Power Pros Forum

INTRO

My name is Parker Kramer, and ever since I was a kid I’ve always wanted to play in the Major Leagues. After 7 years of youth baseball I joined my local high school baseball team, the Osseo Orioles, as a freshman catcher. That year I was mainly used as a pinch hitter, seeing how we already had a senior playing catcher. But by my sophomore year I was a starter, and I went on to hit .280 with 15 HR and 90 RBI in my high school career.

I decided to go to college to get my degree before entering the MLB draft. I had a partial scholarship to play for Stanford, but I turned it down and instead I walked-on at the University of Minnesota in my home-state. I did well in school for my first 2 years, but I did practically nothing in terms of baseball. Then 1/3 of the way through my junior season, our starting catcher suffered a concussion in a home plate collision. I was the next man up, and I ended the season with a .269 AVG, 8 HR, and 60 RBI. I also earned my bachelor’s degree during my junior year with a 3.95 GPA, so I decided to enter the 2008 MLB draft. Unfortunately, I didn't make it, so I played with my college team on more year. My senior year went much better. I ended with a .298 AVG after hovering around .300 all season. I hit 12 HR, and I drove in 60 runs. After entering the draft a second time, I was drafted in the 3rd round by the Minnesota Twins.

My agent Matthew helped me out with getting a contract and even set me up with a cozy little home near the ballpark. He encouraged me to practice hard so I can possibly make the bigs by opening day, but I feel I may need to spend some time in AAA first. And now, Spring Training begins!

Spring Training

-2/18/08
I woke up today at 6:00 AM and was at the training facility by 7:30. I warmed up with the 4th and 5th round picks, as well as a guy from the Independent League team called the St. Paul Saints back up in Minnesota. He said he was just an NRI and he didn’t expect to make the team, but he’s absolutely shredded the Independent league in his 2 years there. Last year, he finished with 66 HR! He’s absolutely ridiculous. I think he’ll probably have a great career.

After we finished our warm-ups we had a huddle with the manager, Ron Gardenhire, before we began practicing. He told all the rookies that we’d be starting in AAA, but if we show any signs of talent, he would play us in some of the exhibition games. I would really like to have a chance to show what I can do in one of those games!

As we broke the huddle and I began walking to the batting cages to work on my contact, I heard somebody call my name. I did not recognize who it was, but he addressed me like we were old pals. He introduced himself as Oakley, and I introduced myself as well. He seemed a bit disappointed that I didn’t know who he was. Then I remembered. He was the 19-year old first-rounder from California. He’s a great athlete, but his plate approach needs some polish. It was nice to meet him. He also made a bet with me, saying that whoever got to the MLB first would get a free meal from the other. I took him up on his offer, but I think he’s already got a head start.

Oakley and I had just begun to work on our hitting when the manager called us over. He asked us if we were getting used to the team, and said he had high expectations for us. It was cool to have him address us directly! He also introduced us to our personal trainers, who would work with the scouts to help us see what areas we need improvement in. My trainer's name is Chester Hankinson. He seems like a nice guy, and I think we’ll get along just fine. Overall, I think I had a good practice.

As I was getting in my car to head home, Oakley came over and said he had some big news. Apparently, Mia from Power Pros Sports is coming to the facility for an interview. I wonder if she’ll want to talk to me.

-2/25/08
I’ve had a good week of practice since I last wrote, and I’ve made $31,000. I can’t be mad when I'm getting that kind of money to play baseball. Chester and I have been working on my swing all week, trying to make better contact. However, he has told me that my fielding skills are very close to MLB caliber already. I’ve always been a pretty talented fielder.

Anyways, I thought I’d write today because Power Pros Sports visited after practice, and I actually got interviewed by Mia. Although I do feel bad for Oakley; he was asking for an interview and got skipped right over. But, I guess my interview didn’t go much better. Her first question was “So what is your goal for this season? Might it be leading the league in wins?” Either she didn’t do her research or she was looking for someone else because, as far as I know, catchers don’t usually get a lot of wins. She’s still really pretty though.

Also, at the huddle after practice, Mr. Gardenhire, or Gardsy, as we call him, reminded us that the exhibition contests are beginning next week. Afterwards, he called me aside and made sure I knew that we have a regular at catcher already. Well, duh, doesn’t Joe Mauer play on this team? However, I think I might be able to take Mike Redmond’s spot as backup. Sure, it’s not a glamorous role, but I’ll be in the big leagues! He also told me that if I want my role on the team to be changed, I can contact coach about it. I’m glad to have that kind of freedom. Now, let’s see how exhibitions play out!

-3/1/08
My prayers have been answered! Today, right before our first exhibition game with the Nationals began, Gardsy came over and told me that if I got two hits in each of the next 3 games and hit .500, I’ll have a spot on the MLB team on opening day! I wonder what role I’ll take on. Also, who could I be replacing? Oh well, better not question it. Let’s show them what I can really do!

In my first at bat, I got a slider inside on the first pitch, and I drove it to center field for a single. We ended up scoring 4 runs that inning! My second at bat, I watched a strike up in the zone and a ball low. Then, I got a fastball inside. I thought I could pull it down the line, but instead I grounded out to shortstop. My 3rd at bat was a big one. Oakley was at first and Carlos Gomez, our speedy center-fielder was at third. There were 2 outs, and Joel Hanrahan had just come into the game. The first pitch was a fastball down and in, which I took for a ball. And then, he threw me a high changeup. I whacked it with the sweetspot of my bat and sent a rocketing grounder to the second baseman. Unfortunately, he was able to glove it, but then he threw it in the dirt and the first baseman couldn’t scoop it. It was ruled an error. Gomez scored, along with 2 others that inning to make it 7-1. My 4th at bat, Oakley was on base with 1 out. I hit the first pitch, a curveball down and away, to third base. He got the force at second, but I beat out the double play. I later stole second. We won 7-2. Unfortunately, I went 1-4 on the day, which means I’m going to have to work along with Chester in AAA before I can start playing in the pros. The manager said I have a lot of talent; I just need to sharpen my skills. Trust me manager, next time you see me, my skills will be as sharp as a knife!

Later that evening, I called Mia and we went out to eat at a pasta place. Mia really liked the food there, and we had a nice evening. It almost made me forget about my disappointment on missing the majors. I think I’m really developing a relationship with her. On my way home, I stopped at the practice facility because I forgot my glove there. Coach called me over and asked if I would like to donate money to charity. I said that I would love to, but now that I’m playing AAA, I just don’t have the money to do so. Anyways, now begins my AAA career.

I like this so far. Good work!

This is a good start so far. However, I don't understand how putting up mediocre numbers through 2/3 of a season makes you a third round draft pick.

Maybe you don't get scouted? I don't know though. That's a guess.

I changed it a little, but those aren't mediocre numbers (except for the average, which I changed). They only play about 50 games each college season, so having around 10 HR means you're hitting 1 every 5 games, which is not bad. And 60 RBI's means you're hitting more than 1 per game, which is also a very good number.

Thanks!

Yeah, Homeruns and RBI were great, but the horrendous average brought it down collectively to mediocre. .300 is a bit better

I also should've mentioned I'm a fielding specialist, which is why I'm not putting up ridiculously huge numbers.

I feel like playing MLB life now.

Anyways I like this so far.

AAA March

-3/13/08
I went out and bought myself a new video game today. It’s the newest action game that everyone is talking about, Bland Theft Auto 5, and I can’t wait to play it when I have some spare time. I also bought a kinetic vision device for my contact drills only to have Chester show up with a brand new one he just bought me.

-3/18/08
We traveled back to Minnesota today, Mia included. She didn’t ride the team bus, but at least she lives in the same state as me. Apparently, the only reason she was in Florida was for her feature she was doing on the Grapefruit league for her news station, but she lives in Minnesota.

It was also fun to mess around with the teammates and get to bond more with them. I hope I’m fitting in well enough.

-3/30/08
Tomorrow is finally the first game of the AAA season. We’re scheduled for a night game against Los Angeles, and winter hasn’t quite wore off here in Minnesota, so I’m going to have to bundle up!

-3/31/08
This morning I played some Bland Theft Auto 5. I played for many hours and had a lot of fun. I can see what all the hype is about! Well, it’s about time to head to the ballpark, so I’ll leave it at that.

The weather wasn’t nearly as bad as I had expected, hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit most of the evening. I was placed 9th in the batting order. My first at bat I watched two high fastballs, one for a strike, one for a ball, before the pitcher threw a meatball right down the middle. I belted it down the third base line for a double. My 2nd at bat, I was aggressive taking the 1st pitch, a slider over the middle of the plate, and blooping it above the second baseman for a single, also advancing the runner on 3rd base. It was 1-0 LA when I came up for my 3rd at bat. I again swung on the first pitch and placed it in the left center gap for my 2nd single of the day. Afterwards, the stud from the independent league I was talking about earlier drove me in to make it 1-1. The final score was a 1-1 tie with me going 3-3 with a double. And they have me at the bottom of the order. Shaking my head!

Really like this, keep it up!

Following, and keep it up!

Glad to hear all the support! Unfortunately, today when I booted up MLB Life it told me my save file was corrupt, and I was forced to delete it. Therefore, the series may be on hold until I replay up to my last save point.

1.000 career average!