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Around the Bases: Week 5
A look at this week's heated rivalries, and some growing new ones
By Listen DePleyohs / Baseball Tri-Weekly
Last week's division showdowns proved nothing in this early season. Four games could have gone either come Sunday, and the league leading Hispanics beat up on a patsy. I expect week 5, on the other hand, to tell us much more.
The defending champs head into Mexico to take on their proclaimed rivals, the Piglets and Weasels must win big to prove they aren't washed up, and Golden could make statement with a win over a veteran team.
LV at TIJ
First, to Mexico, where accusations of steroids and homosexuality have been levied against Brian Roberts by GM's in the league. Tijuana officials refused to comment on the situation, spouting some crap about political correctness.
The Doggs know a thing or two about both subjects, along with its weaknesses. GM Howe Dogg said, "We want first place back, and we are going to get it this week. Our juiced fairies are better than their juiced fairies."
I expect it to be a close game, with Las Vegas having enough firepower to hold them off. The Doggs have a lot of holes in areas where the Hispanics do well. This could come down to the last day, where sweet love will be made by all.
QC vs. HAV
This is an important game for the Piglets. They face a mid-range team that can beat them if they let their guard down. With a 2-2 record, including a beating by Shaddupu and a squeaker win against the Monsters, Quebec has been mediocre as of late. Unless they make a move soon, they may find themselves 15 games back with a long road back to a bye.
The Swingers find themselves in the middle of a tough stretch, and may see this week as a chance to turn things around. Both teams have been fairly injury-free, aside from Bonds, and Haverhill has nothing to lose.
Quebec lives and dies with its pitching staff now. If they have a good week, he can easily blowout any team.
TKO vs WEY
With Tijuana and Las Vegas squaring off, Weymouth sits four games out of first with the perfect spring to bounce them to the top. The shaddupu have been very inconsistent this season, winning big at times and losing close at others. a 9-1, 8-2 win this week will jump them into second, while a 6-4 or 5-4 would be a huge failure going into Las Vegas the next week.
The key to this game will be the Omyongies rotation. It is small, but full of potential with two big guns leading the way. If they could spring the two pitching ratios, and wins or K's, they may be able to upset the former champ's plans
GLD vs RAK
They beat Bizton, Plymouth and Winston-Salem and have all the confidence to be a playoff contender. Now they get a shot at one of their rivals. If Golden wants to prove they are a legitimate playoff threat, a win against Rakeville will be a good first step.
"These are the games they have to win," said John Fraggle. "The only way to get in the playoffs is to beat the team ahead of you. That means Rakeville, Haverhill and Winston-Salem."
Golden matches up pretty well against the Rockets, who took down the Shaddupu last week. Look for speed and the Gryphons bullpen to play a big role this week.
League Notes
-- Bells Relief pitcher Juan Rincon was suspended for his use of performance enhancing drugs. Sadly, he is still in the Plymouth lineup and is expected to contribute 10 strikeouts this week.
-- The Nomar Lounge, a bar in Rakeville formerly known as the Castillo club, changed its name again to the Pedro Pub.
-- In response to their team's struggles, Winston-Salem officials have named a cigarette 'The curse of Alex Rios.' They hope that by smoking the name of their former player, it will burn away the negative mojo. Also, they like to smoke.
Listen DePleyohs writes a column for Baseball Tri-Weekly. His name is still pretty damn weird.
