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The Islandian Times
March 1, 2004
Outlook Dismal For Arlon Champions
Gary Louis' Arlon Champs have gone progressively down in their first three seasons, finishing 4th, 5th and 6th in the Tycobbian Union West. And the outlook for 2004 is not much better. Arlon is pretty much the same team as last year. But they should be able to stay ahead of the Kenwood Wildcats and La Claire Lynx, who don't seem to have improved over last season.
The Champions top performers are outfielders Matt Merrill (.304/24 HR/97 RBI) and Ian Carmack (.300 BA/21 HR/83 RBI), but with little help offensively from the rest of the roster. The only newcomers to the line-up are light-hitting defensive players 2B Lou Sanders and SS Jason Holloman, who will improve the defense some, but offer very little in run production.
On the hill, skipper Louis has praise for new signee, 34-year-old righthander Jose Gonzales, who will step in as Arlon's number three starter. Scouts say Gonzales is a prime prospect that has everything to be successful in the IPA - great movement, control and location. He will join last year's ace, RHP Kirk DeHaan (16-16 3.64), RHP Jeff Nieman (6-15 3.86) and RHP Connie Gavagan (8-11 3.73) in the young rotation. Nieman is 29, while DeHaan and Gavagan are 22. Louis is hoping the veteran Gonzales can share his 16 years of success in the industrial leagues with the youngsters.
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