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Eugene Church · 06-20-2009, 11:03 PM

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)

06-20-2009, 11:03 PM	#1034
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,695 Blog Entries: 1	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) Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-20-2009 at 11:11 PM.