The Morning After 4/9/13 – Photos

Some notes following last night’s game:

• It was really good to see the bats come alive. Baseball is so much about mental–and confidence. I didn’t want to see these young guys struggle so much that they started to questions their abilities.

• I’ve seen Rosenberg look a lot better, so I’m not sure what to make of his outing. I didn’t think the velocity was there last night, but I wasn’t watching closely enough to say for sure.

• Only 3k in Scranton last night, but that’s a sign that they’ve got to expand their season ticket base and sell groups more aggressively–that demand then will carry over to weeknights in April. Otherwise it’s a tough sell even with the nice weather last night: NCAA championship on TV, school night, tough to make it on walk-up. 3k still respectable though.

• Another tough start by a starter–only Morgan effective the first time through. But, the ‘pen came around last night as they held it down. Friend pitched three innings, which usually isn’t his thing, but he had a quick one or two and Brundage let him go because he knew he needed to get the innings from somewhere.

• Last night could be the sign that it’s all coming together, or it could be an aberration and we’re still in for a long season. Still tough to tell.

• Castro is every bit the player that I hoped Gillies was. Hitting, running, fielding, that guy is playing his way back into prospect-ville. Just can’t sit him at this point.

• And don’t sleep on JMitch. This guy is a slightly older with more power version of Castro. Speed, hustle, defense. Some had him pegged as this year’s Montanez, Miller, or Thurston. I don’t think so. That cat can play, and the former top-ten prospect in the A’s system may well earn a trip to the majors if he can get on the field and stay healthy. He does not have an opt out.

Jorge Valendia in the house with Uncle Marty! Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Air Ferrous on the attack! Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Asche takes one to the foot. Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Darin Ruf made his first appearance at 1st base. Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Justin Friend went 3 scoreless innings in relief. Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Ruf scoring. Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Keeping the Left, Right, Left tradition alive! Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Mike Stutes had a good outing tonight! Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Brundage’s left arm was busy last night! Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Cody Asche adds another double. Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Castro snags a line drive saving 2 runs. Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Overbeck’s HR. Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Orr’s attempt at on field yoga. Photo – Cheryl Pursell

BJ Rosenberg went 3 innings in his start. Photo – Cheryl Pursell

Hit the Ball, Score Runs, Celebrate! Photo – Cheryl Pursell

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OinK!