Went to the game at McCoy Stadium today.  Jason Hammel, whom John gave a grade of C+ to, took the mound for the visiting Durham Bulls, while Abe Alvarez went for the home team.  The final pitching lines don't tell the whole story.  

Hammel's best pitch is clearly his fastball, which he touched 97 with in the second inning and was hitting low 90s in the fourth still. He worked out of some trouble in I believe the second or third and threw a couple good breaking balls for ground ball outs.   His curveball and change abondened him in the fouth inning and hence the huge spot the Paw Sox put up on him.  He pitched better than his line would suggest I would say.  I cannot but help to think that he would make a better power reliver if he can develop a set up pitch for what's a pretty nice fast ball.  

Alvarez, I don't think anyone considers him for much of anything now, except maybe a AAA roster filler.  So, I won't spend too much on him.  Way up in the zone that lead to him getting hit HARD.  He got lucky that a lot of well hit balls found mits.  

Ben Zobrist DHed.  He signed an autograph for me early, which required some effort from him.  McCoy, as some of your probably know, is elevated so the stands are not on the field.  Some fans use buckets and strings to get autograph items to players below.  I threw Ben a ball and he signed it.  Stuggling mightly at AAA, but tatooed a ball on the second pitch of the game that Alvarez left up.  Sometimes its tough to remember that guys at AAA, even if they suck there, are great athletes and will capitalize on mistakes.  

Jacoby Ellisbury had a great ten pitch at bat to lead off the first.  He showed some good pitch recognition in that at bat, though it ended with a fly out to mid left.  Still, a well managed AB that ended with a firmly struck ball.  The other two ABS that I saw, he topped the ball into the dirt and towards first, one of which resulted in a 3-4-3 double play.  He didn't look as fast as most commentators say he is.  

I'll try to put some pictures up on Flickr this week.  

So those are my notes.  A great way to spend a day off.  McCoy Stadium, at least on my first visit is a great traditional ball park.  They minimize the silliness and don't blare music to drown out all your thoughts.    

Unrelated question.  Can someone tell me the last newsletter John sent out?  Cause I don't think I've been getting mine.  Before I bother him or his wife, I want to check.