19 hits but...

The Senators had 19 hits last night but they also had 13 guys left on base and 2 errors. Oh, don't forget the base running errors as well that aren't accounted for. You and I would've both thought that when you read 19 hits you expect victory. Well those 19 hits turned into only 6 runs because of untimely strikeouts and mental errors. They lost the game 7-6.

This is probably the most frustrating loss of the season so far because this was the breakout game at the plate that the team really needed. They just made too many mental errors that cost them the game. 2 fielding errors and at least one caught stealing will cost you games no matter how many hits you get. I know when you are 2-15 and in the midst of a long losing streak these things, "just happen" but I am beginning to wonder if these things are habits and not accidents.

The physical errors and just not being good enough is something the coaches and fans alike should be able to deal with, but Mr. Stearns please do something about the mental errors that are costing this team. It's only April but we are 1o games out of the playoffs and with games like this one and mental mistakes like this, I don't see this getting any better anytime fast.

Oh by the way, we lost today 9-3. I don't mean to be so negative and I am honestly not trying to upset anyone, I am just speaking from my point of view. I will be at the games supporting the guys either way but I really hope they can turn this thing around because before this losing streak, I had thought this team had a chance to really compete!

Come On Senators!

Bears in 2nd Round

For those of you who haven't heard the Hershey Bears swept the Philadelphia Phantoms in the first round of the AHL playoffs with a 1-0 win last Friday night. It was the last game that the Philadelphia Phantoms will play in the AHL.

With Philly tearing the Spectrum down this summer/fall the team had no where to play there games. The franchise was sold to a group in Pittsburgh and will begin play in Glens Falls, New York next season. There are rumors that eventually an arena will be built in Allentown and the franchise will begin play there but as of now there is nothing planned.

What was a great rivalry between Philly and Hershey has come to an end and while I was certainly never a fan of the Phantoms the rivalry will be missed.

But on to the second round where the Bears face their other big rival, the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins.

The Baby Pens handled the Bears for most of the season but many of those games did not include rookie sensation Michal Neuvirth. In the 3 games that featured Neuvy in goal for the Bears Hershey went 1-0-0-2. (which to all non hockey fans is 1 win and 2 shootout losses) The good news in that is there are no shootouts in the playoffs. Many of the games Wilkes Barre won against the Bears featured lesser talents in goal.

The series starts Saturday night in Hershey with game 2 coming Sunday at 5. Tickets are surely still available and I encourage everyone to come check out playoff hockey at its best. There is a lot of animosity between these teams and the series will surely be a physical one.

For more head on over to Hershey Bears Hockey.

Eagles and Steelers Draft Analysis

As an Eagles fan I will give you my very subjective opinion of what they did in the draft. As a sometimes Steelers fan I will give you more of an objective opinion about the players and their roles.

Let's start on a positive though and look at the Steelers draft.

When you win the Super Bowl you obviously don't have too many holes to fill if any. That was the case with the Steelers where their only arguable hole was at corner where they lost McFadden. But there wasn't too much concern for getting a certain player in this draft. It was more about depth and the future.

Ziggy Hood will be a good player in a few years and he can definitely give some guys a rest on the defensive front this year. He is a big body that will be tough to move.

After that I have only even heard of a couple players. Keenan Lewis at corner will provide depth and could be a solid starter in the future. A.Q. Shipley was the glue on the Penn State line the past couple seasons. He is a high character guy who is also very talented.

Other than that I am looking at the Steelers picks and I can't see anything that stands out good or bad. I don't think they did great in the draft only because they didn't get anyone to seriously help anytime soon. But they did what they needed to do so I would say they got about a B for a grade.


On to the Eagles:

What is Andy Reid's fascination with small, not fully grown, wide receivers? Most of the best receivers in the NFL are 6'3" or taller. That's not saying a shorter guy can't have tremendous success but having a big receiver is important to most teams as that person presents a matchup problem.

The Eagles now have 4 receivers that are 6'0" or shorter as their top 4 WRs. Jason Avant, Kevin Curtis, DeSean Jackson, and Jeremy Maclin. None of them are over 6'0".

Maclin IS Jackson. Except from what I understand he has worse hands. I agree that you need to have a player like that...but two?? Where do you line them up at? Curtis is only good in the slot which means Jackson or Maclin have to be the 1 or 2 (or both). Wouldn't trading for Chad Johnson, Anquan Boldin, or even Braylon Edwards make more sense?

I heard somewhere that Boldin was requesting 10 million a year so I can understand not going after him but the other two are options.

I really don't think Maclin is worth a first round pick. I think the Eagles should have traded up to 10 to take Crabtree when he fell but oh well.

After that there are still questions....LeSean McCoy is obviously a local favorite and I have been following him since his days at McDevitt but is he really a complement to Westbrook?? He seems like a very similar player and that isn't what Philly needed. A guy like Shonn Greene might not be the receiver or as fast as McCoy but he is a bigger back that can get the tough yards.

Cornelius Ingram is a decent pick. But he is pretty much the second coming of LJ Smith. An injury risk, pass catching, can't block a lick tight end.

Victor "Macho" Harris is going to be good. Getting Ellis Hobbs for a pick was big too considering Sheldon Brown is acting like a spoiled brat. Harris could move over to safety which will make this pick even better.

I don't know much about the other players but Brandon Gibson, the WR from Washington State, he is only 6'0" tall. Surprised?

Revolution and Barnstormer Update

Well the baseball season in Harrisburg isn't very good. Verb touched on how bad the Senators are yesterday so I won't go into that too much. Let's look instead at how the Barnstormers and Revolution are doing after their opening weekends.

Lancaster:

Things started off good for the Barnstormers as they welcomed over 8,000 fans to opening night against the Newark Bears. It got even better when they won 5-2 in that game. It was the fifth straight opening night that they have won and only allowed 2 runs.

Unfortunately for Lancaster the weekend would not finish as nicely as it started. After the opening night win they proceeded to lose the remaining 3 games of the series to fall to 1-3 to start the season.

After that first 5-2 victory the Barnstormers failed to score more than 3 in the other 3 games and could not hold Newark to less than 5 as they lost 9-3, 5-3, and 5-3 to finish the weekend.

The Long Island Ducks come in for a 3 game set Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday before the Barnstormers and Revolution renew their rivalry this weekend in York.


York:

The Revolution started the season on the road with a big win opening night over the Bridgeport Bluefish. (what the hell is a bluefish anyway?) It was the first season opener win for York in their history.

They won the opener 8-4 but dropped the next two by a combined 17-10 before winning the 4th game of the series 3-2 on Sunday.

Their 7 game road trip to start the season continues on Tuesday in Southern Maryland (Waldorf to be exact) where they will play a 3 game series against the Blue Crabs.


So while the Senators are doing their best to be mirror images of their parent club, the Washington Nationals who are 4-13, with a 2-13 record the Revolution and Barnstormers are hopefully going to start a little bit better.

I have yet to be to a game this season at any of the parks and am not interested in heading over to City Island anytime soon. When the stadium is completely done next season the success of the team possibly won't matter as much but the seats still aren't very good and the team is horrible.

I am hoping to get to a Revolution game soon however as I live only 20 minutes from the stadium and it looks great. I walked around the perimeter of the stadium a few weeks ago and I am absolutely looking forward to seeing my first Revolution game this season.

Let's hope the Sens can turn their season around and hopefully the first series was just a slip up from Lancaster and not a sign of things to come.

Ummmm, Really?

Ok, so far the Senators are 2-13. That's not good! They have 3 games away until they come home Friday! I don't really know what to say about the team but hopefully manager John Stearns can get the guys going. Ian Desmond was placed on the DL so that hurts but hopefully the guys can get back on track so that when Ian comes back we have a little winning streak and he can help us get back in the fight for the division.

I don't really have a solution for the problem right now. I would say we need to hit and pitch better but that would be stupid because I'm not letting you in on anything you don't already know. I hope they figure it out soon or else it will be a long summer over at Metro Bank Park!

Let's Go Senators!

What the Eagles Should Do

The Eagles recently traded a first round pick for a new left tackle. Good move.

Now they have 1 first rounder left and there are trade possibilities for it. The question is, is Anquan Boldin worth a first and a third round pick?

ABSO-freaking-LUTELY

How can you argue that they would be better off picking in the first round? You can't. What are they going to get there, a backup running back? Yeah that is important but in the first round when there is such a GLARING hole at WR??

No I think the Eagles HAVE to trade for Boldin. If they don't go get Boldin and I am McNabb, I want out immediately. Or else they better go get someone else. I would even be happy with Chad Ocho Cinco or Braylon Edwards even though I don't consider them in the same class as Boldin.

And as for the third round pick....the Eagles have 4 5th round picks. Trade 2 of them and move up into the third round.

Seems like a no brainer:

1st Round Pick, 3rd Round Pick, 2 5th Round Picks

FOR

Anquan Boldin, 3rd Round Pick

Really?? Is there any reason not to do it?


Any readers out there that are Eagles fans....what do you think Philly should do??

Here is What I Think So Far...

I went to Opening Night at the new Metro Bank Park and overall I was pretty impressed. The seats in left field aren't finished yet but I did notice that some seats in right field are done and I didn't even know they were putting any there. They look a lot like the red box seats that are one the first and third base lines. The boardwalk isn't finished yet so I didn't get a very close look but I know once everything is finished I am going to sit out there for a game because those may turn into my favorite seats in the park.

The new scoreboard is awesome! It is so big and with the mobile cameras they now have traveling around the park, the new features are definitely going to be a big hit. The two ribbon boards are pretty awesome too. My only complaint is that on opening night they were barely used for anything functional. They have a very small version of the score but mostly they were used for advertising purposes. I know this will bring in a lot of money for the team but from a fans point of view they are a bit useless. They look nice though!

The brand new grand entrance way is pretty nice and provides a much easier and much quicker way in and out of the stadium. I'm not really sure if they are done with it yet but if they are its definitely an upgrade and is ok with me. The wall right now is a chain fence with some billboard poster banner type things hanging on it. From what I remember this was not the plan but right now it looks fine. I hope they upgrade and put padding and stuff on it but I guess if they leave it the way it is, it will be fine. I know the players will be much more reluctant to run straight into it though.

They put an Appalachian Brewing Company stand in and that looks nice. I didn't eat there because I usually just get some hot dogs, fries and a drink. This is what I did on opening night and my experience wasn't very good. It took them a long time to get my fries to me and then they only had one stand for condiments. Needless to say, I waited in line for KETCHUP for about 5 minutes and then when I tried to get some onions they had been frozen and I honestly got more ice chunks on my hot dogs then I did onions. Hopefully, this is an isolated incident or else I may be walking out to the boardwalk to get food every time and that will get really old.

As for the team, 2-7 is not a very good start. They won opening night and then for the home opener but otherwise we aren't doing so well. They played great the night I went but obviously that was an aberration so far. I did get a nice greeting from my favorite Senator, Ofilio Castro as he threw me a practice ball and then shook my hand and signed it for me. They players seem to be much more outgoing this year. Again, I went to the home opener so I can't base everything off of one experience, but that was really nice of him. I don't see why their record is so bad. They seem to have a lot of good young talent, I just think they are struggling early in the season and if they can string a few wins together I am sure they will get back on the right track.

They do have a better record then the big league club. The Nats are 1-10, but I will say this, if the Senators don't get going and struggle all season, I suspect a lot of fans will stop going to games because the team isn't winning. I will let you know what I think of my next experience when I go and let's home the team gets on track and does it soon!

Madden is Same Age as Kalas

Maybe it is just me but does anyone else find it interesting that at 73 John Madden is retiring after watching another 73 year old announcer, Harry Kalas, pass away in the booth?

I think Madden watched that and decided that he didn't want to finish that way. It makes sense. They were born about a month apart and Madden isn't the healthiest person in the world. He is probably terrified of the same thing happening to him.

So instead of waiting he decided that he wasn't going to let that happen to him and he got out.


I am one of Madden's biggest haters. I thought he has been one of the worst analysts the past few years.

But I will miss hearing him call games too. His voice is so recognizable that it will be weird to not have him calling games ever again.

Good for you John Madden. Enjoy your retirement and enjoy the family!

Bears Headed to the Playoffs

The Hershey Bears are headed into the Calder Cup Playoffs as the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately due to scheduling problems that does not mean Hershey will start the playoffs at home. The first 2 games of the first round will be played in Philadelphia this Thursday and Saturday.

Next Wednesday, Friday, and (if necessary) Saturday there will be playoff games in Hershey. I urge you to get down there and get your tickets this week. I am heading down tomorrow for mine and hope to be at every game. There is absolutely nothing better than playoff hockey and when you have a team this good it makes it even more exciting.

For my series preview go check out Hershey Bears Hockey.

Bears Finish Regular Season

If you haven't made it to a Bears game yet this season you might consider going on Sunday. The game is at 6 against Wilkes Barre and could be for the division title.

Tonight begins a huge weekend for the Bears as they travel to Philly to finish off the Spectrum. If Hershey can win tonight and tomorrow night, when Philly comes to Hershey, then the Spectrum will more than likely be done hosting hockey games.

All Philly needs is to win both their games against the Bears and they are in.

Tomorrow night's game against the Phantoms is possibly the last ever game for the Philadelphia Phantoms. The game is probably sold out but you might still be able to find a ticket or two if you wanted to go.

Then Sunday the hated Baby Penguins come to town for the regular season finale. It is fan appreciation night and player awards night so this should be a fun time too. And like I said before it could be for all the marbles.

Enjoy the weekend....GO BEARS!!

Take a Minute and Read This

This site is about the Harrisburg Sports scene and I know there aren't too many readers right now but for the few of you here please take a minute today and click the link below and read the post.

And after you are done remember that every decision you make effects other people.

Remembering the Best Friend I Ever Had

Now It's Metro Bank Park

By a show of hands, How many people want Riverside Stadium back?

Personally I am tired of all the corporate names on stadiums. I understand the business behind it but still it gets a little ridiculous.

For the past few years the ballpark on City Island was named Commerce Bank Park. But now that Commerce is merging with another bank and becoming Metro Bank they are changing the name to Metro Bank Park.

It isn't like the name is too long or doesn't sound right...in my opinion it sounds fine. But I liked Riverside Stadium better.

How many of you had their hands up? Let me know in the comments what you think of this.


I borrowed the image above from Will Bentzel, please visit his site for more.

Lancaster Has 3 Starters in Place

News came yesterday that the Lancaster Barnstormers have brought back Josh Hall to be one of their starting pitchers for 2009.

Hall went 6-3 with a 4.10 ERA in 13 starts last season before getting picked up by Colorado Rockies organization.

That same organization pretty much sent him back to Lancaster when they released him after spring training. Hall is hoping that another solid season will result in another chance with a major league team.

“I know I can pitch,” he said. “I’m 28 and my goal is still to get to the big leagues. The quickest way to the big leagues is through the Atlantic League, if you’re not playing with an affiliated team.”


Hall joins Zack Parker and Trey Hodges as the only starting pitchers on the roster to date. Parker has been solid in Lancaster with an 8-1 record and a 2.08 ERA in 12 starts in 2007 and 2008.

Hodges spent last season with the Rangers AA affiliate and went 8-8 with a 5.76 ERA in 18 starts and 26 appearances.

Coming Soon

Neither Verb or I have been around much lately but we are hoping to change that. Baseball season just started for MLB and the minor league teams in the area begin play in the coming weeks. The Stampede are 1-2 after splitting their last 2 games, the City Islanders are getting ready to start the regular season, and the Hershey Bears are headed to the playoffs.

We will have more consistent updates starting really soon. Please keep checking back.

What to look for in the future:

We are not going to try and cover these teams day in day out. There is just no way to do that with only 2 of us. We will try and give you weekly updates on how teams are doing though. And any news that we find we will pass along to you.

And if you find something please feel free to email us or leave a comment.


If you are looking for more on any teams please check out these blog links:

Hershey Bears:

hershey bears hockey
john walton hockey

Senators baseball:

Senators Fans Unite


If you know of any blogs for other teams please let us know so we can add them to the site. Thanks.