Baseball Tri-Weekly: ATB Week 1

When Tokyo officials told Dontrelle Willis that the team was going to make a run at the title this season, he laughed it off. Two months later, the Omyoujis have kept true to there word and surrounded the japanese ace with a solid team. Will he come out dealing against Winston-Salem, and finally lead Tokyo to victory?




Around the Bases: Week 1
By Listen DePlayohs, Baseball Tri-Weekly

With games underway, we are treated to a slew of division matchups, some with some serious implications. Going into the season, there are at least four teams in each division with a chance to take home the title. And, with teams like Tokyo and Arlington making serious bids this season, 2007 could be the most competitive in EHCC history.

Rakeville at Weymouth
A marquee matchup in the East to kick off the season, as both teams are tops in the EHCC, and both are looking to rebound from mediocre division performances last season.

Rakeville’s offense is just as strong as it was last year. David Ortiz and Miguel Cabrera are tough outs in April, but the Rockets lack of depth can really hurt them during the awkward scheduling of opening week. Shaddupu, on the other hand, have a bench four players strong and Weymouth staples Manny Ramirez and Carlos Delgado have always played Rakeville tough. If guys like Corey Hart and Chris Duffy can get a handful of runs and stolen bases early in the week, Shaddupu should have a big advantage.

On the pitching side, Rakeville seems to have the edge. With J.J. Putz still suffering from soreness in his throwing arm, the Rockets have a 2-1 advantage in the bullpen, and a better core of starters. Though Weymouth may have four hurlers having two start weeks, the results from Monday were very poor.

Rakeville’s pitching staff should take at least 4 categories, so Weymouth’s offense will need a sweep to salvage a win.

Tijuana at Quebec City
Jeremy Hermida is on the disabled list, listed a crazy, so the homecoming of this former Piglet fan favorite has been tempered. Tijuana is looking to further douse the spirits of the Quebec City fans, and kill hopes that the Piglets will return to glory. Historically strong in the first half of the season, the Hispanics may not be eyeing an EHCC title this season, but a Western Division title is within reach if they can beat the Piglets this week.

The Piglet hitters are strong from top to bottom, though an outfield dominated bench could put them at a disadvantage this week against the Hispanics excellent versatility. Pitching-wise, Tijuana is no match for Quebec City’s rotation. Though the Piglets are punting saves, expect them to still give the Hispanics a run for their money.

On paper, the Piglets dominate, but the Hispanics have a myriad of players who could carry them to victory.

Tokyo at Winston-Salem
The Omyoujis couldn’t ask for a better first game. The Green Monsters are a superbly average team, thus a perfect barometer for a team looking to achieve respectability this season. Winston-Salem is a beatable team, but they will not beat themselves. It is incumbent upon Team Tokyo to find a win this week, whether it is 5-4 or 8-2.

Then again, Winston-Salem is looking to break out of the stereotype, and they plan using their young, dynamic team to break out of the EHCC’s waistline. Even with several players injured or inactive, they have budding superstars at every position and a pitching staff that could rank mid-stream when healthy. Could 2007 be the season the WS master plan comes to fruition?

Tokyo is fielding its best team ever, but they still seem a bit underdeveloped compared to the Monsters. Starting pitching will be the focal point of this matchup, as I see the offense going almost completely to Winston-Salem.

Transaction Wire
Golden illegally acquired pitcher Mike Pelfrey, but when the Rakeville prospect wouldn’t report, they hired someone to steal his dog. Ellis Burks is still searching for the beagle.

Quebec City grabbed Gil Meche after an impressive performance in a lesser league. Reports indicate the Piglets gave him a $55 million contract, despite only being required to sign him to a modest $50,000 deal.

The Green Monsters signed Shawn Hill and Kip Wells to re-staff their injury-plagued rotation. Kenny Rogers, Tim Stauffer, Fransico Lirano and Cliff Lee are all inactive this week.

League Notes
-- Howie Kendrick, Arlington’s starting second baseman, apparently left his favorite glove at the Warriors spring training facilities. Outfielder Adam Lind offered his glove until Kendrick’s could be shipped north, but Howie refused, saying Lind hands were too slimey.

-- Peoria players were evacuated from the clubhouse after smoke billowed into the locker room prior to batting practice. Team officials traced the smoke to a giant robot Chris Shelton, which was built to promote the team last season but was placed in storage when Shelton moved on.

-- After his demotion to the minor leagues, Mark Prior decided he would only eat hot dogs from the stadium’s concession stand. Surprisingly, he has lost two pounds over the last week. Scientists have been called in to analyze the hot dogs.