Scrappers rained out; DH tonight

By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
NILES -- Professional baseball is based on routine. Evening games cap a hard day's work.
When fans arrive at the ballpark, they anticipate watching young, talented players perform at a high level. They anticipate watching young players fulfill their childhood dreams.
What fans don't see is the daily grind players face as they try to work their way up the minor league ladder and, maybe one day, reach the big leagues.
Blue-collar workers
The Mahoning Valley Scrappers know all about routine. They live it. Their work day during the week begins as early as 2:45 p.m. The entire team gathers to stretch around 3:45.
Coaches hold a plus/minus meeting, which is used to review the previous night's performance.
"They're constantly learning from their mistakes and the things that they did well," Scrappers manager Chris Bando said.
The Scrappers break into four stations to work on hitting, bunting, baserunning and defense.
"We try to learn and develop all phases of the game," Bando said.
The afternoon includes regular batting practice and infield work, and the team sets aside a half-hour to work on a specific drill. There will also be a pitcher/catcher meeting, used to review the previous night's performance.
"There's not a lot of down time that you just hang out and do nothing," Bando said.
Except, maybe, when rain forces players into the clubhouse and washes out their game, which is what occurred Thursday at Cafaro Field.
"At this age, it's always good to have a day off because guys aren't used to playing every day coming out of college," Bando said. "The toughest grind in professional baseball is that you play every day. The only days off in the minor leagues are usually rainouts."
The Scrappers (4-5) will play a doubleheader against the Hudson Valley Renegades (5-4) today at 6 p.m. There will be two seven-inning games. Pitchers Kyle Evans (0-0) and Michael Rogers (0-1) take the mound, respectively.
"It gives everybody a chance to play," Bando said of the doubleheader. "I like it because I get to play some of my bench players."
Having some fun
Thursday's rain dumped a lot of water on Cafaro Field. The tarp was left with standing water, and players sloshed through puddles walking to and from the clubhouse.
When players began sliding head-first on the tarp, it was a sure bet the game had been canceled. Infielder Bryce Uegawachi joined many of his teammates on the tarp.
"Last year they did it, but I wasn't a part of it," Uegawachi said. "These are probably one of the things you remember."
While his players were slipping and sliding, Bando was in the clubhouse, where he remained dry. Asked for his reaction on his players' outdoor fun, Bando smiled.
"I guess it's good that I didn't see it," he said.
richesson@vindy.com