Live from Camelback: the Charlie Haeger Show
March 27, 2010 at 4:42 pm | Posted in Charlie Haeger, Spring Training | 9 CommentsFun fact about Arizona: just because it seems a little chilly in the morning doesn’t mean that it won’t be blazingly HOT at the park, though you’ll hear no complaints from this pasty easterner. Camelback’s a pretty nice setup, since the practice fields and paths back to the main park take players directly through fans.
In fact, our timing couldn’t have been better – as we walked in, half the team trotted back to take BP mere inches in front us, including Manny, Kemp, Ethier, DeWitt, Blake, Hu, & Mattingly. If I had any idea how to include pictures in a post I’m writing on my phone, I would, because Manny and his dreads look even more ridiculous close up.
After watching Hiroki Kuroda and Josh Lindblom throw bullpen sessions – and let me tell you, Lindblom’s curve in person is killer – we went to the next field over to watch everyone’s favorite drill, pitchers fielding practice. All of the main starters and relievers were there, except for Ramon Troncoso – not sure why. For what would otherwise be a tedious drill on a hot day, the gang was audibly laughing and getting on one another, yelling for laps when a ball was booted.
After catching the end of BP, destroying some sausages, and chatting with some friendly Mariners fans, it was game time. I saw Dodger exec Josh Rawitch in the crowd more than once, and though I wanted to say hi, he seemed extremely busy so I concentrated on the delicious Shock Top brew.
As for the game itself… well, I’ve seen other writers saying that one of the Ortiz catastrophes will win the 5th spot, but I just can’t see how its not Charlie Haeger. Against what was more or less the regular Mariner lineup, Haeger was dominating in allowing just 2 hits over 5 scoreless innings, including striking out the side in the first. If possible, he was even more dominating than the line shows, as hitter after hitter looked completely foolish against him.
For the second time in a row, Ramon Ortiz pitched just one inning, seemingly making it clear that he’s headed for the pen. Carlos Monasterios didn’t make it through his inning of work, and Russ Ortiz gave up a homer in his turn. Make a case for Eric Stults if you like, but there is absolutely no valid reason why retreads like the Ortizes (or Josh Towers) should be kept at the expense of losing Haeger, who’s been a favorite of this blog for a while now.
In addition to the pitching, the Dodgers looked tight. Ethier crushed a homer to center, Casey Blake had an RBI double, and even though I hate to admit it, Jamey Carroll made a fine stab at SS to start a 6-4-3 DP with Chin-Lung Hu and Ronnie Belliard.
Still, today belongs to the knuckleball… as should the 5th spot in the rotation. On to Goodyear for Dodgers @ Reds tomorrow.
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Haeger made a huge statement for himself today. Ramon Ortiz is pitching himself into a spot on the staff.
Sorry to see Eyechart go, not that we needed him, but just the way he hung with the club after his shoulder dislocation last year.
Comment by SamAdams— March 27, 2010 #
All HAIL THE CHUCK! This guy coud solidify our pitching staff for the next decade…ortiz amigos, what, this year and gone..
train
Comment by bluetrain— March 27, 2010 #
will someone tell me why management gives no respect to Haeger and Blake Dewitt? Dewitt has been the gem prospect for 2 years now and they are still talking about sending his bat to AAA in favor of belliard????? Haeger had one bad start in his July/August run last year and he was done. It’s like ned has predetermined which prospects he wants on the big league roster (hello troncoso) and is blind to guys that are completely big league ready. Why go out and shop for Reed Johnson when Paul and Repko have proven they deserve a shot???
Comment by Matt— March 27, 2010 #
I am glad you are having a great time Mike. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Comment by bhsportsguy— March 27, 2010 #
Reed Johnson > Paul/Repko
The reason Haeger gets the cold shoulder is because knuckleballers are by definition unpredictable. They’ll be the first to tell you they don’t know where the ball will end up. And a knuckle with a little too much rotation is a room service change up. I like Haeger and I hope he gets a spot, but I also understand why he isn’t that highly regarded.
Dewitt needs to play. It’s time to fish or cut bait. If he doesn’t turn in a respectable season, then go shopping in the fall.
Comment by carolinabluedodger— March 28, 2010 #
About freakin’ time that Haegerbomb was anointed the fifth starter. Now, if Torre was as smart as most sports wonks believe, he would slot Haeger between Kershaw and Billz. After Kershaw blows fastballs and embarrasses the hitters with his curve on day one, Haeger will thoroughly mess them up with his knuckler and Billz will be the recipient of some really screwed up hitters.
Sure, knuckleballers can see their pitch go on vacation as Jim Bouton said, but let’s hope that Haeger’s knuckler takes short trips and is not planning on a vacation until after Halloween.
Comment by grabarkewitz— March 28, 2010 #
MSTI — I was at Saturday’s game too. Wish I’d have known you were going to be there ahead of time – I woulda bought you a beer.
Anyway — I agree Haegar looked fantastic. Considering the only guy who managed to hit the knuckler effectively was Ichiro — it was a great outing. I really liked the way he mixed in his fastball — it looked like a 95-mph heater after hitters saw nothing but floaty balls for their first at bats. I think Joe having Ausmus catch him is also a good sign for Martin — maybe he’ll get a little more rest this year when (if?) Haegar gets the ball every fifth day.
In addition to Kemp, Blake & Ethier getting big hits — Manny looked real good on the single up the middle (aside from the two pop-ups) and Carroll’s diving stop to start the double play in the 9th was probably one of the top 5 “dazzlers” of spring for the Blue.
Looking forward to the Split squad game here in Vegas on Wednesday.
Comment by Vegas Blue— March 29, 2010 #
[...] the pitching side, the first four starters are obvious and Haeger looks to have locked up the #5 job, especially with Stults gone. Beyond the solid top three in the pen, Ken Gurnick reported that Jeff [...]
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[...] A quick heads-up from me: don’t expect much from me through the weekend. I’ll be headed to Florida to catch some spring games, in this case Astros @ Yankees on Friday, and Jays @ Phillies on Saturday. Before the inevitable response of “Florida’s not Arizona!”, don’t forget that I did go to Camelback last year. [...]
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