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Wish List: Bridgewater Weasels
1.14 ERA was the difference between 1st and 2nd in 2005
By Conor Intabedd / The Weekly Reno Rag
Second place just isn't good enough for the Weasels. The 2005 runner- ups plan on doing what they can this off-season to better their chances to compete and "getting over the Shaddupu hump" in 2006.
In 2005 the Weasels were part of one of the more blockbuster-like trades in the EHCC by sending Albert Pujols to Las Vegas in return for Mark Teixeira to take his place and Marcus Giles to upgrade their second base situation. The team felt it was this trade that helped them the most in getting to their second championship round in 5 years. But the team is still torn about whether they'd do it all over again. "It helped fill some holes and propel us to the championship game, but I think I'd like to have Pujols back. He's going to be one of the best hitters the game has ever seen," stated GM Mike Claffey in a recent interview.
The 2006 Weasels will look a bit different than the team they started off the 2005 season with, but it won't be all trades that change the team. With much of their starting pitching staff in their late 30's, early 40's and their OF above the age of 31, a lot of the Weasel's roster is getting to be a bit past their prime. They have some bright spots in Roy Halladay, Chris Carpenter, and Jon Garland, but with the likes of Mike Mussina, Roger Clemens (who might retire prior to the 2006 campaign), David Wells, and Tim Wakefield, all guys pitching into their 40's, the Weasels might want to start thinking about tapping into the youth market. They're also looking for a few upgrades in their outfield.
They're willing to talk about trading away pretty much anyone, except start pitchers Roy Halladay and Chris Carpenter. Alex Rodriguez has stated as well that he doesn't want to go anywhere, and that's why Bridgewater gave him a no-trade clause in his obscene contract. "He might be a flaming ferry, but he's still pretty good," commented Claffey. There's also rumor that the Weasels would like to upgrade their catcher situation, along with almost every team in the league.
Bridgewater Wish-List: Jeff Francouer, Victor Martinez, Felix Hernandez, Dontrelle Willis, and Adam Dunn.
Look for the weasels to make a big push for the playoffs, as they feel their again be one of the top 5 teams at the end of the regular season. Prediction: 5th, one spot below last year.
Conor Intabedd writes an opinion column for The Weekly Reno Rag. He's been so busy with his Wish List series, he hasn't slept in 4 days.
