Sometimes better teams have slow starts - Reasons include players are not always in shape, clubs are dealing with injuries and they face the challenges of trying to integrate a number of new personnel on the team such as rookies and 6-year free agents that were signed in the off season. Most clubs think of a regular season in THIRDS - the first part of the season is getting the rookies acclimated to the big leagues along with any new members and or position changes...the second part of the season the club starts playing together as a team, making adjustments and working toward any Major League trades by July 31st. The last third of the season the teams are playing up to 100%. By this time in the season the fans always seem to be interested and ask about winning streaks. Winning streaks are determined by how the team is playing and the quality of the opponents they play - In reverse, a losing streak is caused by a team playing poorly and the opponents happen to be the top teams. How do you determine if a team is playing well?...Pitchers performances and team hitting are the key. Losing streaks are not caused by defensive play but by poor pitching or hitting. Players play best in the last 60 games of the season. In the playoffs teams rise to the occasion and play well down the stretch. Many division titles are lost, however, in the first 1/3 of the season - so, it all remains to be seen how the '09 season will fare - we'll keep good thoughts that your favorite teams will make it to the playoffs!
Speaking of winning streaks, the RIO SECO wines have been quietly making a solid impression on our fans and the public in general. All estate grown, we nurture the grapes in the field the same way as a top minor league farm system nurtures their players before getting them to the Big Leagues - good wines are made in the field - we go through the vineyard five different times before picking at optimum sugars and pHs at harvest - first with pruning, 2nd suckering, 3rd shoot thinning, 4th shoot thinning again, and 5th dropping fruit. At RIO SECO we grow 8 different varietals each with distinct characteristics and demands, much like different position players on a team. Each one with their own needs, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and white wines, Viognier and Roussanne keep us aiming for an All-Star line up of wines! Look for our new releases this season, '05"Clubhouse Red" - a "minor league" blend that is easy to like; "Grand Slam" - a AAA blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah - great with BBQ's and our trophy wine, the '04 MVP - a major league blend for sure, Cab, Cab Franc and Merlot!
Hope your season is off to a great start!
From the Clubhouse to the Barrel Room, TOM
