HOLTY’S BLOG: LOOK AT THE NUMBERS

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When you work 68+ nights a year with travel, you don’t often get opportunities to be a fan. And to be honest, working in sports takes that part away from you a bit. But, the Condors light schedule coupled with a good Red Sox team has allowed for some “fan nights.”

You may be a Dodgers fan, and that’s fine, but as I’ll remind you, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want. Maybe (probably not) next year, LA.

Now for the blog…

– One of the things applicable to this series and being a fan is the “Beat LA” chant. That started in 1982 when the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics in Game 7 to advance to the NBA Finals where they would be the Los Angeles Lakers. I’m fascinated with why certain sayings, expressions and the like stick and why others fizzle out. The origin of the Beat LA chant, being in a losing effort and with LA not even in the building, is one of those.

– Being on the West Coast though, with the earlier start times, is like McMurphy going around trying to get the World Series put on the TV’s in the office. Just raise your hand up. If you haven’t seen One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, you should. It’s hysterical.

– OK, let’s get to some hockey. Talked on the broadcast Saturday about the Condors underlying numbers: power play – 31.6% (2nd in the AHL), penalty kill – 87.5% (6th in the AHL), shots for per game – 36.40 (2nd), and shots against per game – 24.40 (2nd). The team shouldn’t be 2-3-0 based off those numbers, but as a wise man once said, you’re only as good as your record. Opportunities are there.

– Cooper Marody became the 5th Condors player in the AHL era to make his NHL debut with the Oilers on Tuesday night. Kevin Gravel became the 29th player to play in both Bakersfield and Edmonton over the past three-plus seasons. Marody is up because Ty Rattie suffered a week-to-week injury. Unfortunate for Rattie, but an opportunity for Marody, who impressed on Saturday with three points.

– Some transaction news with Marody and Gravel going up. The Condors called up Jake Kulevich (he played Saturday) and Jared Wilson from Wichita. Also, the team flip-flopped goaltenders with Shane Starrett going to Wichita and Stuart Skinner coming up to Bakersfield. The plan is to get Starrett some playing time with the Thunder.

– Ethan Bear is slated to start skating again later this week and according to Jay Woodcroft is not expected to be out of the lineup much longer barring setbacks. Condors definitely benefited from having a light schedule where Bear did not have to miss much game action.

– Fun time out at the Condors Charity Golf Tournament Monday. Had a chance to play with Evan Polei. The game is much easier when you’re 100 yards and in for an approach shot every time. I actually had the longest drive for about half the day, much to the surprise of most of the team. Fairways and greens, folks. Fairways and greens.

– Condors Patriotic Night is next Saturday, Nov. 3 and the Seats for Soldiers programs helps local military members attend the game. If you can, click here to see how you or your company can purchase tickets for them. There are some cool “thank you” items for donations.

– Saturday’s game will be broadcast on Comedy 800 due to the World Series on Fox Sports 970. The only other potential conflict would be a potential Game 7 Wednesday, but let’s be honest here.

– LOCK OF THE WEEK? My official unbiased opinion was Sox in 6 for the record. That said, no baseball tonight so Thursday night belongs to some MACtion. I like Western Michigan (-6) at home to Toledo AND Ball State (+10.5) on the road at Ohio.

Until next time Condorstown…

Ryan Holt is the voice of the Condors in his 8th season. He has been irrationally yelling at his TV for the better part of his life. Follow him on Twitter @CondorsHolty for more nonsense or shoot him an e-mail to RHolt@bakersfieldcondors.com with questions, comments, or blog ideas.