Grade The Trade: Peoria/Arlington

In a recent blockbuster trade, the Peoria Cardinals sent their entire starting middle infield, plus an arm and multiple picks to Arlington for long sought after SP Jon Lester and a couple of bats. Both teams are currently very much alive in this years push for the playoffs. How do you think each team fared with this transaction?

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The City of False Hope

The Las Vegas Doggs have dropped from supremacy in the EHCC after not making the 2009 playoffs, but was hope restored after a huge victory at the hands of the Arlington Warriors? David Wright isn't quite sold yet, but it doesn't mean he won't enjoy the after-win party.




The City Of False Hope
By: Conor Intabedd/Reno Weekly Rag



Congratulations go out to the Las Vegas Doggs for shutting out the Arlington Warriors 10-0 in their Week 6 match up. This instance was the 8th time the Doggs have scored 10 points on their opponent in team history, an EHCC record. As the team traveled from Virginia to Mexico to face the Hispanics, team manager Roger Lodge tried to keep his players from getting too excited.

"I just told them they need enjoy the win but reminded that their performance against any other team would have brought a completely different outcome. You don't beat many teams when you put up a .237 team average," Lodge told reporters when the team landed in Tijuana on Monday morning.

Many managers and owners realize that the Warriors have a way of giving their opponent a sense of false hope. Take a look at the defending champion Bridgewater Weasels for example, who beat the Warriors in Week 1 by a score of 6-3. Since then the Weasels have only won 1 game, being outscored 20-28 since the Warriors left.

"We were in a good place," Weasels' slugger Ryan Howard told the EhP, "We had just received our rings. We won our home and season opener, we were riding high. I guess we just forgot who we were dealing with."

In 2009 the Doggs faced off against and easily beat the Warriors in Week 16. They were riding high on top of the Eastern Division standings after a solid 7-2-1 road win, but they may have let the win against the Warriors get them too comfortable. The Doggs lost their next 5 games and ended their season on the wrong side of the playoff bubble.

"We won't ever let that happen to us again, "team captain David Wright commented at the after-win party, "We now realize that a win against Arlington is just a win, regardless of the score. It doesn't mean anything more than any other win. Not to take anything away from us, we put up OK numbers last week, but against most other teams...let's just say I feel lucky. Now if you excuse me, I'm next for Karaoke."

The Doggs have been rumored to already be playing for the 2011 or 2012 EHCC title. They've reportedly shopped the likes of Carlos Lee, who isn't helping his trade value with his early season slump, Alfonso Soriano, Barry Zito, who have been a pleasant surprise, and Ben Sheets, all veterans who would like to rack up another title for themselves. One must wonder if after a big win they might feel as though they can compete for the 2010 crown instead, as they currently sit in 2nd place in the Eastern Division standings.

"I mean, it would obviously be nice, but we have to be realistic. There are some very good teams out there. Peoria has put themselves above all others in the East, and just about everyone in the Western Division is a championship contender. I expect we'll compete all year long, and we very well might make the playoffs, but we will need a lot more luck if/when we make it," commented GM Howe Dogg.

The Las Vegas Doggs currently sit in 5th place overall in the EHCC standings, .5 game under .500 with an overall record of 29-30-1. They are 1-1 within their division.


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Las Vegas Doggs' Team Notes


-Roger Lodge is well aware that not making the playoffs two years in a row for a team that has made the playoffs 8 straight years would not only be a tragedy for their fans, but possibly also for his job. "I'm well aware of the situation. I plan to do just enough to not get fired," Lodge told reporters. Probably not the most endorsing phrase he could have used.

-The Doggs signed minor league pitcher Andrew Cashner to a EHCC contract yesterday. They are hoping to give Cashner the call sometime soon. To make room on the their EHCC roster the Doggs' waived part time closer Jose Contreras, as the team feels as though his birth certificate, which states he is 38, is false. Team officials believe him to be 62, and they don't expect him to produce past the end of May.

-Gordon Beckham continues to be benched for Rickie Weeks has he battles a case of "being a huge disappointment".

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2009 Season Review: Arlington Warriors

Finishing dead last in the EHCC, the Arlington Warriors season might well be characterized as an embarrassment. Speaking with General Manager Matt Skinner, however, finds a strong overtone of pride and a great deal of optimism about the club’s future.

2009 Season Review: Arlington Warriors
By: Matt Skinner; Owner Arlington Warriors

"This franchise embarked on its current course early in 2008. I’ve already established for the record exactly where this team is heading and I readily acknowledged that the journey might be a rough one. A couple months into 2008, we realized that despite coming off a league championship in 2007 that our team as it was constructed not only held little hope to repeat but was ill equipped to consistently contend. With that realization, we established a three year plan for rebuilding the franchise from the minor league system up. If you look at the league history those teams that consistently contend started with a strong young base of talent and sustained that tradition through strong drafts and a strong minor league system. We set out to copy that model, and as a result we fielded a very young inexperienced team this past season." - GM Matt Skinner.

Arlington’s front office backed their word in 2009 with the youth movement driving their every roster consideration and strongly encroaching upon every facet of their game. Their fans certainly saw this as trade after trade brought in fresh baby faces.

· On December 9, 2008, closer Jose Valverde was shipped to the Golden Gryphons (GLD) for Michael Bowden, Quebec City’s (QC) 3^rd Round Major Draft Pick (MaDP), and Golden’s 2^nd Round Minor Draft Pick (MiDP). The 2^nd Round MiDP received from Golden would eventually be used to draft the promising power bat of C Derek Norris.

· Arlington later packed that QC 3^rd Round MaDP, along with it’s own 2^nd Round MiDP in a Februrary 12, 2009 trade with the Tijuana Hispanics (TIJ) that would bring a new closer to town, Mike Gonzalez along with young starter Sean Marshall.

· Arlington was not a silent participant in the 2009 Major Draft, connecting with Tijuana once again to exchange a bevy of draft picks. Trading their own 1^st Round MaDP, along with a 1^st Round MiDP obtained from QC, Arlington brought home QC’s 1^st Round MaDP, TIJ’s 1^st Rd Supplemental MaDP, and TIJ’s 2010 1^st Rd. MiDP. The slew of new picks brought in SP Derek Holland, OF Jordan Schafer, and secured additional lottery chips for this upcoming year’s minor league draft.

· April 9, 2009 saw Arlington ship recently drafted OF Ryan Spilborghs to QC in exchange for a 2010 6^th round MaDP.

· It was with great regret, on July 2, 2009, that Arlington parted ways with SS Derek Jeter. The star had been a rock up the middle for Arlington since it’s championship season of 2007, but fell far outside the organization’s youth movement. Shipped to the Tokyo Omyoujis (TKO), Jeter netted the Warriors OF Jeff Francoeur, minor league SS/3B Mike Moustakas, and TKO’s 2009 2^nd Round MiDP. Exciting young SP Jake Arrieta was selected with that pick, and hopes to break camp with the big league club this spring.

· Parting paths with familiar faces became a trend when old timers SP John Smoltz and utility man Mark DeRosa were moved to the Las Vegas Doggs (LV) at the trade deadline, July 30, 2009 for OF Michael Saunders, SP Vin Mazzaro and LV’s 2010 2^nd Round MaDP.

While Arlington made moves with their various trades, Skinner turns most profuse about the team’s drafts and especially regarding its minor leaguers. Arlington’s Major Draft brought to the franchise multiple players Skinner sees as key to the team’s youth movement and future success. Arguably, the most immediate success found by a 2009 Arlington draftee was by SP Derek Holland, chosen 10^th overall. Success may be a relative term, as his surface numbers profile as 7 Wins, 12 Losses, 6.12 ERA and 107K’s in 138IP. A closer examination however, reveals peripheral numbers that bespeak a brighter future with BB/9 of 3.12 and K/9 of 7.16.

Splitting time at 1B and LF, Kyle Blanks saw limited action with the Warriors but in stretches flashed the powerful bat and keen batting eye that prompted his selection. In only 148AB, Blanks mashed ten homeruns, compiling a .514SLG. His 10.4% walk rate drew rave reviews from Skinner, who also admitted “his strikeout rate was disappointingly high, but the expectation is that those numbers will fall back much closer to his past performance of 18%-25%.”

Starting pitcher Ross Detwiler may have been the biggest disappoint of them all, but even in the greyest of clouds Skinner manages to find a silver lining. “Certainly Ross floundered, we would have liked to have seen stronger peripherals in the K/9 and BB/9 (5.11 and 3.93 respectively), but his FIP was substantially lower than his actual ERA, indicating that with some better defensive player and maybe a little better luck, we could see some improved performances from him in the future.”

Also drafted were outfielders Jordan Schafer and Ryan Spilborghs. When questioned about the failure of the draft with these two selections, Skinner remained evasive. “Failure is a strong word. Schafer, after his injury, became expendable; the necessity of rostering players who could actually play and develop was a top priority for the team. As for Spilborghs, we faced roster decisions and had the opportunity to move him for a pick in this upcoming Major draft. We always have an eye on the future, and the extra draft pick gives our team the flexibility we want to improve our team.”

In July’s Minor Draft, Arlington flashed that flexibility, making not only its own draft picks but two additional picks it had accumulated through trade. Arlington’s picks drew a degree of criticism, as several draftees were seen as high risk prospects. Skinner would say,

"We honestly picked players we thought were the best available, defining that as players with high upside and who have performed to some degree. Carlos (Santana), Jake (Arrieta), and Jhoulys (Chacin) all have the pedigree demanded by their draft slots. If I had to be completely honest however, Derek (Norris) was a bit of a gamble. I really liked the brilliance he’d flash, and realizing his inconsistent performance I still thought the high upside he’d shown warranted a late draft pick, so shoot me."

The team’s assessment of catcher Carlos Santana appears to be spot on. Highly touted, and ranked by many to be one of the top five prospects in the game, Santana’s bat loudly sang his praises. A glimpse at his numbers shows a stat line of 428AB, 23HR, 91RBI, and a triple slash of .290/.413/.530. Santana may quickly rise through the Arlington farm system, but questions of where he’ll fit on the big club are raised considering young blue chip prospect Matt Weiters currently mans the dish.

Jake Arrieta flashed a season of mixed results, dominating early in the season, but struggling later on as more advanced hitters seem to figure out his stuff. Over his first 59IP, Arrieta flashed a 2.59ERA (3.08FIP) while striking out seventy and walking only twenty-three. The final 91.2IP saw those numbers slip, slightly, with a 3.93ERA (4.15FIP) and only 78K’s and 33BB. Regardless, Arlington sees him as a strong middle of the rotation starter with his mid-90’s fastball, slider, curve and changeup.

Jhoulys Chacin continued to make strides exhibiting the strong propensity to lure groundballs that has been characteristic of his success in the minor leagues. At 59.6% Chacin really sets himself apart from other prospects.

Praise shouldn’t be reserved for the Warriors moves or drafts alone. Several young stars made headway for the big league club. Especially encouraging for fans was the promotion and successes of 2008 draftees SP Brett Anderson, SP Brett Cecil and C Matt Weiters. Brett Anderson proved, by far, to be the most consistent of the trio and provided the Warriors with a strong 175 innings pitches. Winning eleven games, Anderson’s ERA and WHIP were 4.06 and 1.28 respectively and he managed to whiff 150 opponents. Anderson’s success was widely recognized, culminating in being awarded the EHCC Rookie of the Year award. Cecil’s success came in spurts, spurts that must increase in duration and frequency if he is to endure as a member of the big club. Catcher Matt Weiters came into the 2009 season touted as the best prospect in the game. It’s a valid question whether or not those expectations were realistic and just how Weiters could have been expected to live up to them. Weiters inaugural season realistically shouldn’t be described as a failure however, as the young receiver managed to cobble together a .288 batting average with 9 homers and 43RBI in only 354 at-bats.

When asked to sum the organizations thoughts on the past season, GM Skinner thoughtfully opined,

"I’m very proud of this team, we saw a number o f players take big steps forward, and flashes of brilliance from others; we’re excited about the future. Regarding that future, in the short term we’ll continue to build a strong youthful base this off-season with an eye to contend no later than 2011. Optimistically, we think this team can make a strong showing this coming season and depending on how things develop, possibly make a run of it."

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Baseball Tri-Weekly: October Cover

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Baseball Tri-Weekly: ATB Week 19

The biggest name to be dealt this month was one of the league's smallest players. Can Ichiro lift Quebec City into the playoff picture?







Around the Bases: Week 19
By Listen DePlayohs, Baseball Tri-Weekly

The August 1st trade deadline was one of the most active in league history, with seven teams locked into negotiations until the final hour. The last few weeks have also yielded some interesting deals, which certainly affect the standings.

Four championship contending teams made moves, and all of them look better for a 2007 run. Let’s look at what they did and how much it costs to be a champion.

Rakeville Rockets
Incoming – RP Francisco Cordero, RP Joe Borowski, SS Julio Lugo,
*Jose Tabata, *Joel Guzman, QC 1st Rd 2008 MaDP, WS 3rd Rd 2008 MaDP

Outgoing - SP A.J. Burnett, SP Randy Johnson,
*Max Scherzer,

Notable Loss - A.J. Burnett: Though injured when traded, Burnett was expected to return in time for the playoffs. With expanded rosters, his loss could be important.

Notable Add – Julio Lugo will be pressed into duty immediately, but should provide a boast once Utley returns with his speed and versatility

2007 Outlook – Rakeville’s deals weren’t blockbuster ones. They upgraded their speed and are now a lock for saves. Though they were unable to augment their outfield, the Rockets may have tinkered enough to win a championship.

2008 and beyond – Aside from Scherzer, the Rockets kept there farm system and draft picks intact, while adding more young talent. The addition of Tabata, along with 2 major league draft picks for 2008, should put them in excellent position to contend next year.

Las Vegas Doggs
Incoming – SP Mark Buehrle, SP Dave Bush, SP Gil Meche, OF Adam Dunn, SP Yovanni Gallardo
GLD 4th Rd 2008 MaDP

Outgoing – OF Ichiro Suzuki, OF Jason Bay, SP Matt Garza
*Jay Bruce, LV 1st Rd MaDP, LV 2nd Rd MaDP, LV 2nd Rd MiDP

Notable Loss – Ichiro is having another excellent year, but was deemed expendable. His stellar batting average and stolen base ability could be on display in the first round of the playoffs if Quebec City and Las Vegas meet.

Notable Add – Gallardo was having a great season in the minors, and has been unhitable since his call-up. Some are worried that the Doggs may shut him down once he reaches 175 innings pitched, though I’m sure they will make an exception if he keeps going at this clip.

2007 Outlook – The Doggs have spent all season trying to build a pitching staff, and it looks like they have finally done it by bringing in four top-notch starters. They finally has a complete staff worthy of a championship run, though they might have gotten them a little too late for a bye.

2008 and beyond – The Doggs filled a lot of holes, but they also spent a lot doing it. They are almost devoid of assets now. The loss of Bruce, Bay and Ichiro leaves their outfield diminished, plus no minor leaguers and the loss of their first and second round picks means the Doggs are going to have to rely on their core for some time.

Arlington Warriors
Incoming – SP Chuck James, SP John Maine
TIJ 3rd Rd MaDP

Outgoing – SP Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP Chad Guadin,
ARL 5th Rd MaDP

Notable Loss – Matsuzaka was to be the face of the Warriors franchise, but trade offer after trade offer must have slowly changed their mind.

Notable Add – Maine has been performing under the radar for a bad Hispanics team. Now in the playoff hunt, expect his stuff to explode onto the main stage.

2007 Outlook – The Warriors decided quantity over quality was their best bet. Maine and James deepen their already solid young staff and give them a playoff caliber rotation. They won’t, however, be enough to slip past some of the other teams and they are destined for a 1st round loss.

2008 and Beyond – Considering some of the offers floated in the off-season for Matsuzaka, the Warriors didn’t get enough for their ace. Still the deal hasn’t hurt their position and if James develops, he could fill Dice-K’s shoes in a year or two.

Quebec City Piglets
Incoming – OF Ichiro Suzuki, SP Ted Lilly, SP Derrick Lowe, SP Tim Lincecum, SP Greg Maddux

Outgoing – SP David Bush, RP Brandon Morrow, SP Andy Sonnanstine, OF Chris B. Young
*Clayton Kershaw, Adam Miller, Cameron Maybin, QC 1st Rd MiDP, QC 2nd Rd MiDP

Notable Loss – Adam Miller was the first overall draft pick in the 2005 Minor League Draft. Though he only has a half year left on his minor league contract, he was a Canadian favorite that will be deeply missed.

Notable Add – Veterans Lilly, Lowe and Maddux may not jump out at you, but they are consistent contributors who are needed to round out a top tier pitching staff.

2007 Outlook – There are still a few holes in there pitching staff, and their infield isn’t very good at all, but the Piglets are now the favorites to take the 4th spot in the standings and the Western Division crown.

2008 and beyond – How many future stars did the Piglets package into their deals? Seven future big leaguers were sent packing this month, and while they did get Lincecum, that is a lot of talent to let go, regardless of how deep their system is.


Matchups
It is all about the division, and we have two big matchups heading into Week 19.

Winston Salem is in the driver’s seat in the West, with a half-game lead over Quebec City. The Piglets struggled for the second week in a row, unable to take advantage of Golden. They are staring up at the playoffs, already committed to reaching it but waving in performance. When playing in cigarette city, you have to deal with the speed. The Piglets have Ichiro, Barfield and Furcal to combat it, though that’s like combating fire with hair spray.

Winston-Salem has won their last three games by a margin of 24-5.
Their pitching staff is still not good enough to carry a blowout against the Piglets, but the Green Monsters were built to win these games, and I expect them to pull it off. Then they may take a look at overtaking Las Vegas for third.


The Doggs couldn’t edge out the Rockets, despite a last minute surge by their bullpen. Now they head to Weymouth to defend their division crown. A win would all but clinch the title for Las Vegas, as they only have bottom-feeder Peoria left on their schedule.

This game will be another good test for their new-look rotation. Weymouth’s pitchers are not nearly as deep as they have been in past seasons, but they still have a lot of quality arms. The Doggs churned unsuccessfully against Rakeville, but won’t need to against Shaduppu. It should be a fierce duel.

Weymouth’s offense had a nice little power burst last week, and look hot heading back to the island. Their playoff lives hang in the balance with only a handful of games keeping the Piglets at bay.


League Notes

-- Kei Igawa signed with Tokyo, his fifth EHCC team this season. When asked what he expected to bring to the Omyoujis, he replied, “My luggage.”

-- Seventeen thousand Arlington fans filed a class action suit against the Warriors for Matsuzaka jerseys purchased this season. “The team signs a contract with the fans,” said noted lawyer Jesse Jokeson. “They guaranteed a jersey of certain value. Now there is no value. It is illegal.” No word on whether Virginia courts will accept the case.

-- Jeremy Hermida is still crazy.

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Baseball Tri-Weekly: July Cover

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Baseball Tri-Weekly: ATB Week 4

Arlington's Howie Kendrick has had a recent setback, but he and fellow middle infielder B.J. Upton have done good things this season now that they have finally gotten a chance to play. Find out how the pieces came together to put the Warriors at the top of the standings.

Around the Bases: Week 4
By Listen DePlayohs, Baseball Tri-Weekly

We all know why Bridgewater is winning, powered by a resurgent Alex Rodriguez, and Rakeville has pitched their way to a top spot. But what about the team sitting second in the EHCC standings.

The Arlington Warriors have been the early surprise of 2007, and it can’t just be written off because of their seemingly cupcake schedule. The Warriors opened with the defending champs, leading the game going into the final day. They then went on blow out, not just win, games against Santo Domingo and Tijuana. Blowouts are the mark of teams who aren’t just good, but serious playoff contenders.

In a span of three months, the Warriors have put together a young productive team, with veteran talent sprinkled in to create a viable EHCC franchise. They are giving playing time to players who are immensely talented, but suffered in poor systems or behind mediocre veterans. Guys like BJ Upton, Curtis Granderson and Howie Kendrick aren’t just fill in players anymore. Arlington has given them a stage and they are producing.

A trading genius?
In January, days after gaining acceptance to the league, Arlington’s GM Matt Skinner made a trade that may be considered one of the best in league history if you discount the some of the sketchy dealings made by Las Vegas in years past. Desperate for pitching, Tokyo spared no expense in acquiring C.C. Sabathia and Brandon Webb, giving up Alex Gordon, Howie Kendrick, John Danks and Curtis Grandson. The deal also included draft picks, which turned into Adam Lind and helped the team get superstar Matt Holliday a few weeks later. And to cap it off, they also have the first overall pick in this year’s minor league draft.

Essentially, Arlington may have gotten future 4 all-stars and three above average players for an ace and an above average hurler.

Their trading successes didn’t end there. The Matt Holliday deal was an expensive one, but not nearly as costly as it could have been to get one of the best outfielders in baseball. They also picked up Miguel Montero and Johnny Peralta. The book is still out on those two, but overall, Arlington’s moves have put them in the driver’s seat.

A franchise pitcher
"I offered him everything under the sun," said Las Vegas General Manager Howe Dogg. "He just wouldn’t budge. I’ve have never had such a tough time getting what I want."

Daisuke Matsusaka was the most coveted player in the 2007 general draft. At least three teams made a serious effort to trade into the top spot, and many more looked on with curiosity. Despite names like Francisco Rodriguez and Vernon Wells being thrown at Skinner, he stood firm.

"Unless the deal involves a young pitcher better than Matsusaka, then I don’t want to hear it," he said, holding true to his word.

With the first pick as expected, Matsusaka donned an Arlington cap, and a legend was born. In spring training alone, the Warrior ace killed a man, made another crazy and proved that he could anchor a young, talented pitching staff.

"There isn’t a pitcher in the league that has as much pressure on him as Matsusaka," said J.C. Stapleton, EhSPN radio. "When he does well, the whole Arlington staff feeds off of him. If he starts to struggle, then I really think the wheels will come off."

He added, Zach Grienke, Adam Wainwright, Tom Grozelanny and James Shields have a chance to be aces, but they are not there yet. Matsusaka has taken all the weight on his shoulders, allowing them to develop at their pace.

It is why he is so admired by fans, and so valuable to management. He is going to be one of the greats.

A delicate balance
Playing next to Curtis Granderson is Maglio Ordonez. Next to Chris Ray, Brian Fuentes. A 42-year-old Barry Bonds swaps time at DH with 26-year-old Mike Jacobs.

EHCC expansion teams have taken many different routes. Tokyo went young, Golden went old. Winston-Salem went for speed, Tijuana power. There has been no clear path to success. Perhaps Arlington has had better luck than most, but the combination of overlooked youth and a strategic veteran presence has spelt success.

Arlington has three legitimate closers, not hard throwing setup men looking for jobs. Their starting pitchers are young, but productive. While not as deep as most teams, the talent and potential can make an impact this year. Their seven outfielders are far too many, but only Felix Pie isn’t an option to spot start right now.

A look at their team shows no real holes. Sure, they would like Montero to hit for a better average and Peralta to show more power. Wainwright isn’t pitching as expected and Joakim Soria isn’t getting the save opportunities they would like. But the question, are the Warriors struggles any less than the other teams in the EHCC? If the answer is no, then they are going to be in the playoffs this year.

Breaking down the Warriors
The Core: Matt Holliday, B.J. Upton, Howie Kendrick
The Dealers: Daisuke Matsusaka, Aaron Harang, Chris Ray
The Wildcard: Zach Grienke
The Future: Adam Wainright

What about this week’s matchups?

Arlington at Bridgewater
As hot as Arlington is Bridgewater is hotter. The Weasels entire infield is lighting up the league, with a combined 27 homeruns in three weeks. Marcus Giles and Jimmy Rollins doing the dirty work while Alex Rodriguez gets all the glory. This tidal wave of offense will be tough to stop, especially when you consider Derrick Lee and Ryan Howard have really struggled early on.

Pitching is a different story, and an area where Arlington can grab a few categories. The Weasels have a ton of depth, but no standout aces who could help take over a few categories. If Haarang, a two-start pitcher this week, can deliver a low whip, high strikeout performance, then the Warriors could really do damage. Saves is also up for grabs.

Bridgewater is hard to bet against. Arlington needs to capitalize on the categories they can win, using their versatile outfield corps to outmanage the Weasels if they want to remain at the top of the league.

Tokyo at Santo Domingo
The Omyoujis record breaking continues by burying Quebec City’s RBI total. The previous mark, set at 53 against the Plymouth Bells, was eclipsed last week in Tijuana when Tokyo sluggers hit 56 in a 5-5 tie. Outfielder Carlos Guillen had 10 while Jeff Francour and Michael Cuddyer had 8 in the game.

One has to wonder what records Tokyo will break this week as they head to Santo Domingo with a .500 record. They rank in the middle of the pack in almost every category, but have the explosive ability to jump out at teams when they least expect it.

Santo Domingo has been under the radar this season, and a lot has to do with being at the bottom of the standings. Don’t underestimate the White Devils pitching staff though. They have five pitchers with two or more wins, and six with sub-3.00 eras. Going up against a struggling Tokyo staff could really help showcase the fine rotation they have put together, hopefully leading to some wins.

Tijuana at Las Vegas
Just when you thought they were done, Las Vegas re-establishes their dominance in a stirring 8-1 victory over Winston-Salem. They have really lucked out compared to the other playoff teams struggling early on, having a much easier schedule through the first few weeks. Had they played Rakeville or Bridgewater instead of Arlington and Tokyo, then Las Vegas could have been a lot lower in the standings. Instead, they are in fourth only four games out of first with their offense clicking again.

Tijuana can’t match the Doggs pound for pound offensively, and rely needs on their speed and run scoring ability. With the pitching staffs a wash, the battle this week will be won on the basepaths. With Freel, Tavares and Lugo facing off against Ichiro, Reyes and Weeks, expect an exciting game fore fans, and a long one for Jojjima and Lo Duca.

Transactions

Quebec City will get a boost for their matchhup against Rakeville with Hideki Matsui returning to the lineup. Reliever Henry Owens was cut to make room for the outfielder.

Tokyo added David Aardsma. The reliever has pitched well, but is considered the third option for a true closing job.

Weymouth, a big fan of super utility players, picked up Rich Aurillia. He is able to play every infield position, a valuable commodity since Chone Figgins got hurt.

League Notes

-- Three golf balls were found on the field at Drunken Nest Stadium in Golden. Reports indicate the team invited Justin Timberlake to entertain at a corporate function, but the hip hop singer said he would rather be a pro golfer. Timberlake later disappeared and was believed to be driving balls from the top of the center field scoreboard.

-- To promote the upcoming minor league draft, EHCC officials have made a parody of Saturday Night Live’s Dear Sister. Instead of gun shots, the song "Hide and Seek" by Imogen plays over clips of Mark Prior getting injured. The commercial ends with the motto, "Scouting Matters."

-- A police scanner was installed in the visitors bullpen of The Concrete Jungle in Bridgewater, to alert players that their car is being towed.

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Baseball Tri-Weekly: A deadly dealer

Reporter Kyle Gaffer is helped by paramedics after being hit with a baseball in the face. More is known about the incident, but no one may ever know if it was intentional. Sadly, one of our greatest reporter is no more.








A deadly dealer
By Listen Deplayohs, Baseball Tri-Weekly

FORT MYERS, Fla. - An enigma in the EHCC, Daisuke Matsuzaka has taken on a few more titles this spring training: Murderer and career ruiner.

Late last night, Baseball Tri-Weekly’sKyle Gaffer was struck by a pitch during a work out in Arlington’s spring training home by Matsuzaka. He was taken to Boris Memorial Hospital, but died early this morning.

"Gaffer was wandering behind the catcher," said an Arlington spokesperson. "A few scouts and coaches were behind there also, watching Matsuzaka pitch. I don’t know if the pitch got away from the catcher, and I don’t want to speculate, but Mr. Gaffer was hit."

EMTs were called immediately, and Gaffer was conscious for a short time. According to Boris Memorial, he died from blunt force trauma to the kidney, pancreas, left arm and brain.

"It was no accident," said Warriors catcher Jason Varitek. "I had no idea where it was going, but Matsusaka did. I could see it in his eyes. If it was a fastball, I would have dove for it, but I couldn’t tell what it was."

Gaffer, who joined Baseball Tri-Weekly late last year, was assigned to cover the most coveted player in the upcoming draft. He had followed Matsusaka to workouts with Golden and Las Vegas, but the one with Arlington was clearly important.

"He had been grilling Matsusaka with questions all week long," said Mark Tuckerman, a reporter with the Washington Times. "He had learned Japanese in the offseason in preparation for the coverage. He may have been the best reporter I have ever known."

Tuckerman said that conversations between the pitcher and scribe got heated at times, with Matsusaka walking out of a press conference.

"I don’t know what they were talking about," said Tuckerman. "The interpreter stopped translating."

Gaffer wasn’t the only person Matsusaka destroyed. During a training session with Quebec City, Matsusaka was asked to face a few batters, one being Jeremy Hermida.

"I don't know if the gyro was what I was seeing, but I was seeing something that's kind of like a split-finger changeup," said Hermida, who has a year-plus in the EHCC. "It's tough to describe. I just know I didn't pick up the spin."

Hermida was so distraught about the at bats, he sought the counsel of Manager Brian Fantana. Two days later, Hermida was traded to Peoria without explanation.

"The gyroball really messed him up," said Piglet Josh Barfield, Hermida’s spring training roommate. "He was muttering in his sleep, swearing in English and Japanese. I wanted to talk to him about it next morning, but he seemed too spaced out to talk. I told coach about it, and the next day he was gone."

Matsusaka has remained tight-lipped regarding both incidents, though he did issue an apology to Gaffer’s family. If it was half-hearted, the English speaking ones among us will never know.

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