Thanks again for taking a few moments after the seminar with the kids. Without knowing much about some of the things other members of the team have experienced getting to this level so far along with their lives in general, I don’t think they could’ve asked a better person to speak to the kids there. When I heard them mention you down there I thought, “How fitting is that?” I like that the River Cats do something like that. Especially in an area with a minor league presence, I think it’s important to do things for the kids and keep their interest in the sport up, even if it’s just bringing a group of them to the ballpark and giving a motivational talk.

Luck was on my side with you getting into the game as well. I thought you might since it’d been a few days between appearances and the kids could see the guy they listened to, but you never know what the skipper will decide. Last year it worked out with a game against Oklahoma, so you’ve seen action in both of the last two games I’ve made it out to so it made for good photo ops in the process.

I may be out there again this Wednesday. I was never good enough to play past high school but it’s a lot of fun being able to go out there and work a game from this side of things. It’s something I hope to keep doing as more opportunities arise and with twelve minor league teams in the state (counting the California League) it’s a great place to be.

Keep up the solid work. In particular, no walks so far is something to be proud of, but don’t blame me if that streak ends the next time you pitch! At least, it makes the other team have to beat you by doing something with your pitches and they haven’t done much of that up to this point. Hopefully the big club will give you a shot at the right time. I can’t deny there’s an extra rooting interest this blog plays a part in because it helps add a more personal touch to things fans don’t usually get to see, but going out and getting the job done helps. ;-)

I hope the next free 40-man spot includes you!!!!

Thanks for the update—sounds like you’re kicking arse in AAA, keep it up! Hope you’re up in Oakland soon!

• Can you describe your pitch repertoire? What’s your go-to pitch when you’re facing a tough right-handed bat?

We are looking stacked right now:

Casilla: Yesterday was a level of dominance I didn’t think he was capable of. He threw a 98 MPH fastball and a 92 MPH slider with solid accuracy. (The 98 MPH was def overthrown though.) I hadn’t seen him pitch all season, but his numbers indicate that yesterday might not have even been his best stuff of the season.

Devine: High-ceiling rapidly improving flamethrower, with good movement on it too.

Street: Appearing healthy with great movement and location, not so much the flame.

Foulke: Having delivered a very high-quality 7 innings of classic relief work for the A’s.

Not to mention the nothing if not consistent Embree. Just imagine if we added a surging Ziggy to that mix. Id be curious to find out lefty/right splits for Ziegler because if he continues to prove his mastery of submarine pitching he will find his way into Oakland by the end of the season.

You’ve really earned a shot. I hope to see you in Oakland very soon.

Thanks for these diaries. They are always awesome.

We all know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but what kind of fun did you have there that you’re at liberty to discuss around polite company? ;-)

Thanks for taking the time and effort to write a narrative. Good stuff!

Sounds as if the Sacto experience is good. Great to hear! As others have done, I hope you get a chance to pitch for Oakland this year.

Whoknows? The A’s may go all the way like the 82-80 Cardinals in 2006!

Winning players with winning personalities never get old.

...ya’ll can be jealous now ;-)