Future's Game thoughts...

Southern California - Okay…we had some mixed emotions in the household on Sunday about John Lamb and his absence in the “Future’s Game” at Anaheim, CA. Yesterday, before a game that I was coaching in the San Diego area I was approached by a number of associates in the game. A college coach I know, a couple of scouts and a parent of a player recently signed by the Chicago White Sox organization that was taken in the 2010 Major League Baseball draft, all of whom had some kind words about John Lamb and his current performance in his professional career. Sure, they fired up some emotions with the recognition of following my son’s professional baseball career but none more than an overwhelming sense of pride.




All of them asked the question about the organizations decision to not allow John to participate in yesterday’s “Futures Game.,” at Angels Stadium. My answers were very short and to the point that I had no idea why he was not given the honor to play based on his current statistics, but those decisions were not mine and I’m not comfortable trying to speculate or second guess the choices of the Royals.

Sure it would have been nice to see my son pitch in an honorary game, less than 30 minutes from the house, but organizational decisions always have a purpose. I am simply the father of a Royals prospect that continues to feel blessed with my son’s opportunity to embark on living his dream. Watching him have success during the process and get the media recognition during the process can always put a smile on my face.



Not a day goes by that I don’t have tremendous gratitude for the Kansas City Royals taking John Lamb off the board in the 5th round of the 2008 MLB draft. I fully believe in my son, his talent, his work habits and his burning desire to play in the big leagues.



I would like to congratulate Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer for their nominations and performances during yesterday’s game that displayed the future of professional baseball. There is a lot of talent in the game throughout the minor league baseball system right now and the Royals are one of many that have done a fantastic job, scouting, signing and developing players.
 
 
 
Personally, as a baseball fan, I am looking forward to the display of big league power during tonight’s “Home Run Derby” contest, but slightly disappointed that I will be forced to watch the All-Star game on tape, due to a ridiculous schedule set by the summer league I coach within. Obviously, the director/organizer is not a baseball fan of they would never have committed to such a brainless decision.

Lamb runs into 1 tough inning and suffers loss...

Road starts for my son always seem to ignite more nerves than usual. Following the Blue Rocks Thursday night beating, of the Dash, only added to my fears based on a typical occurrence that bats seem to sleep after those types of performances.

A large crowd was not an issue for John Lamb in North Carolina Friday night, I am sure. The challenge of a successful minor league line-up turned into some reality in the 2nd inning, as witnessed by more than 6,000 fans. The Winston-Salem Dash, High A team of the Chicago White Sox, has the 3rd highest team batting average throughout all levels of professional baseball and they simply proved that stature in one inning.


Lamb was unscathed in the first inning, but needed every bit of the 33 pitches in the second inning to get three outs for the Wilmington Blue Rocks. The four earned runs matched all runs allowed in four previous outings by the 19 year-old since coming to the Carolina League. Despite giving up the runs, Lamb did record 3 strike-outs in the frame. The second inning was the only blemish of the lefty's five inning performance, but certainly nothing to be ashamed of by most standards.


During the shortest start of his Carolina League career, Lamb threw 84 pitches with seventy percent as strikes. He allowed 7 hits, 2 walks, 4 earned runs and struck out 5 before handing the ball off to the bull-pen to finish the game.


The Blue Rocks 4-3 loss also witnessed the hitting streak for Jamie Romak come to an end, at 18 straight games. Romak is now a single game shy of equaling the longest hitting streak in franchise history. Corey Hart established the franchise mark by hitting safely in 19 straight from July 30-September 1, 2001. His streak was matched by Justin Cowan from June 29-July 26, 2002.
 
 
Good luck Blue Rocks trying to stay alive for a first place finish in the first half of the season.
 
 
 
- - - James Lamb