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Closing Time
Tijuana tries to move overstocked pitching
By Michael Upshaw / San Diego Chronicle
Closer by committee; in 2004, it was successful for the Hispanics. But by week's end, one of Tijuana's relief pitchers may be wearing a new uniform.
With the twenty-man roster deadline approaching fast, Hispanics GM Peter Kantor is the most pressured man in Mexico. After an outstanding performance by the Tijuana offense a year ago, Kantor has no choice but to bring back their entire starting lineup.
Unfortunately, EHCC rules state that teams must cut their roster down to twenty by March 16th. As a result, at least four pitchers will not be back with the team in 2005."It's a difficult job to tell these guys that they're not good enough for this team," said Kantor at a press conference Wednesday morning at the Days Inn in San Diego. "But unfortunately, they're not, so they gotta go."
Because of the great seasons all four closers had, Kantor has decided they are far too valuable to just waive. Critics have said that the pitchers that remain will feel cheated and let down by the team for putting them on the trade block. However, the players themselves say that couldn't be farther from the truth.
"This team is our family," 35 year old Troy Percival said at the press conference. "We know that sometimes you have to do what's best for the family and Pete [Kantor] has to do his job."
According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Doggs, Red Sox, Shaddupu, Gryphons, and Omyoujis are all potential trade partners. However, Kantor declined to comment on which team's he has actually spoken to.
"These four guys are outstanding pitchers, and any team would be lucky to have such talent in their bullpen."
Michael Upshaw is a reporter for the San Diego Chronicle. His son Kyle was a season ticket holder for the 2003 Detroit Tigers, but he insists that he has no son.
