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Around the Bases: Week 2
Peoria passes with mildly-airborn colors
By Listen DePleyohs / Baseball Tri-Weekly
The fans in Peoria were treated to an offensive explosion by their new hometown heroes. While their pitching staff couldn’t match the hitters success, it was eye opening performance.
A quick glance at the Peoria roster and few names immediately jump out at you. That is, until this week. Led by the greatest player in Peoria history, Chris Shelton, the Cardinals came within a save of tying Golden. Had they done so, they would have been the first “new” team to not lose their opener since Quebec City won against Athol in 2002.
While Mr. Illinois was involved in a losing effort, it doesn’t detract from his newfound popularity. See where he ranks now, as we look at the EHCC’s most popular players:
Alex Rodriguez, BRW – It would take an act from congress to remove Rodriguez from Bridgewater. Some Weasels fans love him so much, when he first indicated he would play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, hundreds took up residency in the island nation. Sadly, Alex changed his mind and the Bridgewater faithful found themselves stuck on the island nation.
Pedro Martinez, RAK – The fans of Rakeville love their longtime ace so much, they named a park adjacent to Reed Field after him. Pedro hasn’t disappointed either. As the focal point the Rockets pitching attack, he has won Rakeville’s top pitcher three times in the past four seasons. Some, including team owner David Claffey, have anointed Martinez as a divine figure.
Ken Griffey, Jr., GLD – The heavy beer drinkers of Golden, Colorado know what it is like to be down on your luck, so when they grabbed Griffey last year they could instantly relate to the injury-prone slugger. Fans rallied around him, and he responded by putting up big numbers. To thank the city of Golden for believing in him, Griffey bought everyone cans of Pringles, securing a place in their hearts.
Rocco Baldelli, WS – Taken with the first overall pick in the 2004 draft, Rocco has been as sporadic in his performance as anyone can get. Still, it is that off-the-wall style that makes him so endearing to the Green Monster’s crowd. During a rain delay against Weymouth last season, Baldelli handed out small water pistols to more than a thousand fans still in attendance. The water gun fight that ensued broke a world record, putting the cigarette capital of the EHCC on the map.
Mark Prior, LV – Though the man can’t get health insurance anywhere else in the country, the United Healthcare workers of Las Vegas approved his application without a second thought. Prior is the star on the strip, and even outshines Celine Dion. He is invited to poker tournaments, slot rallies and the occasional non-gambling related events. Many sports books even have odds for when he will pitch next for people to wager on, making Prior the only individual athlete in the city popular enough to post.
Week 2 is devoid of any division matchups, but it is chalk full of opportunities for lower teams to make a mark:
BRW at GLD
Both coming off close wins and both are looking to keep that winning feeling.
Golden took advantage of Peoria’s weak pitching last week, and will hope to do the same against Bridgewater. Both have offensive firepower, but the advantage goes to Bridgewater at the moment. This early in the season, and with so many young hitters, Golden could pull out an upset.
The true test may come on the base paths. Both teams can put up big numbers there, and it could be the difference come Sunday.
LV at TKO
In the midst of a West Coast swing, Las Vegas beat Quebec City handily last week and now head to Tokyo.
While the heart of the Las Vegas staff is on the DL, Tokyo’s staff is in no position to take advantage. After posting a near 9 ERA last week at Bizton, one has to wonder what the record is for the worst week in that category. Sadly enough, Bizton almost matched them with a 7.74 of their own.
Las Vegas was sound across the board last week and hopes to heal up for their showdown with Weymouth in Week 3. With Dontrelle Willis and the emergent Brandon McCarthy, Tokyo may swipe some categories, but it is not enough for a win.
WEY at BIZ
Weymouth has had Bizton’s number over the past few years. The Markies are 0-3 against the defending champs, and some think it is because the Markies are afraid of water. Luckily, the game will be played in Bizton and all they have to worry about is rain.
Weymouth crushed a Tijuana team distracted by immigration protests last week and hopes to turn their crew of sluggers on Markies pitching, who had a dismal week. Bizton could be a better team than the one that showed up against Tokyo, and they will have to be against Shaddupu.
Transaction Wire
Tijuana picked up Orlando Cabrera. The Columbia native adds to the growing list of non-Mexican players on the team.
Nick Markakis was signed by Tokyo. In five games he has hit four balls.
Peoria picked up Toma Okha and injured pitcher Carl Pavano to jump start their poor rotation.
Outfielder Jay Gibbons is now wearing Piglets blue after getting out to a hot start. Even as the team’s fifth outfielder, he is expected to see some playing time.
| 1. | Weymouth | ( - ) |
| 2. | Las Vegas | ( - ) |
| 3. | Bridgewater | (+1) |
| 4. | Rakeville | (-1) |
| 5. | Winston-Salem | ( - ) |
| 6. | Golden | ( - ) |
| 7. | Bizton | (+1) |
| 8. | Quebec City | (-1) |
| 9. | Tijuana | ( - ) |
| 10. | Peoria | ( - ) |
| 11. | Tokyo | ( - ) |
League Notes
-- Despite a masterful week, Quebec City’s Brad Penny was not named player of the week. Penny had promised a child suffering from cancer that he would earn the title, but failed to fulfill the boy’s dreams.
-- The marriage of Kris Benson has been a hot topic in Bridgewater. Sources close to the couple say the real reason why a split is inevitable is because Anna Benson cannot be near Alex Rodriguez without having sex with him. It has made team meetings very awkward.
-- Pitchers Kameron Loe and Jae Seo have become great friends during their short time together in Tijuana. Teammates have started calling the two “Han”, which is short for “Han Seo Loe.”
Listen DePleyohs writes a column for Baseball Tri-Weekly. I don't think anybody even reads these anymore, so here's one for you: Shut up, McShadeless!
