Brad James in spring training (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images North America)

“It was more injury because that’s what made my performance suck so bad,” James said of his 2008 campaign. “My back was hurting and I tried to throw through it. I was just trying to pitch through a sore back and you can’t really do it because it’ll mess up your mechanics.”

This spring, it was reported that Brad was struggling with the yips about hitting batters.  Here is what his pitching coach, Stan Boroski, says about his spring performance.

“Once his rhythm gets back — and it was kind of hit and miss in the spring — he’s very good, and I expect him to continue with what he did at the end of spring,” Boroski said. “He really finished strong in the spring. His last couple of outings were real good down there and we look for that to continue.”

Brad will start the season as the 5th starter.  It was origionally reported that he would start tonights final exhibition game against Round Rock but today it is reported that Douglas Arguello will start for the Hooks.

Tri Cities Bobbleheads

The ValleyCats promotion department is working hard to bring fans to the park with some unique bobbleheads.   This year’s roster of heads features a local weatherman (Steve Caporizzo), NY Gov. David Patterson, First Lady Michelle Obama, and explorer Henry Hudson.  Who says you have to be a baseball player to have a bobblehead.

“In bad economic times, we’re a good deal,” said Rick Murphy, vice president and general manager of the team. “Bobbleheads and minor league baseball and entertainment are all said in the same breath.”

How good of a deal are they?

The best seat for one Yankees game with food and drinks costs $2,650. That will buy you and 229 friends the best box seat at The Joe with a hot dog, chips and soda.