[mikev]

It's almost over, guys.

Heading into the final weeks of the 1995 season, the Crawdads are basically guaranteed to have another losing season given their current 67-80 record. While good enough for 3rd place in the Frick League Midwest, they are also headed towards yet another Top 10 pick in next year's amateur draft. Apparently, our 13-year plan is still looking very, very good.

As we all know, the start of September signifies a chance for a select few minor leaguers to be called up for a trial run with the big league club as rosters expand to 40 players. This was no different in the Bayou, as one youngster and a couple of veterans were called up to be a part of the Crawdads.

Jason "Ogre" Stucky was called up and inserted as the starting right fielder against lefties, replacing the soon to be departed Christopher Crawford. Stucky was decent in his first stint in the MBBA since 1993, going 4-20 with 2 home runs. The team likes his development this season, as he was previously considered a "Never Will Be" prospect, but his ability to hit lefties well is going to keep him on the team for good this time.

Stew Foo was a minor league pickup in the past offseason after bouncing around several clubs before finally being released by Las Vegas. He pitched very well in AAA Baton Rouge, with a sub-3.00 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP in 187.1 innings, along with 200+ strikeouts. In limited duty so far, Foo has allowed 1 hit, struck out 2, and walked 2 in 3 innings with New Orleans. If he can manage to not walk the stadium, Foo will get a shot at replacing Kyle Claiborne in the bullpen next season. Claiborne bounced back nicely from his 6.31 ERA campaign with Vegas last season, but his demands of over 8 million per year for 2 seasons are outright ridiculous and the team has openly laughed in his face for it. He won't be back.

The third and last callup is AAA veteran Tommy Becker, a one time can't-miss prospect who has seen his offensive capability steadily decline as he's gotten into his late 20s. The classic "AAAA" player, Becker is a fantastic defender at 3 infield positions, but can't hit a lick. The team has informed him that he's being called up as a matter of respect, but he will not be back next year with a monetary contract and will be nontendered.

Upcoming Schedule

9/12 vs. Calgary
9/13 vs. Calgary
9/14 vs. Calgary

9/15 @ Austin
9/16 @ Austin
9/17 @ Austin

9/18 vs. Montreal
9/19 vs. Montreal
9/20 vs. Montreal

9/21 @ Las Vegas