All-Star Game Recap

Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera with me to Fort Wayne, so I don't have any pictures of my own to share with you all. Instead, I will provide links to some other photos taken from the game and share my thoughts on the experience in general.

I did take one picture with my phone. This was the view from our seats just to the third base side of home plate. The picture is of Matt Davidson batting in the first inning against West starter Trey McNutt.

Here are some photo galleries online. This one is from the Midwest League and focuses mostly on the Day One festivities, such as the Home Run Derby and Skills Challenge. Davidson hit eight homers in the first round before being eliminated in the second round of the Derby. Chris Owings participated in the Infield Throwing competition and Tyson Van Winkle finished in a three-way tie for first in the Catcher's Throwing competition.

This gallery is from the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette and has action shots from the game, including one of Chris, while the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel has more game shots and photos from the pre-game festivities. Finally, here are the photos that Owen took of Parkview Field last season.

Obviously the game was the main highlight, but the between-inning entertainment was also very fun. There was a dancing bat boy, Myron Noodleman, and the Zooperstars (my personal favorite). Each act brought many laughs throughout the crowd and Chris Owings even busted a move on the field.

All in all, the All-Star game was a great experience. Sorry again for the lack of original photos, but I hope these links are enough to help you get a picture of what it was like.

More on Van Winkle to All Star Game

I received an email question tonight asking why Tyson Van Winkle went to the all-star game instead of Errol Hollinger.

The short answer: I don't know.

The long answer: When an opening happens on Sunday afternoon when the game is on Tuesday, there is a scramble to find somebody to fill the spot. Sometimes they take someone who is geographically close, sometimes they take the best available player, sometimes they take a player who has nothing else to do for the next couple of days.

Remember, they have to find a replacement in less than 24 hours and many other players have already booked flights or other plans.

I'm not saying Tyson Van Winkle doesn't deserve to go, but Errol Hollinger clearly had better offensive number. Van Winkle is a great defensive catcher and has good at-bats, but he's been slumpling lately.

I have no idea if Hollinger was asked first. I have no idea if another catcher from another team was asked first. All I know is that Tyson Van Winkle will be in Fort Wayne on Tuesday playing for the Eastern Division All-Stars.

I hope this helps.

Van Winkle Added as All-Star

Catcher Tyson Van Winkle has been added to the Eastern Division All-Star team. I don't know if someone got hurt or promoted, but Van Winkle will fill an open spot on the roster.

Congrats to Tyson.

That now makes five all-stars from the Silver Hawks (Matt Davidson, Chris Owings, Charles Brewer, and Eric Smith were named back when the teams were originally selected).

Tonight's Lineup - May 6th

Owings - SS
Nick - 2B
Borchering - 3B
Davidson - DH
Helm - LF
Hollinger - C
Stone - 1B
Diaz - CF
Narodowski - RF

Smith - SP

Pregame interview is with Tyson Van Winkle.

Pregame coverage begins at 6:45 PM. First pitch at 7:05 PM.

First Roster Move of the Season

Greetings from the Quality Inn of Fort Wayne. The bus arrived at 12:55 PM Eastern Time, and we'll depart for the field at 3:00 PM.

The Silver Hawks have their first roster move of the season.

Catcher Tyson Van Winkle has joined the club from extended spring training.
Outfielder Ender Inciarte has been sent to extended spring training.

The full story can be read here.

Today's Roster Move

Catcher Chris Davis is returning to the Silver Hawks from Mobile.

Catcher Tyson Van Winkle is being returned to short season A Yakima.

Story here.

My take: Davis was going to double A as a fill in while Sean Coughlin was injured. It's not surprising that he's coming back because everyone knew that his time there was temporary. Van Winkle did fine filling in. Despite not hitting much, Van Winkle played solid defense behind the plate.

Three More Roster Moves

Full story here.

Davis to double-A to fill a backup role. Former Hawks catcher Sean Coughlin apparently got hurt in the Southern League All-Star Game.

Tyson Van Winkle takes his spot. He was a 10th round pick this June from Gonzaga.

Taylor Sinclair activated from the DL as expected and will start tonight.

Still carrying three players on the DL and 28 total.