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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

The Islandian Times

March 6, 2004

Another Tight Race Forecast For TU North
The baseball scribes are forecasting another tight race in the Tycobbian Union in what might be the best division in the IPA. From top to bottom only 15 games separated the eight teams. Last year Hartsdale came out the winner by a scant one game over Oxford and Fairfax with Luxora only six games out.

Manager Zim Donner expects his pennant-winning Hellcats to be in the thick of the battle again this season. Hartsdale has two All-Star pitchers in Gus Kostro and Tal Vaitkus and a solid line-up of .300 hitters in Mac Faulkner, Jud Turchin, Emile Djorovich and Hoppy Hill. Donner's only question marks are his four rookie pitchers. Two of them will be tested right away as spot starters. The other two will be in middle relief. Hartsdale has more talent than Donner can play. He platoons at several positions and use almost everybody on his team.

Best Pitchers: All-Star Gus Kostro (25-6 2.39), All-Star Tal Vaitkus (21-7 3.24) and closer Nico Carnera (5-13 3.16) with 24 saves in 72 games

Best Batters: 1B Mac Faulkner (.327 BA/27 HR/134 RBI/120 R), SS Jud Turchin (.321 BA/11 HR/75 RBI/106 R/25 SB), CF Marty Poe (.277 BA/19 HR/61 RBI/95 R), 3B Whiz Weaver (.250 BA/20 HR/82 RBI/81 R) and RF Ed Djorovich (.314 BA/6 HR/67 RBI)

The Islandian Times

March 6, 2004

High Mesa Ranks High In Preseason TU East Poll
The High Mesa Cowboys received high marks from the baseball forecasters for the coming IPA season. The Cowboys under manager Frisky Franks won the whole shebang two years ago. The hard-hitting High Mesa bunch were division co-champions along with the South Fork Stallions and then swept through the playoffs to garner the IPA Pro Cup in their first year of play. Last season the Cowboys came up one game short and lost the regular season flag to the Red Bluff Red Sox. And in the Pro Cup playoffs went out in the opening round at the hands of the Tuckanarra Blue Jays.

Asked about the quick exit in the playoffs last year, Franks responded, "As you guys know the worst team in the league can win two of three games against the best team in the league. Anything can happen in a short series. I'm hoping that the owners will come up with a plan to play best three-out-of-five series. That way the better team will won most of the time. We just ran into a hot Tuckanarra team that beat us. It's that simple."

Franks has just about the same club back for season number three and with his great track record is almost certain to be in the running again for the TU East crown and then make a deep run into the playoffs. The baseball experts love the High Mesa Cowboys and consider them one of the premier teams in the Islands. The Cowboys hit for average, hit for power and run like the wind.

High Mesa has a whole host of fine hitters, combined with a steady and consistent staff of pitchers. The pitchers really do a remarkable job considering how small the ballpark is. Queen Ranch Stadium is called "Homer Heaven" around the league. Only one rookie made the club this year. Jack Reeder is a 36-year-old righthanded power pitcher (95 mph) and he will step in as spot starter and long reliever.

Best pitchers: LHP Joey Popovich (17-11 3.53), LHP John Owens (18-10 3.92), Kael Claxton (15-8 4.22), Donnie Rinaldi (14-11 4.14) and closer Ken Edgar (4-1 1.52) with 14 saves in 34 games in a half season.

Best Batters: LF Adam Zitek (.276 BA/34 HR/111 RBI/93 R), 2B Ed Granberg (.359 BA/21 HR/108 RBI/119 R/27 SB), SS Rolf Kellgren (.293 BA/17 HR/72 RBI/110 R/28 SB), C Jay Fessler (.302 BA/6 HR/61 RBI/100 R/37 SB), RF Kenny Edelstein (.327 BA/16 HR/85 RBI/87 R/12 SB), 1B Babe Holloman (.253 BA/26 HR/92 RBI) and CF Lex Neville (.262 BA/22 HR/83 RBI/88 R/19 SB)

The Islandian Times

March 6, 2004

Pitching Key To Hillsboro's Season in TU East
The slugging Hillsboro Blazers bottomed out in the cellar in 2002 with a 75-79 record in the Tycobbian Union East pennant chase, 12 games in back of the division co-champions, the High Mesa Cowboys and South Fork Stallions. That was the year High Mesa won the IPA Pro Cup Series. Last season Hillsboro won fewer games, but rose in the standings to sixth place and ended up 14 games behind the division-winning Red Bluff Red Sox.

This year skipper Arky Spanderson hopes to do better. Last season the Blazers hit with authority, topping the IPA mark with 201 homers, breaking East Point's record of 198 roundtrippers set in 2002. Hillsboro slammed 188 in its opening season. The Blazers play at one of the smallest field in the IPA. Spanderson told the press, "Pitching is the key to our playoff chances. We have the hitting." He has signed a pair of new rookie twirlers, Ralph Slocum and Ronnie Mathis, and re-signed closer Frankie Coleridge to a contract. Spanderson has also switched his All-Star second baseman Tommy Emrick to third base to make room for a good defender in Lenny Jagneaux. Hillsboro and Oxford are the only teams in the Islands with three players with 30 or more home runs.

In spite of all these roster and line-up moves, the baseball analysts think sixth may be the best Hillsboro can do in a strong division.

Best Pitchers: Ronnie Greinke (19-13 3.82) and Hap Howerton (8-5 3.40)

Top Batters: 1B Sloan Shatner (.297 BA/38 HR/109 RBI/96 R), 3B Tommy Emrick (.319 BA/31 HR/106 RBI/98 R), SS Jerry Pontros (.292 BA/27 HR/69 RBI/119 R), LF Kevin Baker (.254 BA/30 HR/83 RBI/88 R) and RF Rawhide Marshall (.255 BA/24 HR/84 RBI/89 R)

The Islandian Times

March 7, 2004

Wildcats Will Be Pussycats Again In TU West
Aaron Hankins' Kenwood Wildcats were one of the surprisingly good expansion teams in 2002 with a fine 85-69 record, good for a second-place tie with Rolling Hills in the Tycobbian West, seven games behind the division winner, the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers. But last year was dismal as the Wildcat pitching turned into pussycats and Hankins' club fell to last place with a terrible 59-95 mark, 33 games behind the champion Bayview Vikings. Unless Kenwood comes up with better pitching, the Wildcats are destined for the basement again.

Hankins has a good hitting ball club. If the pitching can recover, fifth place is not out of the question. There are several other weak teams that finished just a few games ahead of the Wildcats last season. It wouldn't take much for them to overtake Chicopee (62-92), La Claire (61-93) and Arlon (61-93). However, the baseball writers don't expect Kenwood to contend for a playoff spot. They have too much ground to make up to compete with the likes of Bayview, Rolling Hills, Denton City and Bay St. Clair.

Rookie southpaw Glenn Stewart is Kenwood's only newcomer. The rest of the mound staff is recycled from 2002 and 2003. Hankins is hoping the magic of 2002 will re-emerge in 2004.

Best Pitchers: Johnny McBee (13-6 3.58)

Top Hitters: RF Aydan Winthrop (.262 BA/24 HR/92 RBI), LF Sassy Garfield (.318 BA/12 HR/53 RBI/66 R/21 SB) in 105 games, 3B Cecil Curry (.304 BA/17 HR/75 RBI), SS Nate Chamberlain (.288 BA/18 HR/76 RBI/85 R/16 SB), 2B Denholm Carruthers (.306 BA/11 HR/62 RBI/79 R)

The Islandian Times

March 7, 2004

Kilkenny Cats Also-Ran Again In RU North
The Kilkenny Cats were seventh in their first season in the IPA in 2002. They put up a 72-82 mark and ended up 24 games off the pace of the RU North Division winner, the Glasco Athletics. The Cats compiled a 70-84 record last season, finishing up 25 games back of first place Valmara. And it looks like more of the same in 2004. The BNN poll placed Kilkenny in the sixth spot again, topping only LaGrange and Ancona. At best, the Cats are just a less-than-average ball team with only adequate hitting and pitching and poor defense.

Most of manager Kieran McKenna's roster are mainly retreads from the first two seasons, though he has revamped his line-up and pitching rotation with some new blood. McKenna is stressing defense this time around, whenever possible. Kilkenny will feature a new second baseman, rookie James Whitehurst. He has a good glove and can hit with some power. Jeff Oldenburg is another first-year player, who will platoon at first base. On the hill McKenna has two newcomers in lefthanders Mookie Flanagan and Matty Cullen. Both will be spot starters and long relievers.

Best Pitchers: Dino Carravaggio (15-15 3.73), Collin Gilder (11-8 3.84), Mack Harrell (12-15 3.93), Yasuyuki Nakagawa (10-11 3.63) and closer Rhett Townsend (3-7 2.98)

Best Hitters: RF Rick Audubon (.290 B/27 HR/67 RBI), All-Star CF Kirk Pitzer (.307 BA/15 HR/70 RBI/92 R/51 SB) and SS Joey Zajac (.298 BA/10 HR/89 RBI/18 SB)

The Islandian Times

March 7, 2004

La Claire Lynx Languish In Lower Rung Of TU West
The La Claire Lynx have been a second-division club since the beginning of the Islandian Pro Alliance. Manager Rip Calkin has piloted them to fifth place, eighth place and seventh place in three seasons. And the outlook is no better for 2004. The Lynx are forecast for the second rung again along with the Chicopee Braves, Arlon Champions and Kenwood Wildcats. Calkin's crew could end up anywhere from last to fifth, but no better. The TU West has four strong teams and four mediocre ones.

La Claire will have three rookies on its roster. 2B Red Robinson, a fair fielder and excellent contact hitter with little pop will get the starting assignment, while on the mound Calkin will use 20-year-old Henny Cossaboom as his closer and portsider Rick Navronski will get some spot starts and be used in long relief. The Lynx are desparate for hitters, especially some with some power.

Top Hurlers: Charley Boyer (10-13 3.03) and Munoto Kishata (15-19 3.18)

Top Hitters: 1B Kenny Jablonski (.343 BA/16 HR/80 RBI) and CF Lucky Collins (.274 BA/9 HR/71 RBI/82 R/24 SB)

I have done 33 teams.

31 more to go and we'll start Year 4 in the IPA.

It will probably take at least another week or so to rework rosters, pitching rotations, line-ups and depth charts.

Don't ever design a league where you have any more than 16 teams.

You'll enjoy it much more when you are not overworked to administer it.

I really dread in-between seasons.

The Islandian Times

March 7, 2004

Expectations Dim in LaGrange For 2004
The LaGrange Sports are managed by the legendary slugger of industrial league fame, Foxy Jimison. So far in two seasons the Sports have not had much success, finishing fifth in the RU North at 77-77 and 19 games behind the pennant-winning Glasco A's and ending up seventh with a 68-86 mark last year, 27 games in back of first place Valmara. The baseball experts are predicting no higher than sixth for the Sports this season. LaGrange is just short of talent in all areas of the game.

LaGrange does have two talented hurlers in Al Thibaut and Sean Stone, and a fine shortstop in Kyle Villere, but little else.

Jimison has six rookies on the roster, but only one looks like he will make any impact this year. Carl Peltier is a 32-year-old flamethrower with a 97 mph fastball, who is slated for a spot in the starting rotation. He is the #5 starter and will split starts with 29-year-old Dwight Gagneaux, who is beginning his second season on the team. Last year he was in the bullpen in middle relief and compiled a 3.10 ERA in 21 appearances and four starts with a 1-5 record.

Best Pitchers: Al Thibaut (18-13 3.58) and Sean Stone (10-5 2.57)

Best Batters: SS Kyle Villere (.308 BA/15 HR/70 RBI/87 R/28 SB) and 1B Artie Vicknair (.249 BA/24 HR/82 RBI/79 R)

The Islandian Times

March 7, 2004

Solid Luxora Has Tough Task In Strong TU North
The Luxora Zorros have been a perennial playoff team in the TU North. Manager Alejandro Rodrigo has guided them to the playoffs twice in three seasons in the Islandian Pro Alliance. The Zorros have advanced to the Sweet 16 for the last two years, only to be eliminated by the powerful Oxford Red Caps.

Luxora (72-78) was fourth in the inaugural IPA season, 14 games behind champion South Fork. The Zorros (83-71) were second to Oxford in 2002, finishing just three games behind them. Last year Luxora (82-72) was fourth and trailed the top team Hartsdale by six games.

Rodrigo has a solid ball club, but he has to play in the best-balanced and one of the stronger divisions in the league. As good as the Zorros are, they might not make the playoffs this year as the up-and-coming teams below them will severely challenge them. North Hills, Blue Lake, Mahaska and White River may be second-division teams, but they don't play like it.

Luxora is pretty much the same team as last year. Rodrigo has picked up a rookie reliever, Antonio Anaya. He is a righthander, throws 97 mph and has good command and movement. But the Zorros have no room for him in the starting rotation. Anaya will have to bide his time in the bullpen until he gets a chance to prove himself. His presence will make the mound staff better this season. Bobby Bayas will take over third base this year, giving the Zorros a better glove at third base. Otherwise the line-up remains the same. On the hill Rodrigo has promoted Gustavo Escalera to a starting role this year. Escalera pitched very well in middle relief last year.

Assessing the coming season with reporters, Rodrigo said, "With Escalera starting and having Marco Braceros for the entire year will make us a much better club. Braceros was outstanding with 8 wins in the second half. I think we can contend for the pennant this year."

Rodrigo told BNN recently, "The only thing that keeps us from contending with the top teams in the TU North is the long ball. Oxford and Fairfax have a big advantage there. Maybe we can overtake them with outstanding pitching."

Top Pitchers: Eddie Hoffman (17-13 3.27), Tito Tovares (17-15 3.65), Marco Braceros (8-3 2.87), LHP Gustavo Escalora (4-2 2.97) and closer Elio Laurente (3-7 2.43) with 25 saves in 67 games

Top Hitters: C Otto Kronvath (.301 BA/39 HR/97 RBI/90 R), CF Lacey Tompkins (.335 BA/19 HR/91 RBI/95 R), SS Rafael Lemos (.309 BA/10 HR/67 RBI/58 R) and RF Cristo Viamonte (.277 BA/18 HR/72 RBI/88 R/27 SB)

This is great Danny! I've popped in here once in a while to check out your little world. :eatpop:

Questions...I, like you, love fictional leagues. While I've never made one public here, all of my leagues have been fictional since OOTP5. But they have always consisted of real cities. I'm building a new league, and I'm going all out this time with custom logos, etc., multiple leagues, and tweaking settings perfectly.

Do you have fictional cities as player hometowns - in other words, have you altered the nations and/or cities text file? Or are you imagining that (example) a Dominican/Japanese/Cuban player has traveled to your island to play in your league? I've been considering creating a 100% fictional world (fake cities, nations) with no reference AT ALL to reality (lots of work to do that). I just don't think my brain can accept that I have a fictional nation, but oh by the way the US and all the other countries exist too. I'm leaning toward 1) real cities & nations with fictional players or 2) ALL fictional cities & nations with fictional players.

Financials - are yours similar to MLB, or have you constructed a very different financial setup based on your fictional population, size of two countries, etc.?

Any other words of wisdom?

You are doing a fantastic job. :friday:

Thank you for checking in and thank you for the nice comments. They are much appreciated.

Replies in BOLD:

Thanks for the quick and detailed reply. You've given me a lot of good advice to contemplate. Have fun, my friend! :)

stevebydac, let me know when you start your dynasty.

I'm looking forward to it.

The Islandian Times

March 7, 2004

Long Season In Store For Mahaska In TU North
The Mahaska Haymakers are in their third season in the Islandian Pro Alliance, joining in the expansion year of 2002. The Haymakers did well the first year and made the playoffs with a 77-77 mark under Rusty Lanussa. They finished in the fourth spot in the TU North, which was won by the Oxford Red Caps. The Red Caps knocked them out of the Pro Cup Series in the first round. Year two saw just about the same record, but a drop to seventh place with a 76-78 mark. The Hartsdale Hellcats surprised everybody and went from last in 2002 to first in 2003. Lanussa's pitching went south in the second season and is still lingering there.

According to the sports prognosticators, Mahaska will be hard pressed to stay out of the cellar in 2004. The Haymakers just don't have the ballplayers. All of their rookies will have to come through with great seasons for them to rise up and challenge for a playoff spot. It could happen - look at the Hellcats last year - but it's not likely. Mahaska is ranked seventh or eighth in most preseason polls you see.

Lanussa top rookie is 3B Al Vodenlich, a fair fielder and excellent contact hitter. 2B Dusty Eaton is very good with the glove and makes good contact. CF Louie Sardisco is a fine talent, but has to compete with some strong outfielders and may have to play back-up this year. Sardisco plays excellent defense, runs, throws and hits well, but lacks the power of the Haymakers current starting outfield. He will be waiting in the wings if some of the sluggers fail to produce. Sardisco can run rings around most of them in the field. For most managers in the IPA, the mighty home run rules. Larussa has high hopes for Kurt Glinka, a 25-year-old giant righthander, who stands 6'7". He will be in the starting rotation.

Best Pitchers: LHP Boomerang Hines (19-15 3.24) and Greg Turchin (18-9 4.03)

Best Batters: LF Stan Kobzar (.334 BA/16 HR/57 RBI/54 R) in just 111 games and 1B Miles Shufford (.301 BA/10 HR/48 RBI/51 R)

The Islandian Times

March 8, 2004

Marston Readies For Another Playoff Year In RU East
The Marston Legends, headed by the former pitching great, Johnny Walters, have made the IPA Playoffs in two of the league's three years. The Legends (84-66) won the regular season crown in 2001, but were beaten in the first round by the eventual Pro Cup Series winner, the Volusia Vigilantes. Walters' club (73-81) came up short in 2002 and missed the postseason by a single game as they lost out to the Cold Creek Catamounts. In 2003 Marston (77-77) finished third, 11 games off the pace of the division-winning Elnora All-Stars. They lost out again in the first round of the playoffs, this time to the #2-ranked team, the Sugar Valley Rattlers.

Marston topped the Ruthlandian Union last season with a robust .277 team batting average, but the Legends come up short in the long ball category, trailing five other division foes. Walters told reporters on the opening day of Spring training, "Without super pitching, it is hard to compete in the IPA without home run hitters. That's all the Legends are lacking right now."

Walters has a strong hitting, but needs more long distance power. Marston can't compete with Elnora and Sugar Valley. Both clubs outdistance the Legends in firepower and on the hill. The Legends have improved their mound corps by signing lefthander Jorge Bonilla, who will share the #4 slot in the pitching rotation. Bonilla is 25 years old and comes highly-regarded by the scouts and sportswriters. Bonilla is a great control artist with excellent movement and good velocity. Marston has only one pure rookie. That's 2B Glen Schumann, a good glove man and contact hitter. He will split time with holdover Rayford Winfrey early in the season.

Marston was forecast in the BNN Preseason Poll to finish third in the new season just ahead of the Eastshore Elegants and behind Elnora and Sugar Valley. Walters has three Tycobbian Union All-Stars at his disposal in closer Booger Burchfield, left fielder Sam Dixon and shortstop Don Nichols. Elnora and Bayview also have three All-Star performers.

Top Hurlers: Nick Pace (19-10 3.36), Vinnie Gardner (10-6 3.12) and All-Star closer Booger Burchfield (6-9 3.39) with 21 Saves and 65 relief appearances.

Topn Hitters: All-Star LF Sam Dixon (.322 BA/20 HR/104 RBI), All-Star SS Don Nichols (.311 BA/18 HR/75 RBI/109 R/45 SB), CF Paulie Rizzutto (.290 BA/14 HR/74 RBI/80 R/25 SB), 1B Pat Farris (.320 BA/9 HR/67 RBI/74 R) and 3B Roddy Teague (.320 BA/11 HR/56 RBI/47 R)

The Islandian Times

March 8, 2004

Roosters Lose Top Pitcher, Season In Doubt
Middlefield is a very successful franchise starting its third year of play in the IPA. The Roosters have gone deep in the Pro Cup Series both years. They went to the Elite 8 in 2002 in the RU West and even further last season, making the Final 4. After a third place finish their first year with an 80-74 mark, Middlefield fell to the Valka Blackhawks. This past season they compiled an 85-69 record and almost made the finals, but were upended by the Valmara Vipers after making a spirited run for the Pro Cup.

But the Roosters were stunned in the off-season with the retirement of their All-Star ace, Jackie Lee Bevis. Although 40 years old, Bevis was on top of his game and went 23-9 with a 3.20 ERA to spark them to a Final 4 Finish with a 3-0 postseason mark and a 1.88 ERA. At his retirement Bevis just said he had had a wonderful baseball career, both in company league play and in the pros, and it was time to move on while he was still able to compete at a high level. "I've seen guys try to play too long. I wanted to go out on top. It would have been nice to win the Pro Cup, but that just wasn't to be. Final 4 wasn't a bad way to go out."

The loss could send Middlefield reeling this season. It is doubtful that Bevis will come close to being replaced. Four rookies will be vying for his place in the Rooster rotation. As a result, the baseball scribes are predicting a huge slide this season. Sixth place is not out of the question. The RU West is the most evenly-matched division in the league and several clubs are likely to move past Middlefield.

The Middlefield Roosters play in one of the smaller parks in the Islandian Pro Alliance and it comes in handy for the hitters, but really makes it tough for the pitchers. Manager Smitty Michaels' club certainly entertains the homer-happy fans at Middlefield Park. The powerful Roosters led the Ruthlandian Union with 186 home runs, but also gave up 186. Michaels has gone through quite a few clunkers and chuckers. In 2004 he almost has a new staff with newcomers Ross Jacobs, Daryl Malone, Don Shaw and Darby Bush. Michaels told reporters, "You are going to regret putting us down near the bottom in the league. My rooks are gonna prove you wrong."

Middlefield has added a slick fielder to its powerful line-up. Timmy Gage will be installed at second base. Gage is a patient, contact hitter with good range and good hands in the field. He will be a big plus with just his glove. Michaels expects Gage to hit around .300 and thinks he could be a Rookie of the Year candidate. That's how impressed he is with Gage.

The Rooster skipper also chided the reporters, "Just wait until my boys with the booming bats make you eats your words."

Best Pitchers: LHP Jamie Hicks (14-11 3.23), LHP Denny Yarrow (15-6 4.06) and closer Dave Webb (5-4 3.56) with 28 saves in 77 games. Yarrow was second in appearances and third in saves.

Best Batters: All-Star CF Ty DeWitt (.275 BA/37 HR/117 RBI/109 R/16 SB), Golden Glove RF Bailey Norcross (.312 BA/34 HR/98 RBI/116 R/63 SB), LF Cecil Clark (.292 BA/29 HR/81 RBI/111 R/22 SB), 1B Allie Ludlow (.266 BA/25 HR/105 RBI) and 3B Lowell Satterwhite (.285 BA/20 HR/71 RBI)

The Islandian Times

March 8, 2004

Midway Ranked Near Bottom Of TU East
Not much to say about the Midway Wolves of the Tycobbian Union East. They were 76-78 in 2002 and ended up sixth behind the co-champs South Fork and High Mesa, 11 games off the pace. Last year the Wolves slipped slightly to 71-83 and seventh place, trailing the flag winner Red Bluff by 14 games. It could be worse this season for manager Cochise Chandler.

This year the baseball experts are forecasting a fall even further to last place. Midway just doesn't hit well. They are fortunate to play in one of the bigger ballparks, so it is tough for the visiting teams to hit at Joe Wolf Stadium, too.

Chandler is tailoring his ballclub for defense and pitching this season. He told BNN, "We have several pitchers that blossomed in the second half of the season last year. Calder, Carper and Millham look like solid starters in their second year along with our top guy Mac Chaney. We also have two rookie pitchers on our roster that could make an impact, especially our new closer, Joe Eckermann. There are a lot of unknowns, but we think we will be a better team this season. SS Tory Bidwell gives us better defense and better offense than a year ago. He can also go deep occasionally. We are going to have manufacture runs more than ever as our only two power hitters will be platooned in left field, sacrificing a lot of power, but gaining defense. We'll find out if pitching and defense can win in the IPA."

Best Pitchers: Mac Chaney (16-12 3.53), Felix Calder (2-2 2.41), C. J. Carper (7-1 2.15) and Brook Millham (5-5 2.92)

Best Batters: All-Star CF Johnny Gillespie (.295 BA/15 HR/85 RBI/92 R/26 SB), 3B Tommy Kawatoose (.281 BA/16 HR/69 RBI/69 R/32 SB) and 2B Little Johnny Yuma (.297 BA/8 HR/52 R/89 R/17 SB)

The Islandian Times

March 8, 2004

Strong Pitching Puts North Hills Into Playoff Contention In TU North
The North Hills Hawks flopped badly in its first IPA season, ending up with a 65-89 record and 21 games out from the pennant-winning Oxford Red Caps. But the Hawks manager Hub Carlson, the great portsider of the industrial leagues, built on it in season two and came within three games of a playoff spot. North Hills chalked up a fifth-place spot in the TU North and wound up with a 79-75 mark, 9 games back of the first place Hartsdale Hellcats.

Carlson is setting his sights higher in 2004, but he knows he has a tough row to hoe battling against such talented teams as Hartsdale, Oxford, Fairfax, and Luxora. Even the Blue Lake Blue Sox and White River Rascals will be challenging for a playoff spot. North Hills certainly turned it around last season, however a lack of firepower keeps them from moving up into the upper echelon of the division. The Hawks were selected fifth in this year's preseason BNN baseball poll with the voters citing a severe shortage of home runs as their main shortcoming. North Hills hit only 97 roundtrippers in 2003, while the teams in front of them in the standings hit 129 or more.

North Hills has stood pat in the off-season, signing only one player, first baseman Terry Sauer, who has some pop in his bat and can handle the glove well. Sauer is the only rookie to make the club this year.

Carlson assessed his club this way, "We've got real good chemistry on this club and three fine starters in Clinkscales, Dewberry and Jackson. I like my chances with this year's team."

Best Pitchers: LHP Leland Clinkscales (16-7 2.65), Ben Dewberry (15-14 2.91) and LHP Jaybird Jackson (15-13 3.64)

Best Hitters: CF Roy Stainbrook (.287 BA/26 HR/89 RBI/84 R/18 SB), LF Kevin Schmidt (.271 BA/19 HR/80 RBI/80 R), 2B Jimmy Ryland (.282 BA/19 HR/55 RBI/91 R/21 SB), 3B Russell Beal (.299 BA/8 HR/88 RBI) and RF Trent Gilbert (.299 BA/7 Hr/84 RI/81 R/14 SB)

The Islandian Times

March 8, 2004

Oxford Ready To Win It All In 2004
Campy Roy's Oxford Red Caps are one of the prime and most potent teams in the Islandian Pro Alliance. The Red Caps have reached the Final 4 the last two years, only to lose to the eventual Pro Cup champions, the High Mesa Cowboys and Turon Typhoons. Now it's time to go all the way and win it all. In the BNN preseason poll, Oxford is the favorite to take the TU North regular season crown. But that's a tall order given the overall strength of the division. Top to bottom there are no weak sisters in it.

Roy's Red Caps have it all - excellent hitting, standout pitching and good defense. They are set at all positions and only added one new player, rookie outfielder Spunky Tolliver. The newcomer is a fine defensive outfielder, but a light hitter. Tolliver will be a defensive replacement and available to give the regular fly chasers occasional rest.

Top Pitchers: All-Star Dan Phillips (23-10 3.36), LHP Boomer Belinsky (20-13 2.41), Nicky Nicholson (16-14 2.83) and closer LHP Emerson Cannell (5-5 2.68)

Top Hitters: 3B Joe Courtney (.342 BA/47 Hr/122 RBI/127 R), CF Ike Plunkett (.314 BA/36 HR/115 RBI/119 R/20 SB), LF Mack Spencer (.272 BA/33 HR/92 RBI), C Brad Earp/.277 BA/21 HR/72 RBI), RF Dante Vander Meer (.268 BA/17 HR/60 RBI) in 100 games

The Islandian Times

March 9, 2004

Ozarka Could Be Playoff Team Again in TU East

The Ozarka Naturals are not as good as the top teams in the TU East, but they are better than the bottom teams. The Nats under skipper Joe Mac Carney have finished fifth twice with 70-80 and 77-78 marks, while last season they managed to break .500 with a 78-76 record and made the Pro Cup playoffs for the first time in franchise history. In the First Round of the playoffs the Nats were eliminated by the TU East titlists, Red Bluff.

In the preseason polls Ozarka is usually rated fourth or fifth. The Naturals are about even with the South Fork Stallions and will have to beat them out for the last playoff position like they did last year. Ozarka edged out the Stallions by one game on the last day of the regular season.

Carney's club has improved over the winter with the addition of a quality pitcher in righthander Karl Kleinert and a power-hitting, good-fielding 3B Nathan Ferrell, both rookies. Kleinert will get a shot at the #4 starter slot, while Ferrell will split time with last year's regular Ray Robinson. An outstanding gloveman, switch-hitting Gil Lantz, is back at second base after being released in 2002 for poor hitting. Lantz will be the fulltime second sacker.

Best Pitchers: Pat Schwartz (22-9 3.54) and closer Dayle Claypoole (6-2 2.16) with 6 saves in 36 games.

Best Batters: Gold Glove CF Kermit Wiggins (.342 BA/3 HR/67 RBI/107 R/71 SB), SS Duffy Douglas (.290 BA/13 HR/90 RBI/88 R/18 SB)

The Islandian Times

March 9, 2004

Ranford Bullish On 2004 RU North Race
The Ranford Bulls, skippered by pitching legend Page Satcher, are a complete team with everything needed to win and they do - except for the postseason. Playing in the powerful Ruthlandian Union North with Valmara, Far Mountain and Glasco, the Bulls have compiled splendid 90-64 and 92-62 records in its first two years in the IPA, winding up fourth and second in the standings, only to fall to Glasco and Far Mountain in the opening round of the playoffs.

The baseball writers asked Satcher why does he do such a great job in the regular season, but such a poor job in the playoffs. The wise old twirler wryly replied, "Great job... poor job... You guys know I ain't ever had a job... I always played or managed baseball." Then he seriously added, "The playoffs are a different creature. Number one, it's a very short series... a lower-seeded team can often whip a higher seed two-out-of-three... and number two, the talent level is a notch or two above the regular season. Just take San Alejo for example... most people rate them the best team in the IPA... but they haven't won the Pro Cup yet. You know, you guys haven't been picking very well, either. The favored team in your polls have never won the Pro Cup. What do you have to say about the job you guys are doing. I think you are falling down on the prognosticating part of your job."

Satcher and his Ranford Bulls are picked to be in the thick of the race again in 2004. In fact, the preseason BNN baseball poll has them ranked first in the RU North and favored to win the pennant. Of all the contenders, the Bulls have the best pitching staff with three solid starters and a strong closer. They also hit very well. Plus, Satcher has signed an outstanding 19-year-old outfielder, Jose Castillo, a home run threat and solid defender. Castillo will take over in left field, hit second in the line-up and give Ranford one of the best outfield trios in the IPA.

Best Pitchers: All-Star LHP Chris Bernhoffer (22-10 2.54), LHP Bud Enright (18-9 2.66), Jamie Phillips (10-3 3.05) and closer LHP Tim DeKosky (3-4 1.83) with 8 saves in 33 games.

Best Batters: 1B Jordy John (.290 BA/26 HR/97 RBI/108 R), SS Rick Fargnoli (.305 BA/21 HR/91 RBI/92 R), C Walt Horvath (.302 BA/13 HR/72 RBI), RF Warren Gravois (.295 BA/11 HR/79 RBI/78 R/19 SB), 3B Colin Fairclough (.302 BA/10 HR/72 RBI/74 R/28 SB), All-Star 2B Johnny Fenroy (.268 BA/7 HR/67 RBI) and CF Bobby Keegan (.300 BA/8 HR/53 RBI/52 R/14 SB) in 97 games

The Islandian Times

March 9, 2004

Red Sox Ranked Runner-Up in Preseason Poll in TU East
The Red Bluff Red Sox with 80-year-old Mack Connery at the helm surged from seventh place in 2002 to the top spot in the Tycobbian Union East last season, but they were bumped from the Pro Cup playoffs by the Oxford Red Caps in the Elite 8 round. The Red Sox have good hitting, good power and good pitching and have been voted to take the number two position in the division behind high-scoring High Mesa.

The Red Bluff skipper Mack Connery is celebrating his 62th year in baseball as a player, manager, GM and owner. Connery has signed three rookies for the upcoming season, but none are rated by experts to be impact players. Ray Schiller and A. J. Acuff, both righthanders, will work out of the bullpen in middle relief initially. Darius Castonis will be the third string catcher.

Best Pitchers: LHP Frank Beaudoin (17-8 3.28), LHP Mila Miholski (19-12 3.48), Leonard Urban (11-6 2.99) and All-Star closer LHP John Dougherty (5-4 1.65) with 25 saves in 68 games

Best Hitters: LF Tony Blundell (.318 BA/24 HR/99 RBI/109 R/27 SB), 1B Bucky Frizzell (.293 BA/26 HR/113 RBI/95 R), 2B Tony Borcellino (.237 BA/30 HR/107 RBI/94 R), CF Kris Grabowski (.299 BA/13 HR/46 RBI/45 R) in 103 games, 3B Vern Gable (.279 BA/7 HR/52 RBI/92 R/19 SB)

The Islandian Times

March 10, 2004

Rocky Rapids Has Rocky Road In RU West
The Rocky Rapids Snappers tumbled from fifth place in 2002 down to seventh place in 2003. Looks like more of the same in 2004 according to the baseball experts. Manager Ryan Noland has just about the same ballclub with none of the new arrivals expected to kickstart them to a first division team. The Snappers will fight Fort Benton for seventh place with the loser getting the cellar spot. Neither club seems to have improved this season.

Noland, the all-time strikeout king in the industrial league, will try to develop three rookie hurlers, Righthanders Ernie Watkins and Glen Quarles, along with a lefty Herbie Drahm. None of them throw nearly as hard as Noland in his heyday. Rocky Rapids will use them as spot starters and long relief.

As far as position players, the Snappers have signed outfielder Marvin Loomis, who is projected to be a utility outfielder.

Best Pitchers: Kirk Beckmann (18-10 3.17), Clay Milwaine (13-10 3.59)

Best Hitters: 1B Stan Haddix (.293 BA/26 HR/113 RBI/95 R), LF Scott Camden (.290 BA/17 HR/86 RBI/95 R/25 SB), CF Terry Hecht (.268 BA/16 HR/68 RI/101 R/31 SB), 2B Timmy Peters (.250 BA/15 HR/72 RBI/102 R), 3B Phil Cates (.301 BA/5 HR/60 RBI/66 R)

The Islandian Times

March 10, 2004

Reds Still Chasing Vikings, TU West Runner-up Again
The Rolling Hills Reds always seem to be a bridesmaid. They are managed and nurtured by Matty Christianson, who many say was the greatest pitcher ever in Islands. Red Bluff's Mack Connery, who saw Christianson in his glory days says, "It was wonderful to watch him pitch when he wasn’t pitching against you."

Christianson's crew tied for second in 2002, 7 games behind winning Bay St. Clair, then coming in second last season, 5 games back of Bayview. This year in the BNN preseason poll, the Reds are slated to be the runner-up again to the Vikings. Rolling Hills has the pitching to compete with anybody, but comes up short in the batting department. It's doubly difficult to win in the Pro Cup playoffs without good firepower. The Reds were eliminated by San Alejo in the Elite 8 round in 2002 and last year by Denton City in the opening round.

Christianson will sport the same roster as last year with only one newcomer, rookie outfielder Ken Mumphrey, a swift outfielder and good glove, but short on power. Murphrey is a good contact hitter, but will probably spend the season as a back-up. Home run power is a premium in Rolling Hills, where they need all the runs they can get. Playing in one of the largest ballparks is great for the mound corps, but tough on the hitters. Midtown Base Ball Grounds has a 425-foot center field fence and 401 and 407 in the alleys. It takes quite a wallop to put one out of the park in Rolling Hills.

Top Pitchers: Roger Davidson (19-15 2.58), Keith Greenwood (18-10 2.80), Peter Brenneman (12-11 3.38), Hondo Anoki (13-9 3.59), Hoyt Peterson (14-13 3.81) and LHP Closer Stephen Faccaro (3-7 3.17) with 16 saves and 65 appearances.

Top Hitters: CF Willie Mays Nixon (.239 BA/27 HR/93 RBI/91 R/24 SB), RF Theron Latigo (.246 BA/21 HR/88 RBI), LF Big Boy Charisa (.281 BA/15 HR/80 RBI), 1B Eddy Dowler (.314 BA/9 HR/55 RBI/48 R) in 126 games and SS Jamie Meade (.292 BA/9 HR/74 RBI/74 R)

The Islandian Times

March 10, 2004

Montaneros Will Win 3rd Straight TU South Crown
For two years Lando Peceda's San Alejo Montaneros have dominated the regular season in the Tycobbian Union, averaging 100 wins a year. "Ditto" say the baseball experts in this year's preseason BNN poll. There is no real challenger yet in the division, even though Turon took the Pro Cup title last season, knocking off San Alejo in the Sweet 16. Two years ago San Alejo lost to the eventual Island champion, the High Mesa Cowboys, in the Final 4.

"Give us best-of-five series in the playoffs and I'll show you who the best team in Islandia is," said Lando Peceda, who is campaigning for longer playoff series. Peceda recently told BNN, "The better team often loses to a lesser team in a short series. It is not a rare occurrence." Quite a few teams have said they are in favor of expanding the playoff series and have contacted the IPA Commissioner, John Banford, and asked him to consider it for the coming season. To do it, Banford told BNN that the number of playoff teams would have to be cut in half to do it. "If the owners are willing to do that, then I would support such a plan."

San Alejo is a well-balanced club with excellent pitching, good hitting and good power. The only new addition to the roster is OF Bruce Boatman, who swings a good bat and will come in handy as a pinchhitter. It's not likely he will replace All-Star LF Bernie Valente. Peceda said, "We got a good bunch of ballplayers, who know their roles and get along well with each other. And they win. Why change it?"

Top Pitchers: LHP Alberto Herrera (22-13 3.01), Ernie Arredondo (19-14 3.26), Juliano Nuevo (8-1 2.06), LHP Victorio Valarte (12-11 2.98) and closer Dominico Belizon (4-1 2.93) with 15 saves in 48 game appearances

Top Hitters: All-Star 3B Paolo Huerta (.297 BA/30 HR/103 RBI/109 R), All-Star LF Bernie Valente (.314 BA/30 HR/105 RBI/112 R/28 SB), CF Vidal Munos (.285 BA/19 HR/99 RBI/92 R), 1B Rodger Wooten (.291 BA/25 HR/87 RBI), C Bobby Lafferty (.275 BA/21 HR/90 RBI) and RF Marcelino Zuniga (.269 BA/10 HR/96 RBI)

The Islandian Times

March 10, 2004

BNN Forecasts 6th Place Finish For San Dimas in RU South
According to the BNN pollsters the San Dimas Rancheros are headed for another sixth place finish in the Ruthlandian Union South race. The Rancheros have been sixth in the standings for their first two seasons with not much of a chance of getting higher or lower. With pathetic teams like the Grand City Cybercats and the Crystal Lake Crushers in the division, manager Paco Banderos probably won't have to worry about ending any worse.

San Dimas will welcome many new faces to the clubhouse this season. 7 rookies have made the roster with pitchers Bobby Prince, a lefty, and Shane Rymer in the rotation at closer and #5 starter respectively. Banderos will have a new highly-touted center fielder in Dennis Jones. who is fast on the base paths, swings a good contact bat and ranges far and wide in the field, but doesn't hit for power.

Top Pitchers: Zippy Hodge (10-9 3.34), Wayne Mallard (14-15 3.97) and Lowell Wall (9-13 3.66)

Top Hitters: Gold Glove 2B Cyclone Cobb (.272 BA/2 HR/39 RBI/82 R/95 SB), 3B Domingo Rios (.291 BA/24 HR/74 RBI/91 R), LF-RF Fernando Baldera (.295 BA/18 HR/68 RBI), C John Wesley Ewing (.303 BA/9 HR/65 RBI) and SS Russ Russell (.274 BA/18 HR/88 RBI)

The Islandian Times

March 10, 2004

Sligo Makes Move For Playoffs In RU West
Eddie Keys and his Sligo Rovers made great progress last season going from sixth to fifth in the RU West standings and the club is primed for an even better season talent-wise. They are improved, but have no place to go because of the strength of the teams above them. The West may have more good ballclubs than any of the other three divisions with Volusia, Middlefield, Colfax and Forest City. That's the reason the BNN pollsters slotted the Rovers to come in fifth.

Keys can call on four fine starters for his rotation and an excellent closer. He also has to work in an outstanding rookie lefthander Paul Waskins, who has been labeled "can't miss" by the scouting services. Sligo will use Waskins as its spot starter. All total Keys has six newcomers on the club, three of them pitchers, a catcher and two outfielders. Dylan Donovan and Waylon Moses will split time in center field. Both can hit for average, are fleet of foot and can cover the wide expanse of Silver Mountain Park, one of the bigger stadiums in the IPA.

Sligo is a solid team and hits very well for average, tied for first in the RU with Marston with a .279 mark, but Keys could use some long ball power. It would not only make the Rovers a playoff team, but they would contend for the pennant, too.

Best Pitchers: Vern Vidmar (13-8 3.03), Al Bukowski (18-14 3.32), Colin McGrath (19-13 3.76), Jake Beneke (7-3 2.10) and closer Razzy Raziano (3-3 2.49) with 26 saves and 60 game appearances.

Top Batters: 1B Shane Redford (.341 BA/10 HR/88 RBI), 3B Rusty Ellis (.319 BA/5 HR/54 RBI/86 R/41 SB), 2B Jeff Richey (.316 BA/5 HR/56 RBI/86 R/35 SB) and LF Lefty Roberts (.288 BA/22 HR/79 RBI)

The Islandian Times

March 11, 2004

"Lips" Unhappy in South Fork, Shakes Up Pitching Staff
After free-falling from first to fifth place last year, Duroche "Lips" Leon really shook up his South Fork ballclub. "I got rid of all the nice guys," Lips told BNN reporters, "because as you know they always finish last." The Stallions are not accustomed to not making the playoffs. Leon won the TU East Division crown in 2001 and was co-champion in 2002 with High Mesa. South Fork was edged out on the last day of the season by Ozarka for the last playoff position. The Stallions finished 8 games off the pace of the flag-winning Hartsdale Hellcats.

"Don't you worry, the Stallions are going to be back on top... and soon," reiterated the hard-shelled and demanding Leon. "I still got my hitters and I think I have some pitchers who will knock people down if necessary. That was missing last year. We gave up entirely too many homers. They dug in on us last year, but not this year. They better be light in the shoes at plate this season."

South Fork had a fire sale in the pitching department. The Stallions have four rookie hurlers. And all four of them will be in the starting rotation. They will be the key to turning the franchise around in 2004. Leon shook up the infield, too. He'll have newcomers Ron Berthelot and Marty Bolt at third and short.

Top Pitchers: Flint Battle (19-14 3.45), Bobby Petrov (7-3 3.58) and outstanding closer Ken Marsh (9-4 1.77) led the TU with 28 saves in 69 games.

Top Hitters: Gold Glove LF Art Atkins (.325 BA/15 HR/83 RBI/87 R/20 SB), Gold Glove C Darryl Burnett (.289 BA/7 HR/67 RBI), 1B Keith Burke (.290 BA/17 HR/95 RBI/91 R/16 SB), RF Sam Shirley (.317 BA/10 HR/68 RBI/78 R)

The Islandian Times

March 11, 2004

Sun Sox Will Not Shine in 2004, Forecast Is Cloudy
Manager Charley Oscar says his Southport Sun Sox are going to have to go through the throes of a rebuilding stage. During the expansion season in 2002 the Sun Sox surprised with a third place finish, going 78-76. Last year the pitching went into a tailspin and Southport plummeted to seventh with a 70-84 mark. If the BNN baseball gurus are right, then it will be more of the same in 2004. The Sun Sox were picked to end up seventh again in the TU South.

Oscar has added four rookies to his roster. Two of them, southpaw Nero Scolari and knuckleballer Tommy McQuilkin, will get regular duty in the starting rotation. RF Duane Hilburn will be the Sun Sox rightfielder, adding defense, speed and a little pop to the line-up.

Best Pitchers: LHP John Colasanti (10-5 3.18) and Paul Grange (6-6 3.30)

Top Bats: 1B Pat Mystryk (.298 BA/30 HR/91 RBI/101 R), 3B James Bagwell (.305 BA/24 HR/96 RBI), CF Rich Crowley (.316 BA/17 HR/92 RBI/84 R/16 SB) and LF Angelo Lombardi (.297 BA/16 HR/84 RBI/79 R)

The Islandian Times

March 11, 2004

Crusaders Slight Favorite Over Belair Beach and Waleska In RU South
There were two teams in the IPA that had colossal seasons by going from worst to first in one year. Hartsdale of the TU North accomplished it - the other team was the St. John Crusaders, guided to the RU South pennant by the former all-industrial league catcher Dickie Billings, who played with the famous Marston "Murderers Row" team, one of the best company teams of all-time. The Crusaders won by four games over the Belair Beach Sunbirds and by six games over the revitalized Waleska Westerners. For that achievement Billings garnered the TU Manager of the Year Award.

The BNN preseason poll has made St. John the favorite over Belair Beach and Waleska in the Ruthlandian Union South pennant chase. Billings has a four strong starters and a solid closer, coupled with a good hitting and well-balanced team. Everybody on the team contributes in one way or another. Billings worked wonders as he had only three regulars that played more than 136 games. But he pieced it together and took the division crown and went as far as the Elite 8, where St. John ran into a torrid Middlefield Rooster team and were eliminated.

Last year Billings had to constantly rework his line-up until he found the best combination. Billings said he shouldn't have to do that this season except at center field and second base, where Billings has two players of equal talent, so he platoons them against lefties and righties. Last year he played three center fielders.

Billings will go with very few roster changes, picking up one lefthanded pitcher and a back-up catcher. Terry Garson is a 19-year-old and a work-in-progress. Garson will do duty in middle relief and mop-up roles.

St. John moved last year's shortstop Cal Kanellis to third base this season and moved his back-up Wayne Slaughter to short. This will keep Kanellis' bat in the line-up and strengthen the defense. The Crusaders play in the roomiest stadium in the IPA and Billings believes in having a strong defense.

Top Hurlers: Sterling Eccles (12-6 2.63), LHP Zach Simon (19-17 3.14), Eric Mayes (19-12 3.46), LHP George Wilson (17-9 3.88) and closer Eddie Thorsen (6-7 3.18) with an IPA high 30 saves in 72 games.

RF Kenny Hatcher (.283 BA/21 HR/107 RBI/92 R/41 SB), LF Don Kolstad (.294 BA/15 HR/78 RBI/77 R) and 1B Frankie Faber (.269 BA/14 HR/51 RBI/50 R/10 SB) in 80 games