Ticking Timebombs?

We here at the Clarkson Gazette are always working hard to bring you hard hitting Clarkson news. Today we bring you a special insider report filed by our covert reporter, known only as "Night Hawk", to our sister paper the Scranton Times Tribune. His real name is withheld in order to maintain his behind the scenes access. Enjoy:

"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.