Three-Set with the ‘Cuse Starts Tonight

“It’s been a long time since I rock and rolled, 
It’s been a long time since I did the Stroll. 
Ooh, let me get it back, let me get it back, 
Let me get it back, baby, where I come from. “

–Led Zeppelin

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It feels kinda like opening day today.  Yeah, but warmer.  I missed the Rochester series because I was out of town, so I haven’t been at the Coke since Sunday, July 21–the tailgate day.

Not a ton has changed, though.  A couple blips on the roster.  The PawSox continue to tank, and the ‘Pigs remain a few games back of the division as well as the wild card.  The starting rotation is really pretty good–even veteran Tommy Cochran had a nice start on getaway day in Gwinnett.  Cloyd, Buchanan and Smith, the starters for this series, have all been strong.  Young Morgan is back, and pitching fairly well.  The bull pen, however, has been less strong.  There have been some good outings, to be sure.  But, some missed opportunities (for wins), too.   The hitting’s been pretty good.  Overbeck and Fields have been holding down the middle of the order quite nicely, and Susdorf is no slouch taking over from Asche in the three spot.  Tyson Gillies continues to gain acceptance–and make things happen on  the base paths.  Cesar Hernandez is getting healthy.

So I’m saying there’s a chance.  We can look at match-ups and whatnot all we want, but the fact is, the IronPigs have to go out and win some ball games.  Some of the weaker teams might get hot.  Some of the stronger teams may lose players and begin doing poorly.  The IronPigs have the opportunity to take care of business.  No, the Phillies won’t be helping us (much).  But maybe they’ll leave us alone.  Perhaps they’ll give us a Halladay start on rehab.

(Aside: Halladay is scheduled to pitch Thursday in Clearwater for the GCL rookie-league Phils.  If everything goes OK, his next turn would be Tuesday August 20, when the ‘Pigs are home versus the RailFrogs.  Reading is in Altoona that day.  I’d assume the Phillies would want him to face more advanced hitters the second time out.  But, you never know.  Also, I loved Halladay’s quote about coming back, and about rehab starts.  He said something to the effect:  “I don’t want to just come back to pitch.  I want to pitch to win.  And I don’t just mean for the Phillies, but in my rehab starts as well.”  That wasn’t the exact quote, but it was my take on it.  The guy’s an incredible competitor; I’d love to have him for a game…)

And the other teams have to play games, too.  Sometimes, against each other.  The opportunity is there.  Let’s go out and cheer the team to some home wins and leave it all out in the stadium for 2013.

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Here’s what’s happening at the park:

Wednesday: Renew Your Vows Day

Thursday: Phanatic

Friday: Fireworks

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PigStop Menu:

Wednesday: Dirty Dog–hot dog, pulled pork, cheese and bacon crumbles  $6.50

Thursday: Pulled Pork Sliders with Cole Slaw $5.50

Friday: Situation–Kielbasa with onions and peppers $6.50

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See you at the park,

Kram209