News and Notes
With the first portion of the season over, let’s take a look at some of the events of the early season:
In the National League, the Los Angeles Trojans have streaked out of the gate to post a league-best 26-8 record. The long time Fish Taco team move to its new and improved digs in Los Angeles, and so far the team has responded well to their new home. The fans have also responded, coming out in droves and becoming something an “in” spot for local celebrities, including Tom Cruise, Jeff Bridges and Cameron Diaz among others.
“It’s great to see the fans out here supporting us. With all the money in this town, it’s great to see the production that goes into our home games.” Said Brian Evers, the slugging Trojan 1B. “It was a little overwhelming at first, I was even rumored to be to dating Emma Stone at one point! But things have settled down, and it’s been great.”
In the American League, the New York Bombers have rallied around their fallen hurler, Julio Saenz and posted a ML best 28-6 record. The Bombers, one of the few remaining original Clarkson teams, were dealt a devastating blow early in the season with the loss of Saenz, who may be out up to two years recovering. However the Bombers have come together, and are currently being led by one of the all-time greats in Raul Urbina, who was acquired in the offseason after leaving Jackson.
“I had a great run in Jackson, but it feels great to be here in New York on the big stage. I’ve had a great career, and I don’t know how many years I have left after my current contract runs out.” The Clarkson great said in a recent interview, “So I’m just trying to maximize my time and enjoy it as much as possible. Hopefully I can help push the Bombers to a World Series title this year, and next for that matter.”
In International news, the Cincinnati Scallywags made a huge acquisition after negotiating the rights to Cuban defector Kiki Navarre. Navarre looks to be a sure-fire all-star with electric stuff, and the Scallywags had to pay top dollar to get him. It has been an interesting ride for Navarre to say the least:
“In Cuba, it is a very hard life from where I am from.” Navarre said through a translator, “We had very little, and it was hard to find the equipment to play baseball. My uncle gave me a glove one year for my birthday, but I think he might have stolen it. I used that glove every day until I was discovered by some scouts from America. Now I am here and very happy, and look forward to buying a new glove.”
It has been an exciting year so far in Clarkson, and we all are looking forward to see what happens next. Until next time, you stay classy Hard Ball Dynasty.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Saenz Health Scare
Tragedy strikes in New York, as a serious injury has claimed one of the Bombers brightest stars. In the second inning of last nights game against the Philadelphia Flame Throwers, SP Julio Saenz began to complain of odd feelings in his pitching arm and pain in his fingers. Precautionary tests were run at the stadium, the results of which caused alarm with Bombers officials. Saenz was rushed to a nearby hospital for further tests and kept overnight, but was released this morning.
Julio Saenz, the Bombers' 28-year-old star pitcher, is suffering from complications of a rare type of aneurysm in an artery in his right shoulder that most likely developed from the motion he used to deliver countless pitches during his career, according to a doctor familiar with his case.
Blood clots that formed in the aneurysm near the shoulder apparently broke off and blocked blood flow, causing tingling and pain in his fingers and making his ring finger turn white. Medication has apparently alleviated the potentially dangerous problem in Saenz's fingers. But the prime problem -- the aneurysm in his arm -- remains and will require surgery.
It is not clear if or when Saenz will be able to return to the team. But two other pitchers on minor league teams who developed similar aneurysms had the problem corrected surgically and one of them has resumed playing professional baseball.
Officials of Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City, where Saenz continued to be treated yesterday, have refused to discuss his case. The Bombers were unclear about the medical plans for Saenz, saying that additional opinions were being gathered from doctors.
An aneurysm is a ballooning of an artery that results when diseases or injury weaken the inner lining of the blood vessel. They can occur anywhere in the body. The most common type results from arteriosclerosis and occurs in the aorta, or main artery leading from the heart. Many aneurysms in the brain result from congenital weakening of the lining of an artery.
The type of aneurysm Saenz developed resulted from the mechanical stress of his pitching motion.
Although rare, this type is being recognized more commonly in such athletes as handball and volleyball players, kayak enthusiasts and a range of others who perform strenuous shoulder rotation movements.
“It was quite a scare for us last night, but thankfully the prognosis for Julio’s long term health is good after surgery. We’re unsure when or if he will return to baseball, but right now, his health is the top priority, of course.” said Max Schmidt, VP of Baseball Operations for the Bombers.
We here at the Clarkson Gazette wish a speedy recovery to Saenz.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Hard Times in the Big Easy
New Orleans: On August 25th 2005, The Big Easy was hit with one of the most devastating hurricanes in U.S. history. Hurricane Katrina killed thousands of people along the Gulf Coast, and caused billions of dollars in damage. Since then, the area has been struggling to rebuild and has leaned heavily on local sports team to provide hope and a welcome break from the day to day grind of rebuilding.
Just in the past year, the New Orleans Saints won their first Super Bowl in thrilling fashion and the Hornets appear to be on their way up with a healthy Chris Paul back in the mix. However, excitement went through the roof when Louisiana businessman James Yoi, who made his millions by dominating local fishing and shrimping industries, purchased Atlanta’s NL South division winning baseball team and moved it to the Crescent City.
With a baseball team on the cusp of a World Series run moving to their town, the New Orleans Mob quickly became the new passion of the great Gulf Coast city. Season tickets quickly began to sell out, and Mob Jersey’s were frequently seen during the off-season’s early days.
However, after spending a good deal of money in arbitration to sign players such as 3B John Buckley, 2B Rich Borowski and Albert Butcher, among others, tragedy has struck at the worst possible time. In recent months, the tragic BP Oil Spills have devastated Yoi’s once lucrative fishing and shrimping businesses, leaving the Mob owner and staff scrambling to adjust their budgets.
“This oil spill was something that could not have been predicted, and it is causing havoc up and down the Gulf Coast. While cleanup efforts are under way, it has put a huge dent on what we can do financially for the New Orleans Mob, obviously.” Yoi had to say in a press release, “However we remain dedicated to putting a competitive team out there and bringing a World Series title to this great city.”
With the recent events, Mob officials have begun trying to find partners to trade away some of their larger contracts for younger and/or less expensive players. It remains to be seen if they can capture the NL South title with all the off the field events and the resulting damage to their payroll. With perennial contenders Jackson and Louisville, it will be difficult, but they still have a good core of talent and fans are hopeful their first season with the Mob will be a successful one.
*Parts of this story were gathered from New Orleans Mob websites, reprinted in this story with permission from Mob officials.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Offseason News and Notes
With offseason owners meetings wrapping up this weekend in Orlando FL., let’s take a look at some news and rumors from around the league:
Word out of the Jackson Marvels camp is that their brass is looking to make a big splash in the free agent market this year. No word on who they are targeting specifically, but word on the street is that they may be looking to free up SP Curt Wood. Wood has been somewhat of a disappointment in Jackson, but there is no doubt he has raw talent and is young.
In New Orleans, rumors have emerged that Mob officials are looking at letting utility man R.J. James go to the free agent market instead of signing him to a long term contract. Scouts have been giving positive reviews about minor league SS Bill Morrow, who had a good year in season 17 at AAA. With James looking to go to arbitration and most likely expecting more money, Mob brass may be looking at the younger, and cheaper, Morrow.
In Philly, word has hit the market that several of their players are being made available for trade. Alex Polonia, Al Johnson and Preston Creek have hit the market in recent days. It remains to be seen if this is a full blown rebuild mode, or if the Flame Throwers are looking to improve their stock in order to take down powerhouse New York.
Finally in trade news, the Toronto Northmen have put hard-hitting CF Kirk Curtis on the trade market. Curtis, a former Gold Glove center fielder is sure to command a lot of attention, as he is entering his last year of a five year deal. The Toronto masher would be a good power bat to add to any lineup. When asked for comments about the trade rumors, Curtis responded “You never like being involved in trade rumors, but I will just try to focus on my play on the field, and not worry about that unless it happens.”
MILESTONE WATCH
Also this year, there are a handful of players looking break some major career milestones:
In Las Vegas, as crowds celebrate their World Series win from last year, the great Vincenzo Wakeland has arrived at the door step of the 3000 strikeout milestone. With only 170 strikeouts to go until 3000, he will undoubtedly reach this vaunted milestone this year, barring injury, making him only the second player in Clarkson history to enter this exclusive club.
 |
| ||||||||||||||
Free agent Closer Juan Cervantes is close to the 400 Save club, however it remains to be seen if he will be given the opportunity to reach the 400 club. In the past two seasons, he has only logged 7 saves, the same number he needs to reach 400, but it is unclear if he will get a chance with another team at age 37. Still, a great career for the longtime closer.
 |
| ||||||||||||||
In Toledo, speed demon Pep Thurman is closing in on the all time stolen base record, currently held by Free Agent Felipe Johnson. Thurman, who is only 13 stolen bases behind Johnson, but 6 years younger, will undoubtedly pass and shatter Johnsons record when his career is finally over. At only 31, Thurman will put the record far out of reach of any of the current SB career leader.
 |
| ||||||||||||||
And finally in New York, LF Joaquin James looks to become just the 4th player in Clarkson history to reach the exclusive 3000 hit club. The 36 year old Villa Clara native will need to stay healthy all year, but barring injury, he should reach this historic milestone late in the year. The veteran has shown little signs of slipping, so we fully expect him to reach the 3000 hit club.
 |
| ||||||||||||||
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Ticking Timebombs?
"Scranton LOB:
In a story beginning to develop out of Scranton it appears that the reason for the Dunderheads leaving the Electric City may not be entirely baseball related. This reporter has learned that on an evening in early august an incident took place that may be the real reason that Scranton lost it's major league baseball franchise.
As the story goes 58 year old Bart 'Black Bart' Barton, owner of the Tacoma Timebombs (formerly the Scranton Dunderheads), arrived at the Scranton Cultural Center for a jazz concert and became embroiled in a melee with city councilman Mathew Derlago. The witnesses I have spoken with confirmed that Barton was quite intoxicated and apparently overheard Derlago make a comment, that is when things got ugly.
Barton allegedly confronted Derlago about the comment and a heated argument ensued. One thing lead to another and Derlago, according to eyewitnesses swung at Barton to which Barton countered and broke the jaw of the councilman.
Barton was placed under arrest, while Derlago was admitted to Mercy Hospital and treated for his injuries. Barton was later released form custody and as of press time no charges had been laid. Derlago has since filed suit and is suing Barton for damages.
Here is where it gets interesting. Derlago is the Chairman of the Scranton venue committee and is the committee person in charge of filling the lease for Lackawanna Stadium, which is up as of the close of season 17.
It is well documented that Barton wanted a new stadium and talks regarding the lease arrangement had stalled, but a source who was within earshot of the altercation has told me that is not what the two were arguing about.
Apparently Barton had a young woman accompanying him that evening and the young woman was none other than Marina Derlago, the twenty two year old daughter of the councilman.
My source deep within City Hall confirmed for me that Barton may not have known that Marina was in fact Derlago's daughter but it was of little consequence, he refused to resume talks. So the Dunderheads are gone and Lackawanna Stadium remains empty.
Barton could not be reached for comment and Derlago has taken a leave of absence from city council. No one knows where he is, but this reporter vows to uncover the truth surrounding these events."
Certainly this is a blockbuster story, and it remains to be seen how this will affect the Timebombs this season. With a pending lawsuit on his hands, will "Black Bart" be reluctant to open his wallet, or will this incident spur him to go to greater lengths for a World Series win in his new home. Only time will tell.