Tennessee Smokies Game Thoughts 5/14

I'd mentioned earlier that I'd post a recap of my first Smokies game of the 2009 Season, so here goes:

• This time is a collective bunch of Mighty Mights....there doesn't seem to be much size and bulk.  The lineup was sort of like watching LBR hit in the 1-8 spots.
• Casey Lambert got the start, and was impressive, although kind of in the way that Lilly throws 7 innings and only gives up a couple of hits, and you can't figure out how or why with his stuff.
• Other than Tony Thomas, who likes like a solid prospect with bat speed, power, and foot speed, and most importantly a little plate presence, the best looking prospect on the field could be found in the third base coaching box when the Smokies were hitting, and is somewhere around 50 years old.  Man that guy still looks like he can play.  He towers over most Smokies players-what does that tell you?
• After getting to watch the likes of Jake Fox, Sam Fuld, Doug Deeds, Josh Kroeger, etc hit at Smokies park the last few years, I think this will be a definite small ball year.  Don't get me wrong there's some potential hitters on this team, but there's no one who's a 30 hr type talent at the highest level, probably not even a 15.
  
• I checked with the Smokies pitcher who was working the gun for the club last night, and the home park gun is consistently 3 mph slow.  Frankly, I think it's more.  Mitts were popping at 87 according to the gun in the park-seems unlikely.
  
• Attendance was weak, probably less than 1000, but we lucked out with the weather as it poured literally two minutes after the final out.
• Beers were $4, cold, and flowing.  Probably the only thing Smokies Park has on Wrigley.  Otherwise, I had an Italian Sausage that looked like it was miniaturized in a Rick Moranis movie.
  
• The Smokies GM is a friend of mine and it was obvious he cannot contain his giddiness with who his manager is this year.  Hopefully, this scrappy but overall Punch and Judy bunch will continue to grind out wins and get the foks out to the ball park this year.
• Always a good time, but hopefully next time we have a few more guests and we can break out the cup game.