Basebll Tri-Weekly: April Cover 2008

Cover Story

Far East Firepower
By Athrun Zala, Baseball Tri-Weekly

They stand by the batting cage in Tokyo talking about their clubhouse dominance of Mario Kart. Tokyo infielders Prince Fielder and Brandon Phillips seem to have outpaced their teammates in more ways than one over the past year. Both players came into their own last season on the young Omyoujis team, leading the team's high powered offense. Hopes are high in Tokyo that the rest of the team can catch up to them in 2008 and bring Tokyo its first playoff series since entering the EHCC.

Fielder and Phillips, who hope to continue their super star performances on the right side of the Tokyo infield for the next decade, found their way to Tokyo through very different paths. One has spent his whole career with the club, destined to play their position at the major league level in Tokyo from the start to the end of their career. The other was brought in as a free agent, not even the cream of the crop that off season, and is now looking to make just as big of a name for himself with the hometown fans.

Fielder was the second minor league draft pick taken by Tokyo when they entered the league. He has been with the team since the start and the Omyoujis held the first base spot open for him, first by trading David Ortiz before he ever got to play a game in Tokyo, and then by taking fliers on fill-ins at first base until Fielder was ready to play. Once Fielder was up, he was up for good. In his first season in the EHCC Fielder hit 28 home runs and had 81 runs batted in. The team was growing, but Fielder seemed to be already out pacing his young teammates. Fielder really came into his own with a superstar campaign in 2007. By increasing his home run and runs batted in totals to 50 and 119 respectively Fielder became the face of the franchise. He seems to be destined to play out his whole career with the team that drafted him.

Phillips, on the other hand, took a slightly less common path to stardom. After being released in a salary dispute with the Peoria Cardinals after the 2006 season over what was believed to be a fluke season, Phillips was looking to move to a Western Division team. The Omyoujis decided to take a chance on him that off season as a backup to 2006 All Star Jose Lopez. Lopez, an original member of the Omyoujis, then struggled for the 2007 season, opening the door for Phillips to take control of the positional battle. After being benched for the first week of the 2006 campaign Phillips was given starts in the second week to rest the confused and unconfident Jose Lopez. Phillips' speed and power were undeniable. He took hold of the position and never looked back. On his way to the first 30 home run, 30 steal season in Tokyo Omyoujis history Phillips excelled at creating runs using whatever means necessary.

A friendly wager in the fourth week of the 2007 season started a friendship between Phillips and Fielder. A bet over who could generate the most runs in the 2007 season was made and was the constant talk of the clubhouse for the rest of the campaign. In the end, Fielder edged out Phillips 228 to 201 but by that point the friendly wager wasn't the only game the two fierce competitors were playing. Clubhouse games of Mario Kart, Madden NFL 2007, air hockey, pool, and any other competition the two could find were common occurrences.

The Tokyo Omyoujis, with arguably the best right side of the infield in all of the EHCC, look to secure their first playoff birth of their existence this season. With the help of these two stars, and the growth of the rest of this young team, the Omyoujis should be competing for the EHCC plaque for years to come. Can any of the duo's young teammates make the jump this year to join Fielder and Phillips in stardom? Can anyone but these two win a game of clubhouse Mario Kart?

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Baseball Tri-Weekly: ATL Second Base

Robinson Cano is part of Peoria's resurgent infield, and he may be the driving force that will push the Cardinals into the playoffs. He just needs to find a way to pitch from second base.



Around the League: Second Base
By Listen DePlayohs, Baseball Tri-Weekly


Eastern Division
6. Howie Kendrick, ARL
Injuries slowed this young star’s accession, and mental handicaps will slow him again in 2008. I think we can expect big things from Kendrick down the road, but there ill be a lot of learning to be done this season. The lofty number posted in partial play should average out to a mediocre option with a nice ceiling.


5. Placido Polanco, BRW
Just as everyone on the Weasels, Polanco was playing above his head last season. Or was he? The Weasels weak arm reached 200 hits in his first full season, with 35 doubles in Bridgewater’s spacious park. I have no reason to believe he will drop his average below .300, and fully expect him to top 100 runs and 10 homeruns. Speed is not his game, but he is a two and a half category player who is reaching his prime. Yes, he is old, but finally given the opportunity, he has proven he is pretty good.

4. Chone Figgins, WEY
Being the only option in Weymouth, it is a shame that the Shaddupu can’t use Figgins’ versatility a bit more, but he has more than enough talent to carry the water on the Island. He is a two-category stud, and more at bats this season should lead to more runs. He is guaranteed numbers, and though he only ranks in the middle of the pack in the East, any team would love to have him.

3. Rickie Weeks / Jeff Kent, LV
The Doggs have been patient with Rickie Weeks, and this season it may finally pay off. Despite hitting .235, Weeks scored nearly 90 runs and stole 25 bases last season. If he can hit for an EHCC average, expect those numbers to climb through the roof. On top of that, Las Vegas has a proven veteran platoon with Jeff Kent, who makes up for all that Weeks lacks. The combo is potentially very good, but it all hinges on Rickie having a breakout year.

2. Robinson Cano, PEO
Cano won the Cardinals race for second base last season, beating out Ian Kinsler. He has quietly built quite a track record for himself, combining power and average numbers that on Utley can compete with. With Teixeira hitting behind him this season, Robinson is poised for a breakout season. If healthy, he could challenge 30 homeruns and should pass 100 RBIs.


1. Chase Utley / B.J. Upton, RAK
Rakeville decided to compliment the best second baseman in baseball with another top 5 talent, and though Upton is expected to start in the outfield for the Rockets, he is an elite backup for the EHCC’s elite weak arm. Chase battled some injury problems last season, but is expected to be back in form. No doubt this is the top combo in the East.

Western Division
6. Dustin Pedroia / Freddy Sanchez, SD
Here is the dirty little secret. Dustin Pedroia is not that good. The White Devils second basemen did hit .317 last season, but a full season of at bats only yielded 86 runs and 8 homeruns. Couple that with poor speed, and Pedroia offers EHCC teams very little. He is Freddy Sanchez, only a little younger and not as good. The duo offers little talent and little upside, but Santo Domingo is hoping at least one of the breaks out.

5. Kelly Johnson, GLD
Johnson’s 2007 was a nice window into what the lefty will offer in 2008. He has pop in his bat, enough speed to eek out double digit steals, and depending on where he hits in the Gryphons line up, could provide 100 runs. I don’t think he’ll make a huge jump this season, but if the young Golden second baseman continues to improve, he could be talked about as a top 5 option in a few years.

4. Dan Uggla, WS
He is a first baseman in a second baseman’s body. Uggla is a powerful little man, and it likely got to his head last year. He posted big time home runs and doubles, but the average took a terrible turn. He needs to bring it up this season. His job isn’t in jeopardy, but his team playoff hopes are if he can’t hit for hits rather than homers.

3. Brian Roberts, TIJ
With steroids no longer an option, Roberts opted for calf implants last offseason and used his new bionic legs to steal 50 bases. The question is, what freak category will Roberts dominate this season? Rumor has it that he is looking for arm extenders to allow him more defensive range. Good news for Tijuana pitchers, bad news for folks who were hoping for an offensive repeat from the franchise.

2. Ian Kinsler, QC
Kinsler put up scary numbers for his limited play. It is tough to figure out what direction Ian will go in this year, but I’m going to guess he’ll kick the average up a few points, maintain his 20/20 status and be a hot ticket in the West for the next few years. Or, at least until Quebec City trades him for pitching.

1. Brandon Phillips, TKO
After the young star broke out last season posting 30 homeruns and 32 steals, lets temper our assessment of Phillips a little. Like Fielder, Philips excelled in the shadowed of a failed season for the Omyoujis, facing the EHCC’s lesser arms and excelling against lesser competition. The league will be in for a rude awakening this season when they take a look at the Tokyo lineup, and Phillips will be at the top of the order for this stellar young crew. The speed is there, but the power may be a bit of a fluke. Plus, it is not like the Omyoujis need more homeruns. They need a lead off hitter, so expect his average to rise and his dingers to drop. Still a great player in the making.

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Basebll Tri-Weekly: ATL First Basemen

Ryan Howard takes a swing during Weasels spring training. The Bridgewater slugger is the best first
baseman in the East, and possibly in the EHCC. Listen Deplayohs breaks down the position to kick off this season's Around the League.


Around the League: First Base By Listen DePlayohs, Baseball Tri-Weekly

The EHCC is a wonderfully diverse league, but the gentlemen who man baseball’s power position are far from different. Raw, unfettered power can be found with most at the catching corner For the fourth straight year, Baseball Tri-Weekly brings you Around the League, starting with our favorite fatties at first.

Eastern Divison
6. Travis Hafner / Carlos Delgado, WEY
The shine as finally come off the Shaddupu’s glorious reign, as they field two extremely limited options at first. Delgado’s regression meant more time for Hafner last season, and he responded with an inexplicably poor season. Was he battling injury? No one outside of Weymouth knows for sure, but given last season’s performance and the addition to a powerhouse in Peoria, the Shaddupu duo is sitting at the bottom of the East.

5. Albert Pujols, LV
Talk about a curious prediction. Last season I projected a Pujols regression, and surprising, I overestimated his performance. Many of the problems that hindered the Doggs slugger last season are back, and some are worse. Doctors feel he needs surgery, but the Las Vegas star is going to push forward despite their concerns in the hopes of bringing another title to Sin City. For 2008, Pujols should continue to be a top option, but his long-term value is dropping every day. The Doggs have no one in reserve if Albert can’t go on, so the Eastern Division champs are taking a bit of a risk.

4. Adrian Gonzalez, ARL
Gonzalez lived up to expectations last season, posting elite first baseman numbers in every category except batting average (.282). He is capable of putting up good numbers across the board, and given the lagging talent in the East, he could perform on a much higher level. That said, Adrian did have almost 650 at bats last season playing everyday for a Warriors team stretched thin. A drop in at bats could expose him if his ratios don’t improve. He is young and in good health, so big numbers should be expected again.

3. Mark Teixeira / Joey Votto, PEO
It was a blockbuster trade that rocked the makeup of the Cardinals this offseason, but Peoria may finally have an offense to make a run in the East. In a division where you need an elite option at first, Peoria has entered the conversation. Teixeira is not as exciting as some of the other gents, but he will provide consistent numbers for the cellar-dwellers to build around. He will have to at the price of Cole Hamels. Joey Votto is a nice player, but will never be a factor in the East. If he can’t stick in the outfield for the Cardnials, then they should send him away when his value reaches its peak.

2. David Ortiz / Chris Duncan, RAK
Big Papi is back and this year the Rockets offense is in more need of his power than ever before. The loss of Vernon Wells and Andruw Jones has taken 50 homeruns from the Rakeville lineup, and Ortiz (only 35 dingers last season) is going to be asked to make up the gap. He is coming off knee surgery, so he’ll either return to MVP-caliber 2006 form or regress even further as his weight continues to plague his large frame. Still, given the problems with other first basemen in the East, he is still one of the top options. The Rockets have a backup plan in Chris Duncan, who will be able to provide them with homeruns if Ortiz falters, but little else.

1. Ryan Howard / Derrek Lee, BRW
Baseballs top duo is back for another season. Howard and Lee lead the way for all first basemen, each making up for each other’s deficiencies with awesome resolve. Howard, on his own, is the best first basemen in the East, and Lee continues to be an elite backup. Stolen bases have always been the factor that set Lee apart, but the last two years have been underwhelming. He may no longer be a clear starter like he once was in 2005, and his days in Bridgewater may be numbered, but he’ll still be expected to be a worthy DH for the Weasels in their run for a championship.


Western Division
6. Todd Helton, SD
Helton needs to hit 20 homeruns. His high average is great, but for a first baseman in the EHCC, hitting below 20 is almost unworthy of a roster spot. He is a 35-year-old player who is very mediocre, on a team in transition. The most he could offer the White Devils is a huge April and May, then a trade. Anything less would be worthless.
5. Nick Swisher / James Loney, GLD
It will be curious to see who the Gryphons select to be their starting first baseman in 2008. Right now, Nick Swisher seems to have the edge, but he is so versatile that keeping at first while the team’s young outfield struggles seems foolish. As a first baseman, Swisher doesn’t provide much. An average hitter, below average for the bag, he is only valuable defensively for Golden. Loney is a promising backup who is capable of 25 homeruns and a .300 average. Good for a young player, but not up the EHCC standards yet. This is just another position for Golden that is a work in progress.

4. Adam LaRoche, TIJ
Of all the great first basemen to pass through Mexico, how is Adam LaRoche the one that remains? Granted, he is a young, potential-filled player that the Hispanics feel fits in nicely with their plans. Right now, LaRoche is the only option for Tijuana, so he’ll have a chance to develop with little pressure. That may not be a good thing. With Brian Roberts and Jacoby Elsbury hitting in front of him, LaRoche has every opportunity to become the Prince Fielder of 2008.

3. Paul Konerko, WS
Not much can be said about the Green Monsters first baseman. He is a consistent hitter who provides the cigarette kings with a power bat for their speedy lineup. He is a staple in Winston-Salem, and while he isn’t a glamourous option, they have built this offense around him. He is trusted, healthy and hungry for another shot at the playoffs.

2. Justin Morneau / Carlos Pena QC
They won’t admit it in Canada, but they are very nervous about their first basemen this season. Not sacred, just nervous. The Piglets took a stand this offseason, refusing to trade away their talented trio unless they got substantial value in return. They did, but it cost them their best hitting, most popular player. Now they are left with two guys who some consider flukes. Carlos Pena had a breakout season last year, and Justin Morneau regressed greatly from the player they traded for in 2007. Both are going to be asked to shoulder a large portion of the Quebec City offense, and they should be up to the challenge. Still, if neither matches or out perform Mark Teixeira, there will be a lot of folks churning their hands in pig country.

1. Prince Fielder / Billy Butler, TKO
Prince busted out in a big way last season, and is primed for a repeat as he leads a young, potent Tokyo offense. He has to clean up his peripherals. Fifty Homeruns should yield more than RBIs, and Fielder was the master of the solo shot last season. He is the gold standard in the West, and perhaps the entire EHCC. The sky is the limit with this kid, and it will all depend on this batting average. Billy Butler certainly won’t usurp Prince, but he will be a good backup. Tokyo has him slotted as the utility guy this season, and that may be a hole for them as Butler doesn’t seem ready for a starting gig. Look for him to struggle, but turn it on for a possible playoff run.

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Baseball Tri-Weekly: ATB Draft

Coming off shoulder surgery, Vernon Wells is hoping to become the EHCC's comback player of the year. That quest begins Saturday as Santo Domingo ponders whether to take the outfielder or a pitcher with the first pick.
Also inside: the Baseball Tri-Weekly's Mock Draft


Around the Bases: Draft
By Listen Deplayohs, Baseball Tri-Weekly

For the first time in years, an overhyped, over-his-head rookie or a prospect who will play less games than Matt Clement, will not be taken in the first round. Instead? Try a good baseball player.

The 2008 EHCC General Draft will yield the most productive and experienced crop of players since the early days of the league, and some think it could lead to one of the most competitive seasons ever seen.

“Last year was a really good year for the EHCC,” said Baseball Tri-Weekly draft expert Pop Cickels. “A lot of teams were in the hunt for the final few playoff spots until the very end. Still, many of those teams thought they had little shot of winning it all, and statistically they did. Had a few of those teams taken better players in the Major league draft, we could be talking about Winston-Salem, Tijuana or Tokyo being the Champions instead of Arlington.”

The best player in last years draft, Chipper Jones, went to Rakeville at nine. The best pitcher taken early, John Maine, slipped all the way to the Hispanics in the second round. Had Tijuana only drafted actual players with their top two picks, could we have easily seen our first Western Division champion? Cickels thinks so.

“Managers think that finding the next young star is the way to go, while the big boys like Weymouth, Rakeville, Bridgewater and Las Vegas continued to draft battle-tested players. Some say they are just rounding out their already impressive rosters, but you can’t tell me that guys like Rich Hill, Corey Hart or even Jeff Kent aren’t ten times more valuable than when it comes to winning, long and short-term.”

While some of the lower teams are mashing their fists at the limited draft pool, it could be the best thing for the league and those franchises.

“We’ll see an actual distribution of talent this year,” said Cickels. “Veteran teams could look at the board and pretty much select who they needed to augment their team even as late as the fourth round. Now, the players that could assure them of a playoff berth and championship contention are being sought by all, and the league’s front offices are forced to plan deeper and deeper.”

So who will be this year’s top picks? It depends on how far teams are going to reach to compensate for the lack of inexperienced players. Some have suggested it could be outfielder Vernon Wells or Closer Rafael Soriano. Others think fringe guys like Andy Sonnanstine or Asdrubal Cabrera will jump up as general managers hope to grab these sleepers early on. Either way, this season’s draft looks to be one of the most contentious in a while

Baseball Tri-Weekly’s Mock Draft
Guy Roball is the Chief Western Division coorespondent. He likes seahorses and ponies. His draft is trying to get into the mind of EHCC General Managers, guessing who they will pick.

Pop Cickels is surly and old. He does mock drafts and gets angry at the teams when they don’t pick who he selected for him. He is not allowed to do March Madness brackets anymore because he never believe a team he picked lost. His draft is what he thinks teams should do.

1. Santo Domingo White Devils – Vernon Wells, OF

Roball says: It's no secret that Santo Domingo already has quite the crowded outfield, but how can you pass on proven talent? Vernon Wells would instantly be their top outfielder. Worst-case scenario, he is great trade bait.

Cickels says: The White Devils have offense, and plenty of it. Even if the best player in the draft is a hitter, is he so much better than the pitchers available that you devalue you current players to get him? Santo Domingo’s one focus this draft should be pitching. Starting, closing, middle relief. Anything that throws a ball to a catcher.

2. Peoria Cardinals – Bronson Arroyo, SP

Roball says: Peoria obviously needs some pitching help after ditching their top 2 arms in exchange for Mark Teixeira. They have some young talent to work with, but no standout ace. Bronson Arroyo could give their staff instant credibility, or at the very least boost morale with his sweet jams.

Cickels says: They should be thanking the gods if the top pick isn’t an arm, but they need to pray they have the strength to take a closer so early. There are rumors that Rafael Soriano was mistakenly dropped by Tokyo, a remake of the C.C. Sabathia fiasco in 2005. He is one of the few guys that is a step above his peers in draft, even if it is just saves.

3. Tijuana Hispanics (From Golden) – Franklin Morales, SP

Roball says: With the Hispanics relying on guys like Hirsh and Pelfrey to turn their staff around, they could really use another arm at #3. With not much available in the way of quality starters after Arroyo, it may be more productive for Tijuana to send this pick to someone for another pitcher, rather than adding offensive depth.

Cickels says: They have talent across the board, so filling a hole isn’t much of a concern. Mostly, they should be looking for the best upgrade available. With a trio of questionable outfielders, the safest selection would likely be Hideki Matsui. Not a flashy pick, but his consistent play could be a stabilizing force for this young team as their develops into a real playoff contender.

4. Tokyo Omyoujis – Rafael Soriano, RP

Roball says: Tokyo went into the offseason with 5 relievers and will enter the draft with 3. Unfortunately, only 1 of them is an actual closer. By re-adding Rafael Soriano to the roster, the Omyoujis may finally be able to cut ties with their two long time setup men before Opening Day.

Cickels says: This is the season. The season Tokyo becomes relevant… if they don’t screw it up. No offense needed here. The Omaron’s are looking for hurlers and starting ones at that. With a dirth of mediocre arms looking to rise or fall this season, they should go with a reliable pitcher who could help guild this young team to success. Greg Maddux is a first round pick this year, and the perfect compliment for the Asian staff.

5. Tijuana Hispanics – Jeremy Guthrie, SP

Roball says: There is quite a pitching staff forming south of the border, but it is far from completion. They need to start picking some quality arms, not guys whose rotation berth may be in doubt. Jeremy Guthrie’s slot assured, and while some critics fear of regression this season, the Arab ace will deliver the goods.

Cickels says: For the 2nd straight year, Tijuana owns the third and fifth picks, and once again they should go with a pitcher-infielder combo. Carlos Guillen will be nice for 2008, both at short and filling in for Laroche if he falters at first. But the Hispanics are looking to the future, and he will lose his SS eligibility. Orlando Cabrera isn't as young as he used to be, but could still hit .300 and swipe 25 bags for the next few years.

6. Winston-Salem Green Monsters – Jason Isringhausen, RP

Roball says - Brett Myers had a great year filling in as closer in 2007, but the time for fun and games is over. With a solid young offense already in place, Winston-Salem should grab another reliever to keep Bobby Jenks company out in the bullpen.

Cickels says – Somehow Kevin Youkilis has third base eligibility for another season, but he is far from an elite option there. With a solid pitching staff, I think the Green Monsters should take a chance on a second round player and go with Kevin Kouzmanoff. He matched the other Kevin in almost every category at a younger age and fewer at bats last season, and could be posed for a big year this year. Worse-case, he posts the same numbers as a decent utility guy.

7. Weymouth Shaddupu – Hideki Matsui, OF

Roball says - Weymouth's attempt at a youth movement failed, and the team decided to part ways with Rocco Baldelli, Mark Teahan, and Josh Willingham. They'll need some replacement gloves in the outfield, and Hideki Matsui is just the home run hitting slugger who will fit in nicely.

Cickels says – The back of Weymouth’s rotation looks very shaky, and while it will beat most teams most nights, I don’t think it matches up with the top hurlers in the league. More depth can only help, so finding a solid arm with a low WHIP would be the most prudent selection. He isn’t a power pitcher, but Brian Bannister could be the perfect compliment to Weymouth’s high strikeout staff.

8. Golden Gryphons – J.R. Towles, C

Roball says - Golden spent 2007 and early 2008 building the young pitching staff they finally completed with the acquisition of Daisuke Matsuzaka. The only thing left is to find a backstop to catch all those gyroballs, and who better than the best young prospect available in the draft. J.R. Towles should have an immediate impact, and send the Gryphons back to the playoffs.

Cickels says – The team most likely to reach is Golden, and they would have good reason to. Winning doesn’t seem to be an option this year as they wait for their kids to develop. One of the top young players in the draft is Asdrubal Cabrera, and while I don’t expect grand things from him this year, he is the perfect player for Golden, who is currently sporting a 32 year old Edgar Renteria at short and a marginal prospect Kelly Johnson at second.

9. Bridgewater Weasels – Aaron Rowland, OF

Roball says - Their pitching staff may be old, but they get the job done. Lacking a third outfielder, the Weasels will look for yet another offensive boost. someone that fits the Bridgewater mold perfectly is Aaron Rowland: solid production across the board last season, but still over 30 years old.

Cickels says- Never say a player is too old in the age of HGH. Bridgewater has a habit of reaching for relievers in the first round, but I’m asking that they break that pattern and go with a starter, They like proven guys, and a guy like Jake Westbrook fits the bill. A proven pitcher with a high quality start percentage who will fit right into their system.

10. & 11. Rakeville Rockets – Andruw Jones, OF & Kevin Millwood, SP

Roball says - Welcome back, Mr. Jones! It'll be a great day for Rakeville fans when Commissioner Burks announces Andruw Jones as one of the two first round picks for the Rockets. The outfielder had nothing but good things to say about the franchise after being left off their 20-man roster, so there should be no bad blood with this reunion. The bullpen is fine in Rakeville, as well as the rest of the offense, so they should be looking rotation depth at their other pick. Strikeout pitchers fit the Jack Reed mold, but there aren't many left to take. The Rockets will resort to experience, and Kevin Millwood would love a chance to prove himself with a big-market club again.

Cickels says – Looking to get back the players they lost last season, the Rockets will likely pick Verno… Guthr… Isring…. Maybe Bronso…. Nope. Who is left? Ah, Andruw Jones. Roball and I agree that outfield is a must for Rakeville, but Jones may not be the one to fill the vacancy. They need power from their corner outfielder and Pat Burrell is the man to deliver, while posting a marginally bad average as opposed to a dreadful one. For the other pick, the team’s best offensive player is coming off major knee surgery. Plus, he weighs 300 pounds. It might be wise to start looking for a viable backup at first base and Conor Jackson is the high average guy the Rockets love. May be early for him, but it is never too early to sure up a weakness.

12. Arlington Warriors - Hiroki Kuroda, SP

Roball says - From first in the 2007 draft to twelfth in 2008, the Arlington Warriors proved that truly anyone can win in the EHCC on any given week. Like last year, the champs will tap the Japanese talent pool with Hiroki Kuroda. The 33 year old rookie won't have the fanfare that Dice-K had last season, but should have just as much of an impact on the Warriors' pitching staff.

Cickels says – The wave is coming. The Warriors have to go with the one of the remaining closers now or there will be none left come their next pick. The options aren’t great, but the level of confidence drops with each one picked. Joe Borowski is a workhorse at the back of the bullpen. With Arlington’s core of top-notch starting pitchers, Borowski could be the lynchpin to another successful season. Given all the marginal starters available, taking the last guaranteed closer here is the safest bet.

League Notes

-- Scouts who attended the EHCC Draft Combine were impressed by the speed of second baseman Ryan Theriot. One team's scout was so impressed, he offered the speeders a guaranteed selection if he would muff the rest of the workout and lower his value. Theriot declined, though you couldn't tell by his performance.

-- Mark DeRosa may be the most versatile man in this year's draft, but he certainly wasn't carrying the title at home. Mrs. DeRosa recently claimed that her and her lover had sex in eight different position on the family's boat in Florida during a divorce hearing Monday.

-- Tim Stauffer was surprised to learn that his contract was extended by Winston-Salem last week. The pitcher was visibly disappointed though when talking to the media. "I just don't feel like they are dedicated to winning. Heck, even I know I suck."

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