Rakeville Times: Sports Page

Rakeville spring training invitee Omar Quintanilla couldn't get through the gates of Rockets training complex, but that hasn't stopped him from participating. He has already been tipped well by Jack Reed, Troy O'Leary and others in the front office after parking their cars.



Rockets lift off
by Hernandez Firstname

PENSECOLA, Fla. – Rakeville players jogged onto the baseball diamond for the first time in 2007, kicking off Rocket’s Spring Training Camp in Pensacola, Fla. Tuesday.

All 25 players arrived at camp for the workout. While some were expected, others were noticeably absent. First baseman Nomar Garciaparra, pitcher Mike Pelfrey and shortstop Omar Quintanilla were missing, but for very different reasons.

"We talked to Nomar earlier in the week, and he asked if he could work out at his home in Southern California in preparation for the draft," said Jose Canseco, Rakeville’s PR director. "The team made it know a few months ago that Nomar would be left off the team’s 20-man roster."

How does Nomar feel about that?

"It is a real shame that the Rockets are going without a DH," said Garciaparra. "I guess some mediocre starter is more important than a .300 avg. I’m glad they let me know early, but I’m not happy with the decision."

Pelfey, on the other hand, was asked to train in Stacekrville with the team’s minor league affiliate.

"We only have 25 spots for invitees," said Lance Armstrong, Rakeville’s training coach. "I think he will be on the opening day roster, but since he is still a minor leaguer, we chose not to take a spot away from some of the other guys fighting for a job.

That leaves Rakeville’s perennial spring training stud, Omar Quintanilla, who is in Pensecola but not training with the team.

"We want Omar out here," said Troy O’Leary. "He is a bubble of energy and he always makes us laugh. Unfortunatly, we have 25 legitimate players this year who could make the team. Twenty-six if you count Nomar. Until we make a few cuts, OQ will have to train with the Pensecola High School baseball team."

The Rockets preseason schedule pits them against Quebec City, Weymouth, Bridgewater and Arlington, with a split-squad doubleheader against the University of Rakeville and the Stackerville Flames.

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The only real team
By Aviator McShadeless

PENSECOLA, Fla. – Just a inning way from the EHCC, and likely the title, it is easy to forget what a great playoff run the Rockets had after a tough season. After a revenge beating of Bridgewater in the first round of the playoffs, the Rockets squared off against the best team in the EHCC and took them to the last day.

"It was the closest we had ever come," said manager Troy O’Leary. "Our matchup against the Doggs was like the AFC championship game against the Pats and Colts. Whoever won was going to win the championship. There was no doubt. I just wish things finished better for us."

General Manager Jack Reed is back in the driver’s seat, but some have said he has been reserved this offseason.

"We had some strategic problems last season," said Reed. "We had the talent, and our players played great, but the way the front office structure failed. We were left with too many holes to fill."

Of the playoff teams, Rakeville may be the most intact. The Rockets are returning 8 of their 9 offensive starters, and at least 8 of their starting pitchers. Juan Pierre was the only notable player traded, but his spot will be filled with Rocket’s farm hand Delmon Young who played for Rakeville in the playoffs.

"I think Reed has the right idea keeping everyone around," said Pedro Martinez. "We all felt the pain after that loss in Las Vegas. Unlike these cut and paste organizations in the EHCC, trading players faster than they can get them, we are a team. We live and die together."

Pedro’s sentiments were echoed across the clubhouse in the first day of Spring Training.