Hey everyone,

so it seems that hurrican bill is causing some bad weather, and I am writing this post from the clubhouse in Bowie during a rain delay.

sorry it’s been so long since my last post. I have alot to write about.
So the last time I posted was in Portland. I had an awesome off day there, I was able to get some lobster and explore downtown on the waterfront.

The next thing I have to write about is my outing in new Hampshire. It was pretty much awful. I couldn’t throw strikes, and the few that I did got hit. Worst outing of the year by far.

My next outing was also against new Hampshire, but it was at home. This outing was pretty much the exct opposite. I was able to throw whatever pitch, wherever I wanted to. I worked ahead in the count all night, and was able to pitch 8 innings for the first time in my career.

My next outing was in Harrisburg and it was a noon game. It was quite hot and quite humid at the onset of the game. The first couple innings were shaky, but i was able to settle in and get into a rythym. I was also able to have a couple quick innings to get back into my pitch count. The key to my success for this game was my ability to pitch in. Pitching in has been a huge key to my success all year, but especially so in my last outing. In the seventh inning the temperature cooled off dramatically, and it started pouring rain. It got so bad that the umpire at third base slipped and fell down twice. I couldn’t believe they didn’t call the game, but I was able to get through the inning. And right after they put the tarp on and eventually called the game. This gave me my first complete game of my career, even if it was rain shortened it is still exciting.

Well that is all that I have for now guys. Should have a decision on the game soon, and it isntime to wrap this one up. Until later everyone take care.

Moskie

Hey Everyone,

 

So as some of you might have read, I have landed myself on the disabled list, that’s the bad news.  The good news is that it is only a blister on my finger that is causing it, and that I will make a start either Thursday or Friday.  In my opinion I don’t feel that a trip to the DL is necessary, but it isn’t up to me. 

 

As for everything else, the Curve are playing some pretty good baseball of late.  I do not believe that we have lost a series dating back to right before the all-star break when we lost to Bowie.  I could be wrong on that though. 

 

We leave for Portland tomorrow, out longest bus trip of the year.  I believe just over 10 hours, yikes.  However, we are leaving after the game, and we have an off day the next day, so I should get to explore a new town.  I have been told that Portland is a great place, and that you can get great lobster.  Each of which is good news. 

 

An update on my last outing really quick.  I was able to work out of a few jams early, and eventually settle in.  The blister on my finger developed during my pre game bullpen, however, I don’t think that it really affected me too much during the game.  Despite the 5 walks, I thought I actually threw the ball pretty well.  Fortunately I was able to evade too much damage, only surrendering 1 run, and doing just enough to earn a win.

 

Well that is all for now, I will be back later with an update on Portland.  Until then everyone take care.

 

Moskie

Hey Everyone,

 

I just got back from the game tonight, the game last just over four and a half hours.  So it was another late night, and unfortunately the game was as the title states.  We had a pitcher take a line drive off the shin, another pitcher took a line drive off his bare hand on a ball that he tried to catch, and we had our two middle infielders collide on a ground ball up the middle.  I also had to watch one of my good friends be taken to the hospital on a stretcher.  To rub it in, we lost the game on a game winning grand slam.  It was a terrible night, one that I would like to forget as soon as possible.  Now I can only hope that everyone is ok.  That is all for now.

 

Moskie

Hey everyone,

 

So last night we played the longest game that I have ever been a part of, and it only went 9 innings.  I also witnessed one of the most ridiculous things that I have ever seen in pro ball.  It was the top of the 5th inning and we were winning 1-0.  There was an obvious storm on the horizon as it had already started raining.  The opposing manager pulled his team off the field, and wouldn’t send them to the plate.  He did so in fear of going 1-2-3 and the game being called official due to the storm.  I have never seen something like that happen before, it was pretty heinous.  So long story short, we sat through a 2 hour rain delay, and the game started back at 10 35.  We finished the night with a walk off win, and Jason Delaney hit a game tying home run with 2 outs in the 9th. And the game finished sometime after midnight.   All in all it was a crazy night.

 

Now just a quick write up on my last outing, and sorry it has taken so long but my girlfriend came to see me again.  It was an unfortunately short visit, but it was really good to see her since it had been like 2 months since I saw her.  So anyways, my last outing I gave up only 1 hit over 6 scoreless innings, and I really threw the ball well.  I did have 4 walks, but they weren’t because I was necesarrily wild, but that I was making pitchers pitches.  Perhaps even nibbling from time to time, which I try to stay away from for the most part.  The main key to my success for this outing was my ability to pitch in.  It has been something that I have struggled with the past couple of outings, and something that I have had to work on because teams now know that I am going to attack them alot with sinkiers.  So it was reassuring to be able to attack them differently than I usually do and still have success.

 

Well that is all for now guys, I throw again on Friday in Akron, and should have another post some time shortly after that.  Until then everybody take care.

 

Moskie

 

 

Hey everyone,

 

Well I am back from the all-star break, and it was a ton of fun.  It was really a cool experience, and it was really cool to get to play with guys from other teams around the league.  The first night we were there we went on a dinner cruise down the Delaware River, followed by a party at the Yankee club inside of the stadium.  The second day was a long day. We got to the field at noon, where we had lunch. Then we hit batting practice at around 2.  After that we had a 2 hour autograph signing, followed by the home run derby, and then the game.  We won the game 5-3, and after the game they had a party for us at the Marriott hotel.  The next day was a long day of travel, and we didn’t get back to the Altoona stadium until 4 in the afternoon. 

 

So like the title says, our first game back I saw the first triple play that I have ever seen.  It was the first inning, runners on first and second, and there was a line out to the second baseman that looked like it could have hit the ground.  It was a catch, and then threw to second and on to first for a triple play.  I was sitting in the stands and couldn’t believe it.  It was pretty crazy.

 

Well I pitch tomorrow at 6:05 against the Harrisburg Senators.  So I will be back with a breakdown of the outing shortly after. Until then everybody take care.

 

Moskie

Hey everyone,

 

I am just relaxing in my hotel room becuase we do not have to be on the bus until 4 today.  A much needed show and go after we played 14 innings the other night.  This allows me to watch the futures game, which is very exciting. Especially since 2 of my teammates are playing in it. Those being Brad Lincoln and Pedro Alvarez.

 

As for the game last night, I guess you can say that I pitched well enough to win.  However, I felt that I needed to pitch deeper into the game to give my bullpen a little more rest. They have thrown a lot of innings these last few days.  The outing could have been a lot better than the line shows because I made one really bad pitch.  It was an 0-1 fastball that was supposed to be in off the plate, and it ran back in over the plate, and Ambiorix Concepcion crushed it for a 3 run home run.  Other than that it could have been a quality outing. 

 

Well that is all for today guys, I am gonna try to pay attention to this futures game.  I will try to post from Trenton in a few days.  So until then, everybody take care.

 

Moskie

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Hey Everyone,

 

So as most of you already know, I have been recently selected to represent the Altoona Curve in the 2009 Eastern League All-Star game in Trenton, New Jersey.  Joining me from our team will be Jason Delaney and Brian Friday.  It is very exciting news and I am really pumped about it.  It is definitely an honor to be an all star at any level, and I think that this will be a great experience. 

 

Well on to last night’s game.  It was a pretty tough game all around.  We really just didn’t play a very good game, and I think that is the best way to put it.  Just one of those games that you want to forget about as soon as possible and move on.  One thing that I can take away from it was that I noticed that I was flying open in my delivery.  It is a pretty easy fix, but its something that I will have to work on in the bullpen.

 

Well thats all for today, until later everyone take care.

 

Moskie

Hey everyone,

 

Sorry that it has taken me a little longer than usual to post, but no worries I am back.  We lost a tough game tonight in 12 innings, so that is the reason for the late night posting.

 

As you can tell by the subject line, it is now officially the month of July, and the season seems to be flying by.  July is a very important month for me, the reason for that is because July basically ruined my season last year. It was a horrible month for me, I pitched so poorly, and eventually resulted in my moving to the bullpen.  This was also the point at which my body started to break down, which was probably a cause of the poor pitching.  While I feel that my body is much more ready to go through a full season, I still want to make sure that I can pitch effectively for an entire season. 

 

Well I am going to keep this one short because I have to get some rest as I am pitching tomorrow. I will try to post tomorrow night after the game. Until later.

 

Moskie 

Hey Everyone,

 

I enjoyed a nice day off today. The weather was beautiful and I actually had the chance to lay out at the pool for a couple of hours.  It was very nice, unfortunately we do not have another off day until August. 

 

This week I purchased an iphone, and it is probably the coolest thing that I have ever bought for myself.  The app store has got to be one of the best inventions that I have come across.  There is literally an app for everything you could possibly want.  I couldn’t be happier with the new phone.

 

I also saw the movie the Hangover this week, and it was one of the top 5 funniest movies I have ever seen.  I laughed for 2 hours straight, it was an awesome movie.  Anybody who has not seen it yet, I would reccomend going to see it as soon as possible.

 

As most Pirate fans already know, we have had some promotions, and have some new faces in Altoona.  Brad Lincoln and Hector Giminez were promoted to Indy, and Dustin Moelleken, Mike Dubee, and Pedro Alvarez were promoted to Altoona.  I am excited about the new teammates, and really excited to get to see Pedro play everyday.  He is also a really good guy and a great teammate.

 

Now onto the U.S. Open, even though I was pulling for Phil today, given the whole situation that he and his family are dealing with, I have to say that I was excited to see a Clemson Alum win the tourney. 

 

Well alright guys, thats all I have for today.  We head to Erie for s quick  3 game road trip, and I throw on Friday when we get back into town.  I am gonna go finish watching this insane college world series game.  Its been a great game so far.  Everyone take care.

 

Moskie

Hey Everyone,

Well I just got back from the gym, and I have a little extra time because surprise surprise its raining in Altoona.  I walked into the gym at 9 45 and it was beautiful outside, the sun was shining.  I come out of the gym at 11 and what do you know, it looks like the day after tomorrow storm has arrived and its pouring outside.  I swear the Northeast region doesn’t have seasons.  Anyways, onto the topic of the post.

 

I know that it is a little late, but congrats to the Pittsburgh Penguins.  They took home the Stanley Cup, in Detroit, and got to rub it in the face of Marion Hossa while they were at it.  They showed alot of toughness being able to pull this one off, and it is a great thing for the city of Pittsburgh.  Two world champions in one year.

 

Now onto my outing from last night, if you just look at the box score it looks like a pretty rough night for myself.  But that wasn’t necessarily the entire story.  Now it wasn’t a great outing by any means, but it was quite frustrating.  I gave up 8 hits in 5 innings, and honestly only 2 of the balls were hit well.  Four of hits were from broken bats, and resulted in flare singles, and 1 double.  I did a pretty good job of limiting the damage because things could have been worse, and I wanted to make sure not to waste the effort that our hitters made.  They did a great job last night.  I was also back to my normal self with 13 groundball outs and only 2 fly outs.  While I was a little wild, walking four batters, I was missing down and not up in the zone which I can live with.

 

Well thats all for today, time to grab some lunch and then head to the field.

 

Moskie