Rakeville Times: Big moves and big words

Felix Hernandez runs through drills during workouts. While his remarks earlier in the week caused a buzz, it was his fastball that was buzzing by Piglet hitters as the skinned-down ace pitched two innings Friday.









Big moves and big words
by Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times

PENSECOLA, Fla. – The Rocket’s team accountant slinked out of Jack Reed’s office after a late-night meeting, past a gathering a faithful beat reporters who badgered him with their eyes.

“I can’t say anything,” he said, gesturing toward the general manager’s office, saying just enough to make us curious. The team accountant rarely visits Reed, and only does when the payroll will be altered dramatically.

It is hard to see the Rockets adding another salary to their bloated balance, so I assumed it was a pending cut. A veteran player who won’t make the 20-man, thus the money allocated for him needed to be accounted for. My first thought, of course, was Pedro Martinez.

“Pedro is not going anywhere,” said Reed, in a monotone voice, responding to my question. “How many times are you going to ask me that McShadeless? Nothing has changed from this morning.”

I had asked Reed earlier in the day why Pedro was in camp, unable to practice or play with the other pitchers. He told me flatly that he was still a member of the team, and cut off any further speculation.

“Pedro will pitch for us this season,” continued Reed, talking to the other reporters. “If you have any other questions on his status, please consult the medical staff.” A cop-out, I thought.

Regardless of Pedro and his shoulder, something was still going on.

“We are looking to add another player,” said Reed, cutting to the point. “It is our hope to get someone to fill the utility spot after the 20-man roster deadline, during the draft. We have one guy in mind, which is why I asked for Lenny (the accountant) to come up here and see if it is feasible to bring him on.”

We probed as much as wee could, but Reed wouldn’t let on who he was looking, saying only that it was an outfielder.

Elsewhere in camp, Felix Hernandez was the focus of several cameras as he worked out with pitching coach Justin Fuller. Days before, Hernandez proclaimed that he would replace Pedro while he was injuried, rising to full the shoes of his mentor.

“This team cannot win if we pitch like we did last year,” said Hernandez. “Too many of us got lazy. We just thought it would all work out. Then we looked around in August and saw what we had done, and how we wasted our talent. I can’t let that happen again this year. I will lead this staff, if no one else will.”

King Felix’s statement turned a lot of heads, not because of his abundant confidence, but also because of its declaration of leadership. On a team with veteran Rocket aces like Roy Oswalt and Javier Vazquez, Hernandez has been the first to publicly voice his concern with last season’s performance. A day later, he singled out fellow pitchers Josh Beckett and Ian Snell, challenging them to perform better this year.”

“Josh [Beckett] and Ian [Snell] get a lot of attention by the media and fans,” said Hernandez, “but they haven’t shown anything to deserve it. They have talent, but I am better than them. Until they prove me wrong, I don’t want to hear a comparison.”

His calm demeanor masked the guile in his words. In only his second year in the EHCC, Hernandez had a mediocre season last year, with some critics touting him as a bust. Still, he called out Beckett, a man who turned heads in his first season and one who has one of the best resumes on the team.

“Felix is talking out of his ass,” said Beckett with a stern look on his face. “He is a showboat. The kid can’t even throw a slider. Just because he has been dominating rag-tag island clubs in the Caribbean League, doesn’t mean he with worth anything now.” His expression softened. “And have you seen his hair this year.”

Snell has a different reaction to the comments. “I’m just glad someone knows my first name,” he said, amid a chorus of fans shouting “SNELL!”

“Felix was very quiet last year,” said Fuller. “We watched the other pitchers. He saw how guys like Pedro and Pierre motivated the players, and he saw how they responded. I don’t think I would have said the things he said, I can see it having an effect on a guy like Beckett.”

Some think with the dead of Mark Prior, Josh Beckett has had a little less to play for. Perceived as a bitter rival, the injury-prone Dogg was non-existent last year, which coincided with Beckett’s worst season.

“If he needs something to motivate him, or someone who will challenge him, Felix is up to the challenge,” said Fuller. “What could be better than having some of the best young pitchers in the game, pushing themselves to be better. I know they have the talent. I see it every day. If they both pitch to their potential, there is no doubt we would have the best rotation in the league once Pedro returns.”

But Pedro has returned, in the heart and mind of Felix Hernandez.