Rakeville Times: The Battle for the Skies Above Rakeville

Rakeville slugger Eric Thames has been the talk of the EHCC since opening day, but is he a pawn in a battle between billionaires?

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Rakeville Times: Bring on the Bats

Keon Broxton joins Jose Abreu and ByungHo Park as Rakeville's recent second overall all draft picks in recent years. The Rockets 2017 season hinges on their combined performance if they are going to return to the playoffs.

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Rakeville Times: The Hero of Rake City

Rakeville's Miguel Cabrera watches one of his nine playoff homeruns sail over the wall at Reed Field during the EHCC Championship game against Rio.

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Rakeville Times: Rakeville's Secret Weapon

Jack Reed is man behind one of the most active seasons in EHCC history.  But despite all the trades, he never sacrificed what has made the Rockets a model franchise.

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Rakeville Times: Not hot enough

Rakeville's Joe Mauer dives to tag a sliding Weasel at home plate but comes up short. The run turned out to be the winner as Bridgewater edges past the Rockets and into the championship series.




Not hot enough
By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times

Bridgewater’s juggernaut offense just couldn’t be controlled as the underdog Rockets fell once again in the semi-finals of the playoffs, losing to the top-seeded Weasels 6-4.

Rakeville entered the final day down 7-3, and a series of solid pitching performances helped close the gap, but wasn’t enough to hold off an unyielding Bridgewater attack. They combined for an amazing 11 runs, three homeruns and 12 RBIs on the final day to lift them to the championship game against Las Vegas.

“We felt so good heading into the playoffs this year,” said Pitcher Roy Oswalt, who provided three career performances in the first two rounds this season. “Sure, no one expected us to win against Bridgewater, but we knew we could if we just played hard. We’d done it all season. I’m so disappointed.”

Critics said they didn’t do enough to solidify their pitching staff at the trade deadline, but after winning the bulk of pitching categories in both matchups, that criticism was clearly off.

“We knew our pitching staff was struggling earlier in the season, but I saw the talent there,” said Rakeville General Manager Jack Reed. “We needed to be patient with the guys we had and we were. Roy (Oswalt) and Josh (Beckett) were brilliant for us the last two weeks. I’m very proud of them, and I’m very proud of our team. It is hard to go through a change of managers and turn it around to win the division. There is a lot we have to look at heading into next season, but we still have a group of players that can win a championship.”

Offense will surely be a focus of the team this offseason. Despite a deadline deal to bring in Manny Ramirez, the Rockets still couldn’t hit well enough to take a single category in the semifinals. Between injuries and ineptitude, the team needs to figure out who is going to deliver Rakeville to the EHCC finals.

“We walked the line this year trying to find the best balance of future potential and present-day product,” said Reed. “Our window remains small, so we are going to do all we can to win a championship for this city.”

Of course, that quest will begin anew next season as the players rode back to the stadium this afternoon.

“They’re still my heroes,” said Tommy Shepard, a young fan who was waiting outside of Reed Field for the team bus. “Yeah, they always lose. My mom said it is O.K. to lose. She said it builds character.”

“You’re mom’s a fucking idiot,” said a drunken fan standing next to him.

Clearly, the pain of another playoff loss will carry us all through the offseason.

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Rakeville Times: Judgement Day

Miguel Cabrera watches as his late game home run clears the right field fence to give Rakeville a 6-5 lead in homeruns over Winston-Salem. It was a crucial seventh day for the Rockets and they rose to the challenge.



Judgement Day
By Aviator McShadeless

What should have been a climactic moment in the career of Pedro Martinez turned into a sobering reminder of how good this Rockets offense can be at times. Miguel Cabrera and David Ortiz provided two booming home runs to lift Rakeville over Winston-Salem this week and force another face off against their archrival Bridgewater.

“It was back to Rockets baseball,” said Javier Vazquez. “Our pitching was strong and our bats mighty. It is how we won a ton of games the last few years. For some reason we went away from that this year, but it has been good to see us getting back into the rhythm at the right time.”

The Rockets took a 5-4 lead heading into the final day, but many felt the game was in hand early in the week.

“We knew we should win that game,” said Chase Utley. “Given our playoff history folks were nervous. Still, there is no reason we should have lost. This team is a great one, even if this season hasn’t been an example of our talent. In essence, we are the same team that dominated the league the last three years. Now, we have to finish the deal.”

The sentiment was carried by most as they boarded the bus to Bridgewater, a team that the Rockets have a compelling history against in the playoffs. In 2005, after a surprising romp through the regular season, Rakeville was upset by a vivacious Weasels team in the semi-finals. Bridgewater went on to meet Weymouth in the Championships, losing by the closest margin in EHCC history. The following year Rakeville got some revenge, trouncing their rival in the quarterfinals before losing to the eventual champs Las Vegas. Now, on the heels of a blow out win in Week 21 and a shocking, come-from-behind Division crown, Rakeville has all the momentum in the historic series.

“They are the favorites,” said Manager Justin Fuller. “You can’t rattle off a season like they had and not expect to be the favorite. We’ve had some success against them, but that is all in the past. They are a great team. We are hitting our stride and I’m proud of what we’ve done, but they are still the favorites.”

Rakeville will kick off the epic series with veteran Javier Vazquez on the mound. Bridgewater counters with former Rockets farmhand Yusmeiro Petit. How fitting that that the best pitcher they have is a Rakeville castoff…

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Rakeville Times: Eastern Excellence

Chase Utley makes the final out to seal the Eastern Division title for the Rockets. Rakeville now heads into a tough playoff matchup with the Price Cup in their dugout.



Eastern Excellence
By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times

The Rockets are the best team in the Eastern Division, but you’d have a hard time convincing Rakeville fans of it. After a turbulent season that saw the best pitching staff in league history collapse, a prestigious head coach fired and a year long battle to keep the entire squad healthy, the Golden Arms in the bleachers would have been happy just to make the playoffs. Instead, they are proud holders of the team’s second Price Cup.

The crown is not undeserved. It was hard to argue that Rakeville was one of the best teams all season long. They ran into trouble, but no team handled injuries and underachievement better. While they didn’t have the initial success of Bridgewater and Quebec City, nor the hot streak that propelled Las Vegas, they grinded out win after win against tough Eastern Division opponents. No one could have predicted Bridgewater’s late-season collapse after their meteoric start, but Jack Reed did all he could to put his club into hunt.

“I had thought the Price Cup was lost to us,” said Reed. “Every season we build our team to be the best in the East, but after losing to Weymouth a month ago, My staff and I began focusing solely on the EHCC playoffs.”

Rakeville then went on to sweep their last three division opponents, including the Weasels with a decisive 9-1 win in week 21. After tying Bridgewater earlier in the season, the Rockets had the tie breaker if fate was on their side.

“It just snuck up on us,” said Gavin Floyd, who supplied two wins in the final game of the season. “After we beat Bridgewater, Coach Fuller said we had a chance to do something special. We had a team meeting before our flight to Arlington and decided to win.”

A 6-2 win against Arlington and a Bridgewater loss to Las Vegas sealed the deal.

“The East is full of tough teams,” said Reed. “It seems like our team has always gotten up for division games. This year is a perfect example.”

Critics suggest Rakeville’s success in the East has a lot to do with the strategy implemented by former manager Tom Seaver at the start of the season. Rockets players seemingly took off games against western conference teams. In arguably a weaker division, Rakeville stumbled.

“I’m not going to speculate on what Tom’s plan was heading into the season,” said Manager Justin Fuller. “He never indicated that he placed more importance on Eastern Division games. I did question his use of the bullpen at times, and I could see why some might think he mailed in Western Division games to keep players fresh, but I don’t think it affected our standing in the EHCC.”

Whatever the methods, the Rockets are now the proud owners of their second division crown in four years. They now prepare for a difficult first round matchup against Winston-Salem, a team that bested them twice in the regular season.
“There is no easy road to the EHCC championships this season,” said Fuller. “Teams that we though would be a sure-fire champ have faltered, and low ranked teams now have a history of success. The playoff pool is too deep to predict.”

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Rakeville Times: Upton-o good?

Rakeville opens Spring Training in Pensacola today and B.J. Upton has brought a shot of energy to the Rockets camp, but will Cock Gate, veteran cuts and manager Tom Seaver get in the way of another successful season?

Upton-o Good?
By Hernandez Firstname, Rakeville Times

The players arriving at the Rockets Spring Training home in Pensacola, Fla., couldn’t be more excited about the upcoming season. Despite a heartbreaking loss in the Semi-finals last season, the loss of their manager, and the scandal surrounding their Hall of Fame leader, Rakeville’s elite are embracing this spring as a rebirth.

“It took all of us a long time to get over last season,” said Javier Vazquez. “It hit everyone hard. This is one of the few times where the distractions have actually helped us.”

New Rakeville manager Tom Seaver held a close-door meeting with the players earlier today, laying out his plans for the spring and his goals for the upcoming season.

“These boys have done a lot in the EHCC,” said Seaver, “but we all know what is expected of us. We need to win a championship. It is politically correct to say we just need to win the next game, or we are just looking to be competitive, but that is all horseshit. We need a ring and we need it this year.”

Seaver’s straightforward approach with the media was why General Manager Jack Reed hired him. On the first day of camp, Seaver held few punches talking about his ace and his off-season escapades.

“This ‘Cock Gate’ thing is foolish,” said Seaver. “Is cock fighting any worse than Irish fighting? I think not. It doesn’t matter what you throw in the ring, as long as you still have your fastball the next day. I told Pedro he had nothing to worry about from us, as long as he doesn’t throw Phil Hughes into a ring anytime soon.”

Seaver also confirmed Pedro will be the honorary referee during his off days this season, presiding over grown men dressed in chicken suits fighting on the Reed Field infield. The Rockets events staff is dubbing the between-inning spectacle as Pedro’s Proving Ground. Winners will go on to fight again, with the winner of the 64-man tournament earning season tickets next year.

In other, more baseball related matters, Seaver has some tough decisions to make this offseason. The acquisition of young superstar B.J. Upton has made for a very crowed outfield, and some long-time Rockets may be on the chopping block come March 9th.

“Having a player like B.J. in camp this season has made a lot of us very excited,” said second baseman Chase Utley. “I don’t think we’ve ever had such a talent group of players in camp. There is a good chance we are going to be cutting 2 or 3 first round picks in this years draft.”

While three top picks may be a stretch, Rakeville will be forced to trim one of the most complete teams in the league.

“I have no idea who I plan to let go,” said Seaver. “Ask me that after they play a few games, idiot.”

In other Spring Training news, Omar Quintanilla reported to camp a day early. He may not get a lot of playing time over the next three weeks, but the team is working on signing him as a spring training coach, allowing him to say with the club past the 20-man roster deadline.

The Rockets are scheduled to play Rakeville University, Stackerville Flames, Weymouth, Arlington and Peoria this spring.

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Rakeville Times: Rockets say adios to O'Leary

Troy O'Leary will no longer be setting the course for the Rockets. How will the man with the nicest kicks rebound?


Rockets say adios to O'Leary
By Hernandez Firstname, Rakeville Times

He brought the franchise back from the brink of mediocrity in 2005, taking a group of young offensive players and seasoned pitchers and got them to play as a team. In three seasons, Troy O'Leary led the Rockets to two regular season titles, but that wasn't enough to keep his job. Yesterday, all the rumors proved true as the Rakeville front office made the firing of their manager official.

"The Rockets organization is grateful for everything Troy has done for the team," said Jack Reed. "He was the perfect manager for a team with young, up-in-coming players, but now we must look to build on our success. We feel a move in a different direction is needed."

Despite his regular season success, O'Leary has only won a single playoff series. In three seasons, his teams posted a combined 402-216-42 record. They were the only team to score at least 130 categories during that span and won an Eastern Division title. Having arguably the best team in the EHCC during his reign, the Rockets inability to make the championship game, much less win the title, has been his biggest criticism.

"The Rockets are a classy organization," said O'Leary during a conference call. "When I left Bye Week, I thought my career was over. I thank the team for giving me a chance and I hope that my work in Rakeville will warrant a position elsewhere in the EHCC. Preferably someplace indoors or with a turf field so I don't dirty my new shoes."

No word on possible replacements for O'Leary. Longtime Rakeville Pitching Coach Justin Fuller is a top candidate, along with Las Vegas Pitching Coach Chet Steadman and Tijuana's Bench Coach Ernesto Gonzalez.

"We will be talking to a bevy of candidates," said Reed. "I don't want to tip our hand, but I think we have a good idea of what we are looking for and the candidates that best fill those needs."

Reed also announced former Interim General Manager Rich Garces has been brought back into the fold as a special consultant, and is expected to take the role of assistant general manager after his fail bid to return to baseball as a player.

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Rakeville Times: A moment of silence

Felix Hernandez sits at the end of the Rockets bench after losing to Quebec City in the second round of the playoffs. Hernandez, along with a majority of the team, did not speak with the media after the devastating loss.


A moment of silence
By Aviator McShadeless

We all knew it could happen but nobody wanted to admit it, and now no one in Rakeville can believe their beloved team is out of the playoffs. Rakeville fell to EHCC's hottest team, the Quebec City Piglets 6-4, thanks to an offensive explosion in the final day.

After the game, the Rockets locker room was closed to media for nearly an hour, and when it did open the players were as speechless as the fans.

"I just don't want to think about it right now," said Josh Beckett. "I can't think of anything I could say that would give you any insight. Everyone here feels terrible."

Many attribute the loss to a poor pitching strategy going into the series and the team's inability to hit for power. As the Piglets carry the torch into the championships, Rakeville fans will have a long offseason to analyze the team's faults.

"We all had a chance to win this game for us," said First baseman David Ortiz, who flied out with the bases loaded to end the game. "Sometimes the hitting works, and the rest of the time it doesn't. I don't think it will work this bad next year."

Jack Reed and the rest of the front office would not comment on the loss. It is the third year in a row the Rockets have lost in the second round of the Playoffs.

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Rakeville Times: The Knight of Rakeville

Pedro Martinez is interviewed by the media at Reed Field in Rakeville a day after his start in ESSEC Stackerville. Martinez look healthy and primed to lead the Rockets to glory.




The Knight of Rakeville
By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times

In February, months before he threw anything that resembled a pitch, Pedro Martinez found his way to the big league side of the Rockets' sprawling complex in Pensacola, Fla., and delivered a state-of-the-comeback address. "Hold 'em for me and I'll push 'em back," he said.

As the EHCC playoffs begin, Pedro held true to his word. The long-time Rakeville ace was declared eligible to play by team trainer Lance Armstrong Sunday, but rather then join the big league club during their brief, bye-week vacation, Martinez chose to take on one of the best ESSEC teams this season with the Stackerville Flames.

The first inning was a bit rocky, as the Eagle County Kobes put up two runs on Pedro. Like a veteran, Martinez struck back, pitching five innings, giving up only five hits. He struck out four including Kobes star Jay Bruce on a fastball that couldn’t break 90 mph.

"If I'm throwing between 85 and 88 [mph]," Martinez said Friday, "and I have command of my pitches, I'll get anybody out." His performance Monday supported that brash statement, and the Rockets will really need Pedro to perform as rosters expand.

"Most teams will be adding 3-5 pitchers to their rotation when they face us," said Troy O’Leary, team manager. "The advantage we’ve had all season almost dissolves in the playoffs. We have been trying to set ourselves up for this for he last month and I think Pedro is better than anyone we could bring in."

Martinez looks at it differently. He did not fight back from injury to be a supplemental player. He came back to be a leader.

"The guys have worked so hard to get us here, and now I’m here to help take them home."

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Rakeville Times: No seats on the bus

Jason Isringhausen thought he would be the only Rocket closer last offseason, but now he is one of six as Rakeville looks to shut down offenses across the EHCC.

No seats on the bus
By Aviator McShadless

When pitching coach Justin Fuller told reliever Tom Gordon he would no longer be in the Rakeville bullpen, the veteran pitcher thought he has been cut or traded. He soon realized there simply wasn’t enough room on the right field bench. The Rockets made two trades at the deadline, bringing in closers Fransico Cordero from Peoria and Joe Boroski from Tokyo to max out Reed Field’s bullpen capacity.

“Both deals were last minute,” said GM Jack Reed. “We were in discussions with Peoria most of the night, trying to pry Cordero from them. Boroski was discussed briefly, and the price seemed reasonable. Five minutes before midnight, we were happy to see both come our way.”

Closers weren’t the only players being targeted by the Rakeville front office. Gary Sheffield, Bill Hall, Ty Wiggington and Reid Brignac were rumored to be part of talks, but ultimately the Rockets went with pitching.

“Arlington and Las Vegas have good bullpens,” said Fuller. “We thought we could hold our own with them before the trade, but now there is no doubt.”

As the Rockets gear up for the playoffs, recently acquired utilityman Julio Lugo looks to be an important addition also

“He and Willits give us speed,” said Reed. “Lugo can also play almost every infield position, allowing us to spell Utley and Young. An ability we haven’t had all season. I hope that now we are a more complete team.”

Rakeville wasn’t the only playoff team making moves. Arlington, Las Vegas and Quebec City made substantial moves to boost their teams.

“We new they would,” said Reed. “All we can do is earn the bye, then see where the chips fall.”

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Rakeville Times: A Man and a Mentor

Hitting the ball like he used to hit the mirror, Josh Hamilton hasn't had a chance to play much for Rakeville, but he is not discouraged thanks to a player who took a similar path to EHCC stardom. Well, without the cocaine, hookers and tribal tattoos.

A Man and a Mentor
By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times

Chase Utley knows exactly what Josh Hamilton is going through. Drafted in the second round of the 2005 draft, Utley was only a platoon player before coming to Rakeville.

“I was checking the lineup everyday,” said Utley. “I had no clue whether I would be playing or not. All I knew was that if I did get in the game, I had to do everything possible to make a mark.”

A mark is an understatement. Utley eventually won the job outright by mid-season, and has been considered the best second baseman in the EHCC ever since.

“You could see the talent in every at bat,” said Jack Reed. “It was really astounding. It first we thought it was just a hot start, but he kept on hitting. Despite his inconsistent playing time, we kept him in our starting lineup because he was still better than anyone else we could get while only playing half the games.”

Now, Josh Hamilton is hoping to secure a starting job, and like Utley, he has done everything he can to make an impact. In the first two weeks, Hamilton has hit .278 with three homeruns. As his playing time increases, so does his average. Stolen bases are the only thing that’s missing.

With Andruw Jones, Vernon Wells and EHCC rookie of the year candidate Delmon Young in the outfield, the Rockets will let Hamilton develop as a utility player.

“We are lucky,” said Reed. “With Utley, we needed him in our lineup, but Hamilton doesn’t have that pressure on him. I’m sure at some point this season we’ll realize he is too good to keep on the bench, and we will find a spot for him.”

In other news, Rich Hill has lived up to his draft pick. In two starts, the left-hander has two wins with a 0.64 ERA. He leads a Rockets pitching that is first in every category except saves, where Rakeville closers place second to Peoria.

In the Peoria game, almost every Rakeville starter blasted at least two homeruns. Missing from the offensive explosion was catcher Joe Mauer and first baseman David Ortiz, who only had one. “I have been a bit of a sissy,” said Ortiz.

The surprising release of Kei Igawa, has yet to be explained by the Rakeville front office, but Igawa was more telling. “They said I was good, but they don’t like Japanese people. They are very racist,” he said, despite the Rockets signing fellow islander Kaz Matsui to replace him.

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Rakeville Times: Rockets lose 5-3

Roy Oswalt led the Rockets with a 1.08 ERA in two starts last week against Weymouth, but the Rakeville ace's effort wasn't enough to lift his team past the island hippies.

Rockets lose 5-3, but O’leary finds no faults.
By Hernandez Firstname, Rakeville Times

Troy O’Leary looked solemn after the game, slipping through the clubhouse like a man who found out his father died. At a later press conference, he would take all the blame, but if you could have seen him in the minutes after a tough loss to Weymouth, the words would not have been necessary.

“I can’t find any fault with the way we pitched this week,” said O’Leary. “We had an exceptional week. They just had the home field advantage. Three or four of their top guys pitched again at the end of that game, and we couldn’t do anything about it. Felix was ready, but he never got the chance.”

Rakeville had a 4-0-1 lead heading into the weekend, only to have the game slip away when Johan Santana and company stepped up and pitch their way into a 2-1-2 pitching victory.

“We hit Santana hard in his first start,” said O’Leary, “but you can’t give a guy like him a second chance. You aren’t going to get two bad starts in a row from him, or Zambrano. It is the same way with our pitchers, but we just weren’t able to use them. I should have gone to Jack Reed and told him we needed more pitching for the weekend. It has always been Rockets policy not to churn, but this game was a perfect example of when an extra start or two would have made a huge difference.”

Weymouth joins Las Vegas on the top of the East, with both pulling out last minute wins over their opponents. Bridgewater is also tied for first, but their win was a blow-out of Peoria.

“It is a step in the wrong direction,” said Rockets first baseman David Ortiz, who belted two homeruns in the final day to secure the category. “We are lucky we get to face another East team this week so hopefully we can make up for the loss.”

After an impressive 12 strikeout, shutout performance earlier in the week, Felix Hernandez is expected to start again Tuesday. “I tried like hell to get back in that game. If I had gotten a shot, it would have been different. There is nothing worse than sitting there, unable to help your team when they need you.”

The Rockets did get an impressive two-start performance from Roy Oswalt, and single game studs Josh Beckett, Javier Vazquez and first round pick Rich Hill. Miguel Cabrera was the catalyst on offense, batting .500 for the week.

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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.

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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.

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Rakeville Times: An old new GM in town

Rockets General Manager Jack Reed announces the firing of Rich Garces during a press conference. Reed also anounced that he could bury Piglets offical Brian Fantana on the dance floor.

By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times
When team president Jack Reed approached the podium Friday morning, introduced by team owner David Claffey, he brought with him more than the news of Rich Garces’ firing. Hidden in the announcement was clear endorsement of team manager Troy O’Leary, who many tabbed as the scapegoat for a sub par season.

“Despite a tough year, this team was still one of the best in the league,” said Reed. “We are not going to come out and make big changes. This is Troy’s era. It will be his time to shine.”

The team didn’t mention a replacement for Garces, though it is expected that Reed will slip back into the General Manager role.

“His legacy is really on the line,” said Pat Turban with WRAK. “He is well known in the league as a great leader, but as the years pass, it is going to be championships that are counted. He needs to take that final step and bring a championship to Rakeville.”

With his reputation on the line, Reed will stick with O’Leary, at least for another year.

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Rakeville Times: Faith healing

Pedro begins a long off season of rehab at the Rakeville training complex in Pensecola, Florida, as the ace looks to recover from rotator cuff surgery. His future in Rakeville may be in question, but now no one questions if he shaves his armpits.


By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times
It has been an unspeakable topic in Rakeville as concern builds over one of the greatest athletes in the city’s history.

Pedro Martinez took his prized right arm, along with the fears of Rivertown, to Victoria General Hospital on Oct. 5 when he underwent rotator cuff surgery. Initial reports looked favorable, with some in the organization hinting that the Rockets ace could be ready before the all-star break next season. Then came an announcement by Pedro last week that if his shoulder doesn’t return to full strength, he will contemplate retirement.

If Martinez does retire, it would mark the end of an era. Rakeville’s rotation is a mirror of Martinez. For five years they have been the top staff in baseball with Pedro as the anchor. This season brought early injuries and struggles for the ace, resulting in his worst season in his career. That the Rockets also dropped from the top spot is not a coincidence.

“Not only has he been an excellent pitcher, but he has also been the heart and soul of this rotation,” Jack Reed. “I don’t think there is another pitcher in the EHCC with a history of success Pedro has had with this team. He is a rare athlete, with the talent and charisma to lead a franchise.”

Despite warm thoughts, Reed will have a hard decision this off-season with the 20-man roster deadline just over the horizon. Can Rakeville, a team that struggled all last season for consistency from their staff, use a precious roster spot on a pitcher who may not start until after the all-star break? Could they waste in on a player who may not start at all?

“I couldn’t imagine Pedro in another uniform,” said EHSPN columnist Pop Sickels. “With the chance of league expansion, the thoughts that Rakeville could drop him and pick him up again in the draft are non-existent. They almost have to carry him through the cuts. The city wouldn’t allow him to leave.”

Reed would not speculate on the future roster, but did hint that it would be a decision made by “the manager and I.” The lack of mention of current manager Troy O’Leary’s name in the discussion highlights the volatile situation in the Rockets front office, with Pedro’s contract low on the totem pole of concerns.

Many think the answers will come during next week’s press conference where Reed may announce plans for the upcoming season.

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Rakeville Times: Longing for the eight inning

Rakeville's GM is looking to get back into baseball, trying out for MLB teams in the hope of earning a spot in the EHCC again. Officials have been busy making sure baseball fields still have weight-bearing mounds.

By Aviator McShadeless
Rakeville Times
With the Rakeville media buzzing about changes to the Rockets front office, general manager Rich Garces may be taking his destiny into his own hands.

A report came out last week that El Guapo looking to return to baseball in a uniform rather than a suit as the 35-year-old executive is trying his hand at pitching again. The former setup man has been pitching in Venezuela, and is hoping to find a spot in the MLB pool for the 2007 season, and perhaps break onto an EHCC team later in the year.

“Nothing is set in stone, but I am one of the best pitchers of all time,” said Garces during a bullpen session yesterday. “This has nothing to do with my position in Rakeville. This is something I want to do. It is something I can do.”

The move comes as a surprise to team pitching coach Justin Fuller.

“We often talked about pitching during the season,” said Fuller. “Being a former pitcher, I figured he was just interested, but now I think he had been planning a return to baseball all year.”

If Garces is picked up by a MLB team, he could be eligible for the EHCC, but would Rakeville or any other club take a chance on the surly veteran?

“El Guapo?” asked Dave Grubb, Peoria’s general manager. “He's been out of the bigs for quite a while, and I doubt he'd be anything more then a one batter specialist.” Though he may be a good public relations tool, many don’t see the value in Garces.

“Then they will be proven wrong,” said Garces, responding to the comments. “I will get the chance, turn a lot of heads. I scouted talent all year, and no one can pitch like me.”

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Rakeville Times: Reed's return means change

Rusty Greer meets with Skip Toomy, a 8-year-old who recently signed with Rakeville. Many expect that Greer will be able to mold him into an ace.



By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times
It was an odd occurrence, Jack Reed arriving at Reed Field, the Rakeville stadium named after the president of baseball operations. He had never been to the fully completed stadium, spending its inaugural season overseas on a scouting mission.

“It is impressive to see,” said Reed, looking out the large, clear front office windows. “This is a field for champions.”

Sadly, the Rockets were anything but champions last season. The 2005 Eastern Division Champions ended the 2006 season in fourth place, losing in the playoffs to the eventual league champs Las Vegas. It was hard season for Reed to watch.

“When I left at the end of last season, I felt we had a team that would perform at the highest level for years to come,” he said. “There was so much youth, so much promise. The success was there too.”

What Reed was hesitant to talk about, was Rakeville’s disastrous exit from the playoffs in 2005, or the foolish hiring of Theo Epstein. He wanted to keep the visit positive. Still, there is a lot of talk around Rakeville about the past season, and who is to blame for the team’s poor performance.

“We’ll look at last season very carefully. If Mr. Claffey (team owner) believes a change should be made, then we will make it.”

There is no doubt the organization will have a new look entering the Winter Meetings, whether Reed retakes his old job or steps back and plays to sole role of team president.

“Whatever is decided on, rest assured that the Rockets will be ready to play next season.”


Who is in the hot seat?
Though it may be fueled only by rumors, changes to the Rakeville front office tops the WRAK list of subjects. Val Tusey breaks down folks who may be moving.

Rich Garces
Hired with partner Tom Brunansky, Garces took the lead as the team’s GM late in the offseason. With the return of Reed, el Guapo’s position with the team is in question. Despite drafting five starting pitchers, the Rockets staff experienced its worst pitching season in its history.

In his general manager debut, Garces tried to solidify an offense hurt by the loss of David Wright, working deals to acquire Micheal Young and Andruw Jones, trading away Chris Capuano and Chad Billingsley. In the draft, Guapo took Bruce Chen with the team’s first round pick, a disaster for the team.

Pros: Since taking over as General Manager, Garces made deals with four different teams, proving he still has relationships throughout the league He solidified the putrid Rakeville bullpen for the playoffs, tying Bridgewater and beating the highly touted Las Vegas staff in the postseason.

Cons: Limited experience and inability to identify and fix problems early in the season clearly hurt.

Troy O’Leary
The Rockets skipper followed up a magical 2005 with a miserable 2006, as the team battled inconsistency all season. O’Leary was often criticized for sticking with pitchers like Bruce Chen and Rodrigo Lopez far too long, mismanaging matchups and waiting nearly a month before inserting the NL leading batting champ Nomar Garciaparra in the starting lineup.

O’Leary is a favorite among the players, but never met eye to eye with Garces, and the animosity during the season may have contributed to the lack of player movement.

Pros: Has a track record of success with young players, with many playing above their perceived potential.

Cons: Team inconsistency could be attributed to O’Leary’s love of shoes.

Justin Fuller
The team’s pitching coach has somehow avoided the spotlight all season, with the media looking for excuses for the Golden Arms poor performance. Reed, however, may go right to the source.

Many credit Fuller for the development of Bronson Arroyo and David Bush, two drafted pitchers that excelled this season, and Chris Capuano and Chris Young last season. Still, the Rockets had too many flawed players on the mound who didn’t benefit from Fuller’s guiding hand.

Pros: The collapse of the bullpen had more to do with age than ability.

Cons: With four young pitchers slated for Rakeville’s opening day roster (Nolasco, Saunders, Petit, Pelfrey) Fuller’s knack for turning around struggling journeymen may not be as useful.

Rusty Greer
While no one thinks the team’s Minor League Director is in Reed’s crosshairs, he could be considered a candidate for team manager if O’Leary is fired.

Greer has been the catalyst behind Rakeville’s stellar minor league program, which has developed players like David Wright, Felix Hernandez and recently called-up Delmon Young. He has shown an eye for talent, and maxing players potential.

Pros: A long, productive career as a player and scout gives him many tools.

Cons: Has never expressed desire to manage.

Other Front Office Staff
Tom Brunasky – Assisant GM
Toby Hall – Hitting Coach
Jose Canseco – Public Relations
Lance Armstrong – Physical Fitness Coach

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