HOF Debate

Al Roberts said he was not shocked upon learning last season that he fell one vote short for election into the Clarkson Baseball Hall of Fame.

"I'm just thank thankful I'm even on the ballot, and we'll go on from here," the former 8 time MVP slugger told reporters by telephone.

Roberts, who went onto the ballot last offseason, hit 880 home runs, reached the 3000 hit club, and won a World Series ring with the Boston Brown Sox in Season 11.

He also played in what has become known as the Hard Ball Dynasty Steroid Era, and his candidacy has inspired an unusually heated and public debate among voting members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

"People are going to have suspicions when you play in the era I played in," Roberts said.

Roberts reiterated over the weekend that suspicions of steroid use directed at him are ill-founded. In fact, he called them "ridiculous" and added: “I can’t control what other people did around me. All of my accomplishments are legit."

Roberts candidacy inspired pointed commentaries by voters, including two leading lights at The National Sports Journal Doug Krizechi and Michael Popadapolous.

“I would say this to the people who didn’t vote for Al Roberts because they simply believed he used steroids, based on how he looked or some whispers they hear: Why don’t you just toss him in the lake and see if he floats. If he does, you know he did it, and you can burn him at the stake.”

Krizechi said the claim by baseball writers that steroids-related suspicion of Roberts is enough to not vote for him "makes me absolutely sick to my stomach. This is PRECISELY what I was talking about when I said how much I hate the character clause in the Hall of Fame voting."

Here is Popadapolous:

"The fact remains that there was no stringent testing for these drugs back in the early days of Hard Ball Dynasty. Look at how far the home run totals have dropped compared to back then. Is that just better pitching and bigger ball parks? I’m sure that’s part of it, but we can’t be naïve about this stuff anymore"

For the record, Roberts name has never came up in any steroid talks in the past, and he has been cleared by a number of independent councils.

Roberts told reporters that he didn't expect to get the 17 votes he needed. He fell short by one vote last year.

"I wasn't really worried about it," he said. "Guys are going to vote that way. It's just the way it is. But I’m only one vote away, and I hope voters out there realize that I did it the right way.

"I've done everything that I can on the baseball field. I can't change people's opinions and how they see my career. I'm OK with that. There are other guys who are lumped into the same boat with me, who I would bet my career earnings were clean too. Guys like Al Belliard and Artie Matthews, great sluggers, couldn’t even break the 50% mark.”

It should be noted that neither Belliard and Matthews both have never been linked to any steroid scandal either. In fact, numerous stat guru’s have pointed out that during that time frame, home runs and power numbers were up substantially across the board. This has led many conspiracy theorists to say that HBD was “juicing” the baseballs to increase ticket sales.

At the time of press, no comments were given from the league office in response to our calls.

Roberts said induction into the Hall of Fame would be the "pinnacle" of his personal career.

"You can't ask for anything more than to get inducted into the Hall of Fame," he said.

Let's Make a Deal

Season 19 in Clarkson has begun, and it things are already very busy as a number of teams are looking to move some big name players. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the big names:

In Boise, the big news is management has decided to attempt to move last years #1 overall pick, Bill Tomberlin, in a move that has sent ripples throughout the league. Sources say that the Potato Farmers are trying to capitalize on Tomberlin’s immense value as a young phenom in order to score Cy Young quality pitching. Without question, Tomberlin will be a star on anyone’s team, but some league general managers speculate that with the move from the hitters in Tucson to the slightly more pitcher friendly Memorial Stadium in Boise, the Yonkers, NY native may have become moveable for the right price. It will remain to be seen if any team is willing to pony up what will undoubtedly be a hefty price.

In Cincinnati, big changes are afoot as team owner and president, Dr. James Graybeard, (affectionately known to many fans as “The Scurvy Pirate” for his thick beard and cutthroat, swashbuckling ways on the trade market) has made it known that it might be time for his team to make a youth movement. In recent weeks, sources say the team has sent feelers out regarding interest in proven veteran Peaches McRae, All-Star SS Mike Campbell, and the biggest name, two time reigning MVP Dale Ensberg. Many fans in Cincinnati were stunned at the news, as Ensberg and McRae are fan favorites. It remains to be seen if these rumors turn out to be true, but without question that level of talent should bring in a good haul of young prospects for the future if so.

Wichita has placed sweet hitting 1B, Jaime Darnell on the market in an effort to gather more pieces to break the Boston Brown Sox strangle hold on the NL East. For the past 16 seasons, the Brown Sox have won the division, and have finished second only once in Clarkson history. But last year the Werewolves had a great season, coming within a few games of bringing down the Brown Sox juggernaut. Will Darnell be enough to push them over the edge? Without question Werewolves fans are ready to howl their way to the World Series.

Moving up north to Detroit, the Ducks have placed a number of solid players on the block including Mateo Gonzalez , Tony Bonilla, Douglas Wardand offensive catcher Pasqual Izturis, who shined in limited playing time last year. The Ducks appear to be another team looking to shore-up their team after finishing 1st in the division, but failing to make it far in the playoffs.

Finally we stop in New Orleans, where sources say the Mob brass, including owner James Yoi, of Yoi Brand Fishing and Cannery Inc, are looking to rebound from a disappointing 4th place finish from last year. After some financial issues from the tragic BP Oil Spill in the Gulf, things appear to be turning around in the area for the better. The team has placed a number of young players on the block, and sources say they are looking for help at SS, RP and SP.

That’s all for this week, we’ll be back soon with more news and notes!

Bombs Away!

There is a 2nd jewel in the Bombers’ crown and a peaceful, easy feeling across their empire. The Bombers captured their second title in five years, humbling perennial powerhouse Boston four games to one in a dominating performance.

The Bombers’ offensive explosiveness proved to be too much for any pitching staff to handle, and was led by Joaquin James, Gustavo Escobar and Clarkson legend Raul Urbina.

Urbina, in his 18th season overall, was a free agent steal for the Bombers, who signed the sure-fire Hall of Famer for a paltry 2-year 8.8 million dollar deal. The gamble paid off on the aging superstar, as Urbina made his 12th All-Star team and passed the 800 milestone mark for homeruns.

“I’m just blessed to have been able to play with so many great players and teams through the years. It feels great to finally get that monkey off my back and get to the top of the mountain for the first time.” Urbina said regarding his first World Series Ring of his career. Overcome with emotion as his teammates chanted “Urby! Urby! Urby!”, he was quickly rescued from tears as he was showered in champagne by catcher Pablo Samuel.

It wasn’t easy for the Bombers this season however, as the team was devastated early on by a career-threatening injury to one of their top pitchers, Julio Saenz. The multiple time all-star and Cy Young award winner was happy for his teammates, but frustrated at not being able to play in the World Series.

“It’s tough not being out there with the guys. These guys are like brothers, and they’ve supported me throughout my injury. Hopefully my rehab goes well this season, and I can make it back early next season.” Saenz said from just outside the locker room. Team officials speculate that he could return just after spring training next year, but said that he will receive a World Series ring for his contributions to the team throughout his career.

On the other side of stadium, the losing Boston Brown Sox exit the postseason with disappointment for yet another year. After back-to-back seasons of early round upsets, the Brown Sox finally made it back to the World Series for the first time since they won it all in Season 11. However, the Bombers proved to be too much for the Boston powerhouse, leaving them disappointed again.

“I give credit to some of the Bombers’ pitching, but it seemed like our offense, when we had a chance to really get down and get the big hits, or we had to do things to kind of take them out of the game, it seemed like we couldn’t do it,” Head Coach Lee Clark said. “We kind of sputtered a little bit.”

The loss leaves many question the security of Clark and his coaching staff, as fans are rumbling that the Brown Sox have turned into a regular season powerhouse, and are frustrated at the lack of postseason success. Angry callers in Beantown had already begun calling into local radio shows in frustration by the 8th inning of Game 5.

“They should change the name of the team to the Brown Sheets, because they just crapped the bed, again! Clark has no business coaching this team!” one angry caller said.

Despite the disappointing postseason, the Brown Sox had another stellar year, and with a wealth of talent in the ML and Minors, will undoubtedly break through for another championship in the near future.

But the story of the night was the World Series win by the NY Bombers. Many speculate that this could start a lengthy title run for New York, as they expect to get Saenz back next year for the second half of the season at least.

When asked about how he felt about the win, LF Joaquin James said, “It feels great. Going to have a few beers tonight, enjoy this victory for the next week or so, and then start thinking about how to get the next ring. But it feels pretty damn good right now.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vincenzo Wakeland Las Vegas Gamblers Age: 33 B/T: R/R Born: Andalusia, AL Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

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.

Juan Cervantes none none Age: 37 B/T: L/L Born: Chitre Herrera, PA Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

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.

Pep Thurman Toledo Holies Age: 31 B/T: R/R Born: Sedona, AZ Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

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.

Joaquin James New York Bombers Age: 36 B/T: R/R Born: Villa Clara, CU Position(s): LF/CIF/2B/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

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.

Tips for New Owners!

A few owners asked me to publish a list of tips for new owners on the blog. If you'll notice to the right above the esteemed John Clarkson, there is a link to the Tips page. These tips are generally not my own, but ones I have picked up from more experienced owners during my first few seasons of HBD. The main one is, don't be afraid to ask experienced owners for advice and have fun! For all the veteran owners out there, the list is a work in progress, so please let me know if you see anything out of order or have ideas you think need to be added. Hopefully it is helpful, thanks!

Gamblers Anonymous

Another season of Clarkson baseball has come and gone, and what a year it was. It was a year of greatness on the field and turmoil off the field. However, through it all, fans packed the stadiums to see all the action of their favorite teams. In the end, only one team stood on top of the mountain, reigning as the World Champs for the second time in the three years: the Las Vegas Gamblers.

For the Gamblers, their season was a microcosm of Clarkson in general. Midseason turmoil found the owner of the Gamblers, Al Soxfanski questioning whether or not to sell his team and focus his efforts on his numerous other business ventures. Rumors swirled of possible gambling debts in the Las Vegas communities, and possible mob influence on his team. These reached an all time high when it was announced that the Gamblers would hold Frank Sinatra Day at Cashman Field. However the rumors turned out to be unfounded, after a press release from the club stated that there were absolutely no plans to sell the team.

In the end, it was the Gamblers who captured their second title in three years, defeating the always daunting Fargo Wood Chippers in six games. Despite a valiant effort from AL MVP Ron Sears and team, the Gamblers pitching was too strong, led by perennial Cy Young candidate Vincenzo Wakeland. After the game, and being showered with champagne, Gamblers head coach, Danys Amaro, had the following to say:

“It’s been a wild ride this year ... we will have a wild ride in the parade a couple of days from now. Obviously, the city will go nuts. Nobody loves a winner more than Vegas, and nobody knows how to throw a parade better. It’s been very exciting times and this is what we all play for. It’s been fun, crazy and I’m very, very proud of my players and how they played.”

It was a great year for the Gamblers, and they will begin their title defense soon.

In other Season 17 News:

In the AL, Wood Chippers megastar Ron Sears won his fourth straight, and fifth overall, MVP award in a landslide vote. It was a bittersweet year for the future Hall of Famer, as his team lost in the World Series, followed by word that his team would be leaving their home in Fargo, and head to Toledo. When reached for comment, the slugger had this to say:

“It’s always painful leaving such a great fan base, and I wish we could have gone out on top for them. I wish them nothing but the best, and will always have good memories. Now it’s on to Toledo, which I hear is a great town. Not to mention, I look good in green.”

Hardball Dynasty's

Ron Sears

In the NL, slugger Trey McMahon of the Brown Sox took home his first MVP award.

“It feels great to be recognized for your hard work,” the 31 year old slugger said, “but I have to give credit to the guy around me in the lineup. Not to mention getting away from all that tequila in Monterey!”

It looks like McMahon might be on the move again however, as his contract status with the Brown Sox is still in limbo at this time.

Hardball Dynasty's

Trey McMahon

In pitching news, the NL Cy Young once again came down to an epic battle between longtime rivals Pat Sutton and Vincenzo Wakeland. Wakeland and Sutton are easily the greatest pitchers in Clarkson history, and in the latest clash of the titan, it was Wakeland coming out with the award for the seventh time! This puts him one award of Sutton, 7-6, in all time Cy Young’s. We know Sutton will be looking to even the score, which should make for a very entertaining year.

Hardball Dynasty's

Vincenzo Wakeland

Finally, the AL Cy Young award went to Sherm Kerr, of the New York Bombers. It was the second Cy Young for the young ace, boosting his already wild popularity. Known as “The Magician” to many of his fans, with a few hardcore fans dressing in fake beards and blue wizard robes, he has taken New York by storm. Gossip mags recently caught the hurler out on the town with none other than musician Rihanna, however both have maintained that they are “just friends”.

Hardball Dynasty's

Sherm Kerr

That’s all the news for now, the new season is just around the corner, so get ready Clarkson fans!