Notes: Home run derby a fun time

Sassian makes strong showing
By Beth Sass / hereforthesass.blogspot.com

PITTSBURGH -- The Here for the Sass team members were all on-hand for the Home Run Derby in Pittsburgh to support teammate Jermaine Dye. Sass catcher A.J. Pierzynski, the loudmouth of the group, was featured on ESPN during Jermaine’s at-bats, where he was sure to poke fun of his teammates. He initially said Jermaine had no chance whatsoever of hitting a home run, but was relieved when he did because “at least he didn’t get shut-out!” When Jermaine hit seven, which at the time would’ve put him into round 2, A.J. was amazed.

“Jermaine’s a solid hitter, but he’s usually more of a doubles guy,” A.J. said to reporters afterwards. “I know he hits a lot of home runs, but I didn’t expect him to do that well. I’m proud of him.”

Jermaine just missed entering the second round of the Home Run Derby when Ryan Howard topped Jermaine’s 7 home runs by hitting 8.

“It was kind of a relief,” Jermaine said, “I didn’t want to wear myself out hitting home runs tonight, only to find myself too tired to play on Tuesday. I would’ve liked to have gone further, but you could see it in David Wright--he started off very well, but he just wore out through the second and third rounds.”

Jermaine is in second place on the Sass in home runs, but looks forward to an exciting second half, and hopes of taking over the number one slot from outfielder Adam Dunn. Adam disagreed.

“I could’ve hit more,” outfielder Adam taunted Jermaine that evening. “Youth always prevails!”

Mrs. Guillen made Jermaine peanut butter cookies--his favorite--to honor his accomplishment. All Sassians took part in a post-Derby celebration in the party room of the hotel, which Rach had reserved.

Almost Late: Jermaine and the rest of the Sass team didn’t actually make it to PNC Park for the Home Run Derby until after it had already started, part of the reason that Jermaine batted later in the order. The Sassians had decided to go watch Grant Balfour make his first professional pitching appearance since 2004 with the Minnesota Twins. Balfour had multiple surgeries last year and has not pitched since. Mockball Madness has a Class A team just outside of Pittsburgh, which graciously allowed Grant to pitch an inning for a rehab assignment. Pitching coach Bronson Arroyo was on-hand, and said that Grant looked good.

Grant pitched one inning, without giving up a hit or a walk, and striking out one.

Monopoly: The clear favorites for the Sass Monopoly competition was the pair of Aaron Cook and Julio Mateo. Both men, besides being excellent ballplayers and teammates, are also very good businessmen. It was surprising that on Monday, they lost in the first round to the pairs of Jermaine and Adam; Kristin Benson and Chan Ho Park; Juan Encarnacion and Aaron Harang; Edwin Encarnacion and Ambiorix Burgos; and Brad Halsey and Rocco Baldelli. JEn and Aaron H. won that round, with e.e. and Ambiorix coming in second.

“Man, that was embarrassing. Particularly since we lost to the two kids--e.e. and Ambiorix are barely out of school!” Aaron C. said.

Beth and Dawn won their round, which amazed Beth.

“I’ve gotta give all the credit to Dawn. I hate Monopoly, and, truthfully, suck at it. I don’t know what she did, but she managed to win despite having me as a teammate. That’s pretty impressive, really,” Beth said.

Tonight: Tonight both A.J. Pierzynski and Jermaine Dye are hoping to find playing time in the MLB All-Star Game. The Sass will be there cheering them on, although admittedly, they’re really excited that young Francisco Liriano of the Wombats. The front office is particularly interested in Frisco, Johan Santana of the Jello Fighters, and Joe Mauer of StacyTwins733. The entire front office does not hide their loyalty to the Minnesota Twins, where all three men also play.

“I wish the Sassians and Twins all the best,” Dawn said.