From the Desk of the GM - May 11, 2009

“First Home Exhibition Game”

The Goldeyes host the St. Paul Saints tonight and tomorrow afternoon at Canwest Park. It will be the first time the Goldeyes have hosted the Saints since July 31, 2005 and the first time an American Association team has ventured north of the border. It should be an exciting couple of games with former Goldeyes Brandon Kintzler and Jeff DeSmidt on the Saints’ squad. The Saints team also features some former big leaguers in Craig Brazell (NY Mets-2004 & KC-2007), Todd Self (Houston-2005) and Kerry Ligtenberg (Atlanta-1997-2002, Baltimore-2003, Toronto-2004 & Arizona-2005). Should be a good test for the 2009 Goldeyes as Rick and the coaching staff look to pare down the team from 26 to 22 to start this year’s campaign.

Don’t forget, the Goldeyes will open the 2009 campaign on Friday, May 15 in Kansas City against the defending Northern League Champion T-Bones. A week later, the T-Bones will visit Canwest Park on May 22 for the 2009 home opener. As always, there will be fireworks that night following the game put on by our good friends at Archangel Fireworks.

All Goldeyes games can be heard live on 1290 CFRW with the voice of the Goldeyes Paul Edmonds. And, if you want to watch the games while you listen, you can watch them on ibnsports.com this year. All games played in Kansas City, Gary and Winnipeg will be live on the net at ibnsports. Also, a total of 23 games will be aired live on Shaw Cable 9.

On another note… A new concession will be operating at Canwest Park this summer and we are all very excited about it. Paul Duque from the office sent me the following info about Lovey’s BBQ:

“Menu for their concourse kiosk (located in the former Sushi 101 kiosk near right field by the Patio Deck) will consist of pulled pork, chopped beef and chicken breast sandwiches at $6.50 each. Skysuites platter options include chopped brisket and pulled pork, pit beans, potato salad, coleslaw, buns, and a bottle of sweet or spicy BBQ sauce.

Their main location is Unit 1 - 208 Marion Street in St. Boniface. They have been in business less than a year and have just expanded their space to include a 30-seat private room that they can use for overflow and lineups on Friday and Saturday nights.

Owners Roger (dad) and Jocelyne (daughter) LeBleu are lovely people!

Check out their website for full in-store menu and details."

The team went there on Sunday, May 3 for a post-workout meal and were all thoroughly impressed. Rumour has it that a certain field manager will be making an appearance there for Wednesday wing nights!

And finally, for up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter at either www.twitter.com/Wpg_Goldeyes or www.twitter.com/GoldeyesGM.

Until next time…
-- Andrew