Road to the Summit, by Henry - Page 2

Henry · 02-17-2009, 10:20 PM

Federal Baseball Commonweath
Spring Training
March 1947

First 5 games...

American Division

Moors (4-1) 1 player Sick
Railroaders (4-1)
Marios (2-3) 1 player injured (serious)
Wildcats (2-3)

National Division

Vikings (3-2)
Bulldogs (3-2) 3 Injuries
Cardinals (2-3) 2 Injuries
Falcons (0-5)

Injuries

Stow Bulldogs:
--------------

M. Walton was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: tender shoulder. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 2 weeks.
R. Baker was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained back muscle. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 1-2 weeks.
R. Braun was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained back muscle. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 1-2 weeks.

Pitching couch Leonard Walker cornered Trainer Francis Seymour in the hallway. "Anything you can do?", he asked. "They're going to be sore for a couple weeks Leonard - have to just take it easy on them". ****, responded Walker. "Four freaking games and three pitchers disabled." "Look", responded the trainer, "It could be a lot worse - look at the Marios". Leonard had to agree.

Murray Hill Marios:
-------------------
Marios Buckley Down and Out for Year

The season is ending on a bad note for Loren Buckley, first baseman for the Murray Hill Marios. It was announced today that he will miss the rest of the season because of injury. Buckley was hurt against the Stow Bulldogs while being hit by a pitch. He suffered a fractured skull and will be out for at least 7 months.

Placed 1B L. Buckley on the 60-day disabled list.
2B D. Wells was placed on the 40-man roster.
Purchased the contract of 2B D. Wells from Triple A Cornell.

GM Max Potter put down the phone. Buckley was on the 60 and he had just got the ok to purchase Wells from Cornell. He laid his head in his hands and wondered if this was a hint of the season. He had big hopes for Buckley and one lose pitch from that idiot Baker and the whole plan goes out the window. Damn. Now it was ALverez. Period. Damn.

Alhambra Moors:
---------------

J. Waters is ill. The Diagnosis: strep throat. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 1 day.

Mentor Cardinals:
-----------------
Mentor's Ramos Down with Injury (First overall pick)

Cristo Ramos had to leave the Cardinals game against Alhambra after suffering a damaged meniscus while colliding with a player at a base. He will be out of the lineup at least 2 weeks. He told reporters, "I just felt a sharp pain when it happened. I knew there was something wrong."

Placed SP J. Uribe on the 15-day disabled list.
Placed 3B C. Ramos on the 15-day disabled list.
3B J. Kerr was placed on the 40-man roster.
Purchased the contract of 3B J. Kerr from Triple A Munson.
J. Uribe was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained bicep tendon. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.

GM Flores shook his head. How many times had he reminded his staff start out slow - not push these guys - the games weren't important. And what happens? Lopez tries to prove something and ends up risking thier first overall pick for an extra freaking base. They were damn lucky it was only a 2 week injury. With Buckley getting his head cracked open He suppose he should be thankful - but he wasn't. He was going to have to go out there tomorrow and tell them to loosen up - that's ALL he wants - is to loosen these guys up - not kill them.

Henry · 02-18-2009, 10:31 AM

Federal Baseball Commonweath
Spring Training
March 1947

10 games in ...

American Division

Railroaders 7-3
Moors 6-4
Wildcats 6-4
Marios 5-5 1B Buckley (season)

National Division

Bulldogs 6-4 MR Richter 2 months
Vikings 5-5
Cardinals 4-6
Falcons 1-9

Injuries
Only two players so far have had injuries which will affect the regular season. Richter will likely miss the 1st month and Buckley of the Marios will miss the entire season.

=============================

The mood in the Falcons office was subdued. The entire staff was sitting at the meeting room table rustling through various papers, box scores, and other notes.

"Ok", said GM Ernest Powers. "So our problem is our pitching staff. One starter and three MRs in double digits, 16 appearances."

"I know it looks rough, Erns, but I'm hesitant to jump to any conclusions this early", replied Mgr Bill Hammond. "Let's not get into a knee jerk reaction - we drafted for the future - these four guys are all in their mid 20's and it's only 10 Spring games. The offense is looking good, we've only been blown out 3 times and the game we did win we returned the honors."

Powers sighed. "I hope this isn't going to be as long a season as it feels like already", he commented - almost to himself. "Ok team, let's see if we can find some sunshine in the remaining games - and be prepared to give me the best lineup possible for opening day! Now go home and visit with your families tonight."

The group was appreciative, but filed out still subdued. Something wasn't clicking with the team yet and no one could put their finger on it.

Henry · 02-18-2009, 02:19 PM

Federal Baseball Commonweath
Spring Training, Final Results

American Division
_______________________W-L_____Last 14
Mayfield Wildcats______17-7____(11-3)
Alhambra Moors_________14-10___(8-6)
Collinwood Railroaders_13-11___(6-8)
Murray Hill Marios_____12-12___(7-7) 1B Loren Buckley (season)

National Division

Stow Bulldogs__________13-11___(7-7) CF Lonnie Roper (10 days left), P Louie Richter (40 days left)
Mentor Cardinals_______11-13___(7-7) SS Sergio Osborne (2 days left), P Javier Uribe (DL eligible to return)
Sand Run Falcons_______8-16____(7-7)
North Hill Vikings_____8-16____(3-11) 1B Hector Barrios (suspended 4 games; 3 of regular season)

Breaking News

Saturday, April 5th, 1947: Stow-North Hill Deal Confirmed

The Bulldogs have reached a deal with North Hill, sending 28-year old minor league second baseman Pedro Cruz to the Vikings in exchange for 34-year old minor league reliever Ricardo Torrez and 24-year old minor league catcher Bill Bolden. Reports had been hinting at a deal in recent days, but weren't confirmed until this afternoon.

--------------------------------
Henry: Some last minute moves to fill a hole at 2B for the Vikings. Cruz will likely be their starter.

Thursday, April 3rd, 1947: Murray Hill Marios, Vikings Agree to Trade

The Murray Hill Marios swapped 26-year old minor league center fielder Wayne Sweeney and 24-year old minor league closer Javier Morán for 29-year old minor league reliever Johnny O'Keefe and 21-year old minor league second baseman Reginald Tidwell of the Vikings after what North Hill officials would only characterize as "difficult" negotiations.

--------------------------------
Henry: Sweeney was an "extra" for the Marios and the Vikings will use him immediately. Even so, the Marios didn't want to give up Sweeney easily, obtaining two decent minor leaguers for the future. Considering the 8-16 ST record of the Vikings they NEEDED this trade.

Sunday, March 30th, 1947: Irate Barrios Suspended 4 Games

The North Hill Vikings were not very happy with the home plate umpire in today's loss to Alhambra at Vikings Ballpark. One in particular -- Héctor Barrios. Upon being called out on strikes, the Vikings first baseman gave the ump quite an earful. For that, the man in blue gave him the thumb and sent him to an early shower. But the disgruntled Barrios lingered on the field for another five minutes berating the umpire. Finally his manager got him off the field and into the clubhouse. But it got worse after the game, when Barrios told reporters, "He was blind today. They played 'Three Blind Mice' for him. If he doesn't know the words to the song, I'm sure we can get it in braille, so he can follow along." For all of his escapades and after-the-game oration, the league office spokeman Chansellor Walker announced that Barrios would be suspended for 4 games.

--------------------------------
Henry: Barrios couldn't control his temper and ended up taking his .397 BA bat out of the first 3 games of the season. Someone forget to tell him it was only a Spring Training game. He and De La Cruz were the only steady .300 bats available so far, but the Vikings open up the season against the Falcons which might be their only salvation.

================================

The Wildcat offices were ecstatic, but measured. Eleven wins in the last 14 games; 5 players batting over .300; and three SPs undefeated in 8 starts.

GM Dave Scott addressed the personnel staff...

"I want to thank all of you from the ground up for everything you've done - both before and after I got here. For a rookie outfit, we seem to have put together a competitive team - at least from he result we have seen in Spring Training. I want to be sure we keep this roll going by reminding everyone that although I might be the GM, I want this to be a team effort. The only rule I have is that nothing of significance occur without me at least being in the loop. That way I can answer to the Bradfords."

"So far, Mike and Jerrod have been more than willing to let us call the shots - and we want to keep it that way, so lets prove we have a tight, well polished team here."

"Kieran? How is Hester?

The rookie trainer looked up, "Good boss. He played in the last two games of ST without any pain, although he didn't get a hit either."

"Good, let's take it easy on him the first week and make sure he's healed. That's it guys - now starts the fun!"

Henry · 02-18-2009, 04:27 PM

Without further ado...

American Division

1. Mayfield Wildcats
2. Collinwood Railroaders
3. Alhambra Moors
4. Murray Hill Marios

There's no good way to separate the top three teams in this division. The only surprise would be to see the Marios somewhere other than the cellar. I'm picking the Wildcats out of more a wish to see it happen than on justification, but I suspect either the Railroaders or Moors may win this in the end.

National Division

1. North Hill Vikings
2. Stow Bulldogs
3. Sand Run Falcons
4. Mentor Cardinals

I believe the last minute deals to shore-up the Vikings will pay off. The addition of Sweeney and Cruz to the roster should be enough to set North Hill apart from the rest. As far as the rest, it's clear to me the Cardinals have the hardest road, followed closely by the the Falcons.

Season starts tonight, April 6th, 1947. I will play in 7 days cycles, always reporting after the Commonwealth's Saturday games. That will be about 25 reporting cycles for each season plus whatever I may add in out of related interest. I'll try to keep things moving, but timing, of course, will be dependent on real life

I hope you enjoy the FBC and feel free to add your comments and/or criticisms - they are welcome.

Henry · 02-19-2009, 04:12 PM

Federal Baseball Commonwealth
Week 1
Henry, FBC Senior Reporter

Interesting First week for the FBC as better clubs slump and the weaker teams shine.

In the American, after saying I would be surprised to see Marios anyplace but training the pack, they start out being tied with the Wildcats for first place. That's right, the Moors and Railroaders trail by 2 games. Granted, it's early, still....

The Marios opened the season with a 6-3 win over none other than the Railroaders while the Moors lost to the Bulldogs 8-2. The following day, Murray Hill stopped the Railroaders again 9-4 while the bulldogs shut out Alhambra 3-0.

Murray Hill then went on to take on the 0-2 Moors and blasted them 14-7 to give themselves their 3rd vistory and the Moors 3rd loss. it wasn't until the 5th game that the Moors fianlly got their first win with a 7-1 victory over the Marios.

In the National Division, the same pattern, The Sand Run Falcons blast off to a 6-1 lead, losing only to the Cardinals in an 8-2 decision.

Leading the FBC with a .519 BA and 14 hits is Wayne Sweeney from North Hill - traded to North Hill from Murry Hill the day before the season started. Rob Cooper of the Marios is the only player with 2 HRs and 10 RBIs.

On the pitching side of the game, Billy Bell of Sand Run already has 3 Wins, Jose Garcia of the Marios has 2 Saves, and Marvin Stewart of the Vikings has compiled 12 Ks.

This Week's Games

Henry · 02-19-2009, 10:36 PM

Federal Baseball Commonwealth
Week 2
Henry, FBC Senior Reporter

Jamee999 · 02-19-2009, 10:56 PM

Very nice, I particularly enjoy the presentation

Henry · 02-19-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamee999

Very nice, I particularly enjoy the presentation

Searching for a format thats easy to reproduce, yet provides enough flash to be enjoyable to look at. Might take afew weeks before I find it

Henry · 02-20-2009, 09:38 AM

Federal Baseball Commonwealth
Week 3

GM Earle was feeling good, even though they were trailing the Marios by 4 games. The tough trades to get Sweeney and Cruz had literally saved the team from being in the cellar, and the forecast was good. Sweeney had a player of the week award already and was hitting .343, and Cruz matched that BA. Add to that CF De La Cruz, their 1st round pic was hitting .351 and catcher Sykes .314, 1b Barrios .356 - and it was clear the offense was solid.

Pitching wasn't bad either. Three of the first five starters were under 3.38 ERA (Stewart leading at 3.03) but the relief corp was hurting a bit. Needed to see what could be done there soon.

They did need to get a bit more power if they could to add to Barrios bat, but he was a little concerned it was too early to start making changes. Didn't want to upset the cart before it gelled. Besides, there wasn't much of anything on the FA list anyway - it had been picked pretty clean.

Earle wished he had thought more about power in the draft. After he had chosen Barrios, he put power on the back burner and forgot to come back to it.

Henry · 02-20-2009, 06:33 PM

02-17-2009, 10:20 PM	#21
Henry Hall of Fame Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 6,498	Federal Baseball Commonweath Spring Training March 1947 First 5 games... American Division Moors (4-1) 1 player Sick Railroaders (4-1) Marios (2-3) 1 player injured (serious) Wildcats (2-3) National Division Vikings (3-2) Bulldogs (3-2) 3 Injuries Cardinals (2-3) 2 Injuries Falcons (0-5) Injuries Stow Bulldogs: -------------- M. Walton was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: tender shoulder. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 2 weeks. R. Baker was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained back muscle. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 1-2 weeks. R. Braun was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained back muscle. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 1-2 weeks. Pitching couch Leonard Walker cornered Trainer Francis Seymour in the hallway. "Anything you can do?", he asked. "They're going to be sore for a couple weeks Leonard - have to just take it easy on them". ***, responded Walker. "Four freaking games and three pitchers disabled." "Look", responded the trainer, "It could be a lot worse - look at the Marios". Leonard had to agree. Murray Hill Marios: ------------------- Marios Buckley Down and Out for Year The season is ending on a bad note for Loren Buckley, first baseman for the Murray Hill Marios. It was announced today that he will miss the rest of the season because of injury. Buckley was hurt against the Stow Bulldogs while being hit by a pitch. He suffered a fractured skull and will be out for at least 7 months. Placed 1B L. Buckley on the 60-day disabled list. 2B D. Wells was placed on the 40-man roster. Purchased the contract of 2B D. Wells from Triple A Cornell. GM Max Potter put down the phone. Buckley was on the 60 and he had just got the ok to purchase Wells from Cornell. He laid his head in his hands and wondered if this was a hint of the season. He had big hopes for Buckley and one lose pitch from that idiot Baker and the whole plan goes out the window. Damn. Now it was ALverez. Period. Damn. Alhambra Moors: --------------- J. Waters is ill. The Diagnosis: strep throat. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 1 day. Mentor Cardinals: ----------------- Mentor's Ramos Down with Injury (First overall pick) Cristo Ramos had to leave the Cardinals game against Alhambra after suffering a damaged meniscus while colliding with a player at a base. He will be out of the lineup at least 2 weeks. He told reporters, "I just felt a sharp pain when it happened. I knew there was something wrong." Placed SP J. Uribe on the 15-day disabled list. Placed 3B C. Ramos on the 15-day disabled list. 3B J. Kerr was placed on the 40-man roster. Purchased the contract of 3B J. Kerr from Triple A Munson. J. Uribe was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained bicep tendon. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks. GM Flores shook his head. How many times had he reminded his staff start out slow - not push these guys - the games weren't important. And what happens? Lopez tries to prove something and ends up risking thier first overall pick for an extra freaking base. They were damn lucky it was only a 2 week injury. With Buckley getting his head cracked open He suppose he should be thankful - but he wasn't. He was going to have to go out there tomorrow and tell them to loosen up - that's ALL he wants - is to loosen these guys up - not kill them. Last edited by Henry; 02-17-2009 at 10:22 PM.*

02-18-2009, 10:31 AM	#22
Henry Hall of Fame Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 6,498	Federal Baseball Commonweath Spring Training March 1947 10 games in ... American Division Railroaders 7-3 Moors 6-4 Wildcats 6-4 Marios 5-5 1B Buckley (season) National Division Bulldogs 6-4 MR Richter 2 months Vikings 5-5 Cardinals 4-6 Falcons 1-9 Injuries Only two players so far have had injuries which will affect the regular season. Richter will likely miss the 1st month and Buckley of the Marios will miss the entire season. ============================= The mood in the Falcons office was subdued. The entire staff was sitting at the meeting room table rustling through various papers, box scores, and other notes. "Ok", said GM Ernest Powers. "So our problem is our pitching staff. One starter and three MRs in double digits, 16 appearances." "I know it looks rough, Erns, but I'm hesitant to jump to any conclusions this early", replied Mgr Bill Hammond. "Let's not get into a knee jerk reaction - we drafted for the future - these four guys are all in their mid 20's and it's only 10 Spring games. The offense is looking good, we've only been blown out 3 times and the game we did win we returned the honors." Powers sighed. "I hope this isn't going to be as long a season as it feels like already", he commented - almost to himself. "Ok team, let's see if we can find some sunshine in the remaining games - and be prepared to give me the best lineup possible for opening day! Now go home and visit with your families tonight." The group was appreciative, but filed out still subdued. Something wasn't clicking with the team yet and no one could put their finger on it. Last edited by Henry; 02-18-2009 at 10:40 AM.

02-18-2009, 04:27 PM	#24
Henry Hall of Fame Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 6,498	Henry's 1947 FBC Predictions Without further ado... American Division 1. Mayfield Wildcats 2. Collinwood Railroaders 3. Alhambra Moors 4. Murray Hill Marios There's no good way to separate the top three teams in this division. The only surprise would be to see the Marios somewhere other than the cellar. I'm picking the Wildcats out of more a wish to see it happen than on justification, but I suspect either the Railroaders or Moors may win this in the end. National Division 1. North Hill Vikings 2. Stow Bulldogs 3. Sand Run Falcons 4. Mentor Cardinals I believe the last minute deals to shore-up the Vikings will pay off. The addition of Sweeney and Cruz to the roster should be enough to set North Hill apart from the rest. As far as the rest, it's clear to me the Cardinals have the hardest road, followed closely by the the Falcons. Season starts tonight, April 6th, 1947. I will play in 7 days cycles, always reporting after the Commonwealth's Saturday games. That will be about 25 reporting cycles for each season plus whatever I may add in out of related interest. I'll try to keep things moving, but timing, of course, will be dependent on real life I hope you enjoy the FBC and feel free to add your comments and/or criticisms - they are welcome.

02-18-2009, 02:19 PM	#23
Henry Hall of Fame Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 6,498	Federal Baseball Commonweath Spring Training, Final Results American Division _______________________W-L_____Last 14 Mayfield Wildcats______17-7____(11-3) Alhambra Moors_________14-10___(8-6) Collinwood Railroaders_13-11___(6-8) Murray Hill Marios_____12-12___(7-7) 1B Loren Buckley (season) National Division Stow Bulldogs__________13-11___(7-7) CF Lonnie Roper (10 days left), P Louie Richter (40 days left) Mentor Cardinals_______11-13___(7-7) SS Sergio Osborne (2 days left), P Javier Uribe (DL eligible to return) Sand Run Falcons_______8-16____(7-7) North Hill Vikings_____8-16____(3-11) 1B Hector Barrios (suspended 4 games; 3 of regular season) Breaking News Saturday, April 5th, 1947: Stow-North Hill Deal Confirmed The Bulldogs have reached a deal with North Hill, sending 28-year old minor league second baseman Pedro Cruz to the Vikings in exchange for 34-year old minor league reliever Ricardo Torrez and 24-year old minor league catcher Bill Bolden. Reports had been hinting at a deal in recent days, but weren't confirmed until this afternoon. -------------------------------- Henry: Some last minute moves to fill a hole at 2B for the Vikings. Cruz will likely be their starter. Thursday, April 3rd, 1947: Murray Hill Marios, Vikings Agree to Trade The Murray Hill Marios swapped 26-year old minor league center fielder Wayne Sweeney and 24-year old minor league closer Javier Morán for 29-year old minor league reliever Johnny O'Keefe and 21-year old minor league second baseman Reginald Tidwell of the Vikings after what North Hill officials would only characterize as "difficult" negotiations. -------------------------------- Henry: Sweeney was an "extra" for the Marios and the Vikings will use him immediately. Even so, the Marios didn't want to give up Sweeney easily, obtaining two decent minor leaguers for the future. Considering the 8-16 ST record of the Vikings they NEEDED this trade. Sunday, March 30th, 1947: Irate Barrios Suspended 4 Games The North Hill Vikings were not very happy with the home plate umpire in today's loss to Alhambra at Vikings Ballpark. One in particular -- Héctor Barrios. Upon being called out on strikes, the Vikings first baseman gave the ump quite an earful. For that, the man in blue gave him the thumb and sent him to an early shower. But the disgruntled Barrios lingered on the field for another five minutes berating the umpire. Finally his manager got him off the field and into the clubhouse. But it got worse after the game, when Barrios told reporters, "He was blind today. They played 'Three Blind Mice' for him. If he doesn't know the words to the song, I'm sure we can get it in braille, so he can follow along." For all of his escapades and after-the-game oration, the league office spokeman Chansellor Walker announced that Barrios would be suspended for 4 games. -------------------------------- Henry: Barrios couldn't control his temper and ended up taking his .397 BA bat out of the first 3 games of the season. Someone forget to tell him it was only a Spring Training game. He and De La Cruz were the only steady .300 bats available so far, but the Vikings open up the season against the Falcons which might be their only salvation. ================================ The Wildcat offices were ecstatic, but measured. Eleven wins in the last 14 games; 5 players batting over .300; and three SPs undefeated in 8 starts. GM Dave Scott addressed the personnel staff... "I want to thank all of you from the ground up for everything you've done - both before and after I got here. For a rookie outfit, we seem to have put together a competitive team - at least from he result we have seen in Spring Training. I want to be sure we keep this roll going by reminding everyone that although I might be the GM, I want this to be a team effort. The only rule I have is that nothing of significance occur without me at least being in the loop. That way I can answer to the Bradfords." "So far, Mike and Jerrod have been more than willing to let us call the shots - and we want to keep it that way, so lets prove we have a tight, well polished team here." "Kieran? How is Hester? The rookie trainer looked up, "Good boss. He played in the last two games of ST without any pain, although he didn't get a hit either." "Good, let's take it easy on him the first week and make sure he's healed. That's it guys - now starts the fun!"

02-19-2009, 04:12 PM	#25
Henry Hall of Fame Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 6,498	Federal Baseball Commonwealth Week 1 Henry, FBC Senior Reporter Interesting First week for the FBC as better clubs slump and the weaker teams shine. In the American, after saying I would be surprised to see Marios anyplace but training the pack, they start out being tied with the Wildcats for first place. That's right, the Moors and Railroaders trail by 2 games. Granted, it's early, still.... The Marios opened the season with a 6-3 win over none other than the Railroaders while the Moors lost to the Bulldogs 8-2. The following day, Murray Hill stopped the Railroaders again 9-4 while the bulldogs shut out Alhambra 3-0. Murray Hill then went on to take on the 0-2 Moors and blasted them 14-7 to give themselves their 3rd vistory and the Moors 3rd loss. it wasn't until the 5th game that the Moors fianlly got their first win with a 7-1 victory over the Marios. In the National Division, the same pattern, The Sand Run Falcons blast off to a 6-1 lead, losing only to the Cardinals in an 8-2 decision. Leading the FBC with a .519 BA and 14 hits is Wayne Sweeney from North Hill - traded to North Hill from Murry Hill the day before the season started. Rob Cooper of the Marios is the only player with 2 HRs and 10 RBIs. On the pitching side of the game, Billy Bell of Sand Run already has 3 Wins, Jose Garcia of the Marios has 2 Saves, and Marvin Stewart of the Vikings has compiled 12 Ks. This Week's Games

02-19-2009, 10:36 PM	#26
Henry Hall of Fame Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 6,498	Federal Baseball Commonwealth Week 2 Henry, FBC Senior Reporter

02-19-2009, 10:56 PM	#27
Jamee999 All Star Reserve Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 772	Very nice, I particularly enjoy the presentation

02-20-2009, 09:38 AM	#29
Henry Hall of Fame Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 6,498	Federal Baseball Commonwealth Week 3 GM Earle was feeling good, even though they were trailing the Marios by 4 games. The tough trades to get Sweeney and Cruz had literally saved the team from being in the cellar, and the forecast was good. Sweeney had a player of the week award already and was hitting .343, and Cruz matched that BA. Add to that CF De La Cruz, their 1st round pic was hitting .351 and catcher Sykes .314, 1b Barrios .356 - and it was clear the offense was solid. Pitching wasn't bad either. Three of the first five starters were under 3.38 ERA (Stewart leading at 3.03) but the relief corp was hurting a bit. Needed to see what could be done there soon. They did need to get a bit more power if they could to add to Barrios bat, but he was a little concerned it was too early to start making changes. Didn't want to upset the cart before it gelled. Besides, there wasn't much of anything on the FA list anyway - it had been picked pretty clean. Earle wished he had thought more about power in the draft. After he had chosen Barrios, he put power on the back burner and forgot to come back to it.

02-20-2009, 06:33 PM	#30
Henry Hall of Fame Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 6,498