Baseball Lifer

The Sacramento River Cats concluded their six-game series at home against the Reno Aces with a pair of wins to snap an 11-game losing streak.

GAMEBALL:

Heliot Ramos

It’s been a rough couple of years for Ramos, who has gone from one of Baseball’s top prospects to being knocked out of MLB’s top-100 prospect list entirely. Ramos had struggled after being sent back down to Sacramento following a brief stint with the Giants in April. However, after a monstrous home run to left in the bottom of the seventh inning of Friday’s game, Ramos was called up to the Giants on Saturday.

I still believe in Ramos, and I sense that like Joey Bart and myself, Ramos can let certain things get to him mentally, which can really affect his play. As long as Ramos hangs in there, he’s going to become the all-star we all know he can be.

TIP OF THE CAP:

Stevan Duggar: The Giants could really use Duggar’s defense right now, but he has been struggling in his rehab in Sacramento. Hopefully, his 3-for-5 game yesterday can get him going.

Michael Papierski: Papierski, who was Joey Bart’s backup just a few weeks ago, also had himself a three-hit day for Sacramento yesterday, and he also knocked in five.

Ka’ai Tom: Some of you may remember him from Spring Training. He’s having a solid season in Sacramento. He also had a three-hit game yesterday, and I would keep an eye on him.

David Villar: Giants fans were keeping tabs on Villar in May, as he was tearing the cover off the ball, but he has unfortunately gone 8-for-his last 38. He was able to get a hit yesterday, and hopefully, he can get things going again.

River Cats: To everyone in the organization, especially Maverick Pallack for giving me the opportunity. Also to Johnny Doskow, the voice of the River Cats, who’s not just a helluva an announcer, but a helluva guy, too. I truly appreciate this opportunity.

JOKER:

The fans

Yo, where the fuck are you???? Yes, things haven’t been the greatest for the River Cats this season, but a beautiful ballpark; reasonably-priced tickets; a great atmosphere; and mostly-great weather, and only 2,000-4,000 of you show up a game? What gives???

SMACK OF THE STICK:

Pitch Clock: Yes, the EVIL, dreaded pitch clock has been in effect in Triple-A since 2017, but yet, games are still going over three hours. FAIL!!!!!

Robotic Strike Zone: As has been in effect in Triple-A since last month, and as you can see on the monitors, there are still plenty of missed calls. FAIL!!!!!

Stephen