"This is the worst facility I have ever seen in all my years in Baseball"

The above statement was made by Lakewood Blue Claws pitching coach and former Minnesota Twin pitcher Ed Hodge to me last night before the Hagerstown Suns game against Hodge and the Blue Claws.
The Suns won 16-3 behind a offensive onslaught,however we (Battling Bob was along) talked to Hodge for a few minutes and his statement contained even more blasting of Municipal Stadium.
"Look at this field! This is a cow pasture here,look at the bumps and hills".
When I told him about the only other place in competition (Oneonta NY) for the worst field,Hodge replied that he has never been there,but "this is the worst for now".
When I asked if I could quote him,Hodge replied that you sure can.(Paraphrased,cannot remember exact quote)
Hodge also talked to us about the status of Phillies prospect Kyle Drabek.
Drabek was injured and in Clearwater getting treatment.
Hodge told us that Lakewood started a 10 day road trip yesterday and Drabek's stuff was traveling with the team,although the likelihood of his joining the team on the trip was questionable.
Hodge was likely the most personable coach that I have dealt with all year and of course he signed his 1985 Topps card for us.

Bullpen Notes

Phillies prospect Edgar Garcia started for Lakewood last night and had problems with control.
Garcia allowed 7 runs in 4 innings and walked 5 and threw some wild pitches as well.
Bounced his curve in the dirt constantly and seemed struggle with his change as well.
I hope this is a one night abberation,as many times as Lakewood visits-I am sure I will see Garcia again.

Nice article here on the Hagerstown Suns 3 outfield prospects,Chris Marrero,Justin Maxwell and Mike Daniel.
Thanks to Battlin Bob for the link.

The Pirates were nearly no-hit by Derek Lowe and the Dodgers last night,but rallied to make the Dodgers sweat in a 6-5 loss.
The Pirates play the Nationals in D.C tonight in the 1st of 3 games.
B.P.Chacon for us,Mike Bascik for the Nationals.

Former Yankee and Brave 3rd baseman Clete Boyer passed away yesterday at the age of 70.
Clete was considered one of the top defensive 3rd sackers of the 1960's.
Thanks to Ryan for the link

Back later with more Suns-Blue Claws and Pirates-Nationals.