Queen City and Sin City bear very little resemblance.  There’s no casinos (that we know of), very few neon lights, and in general, not much sin (unless you’re wearing a Yankees cap).  What is similar is the variety of things to do these days in Manchester, which is exactly what makes this city one of the most popular in baseball.

This week Northeast Delta Dental Stadium hosted the 2011 Eastern League All-Star Game.  It’s the home of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.  It’s also the second time in four years that this building, once named Merchantsauto.com Stadium, has put on the event.  The last time was 2008 and there’s a reason the game came back so soon.

Opening in 2005, the stadium is one of the newest in the Eastern League, and one of the best.  The view is spectacular for all parties involved: fans, media, even those who don’t have tickets.  When it was originally built, there was very little that stood out about the park.  Since then, the Fisher Cats have added the Sam Adams Bar and Grill in left field and the Hilton Garden Inn stands tall in left center.  The hotel has no affiliation with the team, but patrons can go out and sit on its patio and enjoy the game and the opportunity to catch a well-hit home run.

The bar and the hotel add personality to what otherwise might be a standard issue minor league field.  The other difference is in the dimensions.  The left field foul pole stands 326 feet away, but the wall quickly just out to 380 feet, creating a wide swath of space in left center field.  The other side is a different story with the right field foul pole just 306 feet away, making Northeast Delta Dental Stadium a dream for left-handed power hitters, and a nightmare for the pitchers facing them.

Because the All-Star Break occurs over two short days, a lot of planning and gathering goes into a short span of time.  The festivities started with the All-Star Block Party featuring games and entertainment for adults and children alike.  The players were able to enjoy the evening in a separate VIP area, complete with a full buffet and plenty of room to gather with their fellow All-Stars.

Despite the rain on Wednesday, nothing dampened the mood.  Players from both sides could be seen laughing and joking around during batting practice, the autograph session, and during the Home Run Derby which took place with the tarp on the field.  Mike McDade and Moises Sierra put on a show for the home crowd, battling through three tiebreaking rounds in the finals before McDade emerged victorious.

The game itself was played pretty swiftly for the most part.  The Western Division ran away late with an 8-3 victory, but as is so often the case with All-Star games, the result takes a back seat to the experience.  Several of the players I talked to said it was one of the best events they had been involved in.  Sea Dogs’ pitcher Alex Wilson said that the attention to detail was excellent and that the players never felt rushed throughout the various promotions they were required to attend.

In Minor League Baseball, All-Star games are an opportunity for an organization to show off its stadium, its staff, and its city.  In this particular case, Manchester and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats clearly showed themselves well.  The players enjoyed it, the media enjoyed it, and the fans enjoyed it.  Now that it’s over though, the attention is already focused on next year’s host and what the plans will be for 2012.  Reading, you’re on deck.