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9 Strong Innings
With Gryphons closer Chad Cordero
By Lich Feisen / EHSPN
Lich Feisen: Hello, and welcome back to 9 Strong Innings, the show where we take someone involved in the EHCC and ask them a bunch of questions. Whether it ends up being interesting or not is not of importance. Today we have with us Golden Gryphons relief pitcher Chad Cordero. How are we doing today Chad?
Chad Cordero: We are doing as well as a National League all-star and saves leader can do, Lich.
LF: That's good to hear, I guess. Are you aware of the format of the show?
CC: Well since I usually only pitch 1 or 2 innings at most I don't really pay attention to the beginning of the games... so why don't you refresh my memory?
LF: I'll ask you 9 questions and you'll have 3 minutes to answer each one. Once the 3 minutes is up I'll let you know and cut you off. Are you ready?
CC: Shoot.
LF: First off, do you expect your team to make, and compete in, the playoffs this year?
CC: I do expect us to make it the playoffs, I've heard rumors in the Upper Office that there are a few more trades in the making to make us competitive. As of now, I think we can get out of the first round.
LF: Speaking of trades, who would you like to be added to your staff?
CC: Well of players out there on the block right now, I would like to have my good buddy Odalis Perez come here and pitch for us. But who wouldn't like an ace like Carpenter or Livan Hernandez.
LF: There are some saying that the Bells would be willing to part with their ace.
CC: There are some saying the Gryphons already have an offer.
LF: Next question...since you say your team is looking to trade for new players, are you afraid that you might be involved in a near-future trade which might send you to a worse (or better) team?
CC: Well let me tell you a little story Lich.... I was strolling around the clubhouse one afternoon before a game, and I walked into GM Comtois's office and he was on the ground laughing hysterically while clicking reject trade on the webpage he was on... he told me there was multiple trades inquiring about me and he just was laughing his a** off about them. So to answer your question... no I don't think I'll be traded.
LF: Interesting. Chad, which team in the EHCC currently under your team in the standings fears you the most?
CC: Well I guess right now it would have to be Tijuana because they are closer to be then Bizton, but with the trade Bizton just pulled of with Shaddypoo... their offense scares me a lot.
LF: I take it you wouldn't want to pitch to them in the playoffs huh?
CC: I'm not afraid of pitching to anyone... I'm just worried about the starters being able to get the game to me.
LF: On the opposite side of things, of the teams currently ahead of you in the standings, which team would you least like to pitch to, excuse me, which team would you feel your starters would have the most trouble with in the playoffs?
CC: Well there are quite a few teams with great hitters... I guess if I had to pick one it would be Quebec City.
LF: Why's that?
CC: only because Derek Lee is the best hitter in baseball this year... and Andruw Jones is also having a career year.
LF: Those are guys who have been crushing the ball as of late. And to think, The Rockets dropped Lee prior to the 2005 draft.
CC: And to also think, our GM had a chance to draft him.
LF: What are your feelings toward your front office? Do you think they've been and are going to do a good job with the team?
CC: Hey I'm not complaining I was taking shots of tequila before the season started... but I'm much more into Coors Light, and also I think that before I was here the Gryphons were picked to finish pretty close to dead last... so with that being said I think Comtois has done a great job so far with the cards that have been dealt, and the cards don't lie my friend.
LF: Chad, you pitched this year in the EHCC all-star game in Las Vegas. Though you pitched a full inning and got 2 strikeouts, you allowed a homerun to former and current teammate Brian Roberts. Roberts was reported to have spoken with you after the game. What did he say and what was your reaction? And, how does it feel now that he's back on your team?
CC: Roberts is a great player, and he razzed me a little bit after the game... he told me he was sitting on a fastball the whole count, I believe he just got lucky because that scrawny kid could never hit before he just closed his eyes and swung as hard as he could. But with him having a career year and all it does feel good to have arguably the best second baseman and MVP candidate on my team again.
LF: Speaking of the all-star game in Vegas, there have been some rumors and witnesses that have seen you being involved socially with Jessica Alba at the Stardust hotel and casino. Bells shortstop Derek Jeter has dismissed these rumors however, but he wasn't invited to the festivities. What have you to say about it?
CC: Well Lich what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, all I can say is Jessica Alba is one fine woman.... regarding Jeter though, I heard something about him hooking up with a transvestite after getting hammered after the game, I don't know if there is any truth to this, but knowing Derek I'd believe it.
LF: You know Derek personally?
CC: I plead the 5th.
LF: OK then...finally, which do you prefer Raman or Mac and Cheese?
CC: Easy Mac... or the Mac and Cheese you have to boil?
LF: Easy Mac, of course.
CC: The meal of choice at Cal State Fullerton, Lich.
LF: Great. Thanks for your time Chad, and good luck with the rest of the season and making the playoffs.
CC: Thanks, Lich.
Lich Feisen is the host of EHSPN's "9 Strong Innings." He didn't really speak to Chad Cordero, but rather a realistic fantasy representation of the Nationals relief pitcher.
