[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

March 12, 2004

Taranto Tars Depend On Rookies For Playoff Berth In RU North
Manager Tommaso Lazzorda has a tall order - win a playoff berth in the toughest division in the IPA - the RU North. To get to the IPA Pro Cup playoffs, Lazzorda has to beat out four top-notch teams that almost always make the playoffs: defending division champs, Valmara Vipers, Ranford Bulls, Far Mountain Redhawks and Glasco Athletics. Taranto has the firepower to topple these powerhouses, but not the pitching. The Tars walloped 184 homers last year and scored an average of 5 runs a game.

So once again Lazzorda is hauling out hurlers by the dozens in hopes of getting nine pitchers that can do the job. This season Taranto has five rookies on the mound. Lazzorda told reporters his new pitching philosophy at today's news conference, "This year I'm gonna have to use pitchers like a six-shooter... just keep firing until it's empty and then takes the gun and throws it at the other team."

Taranto also has added three new position players, only one of which will be a starter. Because of so many new players, Lazzorda said he is thinking of issuing name tags at the first day of practice. Yet after all of these roster changes, the Tars still came out fifth in the BNN preseason poll. The analysts said there were just too many variables and unknowns about the team to place them any higher. The only thing that is really known about the Taranto Tars is that they can knock the tar out of the ball and score runs. All they need to make the playoffs is someone to stop a few runs.

Best Pitchers: All-Star Anthony Nardone (22-10 2.31), who led the TU in ERA, despite pitching in one of the smaller league parks, and Sal Pascioni (12-8 3.67)

Best Hitters: All-Star LF Dominic Zaccaro (.330 BA/42 HR/127 RBI/107 R), RF Tony Blaser (.311 BA/38 HR/100 RBI/108 R), CF Teddy Giacone (.222 BA/42 HR/105 RBI/90 R), C Jules Carmouche (.287 BA/15 HR/63 RBI)