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Eugene Church · 06-26-2009, 06:19 PM

The Islandian Times

March 13, 2004

Valka Vies For Playoff Spot In RU South
Manager Jaan Kurus has guided the Valka Blackhawks to the IPA playoffs for the last two seasons and it is likely they will make the postseason again because of its solid mound corps. Valka took the RU South crown in 2002 and its good pitching took the Blackhawks to the Final 4 before falling to the Pro Cup runner-up, the Elnora All-Stars. Last year Valka dropped to fourth in the standings and lost to the regular season division winner, the St. John Crusaders in the First Round. Mediocre hitting plagues Valka and will have to drastically improve before the Blackhawks can challenge St. John and Belair Beach, the best teams in the division.

The best Valka can do is fourth place. That's where most of the preseason baseball analysts place them. Waleska and Claxton will also be in the playoff chase, but both suffer from a lack of offense, too. Waleska came in third in 2003 and is forecast to finish there again, while Claxton is pegged for the fifth spot.

The Blackhawks have not added any strong bats. Rookies Drew Ennis at first base, Johnny Vainik at catcher and Roy Lorton in left field don't seem to be the answer to their offensive woes. All of them will be platooned by Kurus this season. On the hill Valka will sport two newcomers, Bill Sunday and Artie Sarv. As of now they are scheduled to see duty only in middle relief. None of the first-year players are expected to make an impact this season. None of them impressed the baseball experts and forecasters.

Top Pitchers: Andrei Kokk (17-12 2.89), LHP Bobby Karu (15-13 3.21), Arvo Krimm (15-14 3.39), Daryl Vannoy (10-6 3.38) and closer Tommy Ruffin (2-4 1.60) with 10 saves and 35 relief appearances.

Top Batters: C Kristjan Kasik (.300 BA/15 HR/75 RBI), 3B Buddy Petrisko (.300 BAk/11 HR/64 RBI), RF Jimmy Tremayne (.298 BA/16 HR/64 RBI) and 2B Brian McGinnis (.287 BA/11 HR/58 RBI)

06-26-2009, 06:19 PM	#1058
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,695 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times March 13, 2004 Valka Vies For Playoff Spot In RU South Manager Jaan Kurus has guided the Valka Blackhawks to the IPA playoffs for the last two seasons and it is likely they will make the postseason again because of its solid mound corps. Valka took the RU South crown in 2002 and its good pitching took the Blackhawks to the Final 4 before falling to the Pro Cup runner-up, the Elnora All-Stars. Last year Valka dropped to fourth in the standings and lost to the regular season division winner, the St. John Crusaders in the First Round. Mediocre hitting plagues Valka and will have to drastically improve before the Blackhawks can challenge St. John and Belair Beach, the best teams in the division. The best Valka can do is fourth place. That's where most of the preseason baseball analysts place them. Waleska and Claxton will also be in the playoff chase, but both suffer from a lack of offense, too. Waleska came in third in 2003 and is forecast to finish there again, while Claxton is pegged for the fifth spot. The Blackhawks have not added any strong bats. Rookies Drew Ennis at first base, Johnny Vainik at catcher and Roy Lorton in left field don't seem to be the answer to their offensive woes. All of them will be platooned by Kurus this season. On the hill Valka will sport two newcomers, Bill Sunday and Artie Sarv. As of now they are scheduled to see duty only in middle relief. None of the first-year players are expected to make an impact this season. None of them impressed the baseball experts and forecasters. Top Pitchers: Andrei Kokk (17-12 2.89), LHP Bobby Karu (15-13 3.21), Arvo Krimm (15-14 3.39), Daryl Vannoy (10-6 3.38) and closer Tommy Ruffin (2-4 1.60) with 10 saves and 35 relief appearances. Top Batters: C Kristjan Kasik (.300 BA/15 HR/75 RBI), 3B Buddy Petrisko (.300 BAk/11 HR/64 RBI), RF Jimmy Tremayne (.298 BA/16 HR/64 RBI) and 2B Brian McGinnis (.287 BA/11 HR/58 RBI)