Notes: Extra batting practice helping most

Some baffling cases
By Beth Sass / hereforthesass.blogspot.com

HOUSTON -- The Here for the Sass team has been taking extra batting practice this week with hitting coach Michael Restovich. The team is leading in the weekly match-up with Gassner’s All-stars, managed by Ryan.

“No weekends off, boys,” Dawn announced, recalling earlier match-ups where the Sass would lead all week, and then take the weekends off.

Juan Encarncion has had a complete turn-around from his slow start, and is batting .667 on the week, while Rocco Baldelli and Mark Grudzielanek are both hitting .500.

“This could change very quickly, of course,” JEn said, “But I’m quite pleased with how well I’ve been hitting so far. Mikey and I have worked a lot.”

But on the other hand, first baseman Adam Dunn is hitting not only below the Mendoza Line, but below what Beth has dubbed the “Blanco Line,” named for former Twins and current Cubs catcher Henry Blanco. Adam’s batting average this week is at .091. Little Nicky Punto is not much ahead at .125, and Michael Cuddyer’s .250 isn’t exactly worth writing home about.

“To be honest, Mikey’s always been one of my best friends,” Michael said, “So batting practice probably doesn’t go as well for us, ‘cause we’re as focused. We need to work on that, for sure.”

Beth and Dawn have decided that they will continue with the regimen of extra batting practice.

That’s Quality! Both starting pitchers yesterday pitched quality starts, with Carlos Silva giving up three runs in six innings, and Aaron Cook giving up one run in eight innings. However, due to bullpen failures, neither starter got the coveted win. However, Julio Mateo was able to finish things off in fine fashion to pick up the win.

“It’s nice to see not one, but two quality starts,” Beth said, “We’re a little perturbed about our bullpen, but there was a Lyle Kohse sighting, so we’re not sure how upset we should be. We have called the New York Black Holes, and they assured us that they would keep a better eye on him there.”

“We really miss Matt,” Dawn lamented. The bullpen is still missing Matt Guerrier who is out with a fractured bone in his right thumb, and the Sass have yet to find a suitable replacement for the long relief role.

Carlos S. had a rough start to the year, but has shown remarkable improvement in recent outings. He told reporters that a former teammate, Juan Castro, pointed out that his attitude was different on days he pitched. Carlos S. decided he would try to have more fun on days he pitched.

"I'm making a bit of jokes and trying to make it like any other day," Silva said. "Today I have to pitch, but it's just like any other day. I just have to concentrate and try to relax."

Both pitchers struck out five, and they are tied for fifth place in MLB, with 14.24 pitches/inning.

On the mend: Justin Duchscherererer has played two re-hab games Nice without surrendering a run. He likely will join the team on Friday on their return home to Minneapolis, taking a flight on the newly formed Sass Air.

“I can’t wait. It’ll be great to see the guys again. Besides, I’m really sucking at Chutes and Ladders,” Justin said.

Edwin Encarnacion is expected back within the next week or so. He’s eligible to come off the DL today from his sprained ankle. He says he does not feel any pain, but trainers watching his fielding think he still has more work to do before they’d feel comfortable sending him back to Minneapolis.

“Or, that’s what I get out of the Memo,” Beth said, “It might’ve said that e.e. is planning on joining a punk band and their first tour stop is in Minneapolis. I’ve gotta talk to Sarah for a translation.”

Tonight:Tonight, Kristin Benson will take the mound for the Sass. Pitching coach Bronson Arroyo will be in town to watch the game, and will work with the pitchers before the game.