ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS) - Page 51

Eugene Church · 06-11-2009, 04:51 PM

The Islandian Times

March 2, 2004

Ladrieux Optimistic For BP Musketeers, Playoff Possible
The Belle Plaine Musketeers were division doormats in 2002, but manager Boo Ladrieux saw his club make great strides last year. The Muskies went from 54-100 (8th) and 33 games behind to 70-84 (6th) and only 18 games out. Ladrieux thinks his team is ready to make a run for the playoffs.

Belle Plaine has made sweeping changes for the second year in a row. They have added six new players to the roster and can't wait for the new season to begin. Ladrieux is especially ecstatic about two new rookies, 3B Dominique Rousseau and pitcher Tony Saroyan. Both come highly-acclaimed by the baseball writers. Rousseau is an outstanding fielder and can hold his own with a bat and packs a little power, too. Rookie 3B Chipper Blaylock, who can hit with power, will also get some playing time, too. Saroyan will be Belle Plaine's #5 starter.

Ladrieux will also work in two more rookies at second base and shortstop. Noel Pitre will platoon with 2B Lee Lemiux and Craig Younger will alternate with SS Larry Froelich. Lemiux and Froelich played sparingly last season and will get their chance to shine. Ladrieux commented, "None of them hit with power, but all them will make us better defensively."

Ladrieux spoke with reporters on the opening day of Spring training and told them, "The Musketeers have a shot at the playoffs this season. We improved greatly last year and can do it again. Look out, Marston and Eastshore. Belle Plaine is gonna move up in the standings. First division, here we come."

Best Pitchers: Lou Dozier (17-12 2.97)

Best Hitters: RF Lavon Gooch (.294 BA/24 HR/93 RBI), CF Dennis Riley (.306 BA/17 HR/93 RBI)

Eugene Church · 06-11-2009, 06:00 PM

The Islandian Times

March 2, 2004

Blue Lake Has Tough Task In Strong TU North
The Tyrobbian North Division has the reputation for being the best overall division in the IPA. Cobb Tyson's Blue Lake Blue Sox played .500 ball, yet finished sixth in the standings, 11 games out. In the last two years the Blue Sox have fallen from one of the league's better clubs to a second division team. Blue Lake compiled a fine 79-72 mark in the inaugural season, ending up second and just one game behind the flag-winning Fairfax Frogs. But slumped to sixth place, 15 games off the pace, with a poor 71-83 record in the 2002 expansion year. In 2003 they improved slightly to 77-77.

The outlook for 2004 is pretty fair as per the baseball writers. The Blue Sox could be better, but still not move up in the standings. All of the clubs ahead of them are solid teams and are not going to suddenly turn over and play dead. However, if rookie righthander Benny DeBartolo comes through and establishes himself as the team's #3 starter, Blue Lake's stock will rise and the playoffs are a possibility for Cobb Tyson's club. DeBartolo throws 98 mph and has marvelous movement on his pitches. The question is whether or not he can find the plate often enough to win and how pitching more often will affect him.

Cobb told reporters recently, "Our season depends on improved pitching. If Tom Waltenbury (9-1 2.70) can make the transition from long relief to starter and pitch like he did last season and DeBartolo can adapt to pitching every 3-4 days rather than once a week in the industrial league, the Blue Sox will be in the thick of the playoff battle. Another positive is my two gold glovers, Cy Orgeron at shortstop and Loren Babcock at third. Fourth place is highly possible and attainable. And if my lousy hitters would hit their weight, there's no doubt we would be in the playoffs. We would win the pennant."

Best Pitchers: LHP Tom Waltenbury (9-1 2.70), Neil Krogstad (18-15 4.06) and Bennie West (13-17 3.52)

Best Batters: RF Fred Collins (.300 BA/28 HR/91 RBI/111 R/53 SB), CF Rick Hilliard (.281 BA/24 HR/98 R/54 SB), 2B Ken Bennett (.275 BA/17 HR/96 RBI)

Eugene Church · 06-11-2009, 07:52 PM

The Islandian Times

March 2, 2004

Hurricanes Hill Corps Key To Success
The Cape Coral Hurricanes have been on a seesaw in their three years in the Islandian Pro Alliance. Up in year one with a third-place finish and 75-75 record, 11 games behind. Down in 2002 with a mediocre 69-85 mark, falling to seventh place and a horrible 33 games out. Then rebounding back up to second place with an impressive 84-70 record, but 12 games back of the champion San Alejo Montaneros.

One vital element is missing from the Cape Coral arsenal - hitting with power. The 'Canes have the pitching, but just can't compete offensively in the long ball department. Zoggy Miller is hoping that two rookies will give his ball club a boost. LF Kippy Doyle and 3B Lonnie Moon will be given an opportunity to perk up the power and the offense. Even if they are successful, it may not be enough to overtake the powerful San Alejo Montaneros.

Miller has two standout starters in Cody Burg (18-10 1.87) and Jeff Salow (21-13 3.22). Burg topped the Tycobbian Union with a sensational 1.87 ERA. But overall, pitching depth is lacking. The Hurricanes could use a consistent closer.

Best Pitchers: Cody Burg (18-10 1.87) and Jeff Salow (21-13 3.22)

Best Hitters: C Fats Dalton (.314 BA/13 HR/87 RBI) and 2B Hoshi Sato (.312 BA/15 HR/74 RBI)

Eugene Church · 06-11-2009, 08:37 PM

The Islandian Times

March 2, 2004

Chicopee Destined For Another Gloomy Season in TU West
So far in their two seasons in the Islandian Pro Alliance, the Chicopee Braves of manager Harry Fleetfoot have found the going tough. They were sixth in the expansion year with a 73-81 mark, trailing the TU West Division winner Bay St. Clair by 19 games. In 2003, Chicopee dipped to a lousy 62-92 record, finishing fifth and 30 games in back of the pennant-winning Bayview Vikings.

The baseball prognosticators are predicting more of the same for 2004, despite the presence of several talented additions to the roster. CF Phil Nelson could be one of the best outfielders in the IPA when it comes to chasing down fly balls. Nelson is is a good contact hitter with a little bit of power, but his main asset is his ballhawk skills. 3B Wild Deer Etchimin swings a good bat and can go deep.

On the mound Fleetfoot has gone to a five-man rotation and will use a trio of hurlers in the #5 slot. Bill Branch and Nicky Bruckner are rookie southpaws, while Johnny Falcon is a righty. Falcon is back for another try. He was 12-19 with a 4.75 ERA in 2002. Branch is a fireballer that flings it regularly at 95 mph.

Best Pitchers: Alan Goodwin (14-14 3.41) and closer Desmond Quartermain (3-8 2.82) with 76 relief appearances and 27 saves.

Best Batters: LF Big Stick Takala (.308 BA/18 HR/76 RBI)

Eugene Church · 06-11-2009, 09:46 PM

The Islandian Times

March 2, 2004

Claxton Diamonds Bid For Playoff Berth
Under Stacy Engel as manager, Claxton has made the IPA playoffs once in its three years of existence. In the league's initial season the Diamonds went 68-92. They were sixth and in the basement, 16 games behind the leader, the Marston Nine. In 2002 they regrouped and jumped up to second place, tied with Grand City with a fine 82-72 mark, ending up just three games in back of the pennant-winning Valka Blackhawks. 2003 was a down year as Claxton plunged to a 74-80 record and finished in the fifth spot in the Ruthlandian Union South, 15 games off the pace of the division champs, the St. John Crusaders.

"The Old Perfesser" Stacy Engel just missed out on the playoffs by a measly game in 2003, so he went out and procured what he thinks will put him over the top and into the playoffs this season. Asked by the press to give an analysis of the upcoming season, Engel replied, "I never make predictions, especially about the future. However, I think pitchers Bob Grba and Tom Dahl, along with my fleet-footed center fielder Jackie Faust will be enough to get the Diamonds into the first division and into the playoffs."

Grba is a portsider and will used as the closer, while Dahl is a righthander and will be used in middle relief. Faust is 34 years old, but still covers a lot of ground, has a good arm and rarely makes an error in the field. At bat Faust has good power and makes good contact. Talking about his new center fielder, Engel said, "I don't like players that knock in two runs and let in three."

Best Pitchers: Teddy Kuznetsov (17-12 3.06), LHP Sal Tallis (17-14 3.84), Doug Torvik (8-5 2.86)

Best Batters: LF Dixie Baker (.267 BA/31 HR/91 RBI), Won Golden Glove

Eugene Church · 06-12-2009, 03:57 PM

The Islandian Times

March 3, 2004

Prospects Fair For Colchester in 2004
The outlook for the new season is positive for the Colchester Elites. After compiling an 83-71 record and a second-place finish in 2002, the Elites flopped in 2003, dropping to a 76-78 mark and sixth place, 20 games out of first. Colchester really wasn't that bad, they just play in a strong division. The Elites were 20 games out in 2003 and 19 out last year. The IPA champion Turon Typhoons and the two-time division winner San Alejo Montaneros both are members of the Tycobbian Union South.

Manager Uncle Robbie Wilbertson has improved his mound staff with the addition of Jimmy Simmons, a southpaw with great credentials and potential. If Simmons produces as the team's #4 starter, the Elites will be in the running for a playoff spot. They could overtake Ginza and Summerland. A little more pitching coupled with Colchester's outstanding hitting could put them in the playoffs. The Elites are headed by three All-Stars: pitcher Dennis Pendarvis, first baseman Harlan Roscoe and right fielder Tommy Barella. Colchester tied Marston and Bayview for the most players in the All-Star game.

Best Pitchers: Dennis Pendarvis (16-15 2.61)

Best Batters: 1B Harlan Roscoe (.330 BA/18 HR/101 RBI), RF Tommy Barella (.309 BA/12 HR/113 R/76 SB) and 3B Niles Stanton (.288 BA/38 HR/106 RBI)

Eugene Church · 06-12-2009, 05:33 PM

The Islandian Times

March 3, 2004

Another Down Year Forecast For CC Catamounts
Pitching woes are still left over from last year for manager T. Kelly Holmes as the Cold Creek Catamounts head into season number three. The Cats (74-80) made the playoffs in their inaugural IPA season, ending up 13 games behind the RU East champs, the Sugar Valley Rattlers. But they really fizzled in 2003, spiraling down to last place with a 62-92 mark, 26 games off the pace of the pennant-winning Elnora All-Stars.

Cold Creek is near the top in offense, but near the bottom in pitching. They can score runs but they can't get anybody out. Pitchers are at a premium in the IPA. Desperate to turn things around, Skipper Holmes has signed two rookies, LHP Tommy Weeks and RHP Monte Oliver. They also recycled two old arms by re-signing Dave Molinari, who was the team's top hurler two years ago with a 16-10 record and a 3.25 ERA, but he was pitiful last season with 4-8 and 6.03 ERA and released at mid-season. Lefty Payton Saunders is back again after sitting out a year. Saunders was 12-10 with a 4.10 ERA in 2002 and will start the season as Holmes' closer. Molinari will be used as a spot starter and long reliever. Newcomers Weeks and Oliver will be mainly in relief, however Weeks will see some duty as a starter.

Cold Creek will also feature rookies at shortstop and left field. Infielder Randall Hayes is a fine glove man with some pop in his bat, while Kendall Hughes is adequate in the outfield defensively and can go deep with the bat. Both could contend for the Rookie of the Year Award.

Sports prognosticators are picking Cold Creek no better than seventh in the RU East pennant race.

Best Pitchers: Andy Stevens (13-13 3.72) and Russell Thurber (6-7 3.15)

Top Hitters: 1B Johnny Carducci (.300 BA/28 HR/107 RBI/106 R), RF Karl Yashin (.276 BA/27 HR/96 RBI) and Gold Glove CF Trip Holmes (.286 BA/18 HR/88 RBI/100 R/40 SB)

Eugene Church · 06-12-2009, 07:21 PM

The Islandian Times

March 3, 2004

Colfax Set To Challenge Volusia and Middlefield In RU West
Clem Rogers, skipper of the Colfax Blasters, can't wait for the season to get started in the Ruthlandian Union North. Fresh off a fine 2003 season, when his club was 81-73 and finished third, seven games behind the division winner, the Volusia Vigilantes, and four games back of runner-up Middlefield.

Rogers told reporters at a recent press conference that the pieces are in place for the Blasters to make a run at the flag this season. "We think our pitching has been stepped up a notch with rookie right-hander Dallas Somerville. I know he's only 20 years old, but the dude has quality stuff to win in this league. Add him in with LaForge and Manning and our rotation can do the job this season."

Colfax has the hitters, all they need is improvement on the hill to contend for the RU West flag.

Best pitchers: Jasper LaForge (24-10 3.63), Harry Manning (12-8 3.29) and closer Daric Jacoby (5-6 2.04) with 28 saves and 70 relief appearances.

Best Batters: All-Star 3B Neely Keeton (.285 BA/27 HR/114 RBI), Gold Glove 1B and All-Star Dennis Cole (.258 BA/24 HR/79 RBI), SS Johnny Spizale (.295 BA/25 HR/99 RBI) and 2B Ilya Ivanchuk (.314 BA/7 HR/96 R)

Eugene Church · 06-12-2009, 08:48 PM

The Islandian Times

March 3, 2004

Crystal Lake Crushers Face Another Long Season In RU South
Last year the Crystal Lake Crushers (65-89) languished in last place and trailed the RU South champ St. John by 24 games. The previous season the Crushers (72-82) were seventh, 13 games behind Valka, which won the division crown.

Crystal Lake's manager Herman "Baby" George, the legendary home run hitter of the industrial league, has taken drastic measures by totally revamping his roster. George has four new pitchers and five new position players. A total of nine newcomers.

George told BNN, "Everybody on this roster will get a chance to show his stuff. Hopefully I'll end up with 8 good regulars and a few good arms on the mound. This year has got to be better than last year."

The baseball experts were not impressed with the changes and have projected the Crushers to finish in the cellar again. The general consensus is that Crystal Lake has very few players who could start on other teams except for pitchers Duhon and Orantes.

Best Pitchers: LHP Al Duhon (10-7 3.35), Bill Ehrhardt (11-17 3.98), Antoine Strawzer (7-6 3.22) and closer Pablo Orantes (8-4 2.81) with 16 saves in 71 appearances

Top Hitters: LF Ben Butler (.242/30 HR/94 RBI) and 1B Johnny James (.281 BA/23 HR/83 RBI)

Eugene Church · 06-13-2009, 02:23 PM

The Islandian Times

March 4, 2004

DC Redbirds Are Ready In The TU West
"All we need is one more strong arm and the Redbirds are ready to roll." That was Denton City manager Matty Chrisianson's comment at a news conference yesterday. "The top teams have at least two quality starters. My two new rookies LHP James Darbonne and Roger Ramsey are going to kick us up to prime contenders in the TU West. With three quality arms the Redbirds can challenge Bayview, Rolling Hills and Bay St. Clair, the reigning powers in the division." The Buccaneers won the flag in 2002 and the Vikings last season. The Reds have been runner-up both years.

Denton City made great progress last year, improving from seventh place to third. The Redbirds were 71-83 and 21 games out in the standings in 2002, improving to 79-75 and 13 games behind in 2003. Better pitching was the difference.

Top Pitchers: Bob Coleman (20-8 3.67), Joe Hoffman (17-16 3.56) and LHP closer Bubba Lear (6-2 3.13) with 15 saves in 57 game appearances.

Top Hitters: SS Trevor Tomlinson (.298 BA/8 HR/98 R/76 SB), 2B Glen Throckmorton (.277 BA/22 HR/78 RBI), 1B Rod MacCormack (.282 BA/19 HR/70 RBI) and C Howard Lombard (.282 BA/20 HR/69 RBI)

Eugene Church · 06-13-2009, 09:25 PM

The Islandian Times

March 4, 2004

Poor Pitching Keeps Panthers In The Pits
In their initial season in 2002 the East Point Panthers pounded their way to third place with a 78-77 record in the Tycobbian Union East, winding up 9.5 games in back of the co-winners, South Fork and High Mesa. Last year the Panthers (65-89) slumped badly as their hitting fell off. They ended up last, 20 games behind the division-winning Red Bluff Red Sox. The outlook is for more of the same in 2004 according to the baseball buffs.

East Point manager Griff Clarke's ball club is near the bottom with a 4.49 ERA with not much help on the way. The only new pitcher is Denny Gentry, a 33-year-old journeyman righthander signed from the industrial league. Charlie Hale is Clarke's #1 hurler. Last season Hale was 14-9 with a 4.01 ERA. The Panthers future is gloomy. Clarke lamented in the interview, "Finish last in baseball and you're an idiot... finish last in medical school and you're a doctor... that ain't fair."

East Point is blessed with the best 1-2 power punch in the IPA with two sluggers who hit over 40 homers each last year. 2B Karol Zadoka and 3B Rex Sokolov both have been All-Stars two years in a row. In 2002 Zadoka won the Triple Crown, received the TU Golden Bat Award as the league's best batter and copped the TU MVP honors. Zadoka has also picked up Golden Gloves both seasons.

Clarke said, "Zadoka and Sokolov can't win games single-handedly. Some of the other guys are going to have to step up and help them out. Especially the pitchers. My guys can score runs, but our pitchers are the pits."

The Panthers also have five new position players with 1B Tex Cane and LF Hank Archer winning starting spots. SS Benny Rotella and C Ed Strasser will see a lot action in platoon roles. 2B Ralph Gates will back up All-Everything Zadoka. 'Nuff said - that doesn't leave much playing time for Gates.

Best Pitchers: Charlie Hale (14-9 4.01)

Best Batters: 2B Karol Zadoka (.313 BA/46 HR/123 RBI/134 R) and 3B Rex Sokolov (.304 BA/40 HR/118 RBI/92 R)

Eugene Church · 06-13-2009, 11:19 PM

The Islandian Times

March 4, 2004

Elegants Put Hopes In Rookie Hurlers In RU East
Eastshore manager Killer Brewster has seen that outhitting his Ruthlandian Union nemeses, the Elnora All-Stars and Sugar Valley Rattlers, hasn't paid off. The Elegants were the highest-scoring crew in the league last year, but to no avail - they concluded the season with a 75-79 mark and finished fourth, while Elnora took the crown and outdistanced them by 13 games. The season before, the Elegants were third behind the Rattlers, trailing them by 9 games with a 78-76 mark. Two years in a row the All-Stars have eliminated the Elegants in the IPA playoffs.

According the scouting experts, Brewster has corralled an outstanding prospect in Don Lance, a 21-year-old rookie with a great curveball, along with Jess Houlahan, a 30-year-old southpaw with 97 mph velocity. Lance will be Eastshore's #4 starter, while Houlahan will be a spot starter and long reliever. The Elegants have also signed 34-year-old Brian Russell, a finesse pitcher with good control and good command. Russell will be assigned to middle relief.

Brewster told BNN, "Our season depends on our rookie pitchers. I certainly hope Lance is a good as everybody says."

Top Pitchers: LHP Ivar Jorgerson (13-11 4.03), Don Willis (12-10 3.80)

Top Hitters: LF Darrell Alston (.333 BA/29 HR/110 RBI/114 R/15 SB), 1B Vito Iacoboni (.248 BA/30 HR/117 RBI/99 R), 2B Miles Sheehan (.301 BA/21 HR/83 RBI/111 R), RF Ron Dizon (.248 BA/24 HR/91 RBI), CF Judd Kilpatrick (.301 BA/7 HR/68 RBI/112 R/32 SB)

Eugene Church · 06-14-2009, 07:58 PM

The Islandian Times

March 4, 2004

Elnora Picked To Win Again in the RU East
Manager Zoggy White is beaming today and life is good in Elnora, where his All-Stars have improved every season since conception of the Islandian Pro Alliance. In 2003 Elnora (88-66) won the RU East by three games over tough Sugar Valley in an excellent regular season and advanced to the Elite 8 before losing to Pro Cup finalists Valmara. In 2002 the All-Stars (81-73) finished six games back in the second spot to the Rattlers in the regular season and got all the way to the Pro Cup Series finals, but were swept by the champion High Mesa Cowboys. In the IPA's first season Elnora (67-83) did not fare very well and ended up last, 16 games behind first place Far Mountain.

The good news is that the Island baseball experts have chosen the All-Stars to repeat as the RU East winner, but is expected to be challenged by the Sugar Valley Rattlers.

White is enthused about the coming year with three returning All-Stars in pitcher Harry Dye, catcher Todd Simons and second baseman Gil Foster. White has a well-balanced ball club. "We got everybody back, plus two capable newcomers, pitcher Thurl Sherman and rookie first baseman Jerry Twyman. Sherman is back again after very short stays in 2001 and 2002. Sherman will be used in middle relief, while Twyman is a solid fielder and pretty fair hitter with some power. Twyman will get the call at first base. It is his job to lose."

Best Pitchers: Taylor Gibbs (20-13 2.36), All-Star Harry Dye (21-11 3.58), Charlie Murphy (16-15 3.07) and Pat Savoie (10-4 3.43).

Best Batters: RF Quincy Peterson (.308 BA/26 HR/85 RBI/101 R/23 SB), 3B Dmitri Vrotsos (.300 BA/29 HR/102 RBI), All-Star 2B Gil Foster (.312 BA/24 HR/83 RBI) and CF Rusty Gilbert (.315 BA/15 HR/76 RBI/104 R/31 SB)

Eugene Church · 06-15-2009, 05:36 PM

The Islandian Times

March 4, 2004

Frogs Still Alive and Croaking In TU North
Each season Harry Buckley's Fairfax Frogs are right near the top of the standings in the Tycobbian Union North. The Frogs were the division champions in 2001 with an 80-71 mark, slipped a little to third in 2002 at 80-74, 6 games off the pace of first place Oxford and then rose up to second last year with their best record ever at 87-67, good for the runner-up spot behind Hartsdale, which captured the title by a game. No one would be surprised to see Fairfax win the division this season. Quality hitting and the best overall mound staff in the TU could bring the flag back to the Frogs.

Buckley told reporters, "We've got a solid corps of starters and some prolific hitters, led by All-Stars Robby Meredith SP and Gregg Vincent RF. If my new closer Jay Sorensen can handle the job, we are all set for a fine season." Sorenson did very well in short relief last year in 33 outings.

Best Pitchers: Robby Meredith (22-9 2.67), Kaz Hayagawa (19-11 3.35), Barrett Carruthers (14-14 2.81) and closer Jay Sorensen (1-2 2.29)

Best Batters: RF Gregg Vincent (.295 BA/35 HR/106 RBI), 2B Cecil Parmenter (.312 BA/16 HR/82 RBI) and CF Billy Echevarria (.282BA/7 HR/106 R/58 SB)

Eugene Church · 06-15-2009, 07:12 PM

The Islandian Times

March 4, 2004

Redhawks Will Contend Again In RU North
Far Mountain is one of the stronger franchises in the Islandian Pro Alliance with three first-division finishes over the last three years. Legendary pitching great Alex Groveland has piloted the Redhawks to a pennant in year one with an 80-71 record, second place in 2002 with 91-63 mark, five games back of Glasco and third place in 2003 with 87-67, eight games behind Valmara.

Not much has changed this season. Groveland still has three outstanding starters in Sonny Elliott, Robby Kelly and Doc Rutledge, all of them still in their prime. Commenting on his abundance of pitchers, Groveland said, "The hardest thing to do in baseball is to hit a round baseball with a round bat, squarely. That's why I always like to have a bunch of good arms around. You can never have too many."

Groveland also pointed out a perennial weakness with his club. Far Mountain has always suffered from a lack of power. "I sure could use a hitter or two, that can hit the ball a long way," he admitted to reporters. "I expect us to be a little better in that department with the addition of rookie second baseman Duane Parsons, who can go deep on occasion."

In 2004, most baseball experts are predicting a third-place finish for the Redhawks behind defending champ Valmara and runner-up Ranford, but they could get some good competition from Glasco and Taranto.

Best Pitchers: Sonny Elliott (19-14 3.22), Robby Kelly (18-10 2.59) and Doc Rutledge (19-13 3.64)

Best Batters: CF Sid Cameron (.324 BA/9 HR/66 RBI/101 R/44 SB), RF Karl Dietz (.254 BA/33 HR/110 RBI) and 1B Royce Benson (.309 BA/11 HR/86 R/35 SB)

Eugene Church · 06-15-2009, 08:44 PM

The Islandian Times

March 4, 2004

'Jacks Probable Playoff Team In RU West
The Forest City Lumberjacks have made the playoffs for the first three seasons in the IPA. In the league's initial season, the Lumberjacks ended up in the number two spot behind winner Marston with an 81-69 mark, just three games off the pace. Two years ago the 'Jacks (89-65) claimed the RU West crown with its best season ever. Last year Jackson brought them in 80-74 in a disappointing season as they dropped down to the fourth spot in the standings, ending up 8 games behind the victorious Volusia Vigilantes, but they still made the playoffs.

It looks like Rob Jackson's crew has what it takes to get there again this year - solid pitching and power bats. Seven players had 10 or more homers last year. All-Star RF Chuck Hill, CF Ryan Morse, 1B J. T. Edmonds and SS Bill Nilson lead a productive line-up, while the Lumberjacks are strong on the hill, too. Jackson's rotation is a good one with Frank Loeffler, Glenn Moore and Timmy Brooks. Rookie Tommy Zenon could add another good arm to the mix. Jackson said Zenon would get some starts as the #4 starter, along with Brandon Woodward and LHP Grover Haygood, who were mainly used as relievers last season. "Our staff is stronger than ever. I expect us to challenge Volusia," Jackson boasted to BNN. "Plus, we now have good depth at all positions with rookies like C Otis Ott, 1B Joe Helmke, SS Josh Venturini and CF Stan Maples."

The BNN prognosticators expect a battle royal in the Ruthlandian Union West this season. Forest City is picked for fourth place in a very strong division. The Sligo Rovers also have their sights set on the playoffs this year after rising up to fifth in 2003.

Best Pitcher: Frank Loeffler (15-11 3.37), Glenn Moore (15-14 3.38), Timmy Brooks (16-18 3.13) and Brandon Woodworth (5-2 2.91)

Best Hitters: CF Ryan Morse (.329 BA/16 HR/81 RBI/98 R/29 SB), All-Star RF Chuck Hill (.272 BA/23 HR/93 RBI), 1B J. T. Edmonds (.287 BA/21 HR/84 RBI/93 R/21 SB), SS Bill Nilson (.291 BA/20 HR/75 RBI/78 R/18 SB), 2B Jesse Wolf (.273 BA/20 HR/76 RBI) and 3B Johnny Mack Butler (.309 BA/11 HR/51 RBI/104 R/43 SB)

Eugene Church · 06-16-2009, 01:37 PM

The Islandian Times

March 5, 2004

FTB Defenders Have A Long Way To Go In RU West
Skipper Robbie Brooks made progress last season in the Ruthlandian Union West, but still ended up last. The Fort Benton Defenders improved vastly from 56-98 in 2002 to 70-84 last year, but still have a ways to go even to contend for a playoff spot. All predictions indicate another season near the bottom of the division.

Brooks has added two new pitchers and four position players, but none of them look like impact players, although all of them will get an opportunity to win a regular job. The best of the lot is LF Carl McCord, a speedy outfielder with some punch and and a quality hitter. Armando Vega will get a good shot in the starting rotation as a rookie.

Best Pitchers: Erv Gunderson (8-13 3.02)

Best Batters: C Irv Small (.262 BA/22 HR/90 RBI) and RF Murph Lunsford (.282 BA/19 HR/75 RBI)

Eugene Church · 06-16-2009, 03:58 PM

The Islandian Times

March 5, 2004

TU South Tough On Ginza Ninjas
Prior to league expansion the Ginza Ninjas (81-69) were a power in the IPA and went to the Pro Cup Finals in 2001 after finishing second in the regular season to South Fork (86-64). The Stallions whipped the Ninjas by five games and Volusia of the Ruthlandian Union swept them in three games for the overall title. The IPA expanded from 32 to 64 teams in 2002. With stiffer competition Ginza missed the playoffs and fell to 76-78, coming in fifth, 26 games off the pace of powerful San Alejo, which won a record 102 games. Last year the Ninjas compiled an 82-72 mark and wound up fourth, trailing San Alejo by 14 games.

The Tycobbian Union South is filled with fine teams. San Alejo has won two pennants in a row and has won more games (198) than any team in the last two seasons. Turon (84-70) is the defending Pro Cup champions with a sweep of Valmara of the Ruthlandian Union last year. They finished second to San Alejo (96-58), but got hot in the postseason and won it all. Cape Coral, Colchester and Summerland are strong opposition, too. Manager Huroko Uchiyama's Ninjas have the pitching to compete with them, but fall short in the hitting department, ranking dead last in homers with only 84 for the year. By contrast, the SA Montaneros slammed 161 roundtrippers.

The baseball analysts cite this as a critical shortcoming for Ginza and until this is addressed the Ninjas will be a middle of the pack team, struggling to squeeze into the playoffs. Going into the 2004 season, Uchiyama has improved his pitching and defense, but still lacks home run power. Ginza could be passed by better-hitting Colchester and Summerland.

Uchiyama has four solid starters and a standout closer, but plans to give his 33-year-old rookie righthander Toshi Takeda some spot starts and will use him primarily in long relief. The Ninja skipper has re-signed several players from the successful 2001 team that made the IPA finals, telling the press that "they play good defense, are experienced and fundamentally sound". Most of them will be back-up players, except RF Takashi Fujimoto, who will platoon in the outfield. Uchiyama said, "Fujimoto is one of my favorite players. He is a winner. That's why I brought him back."

Top Pitchers: Carl Trebek (20-14 3.07), Alex Sasek (12-4 2.66), Kojiro Matsumoto (16-15 3.68), Kazuhiro Nakayama (17-16 3.56) and closer Ray Funkhouser (6-6 2.61) with 16 saves in 46 games.

Top Batters: 1B Kenshin Yamamoto (.316 BA, 17 HR/68 RBI), 2B Ken Mack (.329 BA/6 HR/64 RBI) and SS Dave Torregrossa (.309 BA/10 HR/64 RBI)

Eugene Church · 06-16-2009, 08:08 PM

The Islandian Times

March 5, 2004

Glasco A's Are Better in Powerful 2004 RU North
In the first year of the IPA Glasco chalked up a 73-77 record to end up in fifth place, 10 games behind the flag-winning Far Mountain Redhawks. In 2002 the Athletics lit up the league with a superb 96-58 mark to capture the division title, going as far as the Elite 8 where they lost to the eventual Pro Cup runner-up, the Elnora All-Stars. Last season Glasco suffered a downturn to 84-70 and slid to fourth in the standings, 11 games off the pace of the division champion Valmara Vipers. Ineffective pitching caused the drop, but the Athletics still made the playoffs. The A's were eliminated by the Vipers in the opening round. Valmara went all the way to the IPA Pro Cup finals before being subdued by the Turon Typhoons of the Tycobbian Union.

It may not show up in the standings but McDuffie Hughes' Glasco Athletics should be a better ball club in 2004. The A's play in one of the more powerful divisions in the Islandian Pro Alliance, the Ruthlandian North. Glasco has to compete against the likes of Valmara, Ranford, Far Mountain and the up-and-coming Taranto Tars.

Hughes told BNN, "We better be better... the other teams are not standing pat... you don't improve, you lose. To help our strong starting pitchers, this season we have added a little power in the outfield with CF Aidan Latimer and a good glove with SS Brad Walker. On the mound we will have three newcomers: LHP Reece Kilham, Hal Neyland and Rusty Michael. All will be used as middle relievers with Kilham and Neyland getting some work as spot starters. We will have a new catcher this year. Our best defender, Jonas Ogburn, will get the call most of the time, even though last year's starter Les Ferguson is a much stronger hitter. Defense will prevail over hitting this season. We have a good starting foursome, but need better defense and a better bullpen to compete."

Best Pitchers: Jesse Balfour (17-7 3.00), Ray Cook (16-14 3.29), Charles Darby (17-18 3.68) and Jerry Smith (15-9 3.84)

Best Batters: LF Bobby Pascarelli (.288 BA/34 HR/101 RBI), RF Ox Beauvais (.310 BA/16 HR/99 RBI) and 3B Lloyd Windham (.301 BA/8 HR/124 R/119 BB)

Eugene Church · 06-16-2009, 11:18 PM

The Islandian Times

March 5, 2004

Grand City Cybercats Weak Club in Weak RU South
Grand City debuted in 2002 with a fourth place finish in it first season in the IPA. Skippered by Torry Joseph to an 82-72 record, the Cybercats were only three games in back of the Valka Blackhawks, who nabbed the regular season title. Valka eliminated Grand City in the first round of the playoffs and went on to reach the Final 4, where they were defeated by Elnora. However, Grand City's bubble burst in season two as they fizzled and came in with a disappointing 67-87 record, tumbling down to seventh place, 22 games behind division champ St. John. 2004 is not looking good, either. The baseball writers preseason poll has the Cybercats in a struggle with the Crystal Lake Crushers for seventh place. The loser gets the cellar.

Joseph is woefully short of talent. After last season collapse Grand City got busy and signed nine rookies. So there will be many new faces on the field on opening day.

Best Pitchers: Lefty Paddison (19-18 3.34), Milo Dyer (7-4 2.40) and Jan Szabo (5-2 2.62)

Best Hitters: CF Stan Helmke (.326 BA/6 HR/52 RBI/93 R/61 SB), 1B Robby Maynard (.295 BA/25 HR/91 RBI) and SS Wynn Joslin (.253 BA/22 HR/92 RBI)

06-11-2009, 04:51 PM	#1001
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 2, 2004 Ladrieux Optimistic For BP Musketeers, Playoff Possible The Belle Plaine Musketeers were division doormats in 2002, but manager Boo Ladrieux saw his club make great strides last year. The Muskies went from 54-100 (8th) and 33 games behind to 70-84 (6th) and only 18 games out. Ladrieux thinks his team is ready to make a run for the playoffs. Belle Plaine has made sweeping changes for the second year in a row. They have added six new players to the roster and can't wait for the new season to begin. Ladrieux is especially ecstatic about two new rookies, 3B Dominique Rousseau and pitcher Tony Saroyan. Both come highly-acclaimed by the baseball writers. Rousseau is an outstanding fielder and can hold his own with a bat and packs a little power, too. Rookie 3B Chipper Blaylock, who can hit with power, will also get some playing time, too. Saroyan will be Belle Plaine's #5 starter. Ladrieux will also work in two more rookies at second base and shortstop. Noel Pitre will platoon with 2B Lee Lemiux and Craig Younger will alternate with SS Larry Froelich. Lemiux and Froelich played sparingly last season and will get their chance to shine. Ladrieux commented, "None of them hit with power, but all them will make us better defensively." Ladrieux spoke with reporters on the opening day of Spring training and told them, "The Musketeers have a shot at the playoffs this season. We improved greatly last year and can do it again. Look out, Marston and Eastshore. Belle Plaine is gonna move up in the standings. First division, here we come." Best Pitchers: Lou Dozier (17-12 2.97) Best Hitters: RF Lavon Gooch (.294 BA/24 HR/93 RBI), CF Dennis Riley (.306 BA/17 HR/93 RBI) Last edited by Eugene Church; 09-28-2011 at 06:26 PM.

06-11-2009, 06:00 PM	#1002
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 2, 2004 Blue Lake Has Tough Task In Strong TU North The Tyrobbian North Division has the reputation for being the best overall division in the IPA. Cobb Tyson's Blue Lake Blue Sox played .500 ball, yet finished sixth in the standings, 11 games out. In the last two years the Blue Sox have fallen from one of the league's better clubs to a second division team. Blue Lake compiled a fine 79-72 mark in the inaugural season, ending up second and just one game behind the flag-winning Fairfax Frogs. But slumped to sixth place, 15 games off the pace, with a poor 71-83 record in the 2002 expansion year. In 2003 they improved slightly to 77-77. The outlook for 2004 is pretty fair as per the baseball writers. The Blue Sox could be better, but still not move up in the standings. All of the clubs ahead of them are solid teams and are not going to suddenly turn over and play dead. However, if rookie righthander Benny DeBartolo comes through and establishes himself as the team's #3 starter, Blue Lake's stock will rise and the playoffs are a possibility for Cobb Tyson's club. DeBartolo throws 98 mph and has marvelous movement on his pitches. The question is whether or not he can find the plate often enough to win and how pitching more often will affect him. Cobb told reporters recently, "Our season depends on improved pitching. If Tom Waltenbury (9-1 2.70) can make the transition from long relief to starter and pitch like he did last season and DeBartolo can adapt to pitching every 3-4 days rather than once a week in the industrial league, the Blue Sox will be in the thick of the playoff battle. Another positive is my two gold glovers, Cy Orgeron at shortstop and Loren Babcock at third. Fourth place is highly possible and attainable. And if my lousy hitters would hit their weight, there's no doubt we would be in the playoffs. We would win the pennant." Best Pitchers: LHP Tom Waltenbury (9-1 2.70), Neil Krogstad (18-15 4.06) and Bennie West (13-17 3.52) Best Batters: RF Fred Collins (.300 BA/28 HR/91 RBI/111 R/53 SB), CF Rick Hilliard (.281 BA/24 HR/98 R/54 SB), 2B Ken Bennett (.275 BA/17 HR/96 RBI) Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-25-2009 at 10:17 PM.

06-11-2009, 08:37 PM	#1004
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 2, 2004 Chicopee Destined For Another Gloomy Season in TU West So far in their two seasons in the Islandian Pro Alliance, the Chicopee Braves of manager Harry Fleetfoot have found the going tough. They were sixth in the expansion year with a 73-81 mark, trailing the TU West Division winner Bay St. Clair by 19 games. In 2003, Chicopee dipped to a lousy 62-92 record, finishing fifth and 30 games in back of the pennant-winning Bayview Vikings. The baseball prognosticators are predicting more of the same for 2004, despite the presence of several talented additions to the roster. CF Phil Nelson could be one of the best outfielders in the IPA when it comes to chasing down fly balls. Nelson is is a good contact hitter with a little bit of power, but his main asset is his ballhawk skills. 3B Wild Deer Etchimin swings a good bat and can go deep. On the mound Fleetfoot has gone to a five-man rotation and will use a trio of hurlers in the #5 slot. Bill Branch and Nicky Bruckner are rookie southpaws, while Johnny Falcon is a righty. Falcon is back for another try. He was 12-19 with a 4.75 ERA in 2002. Branch is a fireballer that flings it regularly at 95 mph. Best Pitchers: Alan Goodwin (14-14 3.41) and closer Desmond Quartermain (3-8 2.82) with 76 relief appearances and 27 saves. Best Batters: LF Big Stick Takala (.308 BA/18 HR/76 RBI) Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-11-2009 at 08:41 PM.

06-12-2009, 03:57 PM	#1006
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 3, 2004 Prospects Fair For Colchester in 2004 The outlook for the new season is positive for the Colchester Elites. After compiling an 83-71 record and a second-place finish in 2002, the Elites flopped in 2003, dropping to a 76-78 mark and sixth place, 20 games out of first. Colchester really wasn't that bad, they just play in a strong division. The Elites were 20 games out in 2003 and 19 out last year. The IPA champion Turon Typhoons and the two-time division winner San Alejo Montaneros both are members of the Tycobbian Union South. Manager Uncle Robbie Wilbertson has improved his mound staff with the addition of Jimmy Simmons, a southpaw with great credentials and potential. If Simmons produces as the team's #4 starter, the Elites will be in the running for a playoff spot. They could overtake Ginza and Summerland. A little more pitching coupled with Colchester's outstanding hitting could put them in the playoffs. The Elites are headed by three All-Stars: pitcher Dennis Pendarvis, first baseman Harlan Roscoe and right fielder Tommy Barella. Colchester tied Marston and Bayview for the most players in the All-Star game. Best Pitchers: Dennis Pendarvis (16-15 2.61) Best Batters: 1B Harlan Roscoe (.330 BA/18 HR/101 RBI), RF Tommy Barella (.309 BA/12 HR/113 R/76 SB) and 3B Niles Stanton (.288 BA/38 HR/106 RBI) Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-12-2009 at 04:00 PM.

06-13-2009, 09:25 PM	#1011
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 4, 2004 Poor Pitching Keeps Panthers In The Pits In their initial season in 2002 the East Point Panthers pounded their way to third place with a 78-77 record in the Tycobbian Union East, winding up 9.5 games in back of the co-winners, South Fork and High Mesa. Last year the Panthers (65-89) slumped badly as their hitting fell off. They ended up last, 20 games behind the division-winning Red Bluff Red Sox. The outlook is for more of the same in 2004 according to the baseball buffs. East Point manager Griff Clarke's ball club is near the bottom with a 4.49 ERA with not much help on the way. The only new pitcher is Denny Gentry, a 33-year-old journeyman righthander signed from the industrial league. Charlie Hale is Clarke's #1 hurler. Last season Hale was 14-9 with a 4.01 ERA. The Panthers future is gloomy. Clarke lamented in the interview, "Finish last in baseball and you're an idiot... finish last in medical school and you're a doctor... that ain't fair." East Point is blessed with the best 1-2 power punch in the IPA with two sluggers who hit over 40 homers each last year. 2B Karol Zadoka and 3B Rex Sokolov both have been All-Stars two years in a row. In 2002 Zadoka won the Triple Crown, received the TU Golden Bat Award as the league's best batter and copped the TU MVP honors. Zadoka has also picked up Golden Gloves both seasons. Clarke said, "Zadoka and Sokolov can't win games single-handedly. Some of the other guys are going to have to step up and help them out. Especially the pitchers. My guys can score runs, but our pitchers are the pits." The Panthers also have five new position players with 1B Tex Cane and LF Hank Archer winning starting spots. SS Benny Rotella and C Ed Strasser will see a lot action in platoon roles. 2B Ralph Gates will back up All-Everything Zadoka. 'Nuff said - that doesn't leave much playing time for Gates. Best Pitchers: Charlie Hale (14-9 4.01) Best Batters: 2B Karol Zadoka (.313 BA/46 HR/123 RBI/134 R) and 3B Rex Sokolov (.304 BA/40 HR/118 RBI/92 R) Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-13-2009 at 11:24 PM.

06-11-2009, 07:52 PM	#1003
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 2, 2004 Hurricanes Hill Corps Key To Success The Cape Coral Hurricanes have been on a seesaw in their three years in the Islandian Pro Alliance. Up in year one with a third-place finish and 75-75 record, 11 games behind. Down in 2002 with a mediocre 69-85 mark, falling to seventh place and a horrible 33 games out. Then rebounding back up to second place with an impressive 84-70 record, but 12 games back of the champion San Alejo Montaneros. One vital element is missing from the Cape Coral arsenal - hitting with power. The 'Canes have the pitching, but just can't compete offensively in the long ball department. Zoggy Miller is hoping that two rookies will give his ball club a boost. LF Kippy Doyle and 3B Lonnie Moon will be given an opportunity to perk up the power and the offense. Even if they are successful, it may not be enough to overtake the powerful San Alejo Montaneros. Miller has two standout starters in Cody Burg (18-10 1.87) and Jeff Salow (21-13 3.22). Burg topped the Tycobbian Union with a sensational 1.87 ERA. But overall, pitching depth is lacking. The Hurricanes could use a consistent closer. Best Pitchers: Cody Burg (18-10 1.87) and Jeff Salow (21-13 3.22) Best Hitters: C Fats Dalton (.314 BA/13 HR/87 RBI) and 2B Hoshi Sato (.312 BA/15 HR/74 RBI)

06-11-2009, 09:46 PM	#1005
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 2, 2004 Claxton Diamonds Bid For Playoff Berth Under Stacy Engel as manager, Claxton has made the IPA playoffs once in its three years of existence. In the league's initial season the Diamonds went 68-92. They were sixth and in the basement, 16 games behind the leader, the Marston Nine. In 2002 they regrouped and jumped up to second place, tied with Grand City with a fine 82-72 mark, ending up just three games in back of the pennant-winning Valka Blackhawks. 2003 was a down year as Claxton plunged to a 74-80 record and finished in the fifth spot in the Ruthlandian Union South, 15 games off the pace of the division champs, the St. John Crusaders. "The Old Perfesser" Stacy Engel just missed out on the playoffs by a measly game in 2003, so he went out and procured what he thinks will put him over the top and into the playoffs this season. Asked by the press to give an analysis of the upcoming season, Engel replied, "I never make predictions, especially about the future. However, I think pitchers Bob Grba and Tom Dahl, along with my fleet-footed center fielder Jackie Faust will be enough to get the Diamonds into the first division and into the playoffs." Grba is a portsider and will used as the closer, while Dahl is a righthander and will be used in middle relief. Faust is 34 years old, but still covers a lot of ground, has a good arm and rarely makes an error in the field. At bat Faust has good power and makes good contact. Talking about his new center fielder, Engel said, "I don't like players that knock in two runs and let in three." Best Pitchers: Teddy Kuznetsov (17-12 3.06), LHP Sal Tallis (17-14 3.84), Doug Torvik (8-5 2.86) Best Batters: LF Dixie Baker (.267 BA/31 HR/91 RBI), Won Golden Glove

06-12-2009, 05:33 PM	#1007
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 3, 2004 Another Down Year Forecast For CC Catamounts Pitching woes are still left over from last year for manager T. Kelly Holmes as the Cold Creek Catamounts head into season number three. The Cats (74-80) made the playoffs in their inaugural IPA season, ending up 13 games behind the RU East champs, the Sugar Valley Rattlers. But they really fizzled in 2003, spiraling down to last place with a 62-92 mark, 26 games off the pace of the pennant-winning Elnora All-Stars. Cold Creek is near the top in offense, but near the bottom in pitching. They can score runs but they can't get anybody out. Pitchers are at a premium in the IPA. Desperate to turn things around, Skipper Holmes has signed two rookies, LHP Tommy Weeks and RHP Monte Oliver. They also recycled two old arms by re-signing Dave Molinari, who was the team's top hurler two years ago with a 16-10 record and a 3.25 ERA, but he was pitiful last season with 4-8 and 6.03 ERA and released at mid-season. Lefty Payton Saunders is back again after sitting out a year. Saunders was 12-10 with a 4.10 ERA in 2002 and will start the season as Holmes' closer. Molinari will be used as a spot starter and long reliever. Newcomers Weeks and Oliver will be mainly in relief, however Weeks will see some duty as a starter. Cold Creek will also feature rookies at shortstop and left field. Infielder Randall Hayes is a fine glove man with some pop in his bat, while Kendall Hughes is adequate in the outfield defensively and can go deep with the bat. Both could contend for the Rookie of the Year Award. Sports prognosticators are picking Cold Creek no better than seventh in the RU East pennant race. Best Pitchers: Andy Stevens (13-13 3.72) and Russell Thurber (6-7 3.15) Top Hitters: 1B Johnny Carducci (.300 BA/28 HR/107 RBI/106 R), RF Karl Yashin (.276 BA/27 HR/96 RBI) and Gold Glove CF Trip Holmes (.286 BA/18 HR/88 RBI/100 R/40 SB)

06-12-2009, 07:21 PM	#1008
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 3, 2004 Colfax Set To Challenge Volusia and Middlefield In RU West Clem Rogers, skipper of the Colfax Blasters, can't wait for the season to get started in the Ruthlandian Union North. Fresh off a fine 2003 season, when his club was 81-73 and finished third, seven games behind the division winner, the Volusia Vigilantes, and four games back of runner-up Middlefield. Rogers told reporters at a recent press conference that the pieces are in place for the Blasters to make a run at the flag this season. "We think our pitching has been stepped up a notch with rookie right-hander Dallas Somerville. I know he's only 20 years old, but the dude has quality stuff to win in this league. Add him in with LaForge and Manning and our rotation can do the job this season." Colfax has the hitters, all they need is improvement on the hill to contend for the RU West flag. Best pitchers: Jasper LaForge (24-10 3.63), Harry Manning (12-8 3.29) and closer Daric Jacoby (5-6 2.04) with 28 saves and 70 relief appearances. Best Batters: All-Star 3B Neely Keeton (.285 BA/27 HR/114 RBI), Gold Glove 1B and All-Star Dennis Cole (.258 BA/24 HR/79 RBI), SS Johnny Spizale (.295 BA/25 HR/99 RBI) and 2B Ilya Ivanchuk (.314 BA/7 HR/96 R)

06-12-2009, 08:48 PM	#1009
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 3, 2004 Crystal Lake Crushers Face Another Long Season In RU South Last year the Crystal Lake Crushers (65-89) languished in last place and trailed the RU South champ St. John by 24 games. The previous season the Crushers (72-82) were seventh, 13 games behind Valka, which won the division crown. Crystal Lake's manager Herman "Baby" George, the legendary home run hitter of the industrial league, has taken drastic measures by totally revamping his roster. George has four new pitchers and five new position players. A total of nine newcomers. George told BNN, "Everybody on this roster will get a chance to show his stuff. Hopefully I'll end up with 8 good regulars and a few good arms on the mound. This year has got to be better than last year." The baseball experts were not impressed with the changes and have projected the Crushers to finish in the cellar again. The general consensus is that Crystal Lake has very few players who could start on other teams except for pitchers Duhon and Orantes. Best Pitchers: LHP Al Duhon (10-7 3.35), Bill Ehrhardt (11-17 3.98), Antoine Strawzer (7-6 3.22) and closer Pablo Orantes (8-4 2.81) with 16 saves in 71 appearances Top Hitters: LF Ben Butler (.242/30 HR/94 RBI) and 1B Johnny James (.281 BA/23 HR/83 RBI)

06-13-2009, 02:23 PM	#1010
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 4, 2004 DC Redbirds Are Ready In The TU West "All we need is one more strong arm and the Redbirds are ready to roll." That was Denton City manager Matty Chrisianson's comment at a news conference yesterday. "The top teams have at least two quality starters. My two new rookies LHP James Darbonne and Roger Ramsey are going to kick us up to prime contenders in the TU West. With three quality arms the Redbirds can challenge Bayview, Rolling Hills and Bay St. Clair, the reigning powers in the division." The Buccaneers won the flag in 2002 and the Vikings last season. The Reds have been runner-up both years. Denton City made great progress last year, improving from seventh place to third. The Redbirds were 71-83 and 21 games out in the standings in 2002, improving to 79-75 and 13 games behind in 2003. Better pitching was the difference. Top Pitchers: Bob Coleman (20-8 3.67), Joe Hoffman (17-16 3.56) and LHP closer Bubba Lear (6-2 3.13) with 15 saves in 57 game appearances. Top Hitters: SS Trevor Tomlinson (.298 BA/8 HR/98 R/76 SB), 2B Glen Throckmorton (.277 BA/22 HR/78 RBI), 1B Rod MacCormack (.282 BA/19 HR/70 RBI) and C Howard Lombard (.282 BA/20 HR/69 RBI)

06-13-2009, 11:19 PM	#1012
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 4, 2004 Elegants Put Hopes In Rookie Hurlers In RU East Eastshore manager Killer Brewster has seen that outhitting his Ruthlandian Union nemeses, the Elnora All-Stars and Sugar Valley Rattlers, hasn't paid off. The Elegants were the highest-scoring crew in the league last year, but to no avail - they concluded the season with a 75-79 mark and finished fourth, while Elnora took the crown and outdistanced them by 13 games. The season before, the Elegants were third behind the Rattlers, trailing them by 9 games with a 78-76 mark. Two years in a row the All-Stars have eliminated the Elegants in the IPA playoffs. According the scouting experts, Brewster has corralled an outstanding prospect in Don Lance, a 21-year-old rookie with a great curveball, along with Jess Houlahan, a 30-year-old southpaw with 97 mph velocity. Lance will be Eastshore's #4 starter, while Houlahan will be a spot starter and long reliever. The Elegants have also signed 34-year-old Brian Russell, a finesse pitcher with good control and good command. Russell will be assigned to middle relief. Brewster told BNN, "Our season depends on our rookie pitchers. I certainly hope Lance is a good as everybody says." Top Pitchers: LHP Ivar Jorgerson (13-11 4.03), Don Willis (12-10 3.80) Top Hitters: LF Darrell Alston (.333 BA/29 HR/110 RBI/114 R/15 SB), 1B Vito Iacoboni (.248 BA/30 HR/117 RBI/99 R), 2B Miles Sheehan (.301 BA/21 HR/83 RBI/111 R), RF Ron Dizon (.248 BA/24 HR/91 RBI), CF Judd Kilpatrick (.301 BA/7 HR/68 RBI/112 R/32 SB) Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-13-2009 at 11:21 PM.

06-14-2009, 07:58 PM	#1013
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 4, 2004 Elnora Picked To Win Again in the RU East Manager Zoggy White is beaming today and life is good in Elnora, where his All-Stars have improved every season since conception of the Islandian Pro Alliance. In 2003 Elnora (88-66) won the RU East by three games over tough Sugar Valley in an excellent regular season and advanced to the Elite 8 before losing to Pro Cup finalists Valmara. In 2002 the All-Stars (81-73) finished six games back in the second spot to the Rattlers in the regular season and got all the way to the Pro Cup Series finals, but were swept by the champion High Mesa Cowboys. In the IPA's first season Elnora (67-83) did not fare very well and ended up last, 16 games behind first place Far Mountain. The good news is that the Island baseball experts have chosen the All-Stars to repeat as the RU East winner, but is expected to be challenged by the Sugar Valley Rattlers. White is enthused about the coming year with three returning All-Stars in pitcher Harry Dye, catcher Todd Simons and second baseman Gil Foster. White has a well-balanced ball club. "We got everybody back, plus two capable newcomers, pitcher Thurl Sherman and rookie first baseman Jerry Twyman. Sherman is back again after very short stays in 2001 and 2002. Sherman will be used in middle relief, while Twyman is a solid fielder and pretty fair hitter with some power. Twyman will get the call at first base. It is his job to lose." Best Pitchers: Taylor Gibbs (20-13 2.36), All-Star Harry Dye (21-11 3.58), Charlie Murphy (16-15 3.07) and Pat Savoie (10-4 3.43). Best Batters: RF Quincy Peterson (.308 BA/26 HR/85 RBI/101 R/23 SB), 3B Dmitri Vrotsos (.300 BA/29 HR/102 RBI), All-Star 2B Gil Foster (.312 BA/24 HR/83 RBI) and CF Rusty Gilbert (.315 BA/15 HR/76 RBI/104 R/31 SB)

06-15-2009, 05:36 PM	#1014
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 4, 2004 Frogs Still Alive and Croaking In TU North Each season Harry Buckley's Fairfax Frogs are right near the top of the standings in the Tycobbian Union North. The Frogs were the division champions in 2001 with an 80-71 mark, slipped a little to third in 2002 at 80-74, 6 games off the pace of first place Oxford and then rose up to second last year with their best record ever at 87-67, good for the runner-up spot behind Hartsdale, which captured the title by a game. No one would be surprised to see Fairfax win the division this season. Quality hitting and the best overall mound staff in the TU could bring the flag back to the Frogs. Buckley told reporters, "We've got a solid corps of starters and some prolific hitters, led by All-Stars Robby Meredith SP and Gregg Vincent RF. If my new closer Jay Sorensen can handle the job, we are all set for a fine season." Sorenson did very well in short relief last year in 33 outings. Best Pitchers: Robby Meredith (22-9 2.67), Kaz Hayagawa (19-11 3.35), Barrett Carruthers (14-14 2.81) and closer Jay Sorensen (1-2 2.29) Best Batters: RF Gregg Vincent (.295 BA/35 HR/106 RBI), 2B Cecil Parmenter (.312 BA/16 HR/82 RBI) and CF Billy Echevarria (.282BA/7 HR/106 R/58 SB)

06-15-2009, 07:12 PM	#1015
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 4, 2004 Redhawks Will Contend Again In RU North Far Mountain is one of the stronger franchises in the Islandian Pro Alliance with three first-division finishes over the last three years. Legendary pitching great Alex Groveland has piloted the Redhawks to a pennant in year one with an 80-71 record, second place in 2002 with 91-63 mark, five games back of Glasco and third place in 2003 with 87-67, eight games behind Valmara. Not much has changed this season. Groveland still has three outstanding starters in Sonny Elliott, Robby Kelly and Doc Rutledge, all of them still in their prime. Commenting on his abundance of pitchers, Groveland said, "The hardest thing to do in baseball is to hit a round baseball with a round bat, squarely. That's why I always like to have a bunch of good arms around. You can never have too many." Groveland also pointed out a perennial weakness with his club. Far Mountain has always suffered from a lack of power. "I sure could use a hitter or two, that can hit the ball a long way," he admitted to reporters. "I expect us to be a little better in that department with the addition of rookie second baseman Duane Parsons, who can go deep on occasion." In 2004, most baseball experts are predicting a third-place finish for the Redhawks behind defending champ Valmara and runner-up Ranford, but they could get some good competition from Glasco and Taranto. Best Pitchers: Sonny Elliott (19-14 3.22), Robby Kelly (18-10 2.59) and Doc Rutledge (19-13 3.64) Best Batters: CF Sid Cameron (.324 BA/9 HR/66 RBI/101 R/44 SB), RF Karl Dietz (.254 BA/33 HR/110 RBI) and 1B Royce Benson (.309 BA/11 HR/86 R/35 SB) Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-26-2009 at 09:36 PM.

06-15-2009, 08:44 PM	#1016
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 4, 2004 'Jacks Probable Playoff Team In RU West The Forest City Lumberjacks have made the playoffs for the first three seasons in the IPA. In the league's initial season, the Lumberjacks ended up in the number two spot behind winner Marston with an 81-69 mark, just three games off the pace. Two years ago the 'Jacks (89-65) claimed the RU West crown with its best season ever. Last year Jackson brought them in 80-74 in a disappointing season as they dropped down to the fourth spot in the standings, ending up 8 games behind the victorious Volusia Vigilantes, but they still made the playoffs. It looks like Rob Jackson's crew has what it takes to get there again this year - solid pitching and power bats. Seven players had 10 or more homers last year. All-Star RF Chuck Hill, CF Ryan Morse, 1B J. T. Edmonds and SS Bill Nilson lead a productive line-up, while the Lumberjacks are strong on the hill, too. Jackson's rotation is a good one with Frank Loeffler, Glenn Moore and Timmy Brooks. Rookie Tommy Zenon could add another good arm to the mix. Jackson said Zenon would get some starts as the #4 starter, along with Brandon Woodward and LHP Grover Haygood, who were mainly used as relievers last season. "Our staff is stronger than ever. I expect us to challenge Volusia," Jackson boasted to BNN. "Plus, we now have good depth at all positions with rookies like C Otis Ott, 1B Joe Helmke, SS Josh Venturini and CF Stan Maples." The BNN prognosticators expect a battle royal in the Ruthlandian Union West this season. Forest City is picked for fourth place in a very strong division. The Sligo Rovers also have their sights set on the playoffs this year after rising up to fifth in 2003. Best Pitcher: Frank Loeffler (15-11 3.37), Glenn Moore (15-14 3.38), Timmy Brooks (16-18 3.13) and Brandon Woodworth (5-2 2.91) Best Hitters: CF Ryan Morse (.329 BA/16 HR/81 RBI/98 R/29 SB), All-Star RF Chuck Hill (.272 BA/23 HR/93 RBI), 1B J. T. Edmonds (.287 BA/21 HR/84 RBI/93 R/21 SB), SS Bill Nilson (.291 BA/20 HR/75 RBI/78 R/18 SB), 2B Jesse Wolf (.273 BA/20 HR/76 RBI) and 3B Johnny Mack Butler (.309 BA/11 HR/51 RBI/104 R/43 SB) Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-15-2009 at 08:45 PM.

06-16-2009, 01:37 PM	#1017
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 5, 2004 FTB Defenders Have A Long Way To Go In RU West Skipper Robbie Brooks made progress last season in the Ruthlandian Union West, but still ended up last. The Fort Benton Defenders improved vastly from 56-98 in 2002 to 70-84 last year, but still have a ways to go even to contend for a playoff spot. All predictions indicate another season near the bottom of the division. Brooks has added two new pitchers and four position players, but none of them look like impact players, although all of them will get an opportunity to win a regular job. The best of the lot is LF Carl McCord, a speedy outfielder with some punch and and a quality hitter. Armando Vega will get a good shot in the starting rotation as a rookie. Best Pitchers: Erv Gunderson (8-13 3.02) Best Batters: C Irv Small (.262 BA/22 HR/90 RBI) and RF Murph Lunsford (.282 BA/19 HR/75 RBI) Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-23-2009 at 03:25 PM.

06-16-2009, 03:58 PM	#1018
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 5, 2004 TU South Tough On Ginza Ninjas Prior to league expansion the Ginza Ninjas (81-69) were a power in the IPA and went to the Pro Cup Finals in 2001 after finishing second in the regular season to South Fork (86-64). The Stallions whipped the Ninjas by five games and Volusia of the Ruthlandian Union swept them in three games for the overall title. The IPA expanded from 32 to 64 teams in 2002. With stiffer competition Ginza missed the playoffs and fell to 76-78, coming in fifth, 26 games off the pace of powerful San Alejo, which won a record 102 games. Last year the Ninjas compiled an 82-72 mark and wound up fourth, trailing San Alejo by 14 games. The Tycobbian Union South is filled with fine teams. San Alejo has won two pennants in a row and has won more games (198) than any team in the last two seasons. Turon (84-70) is the defending Pro Cup champions with a sweep of Valmara of the Ruthlandian Union last year. They finished second to San Alejo (96-58), but got hot in the postseason and won it all. Cape Coral, Colchester and Summerland are strong opposition, too. Manager Huroko Uchiyama's Ninjas have the pitching to compete with them, but fall short in the hitting department, ranking dead last in homers with only 84 for the year. By contrast, the SA Montaneros slammed 161 roundtrippers. The baseball analysts cite this as a critical shortcoming for Ginza and until this is addressed the Ninjas will be a middle of the pack team, struggling to squeeze into the playoffs. Going into the 2004 season, Uchiyama has improved his pitching and defense, but still lacks home run power. Ginza could be passed by better-hitting Colchester and Summerland. Uchiyama has four solid starters and a standout closer, but plans to give his 33-year-old rookie righthander Toshi Takeda some spot starts and will use him primarily in long relief. The Ninja skipper has re-signed several players from the successful 2001 team that made the IPA finals, telling the press that "they play good defense, are experienced and fundamentally sound". Most of them will be back-up players, except RF Takashi Fujimoto, who will platoon in the outfield. Uchiyama said, "Fujimoto is one of my favorite players. He is a winner. That's why I brought him back." Top Pitchers: Carl Trebek (20-14 3.07), Alex Sasek (12-4 2.66), Kojiro Matsumoto (16-15 3.68), Kazuhiro Nakayama (17-16 3.56) and closer Ray Funkhouser (6-6 2.61) with 16 saves in 46 games. Top Batters: 1B Kenshin Yamamoto (.316 BA, 17 HR/68 RBI), 2B Ken Mack (.329 BA/6 HR/64 RBI) and SS Dave Torregrossa (.309 BA/10 HR/64 RBI) Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-16-2009 at 04:04 PM.

06-16-2009, 08:08 PM	#1019
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 5, 2004 Glasco A's Are Better in Powerful 2004 RU North In the first year of the IPA Glasco chalked up a 73-77 record to end up in fifth place, 10 games behind the flag-winning Far Mountain Redhawks. In 2002 the Athletics lit up the league with a superb 96-58 mark to capture the division title, going as far as the Elite 8 where they lost to the eventual Pro Cup runner-up, the Elnora All-Stars. Last season Glasco suffered a downturn to 84-70 and slid to fourth in the standings, 11 games off the pace of the division champion Valmara Vipers. Ineffective pitching caused the drop, but the Athletics still made the playoffs. The A's were eliminated by the Vipers in the opening round. Valmara went all the way to the IPA Pro Cup finals before being subdued by the Turon Typhoons of the Tycobbian Union. It may not show up in the standings but McDuffie Hughes' Glasco Athletics should be a better ball club in 2004. The A's play in one of the more powerful divisions in the Islandian Pro Alliance, the Ruthlandian North. Glasco has to compete against the likes of Valmara, Ranford, Far Mountain and the up-and-coming Taranto Tars. Hughes told BNN, "We better be better... the other teams are not standing pat... you don't improve, you lose. To help our strong starting pitchers, this season we have added a little power in the outfield with CF Aidan Latimer and a good glove with SS Brad Walker. On the mound we will have three newcomers: LHP Reece Kilham, Hal Neyland and Rusty Michael. All will be used as middle relievers with Kilham and Neyland getting some work as spot starters. We will have a new catcher this year. Our best defender, Jonas Ogburn, will get the call most of the time, even though last year's starter Les Ferguson is a much stronger hitter. Defense will prevail over hitting this season. We have a good starting foursome, but need better defense and a better bullpen to compete." Best Pitchers: Jesse Balfour (17-7 3.00), Ray Cook (16-14 3.29), Charles Darby (17-18 3.68) and Jerry Smith (15-9 3.84) Best Batters: LF Bobby Pascarelli (.288 BA/34 HR/101 RBI), RF Ox Beauvais (.310 BA/16 HR/99 RBI) and 3B Lloyd Windham (.301 BA/8 HR/124 R/119 BB) Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-26-2009 at 09:37 PM.

06-16-2009, 11:18 PM	#1020
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,096 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 5, 2004 Grand City Cybercats Weak Club in Weak RU South Grand City debuted in 2002 with a fourth place finish in it first season in the IPA. Skippered by Torry Joseph to an 82-72 record, the Cybercats were only three games in back of the Valka Blackhawks, who nabbed the regular season title. Valka eliminated Grand City in the first round of the playoffs and went on to reach the Final 4, where they were defeated by Elnora. However, Grand City's bubble burst in season two as they fizzled and came in with a disappointing 67-87 record, tumbling down to seventh place, 22 games behind division champ St. John. 2004 is not looking good, either. The baseball writers preseason poll has the Cybercats in a struggle with the Crystal Lake Crushers for seventh place. The loser gets the cellar. Joseph is woefully short of talent. After last season collapse Grand City got busy and signed nine rookies. So there will be many new faces on the field on opening day. Best Pitchers: Lefty Paddison (19-18 3.34), Milo Dyer (7-4 2.40) and Jan Szabo (5-2 2.62) Best Hitters: CF Stan Helmke (.326 BA/6 HR/52 RBI/93 R/61 SB), 1B Robby Maynard (.295 BA/25 HR/91 RBI) and SS Wynn Joslin (.253 BA/22 HR/92 RBI)