You know the rest. What is it with the people in this city? I was, I believe, justifiably encouraged by the week’s results - both on the field and in the stands. Sunday was a banner day. Or was it? Most people I talked with grudgingly admitted that the crowds were good, but then attributed it to (a) the fact that the Senators weren’t playing or (b) the perfect April weather or (c) the fact that it was Kids Day or (d) a combination of any or all of the above.

Here’s my take on each point:

(a) The Sens weren’t playing. Fair enough. Perhaps this helped, and maybe not just a little. Maybe a lot. But if history has shown us anything, the Sens might only be playing for another couple of weeks. These “only if the Sens aren’t playing” fans were treated to a great game. They should be back.

(b) Perfect April summer-like weather. Again, fair enough. But it’s not like the weather gets worse after April, is it? It gets pretty “summer-like” around Ottawa in the summer!

(c) The fact that it was “Kids Day”. Reasonable conclusion. Credit the promotions people then - obviously people are buying what they’re selling.

(d) A combination of the above. A valid position and probably one that I subscribe to. But all of these “conditions” are readily duplicated; what was a “perfect storm” by April standards, is a cake walk in July. The Sens will finish the season sooner or later. Better weather is here/coming. The promotions people continue to do solid work.

It all begs the question, though. Why should this year be any different than the last few? My answer: The team itself and improved media coverage. The team has a different dynamic to it; they have both a winning personality and a winning record. And in the spirit of giving credit where it’s due, Darren Desaulniers of The Citizen and Erin Nicks and (to a certain extent) Don Brennan from The Ottawa Sun, have been doing yeoman’s work when the team is in town.

I remain, I believe, justifiably optimistic.

Aw, rats. Pedro Swann’s been sent to Reading - our loss is truly their gain. Here’s Mike Drago’s take from Monday’s Reading Eagle:

Berks County, PA - Eastern League pitchers, you have been warned: Pedro Swann may not have gotten many plate appearances this season but he feels like he’s in midseason form.

Swann played just three games, went 3-for-9, had a pair of doubles and drove in three runs.

Monday’s other moves included Jim Crowell’s outright release and the addition of pitcher Rick Bauer and catcher Dusty Wathan who’d been moved to Reading.

With Dusty Wathan back in the mix, the Lynx are now carrying three catchers - J.J., Chris Coste (C.C.?) and Dusty. I’m going to make a “bold” prediction here and say that C.C. will be leaving Ottawa’s frigid climate and sub-standard facilities sooner rather than later.

And yes. The stuff in italics is intended as sarcasm.