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Around the Bases: Week 11
Piglets and Hispanics battle for supremacy in the West
By Listen DePleyohs / Baseball Tri-Weekly
Week 10 lived up to the hype. The hottest team in the EHCC ran into a wall last week, losing to a resurging Tijuana, and found no sympathy from Weymouth. With the score sickeningly close going into the final day, Weasels pitcher Tim Wakefield and slugger Sammy Sosa guided the seniors to a 5-4 victory.
In the other division, the Mexicans continued their revolt against mediocrity, beating their second ranked team in a row. More importantly, they now hold the tiebreaker over a team that will certainly be fighting for a playoff spot down the line.
The one game that finished below expectations was Las Vegas’s drumming of Quebec City. The lauded Piglet staff posted a 7.35 ERA with a measly 2 wins. Even with the offensive swinging, it was no match the defending Champs.
TIJ at QC
The final week of the half brings some big division match ups. Out in the west, Quebec City hasn’t really been challenged. They have had some close games in the division, but were never really concerned about losing the top spot. Week 11 brings the Hispanics, who handed Bridgewater its second loss two weeks ago, and shut down division rival Winston-Salem last week.
With the way the season has been going for the Piglets, being two games up in the division could calm some of the critics. Their pitching staff is guaranteed to rebound and their offensive seems to be hot. Staying dominate in the West hast to be a top priority for Renaud and his staff.
The Hispanics have over achieved in the minds of many this season, but General Manager Peter Kantor is not happy. Not only does he consider his team a playoff team, but also a bye contender. They proved they can beat a ranked team, now they must prove they can compete in their division before I consider them a serious contender. They have the tools to beat the Piglets. Do they have the heart?
HAV at RAK
The most prominent division game in the East features one of the best and one of the worst. Rakeville was a Tim Wakefield outing away from being in third place this week. Now they sit a half-game out, and only 5.5 games behind the two leaders. More important to Rockets General Manager Jack Reed is the Division title.
“Placing high in the standings means you can blow out some people,” said Reed. “Winning a division means you can beat people. I prefer to beat people.”
Haverhill comes into the game looking like a patsy, but has the players to upset the Rockets. With Vlad Guerrero back from injury, the Swingers can hit. The question is, how long will it take for Matt Germain to get him back in the lineup?
PLY at LV
Las Vegas has been miserable in division play. They are 1-3, with losses to Rakeville, Weymouth and Bridgewater, and sit a half-game behind Plymouth in the standings. While all is not lost for the Doggs, who are tied for first on the EHCC, they may need to win out if they want a shot at their second division crown.
Plymouth is in the same position. There is still hope for the division, but they need to get better, fast. Without a first round pick next season, they should take every opportunity they can get to get their name in lights. The best way to do that is to beat the defending EHCC champs.
The Doggs need to press for a big win, with Weymouth playing a tougher team in the Green Monsters. A good game will put them in sole possession of first and all the momentum heading into the second half.
Listen DePleyohs’s Lock of the Week (2-0): Bizton Markies over Tokyo Ohios, 6-4
| 1. | Bridgewater | ( - ) |
| 2. | Las Vegas | (+1) |
| 3. | Rakeville | (+1) |
| 4. | Weymouth | (-2) |
| 5. | Tijuana | (+2) |
| 6. | Quebec City | (-1) |
| 7. | Golden | (+1) |
| 8. | Winston-Salem | (-2) |
| 9. | Bizton | ( - ) |
| 10. | Plymouth | ( - ) |
| 11. | Haverhill | ( - ) |
| 12. | Tokyo | ( - ) |
League Notes
-- Golden’s second baseman Craig Biggio has expressed wishes to play in the outfield. Rumors are circulating that he planted a beer in the outfield last season and he wants to pick the ripe fruit from his beer tree.
-- The Piglets/Doggs game featured three different mascots: Woofer, the Las Vegas mascot; Oink-face McPorksalot, the Quebec City mascot; and Wildboy, the mascot for Tokyo’s AAA affiliate the Vermont Militiamen. Apparently, he crossed the border earlier in the week to avoid the draft.
-- Mike Tyson’s loss to Kevin McBride only accelerates Plymouth’s attempts to sign the former Heavyweight champion. Said manager Hunchback, “I see him as an excellent setup guy. We know he can’t finish or go long anymore, so middle relief is perfect for him.” Tyson is expected to be Plymouth’s 1st round pick in the minor league draft.
Listen DePleyohs writes a column for Baseball Tri-Weekly. He wears his sunglasses at night, so he can, so he can keep track of visions in his eyes.
