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

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.

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

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.

So it’s Monday morning after the Patriots win, and I’m still on a high after that victory.  I can’t believe how emotional I get with football.  I was literally shaking during the game on Sunday, and in the end, the Patriots didn’t break our hearts.  It’s been so much fun watching this dynasty.

Interviewing Bobby Valentine (courtesy of Portland Sea Dogs)

The official start of my season began on January 13th when I got to host the annual Sea Dogs’ Hot Stove Dinner.  Here’s the link to watch all four interviews, which includes Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

My reading suggestions

1. Liz Riley’s promotions blog

2. 2012 Coaching Staff announced – new trainer

3. Order the Tony C Story

I know host a weekly talkshow on 96.3 FM in Portland, Maine.  The show airs every Saturday from 8 AM-12 PM, and you can listen online at thebigjab.com.  My e-mail address is seadogsradio@gmail.com

Enjoy your week!

Mike

New Guy: For the second straight day, the Red Sox have signed a player from the Independent Leagues…Catcher Jeff Howell is here from the Lincoln Saltdogs (American Association). He played a bit last year in New Britian…Howell is wearing #29.

Matt Rusch starts tomorrow for Portland. He was signed from the Can-Am League on Tuesday

LET’S PLAY TWO: The Sea Dogs and Phillies play a doubleheader tonight at First Energy Stadium…Portland has a 1-3 record in doubleheaders away from Hadlock Field…The only two twinbill splits have come in the ‘Dogs home doubleheaders this year…Portland is 37-34 since June 1st, the R-Phils have dropped 8 of 13 this month after going 17-12 in July.

GOING DEEP IN BASEBALLTOWN: The Phillies took the first game of the series last night 7-4 thanks to home runs from Brett Clevlen, Carlos Rivero and Tuffy Gosewisch…Clevlen and Rivero each had a solo shot, but it was Gosewisch’s three-run bomb in the sixth inning that knocked Sea Dogs starter Brock Huntzinger out of the game…Ryan Khoury also had a two-run homer as part of a late comeback bid by Portland.

THE BAKER AND THE BUTLER: Jeremy Hazelbaker and Dan Butler joined Khoury as Sea Dogs with a multi-hit effort last night…Butler drove in Hazelbaker on a double in the fifth inning for Portland’s first run of the game…That was the catcher’s first RBI in Double-A…Hazelbaker twice led-off an inning with a single and scored runs both times.

MAKE SURE YOU’RE COMFORTABLE: Last night’s contest turned out to be another three-hour affair for the Sea Dogs…Each of Portland’s last three games has been over the three-hour mark…The ‘Dogs have not played a nine-inning game in under 2:30 since a 2-1 loss at New Hampshire on July 22nd.

IT’S BEEN A WHILE: Prior to last night’s game Portland and Reading had not played since the two teams split an abbreviated two-game series at Hadlock Field on May 17-18…The Sea Dogs have an 11-game losing streak at First Energy Stadium with their last win coming in the 2010 season opener…Two teams have split six games at Hadlock Field this season.

ANOTHER MILESTONE: Khoury passed Iggy Suarez for the most games played in franchise history (305) after his start at shortstop last night…Khoury is currently playing for Portland for the fourth consecutive season…He is already the franchise leader in runs scored (172), walks (158) and plate appearances (1,262)…With two more at-bats Khoury (1,073) will pass Fletcher Bates (1,074) for the most in team history…His double last night gave him 69 for his career, three behind Chih-Hsien Chiang.

WHAT’S ON DECK: The Sea Dogs and Reading Phillies conclude their four-game series tomorrow night…The Sea Dogs and Binghamton Mets will play at Fenway Park in three days as part of a six-game homestand against the Mets and the first meeting with the Harrisburg Senators (Nationals affiliate).

I watched highlights from Stephen Strasburg’s outing in High-A Potomac. The hard-throwing righty doesn’t look like he’s missed anytime. His fastball topped out at 99 and his change-up hit 90. He threw all three pitches (fastball, curveball and change-up) during his 3-inning stint. Strasburg allowed 2 hits, no runs and fanned 5. I talked with someone in the Potomac organization (my first broadcasting gig) and the Nationals want Strasburg to pitch in a home environment. We were looking at the August 22-24 series at Hadlock when the Senators come to down, but that might not happen….Looking forward to Bryce Harper that week. He hit a walk-off homer on Friday night that traveled about 480 feet.

Sea Dogs look to snap a three-game losing streak on Saturday night….Some notes for today.

TWO MORE TO GO: The Sea Dogs and SeaWolves play the second of their three-game series tonight at Hadlock Field…Portland needs to win the final two games to avoid the season-series loss to the ‘Wolves…Their current three-game skid is their longest losing streak since dropping six straight games from June 23-28…The Sea Dogs are currently 6‐9 on their 17‐game stretch against teams from the Western Division

HEY, MR. WILSON: Alex Wilson takes the mound tonight for the Sea Dogs…His 2.93 ERA is fourth best in the Eastern League…Wilson has only allowed more than three earned runs in a start just twice in 20 previous starts this year…Last time out, he surrendered just six hits and one earned run against the Richmond Flying Squirrels…A win tonight, would make him the second Sea Dog with double-digit wins, joining former teammate Stephen Fife (11).

SWING AND A MISS: L.J. Gagnier and Luis Marte combined for 14 strikeouts as the SeaWolves beat the Sea Dogs 6-2 last night…Gagnier’s 10 strikeouts established a new season-high for him at Double-A…It was also only the second time this season that a single pitcher has piled up double-digit strikeouts against Portland…The only other pitcher to do it was Binghamton’s Mark Cohoon (11 K’s) back on April 20.

HERE ON HOLADAY: Bryan Holaday finished 3-for-4 last night for Erie…Holaday had two singles and an RBI double…He also scored a run…The catcher had been 0-for-8 prior to last night’s game…It was Holaday’s first three hit game since June 20th against Reading.

A BIG FLY SHY: Justin Henry also had three hits in the SeaWolves win last night…Henry picked up a single, double and triple in that order, finishing a home run short of the cycle…The outfielder is still looking for his first home run in Double-A this season.

ANOTHER MILESTONE: Ryan Khoury needs to appear in just three more games this season to become the Sea Dogs all-time leader in games played…The Utah native has suited up 302 times for Portland, two shy of Iggy Suarez’ 304…Khoury is already the franchise leader in runs scored (166), walks (154), and plate appearances (1,247)…He is second in at-bats (1,062) and is tied for second with Brandon Moss in doubles (67).

WHAT’S ON DECK: The Sea Dogs and SeaWolves play their final game of 2011 tomorrow afternoon…Portland has Monday off before a four-game, three-day series in Reading (Phillies affiliate)…The Sea Dogs and Binghamton Mets will play at Fenway Park one week from today as part of a six-game homestand against the Mets and the first meeting with the Harrisburg Senators (Nationals affiliate).

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.

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.

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.