| Feature News |
Crossing the Border
Gryphons and Hispanics make fourth trade of the season
By Skip Clifton / San Diego Chronicle
Five weeks ago, Brian Roberts had a decision to make; stay in the warm, beautiful beaches of the Mexican coast? Or head to the mountains of Colorado, where the rivers flow with delicious beer?
As one of the original members of the 2004 expansion Texas Hold’em (now the Tijuana Hispanics), Roberts had a no-trade clause in his contract that allowed him to veto any potential trade he was involved in. Ultimately, the 27 year-old second baseman chose booze over beaches. He was traded to Golden, along with OF Garret Anderson, SP Freddie Garcia and SP Jon Lieber.
But the unlimited supply of free beer, granted to all Golden players and staff, has not had a positive effect on Roberts’ game. In 32 games with the Gryphons, he had just 5 home runs and 15 RBI’s (, while his batting average dropped from .357 to .326. EHCC officials refuse to step in and blame his slump on alcoholism, but what other explanation is there?
None.
While Golden is home to 5 brewing companies and 14 bars, hospitals in the area refuse to treat anyone with alcohol-related health issues.
“If you can’t handle your sauce, then get out,” said one drunken local.
Others, however, have been more sympathetic about Roberts’ situation. “Brian was once a great part of our organization,” said Hispanics Manager Zach Wadd. “He was always there when we needed him. He has a problem, and now, he needs us more than ever.”
With the trade deadline looming, not many teams were willing to part with big-name players. However, after nearly a week of negotiations between Tijuana and Golden, the two teams finally reached an agreement. The deal, which was reached just an hour before the deadline, will send Roberts back to Tijuana along with SP Jarrod Washburn and utility man Pedro Feliz. In return, the Gryphons will receive SP Odalis Perez, OF Pat Burrell, 2B Bill Hall, and a draft pick.
While both teams are pleased with the deal, Roberts was very upset after learning of his inevitable return to Mexico.
“Hey [expletive deleted], you made me spill my beer!”
Skip Clifton is a columnist for the San Diego Chronicle. He was fired from his old job at Vegas Weekly when he was caught stealing chips from the Mirage Casino.
