| Feature News |
Rakeville Times Sports Page
By STAFF / Rakeville Times
Lessons Never Learned
By Hernandez Firstname
From the lowest levels of Rakeville’s little league baseball program, tikes are taught to run through first base. Unfortunately, their professional counterparts must have forgotten the lessons of their youth, and slowing down has cost them.
What looked like an easy win early in the game turned into disaster as the Rakeville Rockets fell to the Bridgewater Weasels 5-4-1. It was a big division loss for the Rockets, amplified by losing to the team who knocked them out of the playoffs last season.
“It was the same story as last season,” said Manager Troy O’Leary. “They out hit us over the last few innings. They scored almost 50 runs. It was like they had delicious golden shoes.”
The bullpen also contributed to the loss, with Eddie Guardado coming up empty in saves.
“It is early in the season and it will take a little while to build this bullpen back up,” said Justin Fuller, the team pitching coach. “We tied the category, and it would have been nice to take it, but it is obvious that we need more help there.”
Often a victim of first week jitters, the Rakeville starting pitching staff provided all their categories thanks to a trio of new guns. Bruce Chen, David Bush and Felix Hernandez sparkled in their first game of the season, combining for a 2.47 ERA and 14 strikeouts.
“I have a hard time believing that our staff won’t be our strength again this season,” said Fuller. “Time will tell, but these are quality arms. I wouldn’t be surprised if we challenge the weekly wins record at some point this season.”
The Rockets are in the midst of a three game road trip. They will head south of the border for their next game against Tijuana.
“I get really excited to play the Hispanics,” said Rodrigo Lopez, a big star in Mexico thanks to his performance in the World Baseball Classic. “My whole family comes to watch.”
The U.S. Border Patrol said they credit Lopez for a drop in the number of illegal immigrants that cross the border when the two teams play.
* The Rakeville Times is pleased to announce the hiring of Hernandez Firstname. A long time writer for the Pensacola Post, he has covered Rockets spring training for the paper and will become the team’s beat writer.
Deflated Dreams
Steroids are supposed to make you better, but after his first full week in a Rockets uniform, Barry Bonds has been dreadful.
Bonds has yet to go yard or drive in a run, all while hitting a paltry .167.
“He hasn’t put up the power numbers yet, but he has scored four runs because of the walks,” said Vernon Wells. “The average isn’t that bad considering the few at bats.”
The support of his teammates has been something Bonds is thankful for, even if it is undeserved. Now, his poor performance has soured his mood. When asked if the reason why he is not good is because of new steroid testing, Bonds lashed out at the media.
“Fuck you, McShadeless,” said Bonds, angrily ending an impromptu press conference in front of his locker after the loss to Bridgewater.
How fitting that a new book, which talks about Bonds’ steroid use, is named “Game of Shadows.” Bonds has long played in the relative shadows of Haverhill, and is now cowering in the intense media pressure of Rakeville.
Juan Pierre and Chase Utley combined for zero stolen bases last week, raising questions about whether the team should punt the category.
“When Juan is running, he is the best in the league,” said Wells. “The speed will come, and when it does, look out.”
The Rockets outfield is not a hopeless cause, however, with Andruw Jones putting up 12 RBIs and 7 runs in week 1. Fans are hoping this indicates a repeat of last year’s exceptional season. Wells led the team with a .385 average, and tied Jones with two homeruns.
The front office is split on what to do with reliever Jose Capellan. While Minor League Director Rusty Greer is high on the hard throwing righty, lack of a closer or starting role makes him a drain on the team.
“We hoped he would get a chance to save a few games here and there,” said Greer. “I just don’t see it happening this season. I would hate to see him go, but if there is someone out there who can help us now, I can’t imagine the team would hold onto him.”
Capellan was with Rakeville for a while last season, but was dropped for the same reason.
“If this kid gets a chance, he is an impact player,” said Greer. “I just hope it will be in Rakeville.”
Showdown at Tuttle
Central High School and Ingersoll face off tonight at historic Tuttle Field and a game that could decide … Read more
Reformed No More
Former ticket scalper John Joshy has purchased a new trench coat and experts believe he will be back to his old ways this season … Read more
The Rakeville Times Sports Staff is pleased to have Hernandez Firstname now on their payroll. However, fellow Times writers wish his name wasn't so dumb.
