http://blogs.unionleader.com/gray Union Leader sports columnist Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:21:45 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Fisher Cats pitching coach Tom Signore will return for 2010. That’s good. From what I’ve seen, Signore is an effective communicator and holds pitchers to a high standard. He also expects a lot from the coaching staff. And he’ s a good quote. http://blogs.unionleader.com/gray/?p=530 A leadoff hitter in “For Love of the Game,” Bill Masse, has joined the Mariners organization as a pro scout. Masse managed the Fisher Cats to 70 wins in 2007 — the most by any NH manager since the Fisher Cats moved into their new park in 2005. Masse finished ... http://blogs.unionleader.com/gray/?p=529 “The NBA Life with Matt Bonner,” a radio program hosted by Chris Ryan and myself, has grown to the point it can be heard on four buttons on your radio dial. Most importantly, the show was picked up by WGIR 610 AM, which sends a powerful signal throughout the state. ... http://blogs.unionleader.com/gray/?p=528 More on Luke Bonner, to accompany today’s feature story in print editions: On the unknown of to a new culture in Hungary: “I flew from Boston to Zurich, and as I was boarding the plane, I started to think, “This is it. I’m heading into a completely unknown situation on my own.’ ... http://blogs.unionleader.com/gray/?p=527 Funny how things work out. Last season, Trenton lefty Phil Coke was not selected for the Eastern League All-Star Game played in Manchester. He was pretty ticked off about, actually. We talked inside the Trenton dugout before a game, and I said, “That’s OK. You can pitch at The Stadium later ... http://blogs.unionleader.com/gray/?p=526 Fisher Cats outfielder Nick Gorneault was drafted by the Angels in 2001 and reached the majors in 2007, playing two games for the Halos. His take on the ALCS? Thoughts on former team: “I really like the Angels! They have overcome the speed bump that has got in their way for ... http://blogs.unionleader.com/gray/?p=525 When the axe fell on Toronto general manager J.P. Riccardi earlier this month, it sent a ripple throughout the farm system and Manchester. – Toronto farm director Dick Scott was fired, and NH manager Gary Cathcart will not return for a third season with the Double-A Fisher Cats. I spoke with ... http://blogs.unionleader.com/gray/?p=524 Lights are shining, adrenaline is pumping, and I have unlimited energy on the Celtics’ parquet. For about 90 seconds. Then zap. Lungs gasp for air, muscles turn to mush, and it’s a struggle to play defense at TD Garden. That’s what it felt like to play basketball in the Celtics Media Game, ... http://blogs.unionleader.com/gray/?p=523 FYI, my predictions will blow you away. In 2006, I predicted the Fisher Cats would win 70 games and miss the playoffs. That’s exactly what happened. This year, I randomly predicted the Blue Jays would finish in fourth place and J.P. Ricciardi would chalk up the season to injuries ... http://blogs.unionleader.com/gray/?p=522 QUEEN CITY TRIO: Manchester Central grad Ryan Day, along with Dan Mullen of Trinity and Chip Kelly of Central, can be found on the sidelines of big-time college football programs each Saturday. We’ve thoroughly covered Mullen (Mississippi State) and Kelly (Oregon) since they took head coaching jobs. Tomorrow we’ll have ... http://blogs.unionleader.com/gray/?p=521