Albany River Rats Home Opener

A few shots from my coverage of the Albany River Rats home opener versus the Norfolk Admirals. First time shooting hockey in a few years and the pro game is a bit faster than anything I've covered before (collegiate and intermural).

Overall lots of fun...

technorati tags:Albany River Rats, Hockey, Albany, Times Union Center, Pepsi Arena, 518, River Rats, AHL, Hurricanes, Carolina Hurricanes, Keith Aucoin, sports, action, Norfolk Admirals, Norfolk, shoot out, Pentax, K10D

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2007 Valleycats Early Season Review

After the first two weeks of the season, it's clear this team isn't the solid fundamental team of last season.

While "The Joe" has had some nice crowds, several in the sellout range, the team on the field has been less than impressive, leaving the fans to sit on their hands.

The one bright spot of the season has been the introduction of our mascots father, Pappy Southpaw.

And of course the Price Chopper post game fireworks.

Offensively these guys look to be better than last season, but like the 2007 Yankees, baseball isn't purely about stats or talent, it's about timely hitting and making a big play when it counts. In several games this season the Cats have failed to score runners from second or third with less than two outs. Small ball and good base running have been missing almost entirely.

In the field the 2007 Cats have struggled making even routine plays, then at times they've made some slick plays. Unfortunately, a single bad play is usually the difference in a close game, and the hitting is either on or off.

While this is short season class A ball, it is still early enough that with a good run the Tri-City Valleycats can turn things around. Unfortunately fundamental baseball doesn't get learned mid season. Unless the Cats pound their opponents offensively with the big bats and speed they have, it might be a long season.

Some highlights of the 2007 season to date:

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