Tempered Enthusiasm…..

Don’t get me wrong, the Chico State baseball team had a great Sunday in sweeping the Sonoma State Seawolves in dealing them their first home and conferences losses of the season. But as we revel in victory, there are some causes for concern.

First, Mike Robbins and Andrew Pluta both pitched complete games for the Wildcats.  Robbins threw 172 pitches in his complete game win. No, this is not a typo. That is ONE-HUNDRED-and-SEVENTY-TWO pitches. How this effects Robbins is yet to be known, but if I were a betting man (insert laugh here) I would venture to say it will take some time before he is ready to be leaned on again.

With Robbins throwing so many pitches it only highlights the fact that the coaching staff doesn’t have confidence in the bullpen.  This doesn’t bode well for going deep into the post-season. The Wildcats MUST find some answers down there. Every Wildcat team that has gone deep in the post-season and has challenged for a West Region Championship had a strong bullpen.

Right now there are only two pitchers that Chico State uses in big spots out of the pen Junior Garcia and Joel Garcia. Kyle Woodruff has struggled as a starter and was moved to the pen with bad results as he gave up four ninth inning runs on Saturday in an 8-5 loss. By moving Woodruff, the Cats had to further weaken their pen by moving Kyle Gibson into the rotation.

I was as excited as anyone to see what the Wildcats did over the weekend, but my joy was  tempered in knowing that until the Wildcats find that reliable arm in the pen…….I will keep my  Maalox bottle handy.

I have no time….

A pretty cush job huh ? Well, I have to admit I am pretty lucky. I get to report on sports, actively cheer for teams and be immersed in sports ALL THE TIME. But, its not all fun and games. Take today for instance. In small markets you don’t just get to be a sports broadcaster. When someone is sick, has a doctor’s appointment or has to pick up the kids guess who gets the job of filling in…..yep…..you guessed it.

So, as Sonoma State comes to town for a big four game series tonight and I try to prep for this huge four game series….. I am hammering out news stories, doing newscasts, answering phones, dealing with  loud voices that reverberate through the hallways.

I have a great job. I really have nothing to complain about. But, as evidenced by today. Its not all pom-poms and cheerleaders.

*7 minutes until my replacement comes in allowing prep time for baseball* Woo Hoo !

Hello you wonderful people….

 

It seems everyone has one of these things, so I thought why not, let’s talk a little sports. Please feel free to shoot me comments, emails, complaints, jokes, the only thing I ask is for you to keep it clean.

As many of you listeners know my favorite teams are the Los Angeles Dodgers, Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Browns. I am an unabashed baseball enthusiast. My passion for the Dodgers really knows no bounds. I was elated when they won championships in 1981 and 1988….devastated when Joe Morgan blasted a three run shot off of Terry Forster in 82′ and crumpled to the ground in a fetal position in 85′ when Jack Clark took Tom Niedenfeuer deep.

By being a Cleveland Browns fan I have learned how to deal with disappointment. From Elway’s drive in 86′ to Byner’s fumble in 87′ and another AFC Championship loss to the Broncos in 89′………I can deal with crushing defeats. What I can not deal with is an owner who leaves town after a city has given their heart and soul to a franchise. “The devil has called Mr. Art Modell, your room is ready.”

By being a Warriors fan I have learned patience. My first vivid sports memory was of the Warriors winning the NBA title in 1974-75…….Yeah, quit laughing ! I know its been awhile but the Warriors are back and this time it looks like they may be able to sustain greatness. Not many sports fans can say that their team pulled off one of the worst trades in NBA history, but my team can. Back in 1980 the Warriors traded Robert Parish and the draft rights to Kevin McHale for Joe Barry Carroll and the rest they say is history. The Celtics won three titles while the Warriors were perrenial losers.

Now, Golden State has finally recovered after the Chris Webber debacle of the early 90’s and it appears we are on the rise again. Right now the Oracle is a great place to watch a game.

And, finally my alma mater Chico State. I love calling their games. It is truly a joy to call the games for a team that you love. I feel blessed every time I get to welcome the fans court-side, or get to welcome fans to Nettleton Stadium.

Now, you will not agree with all of the opinions I share here……that is OK. I am an opinionated @#$%#@$%#@ and many of the things I believe and espouse are not that popular. What I hope to do is spur discussion and comment. I hope you enjoy and participate in this here ole’ blog yall…..

As Hans and Franz would say, “Let Games Begin !”

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