Altoon Curve Report

[3-2 Changeup]

Saw the Curve lose to New Britain 8-3 last night. Mike Connolly started for the Curve and looked good despite giving up three HRs. He kept the ball low and got ahead of hitters. His breaking ball was not that sharp. Connolly was curiously followed by two other LHP, Grabow and Chrysler. Not sure what Sveum's thinking was there.

Jose Castillo was carried off the field in the 8th inning after sliding into second base. Not sure his status but it didn't look good.

Shaun Skrehot has a good vertical leap for a guy his size. Skrehot got thrown out trying to steal second because he slid too early and stopped a foot short of the bag. He had the throw beaten too. Guess that and his paltry BA are why he's still in Altoona.

Josh Bonifay and Chris Duffy are two guys to keep an eye on. Neither one is big but both hustle. Duffy made a strong throw from deep center to keep runners on the corners. Shawn Garrett homered and made a nice throw from RF. He's switch-hitting .302 8 HR and 30+ RBIs but for some reason the Bucs don't see him in their lineup. Maybe Josh or Rick can fill in some of the blanks on Garrett. He's not that fast but seems OK otherwise.

When a new Altoona catcher named Snusz came up to back the PA announcer played a snoring sound effect. Funny but not cool. Hoping the weather will hold out so I can see VBS on Wednesday.

[Rick]

Castillo has a badly sprained right ankle and is listed as day to day. If it's badly sprained, how can he be day to day:umm ? Duffy is thought by some to be the next Pirate CF. At the beginning of the season he was their leadoff hitter. He has slumped badly the last 5 weeks or so and now is hitting closer to the bottom of the order. He K's too much for a guy who is supposed to be a #1 hitter. He has to learn more patience. Bonifay is also a guy who K's too much, doing it once every 3 or 4 AB:banghead .

[GiveHyzduashot]

What you noted about Connolly is his style in a nutshell ... that's what I've seen out of him, too. Not a real hard thrower, but he knows what he wants to do.

Sveum absolutely raves about Skrehot because of Skrehot's fundamentals ... if not for Sveum's fascination with him, he'd be gone.

On Garrett ... Sveum calls Garrett's swing one of the best he's seen, and Sveum believes Garrett will be a good MLB player some day ... aside from Sveum being enamored with Skrehot, I value his opinion. Garrett was acquired from San Diego for Emil Brown ... not too bad of a trade.

[3-2 Changeup]

I just get the impression that the Bucs do not see Garrett in their outfield since he hasn't been promoted despite putting up good numbers. What is this, his third season in Altoona? Look at his numbers and tell me he should still be there considering some of the grabasstic flotsam they've had in Nashville.,

[GiveHyzduashot]

Garrett is in his second season ... Skrehot is in his third season; not sure if that's who you were referring to or not.

[3-2 Changeup]

I may have mixed to years in Altoona up. I though Garrett deserved a bump considering his numbers and the dearth of OF talent at AAA.