Johnny Drama said it best, “Victory” and every team likes to have the pressure of getting the first “W” posted on the year. Despite the cold and damp conditions the Herd thundered to a convincing 9-4 win.
Game Story

Box Score

Nothing out of the ordinary from the ballgame last night, although it was surprising the Tides out hit the Bisons, but you would have never guessed it watching the game. Be sure to hear Aaron Laffey and Torey Lovullo’s comments following the game on the righthand side of the game story page.

The final preparations have been made. Now it’s time to play the games.
The Bisons stopped in Buffalo for a pair of workouts with the season set to begin on Thursday in Norfolk against the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles (7:15 p.m.). Herd manager Torey Lovullo leads a talent group of players that he’s referred to as a “lethal mix” of top prospects and established veterans.

“Inside the Herd” was there for the team’s first workout and caught up with Lovullo and a few players to talk about the upcoming year. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FEATURE.

Remember, “Inside the Herd” will feature several video features throughout the season, giving Bisons fans an inside look at their favorite players. There have already been several features this year. CLICK HERE to view all the “Inside the Herd” features.

The blog has been idle over the weekend in large part because those boxes don’t pack themselves, my friends. Thanks to the few of you that have sent ‘well wishes’ with the move Tuesday.

Here comes the Herd… The Bisons’ clubhouse has been open for business the last two days and the players have been coming in while trying to arrange their lives before hitting the road. In a lot of ways, they’re like anyone who moves to a new city during a job change. Get in, get settled, get cable, print directions to the ballpark, find food… all that stuff. Nothing official for the club today.

Team workouts are scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday with lots of web features coming here and from the Bisons.com team.

Back to packing.

Some are good and some are bad.

The numbers game bumped Ben Francisco off the team’s Opening Day roster heading into the last day of Big League camp. 

Dubbed “The Franchise” by the Bisons faithful, he’s another tough out in the order for skipper Torey Lovullo. He’ll be welcomed with open arms by the fans with the incredible numbers he’s posted in the last two years playing for Buffalo.  In short, team MVP one year and the International League’s batting champ the next makes it bittersweet for a guy that needs to keep getting AB’s so he keeps stinging the ball and is ready for his next opportunity to jump back up with the Big Club. 

Eric Wedge admitted today in Winter Haven, FL that not keeping the outfielder and Josh Barfield were among the toughest decisions made this spring.  As tough as it was the number of quality players stockpiled this season in Buffalo have to provide some level of comfort for the Tribe. 

Later in the day, Jason Tyner was re-assigned to minor league camp and the Bisons played Richmond to a 1-1 tie.

Plenty, and some of the “new” started even before the official “What’s New” event at the ballpark this afternoon. 

Earlier this morning the Indians optioned Tom Mastny to the Bisons prompting many of my broadcasting brethren to send emails that included the phrases: “can you guys get any better” or “will you loose any games this year” and our GM’s favorite prognostication, “why play the season, pick up the Governor’s Cup when you’re in Richmond during your first road trip.”  Mike is getting a little antsy since the Herd hasn’t hoisted a trophy since 2004 and let’s be honest, I’d like to add another championship ring to my collection too.   

Overall I agree, the way the roster has taken shape the last week-plus, the Bisons look incredibly strong.  The rotation will rival any in Triple-A (and a few in the Big Leagues), the bullpen looks solid and the guys playing the field all proven credentials. 

The roster will be a feature in the next few days in large part because Cleveland skipper, Eric Wedge has said he’d like to have the roster ready when they break camp to play their exhibition games in Atlanta and that starts Friday. 

Back to the new: The Bisons unveiled a large majority of the new goodies that will be part of this season.  We even thought the famous fridaynightbash!® could use a little tweaking, so we did and you won’t believe who gets in FREE (click here to find out).  From food, on-field promotions, in-game entertainers, and the new gear it’s a pretty impressive line-up. 

Keep this in mind, there are a few more HUGE surprises coming to help celebrate “The Year of the Bisons Fan!”