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The Islandian Times
March 14, 2004
BNN Poll Picks Westerners 3rd in RU South Race
The progress has not been as fast as the Waleska Westerners manager McGraw Johnson wanted it. He told the press, "I'm not happy unless I win. That's the name of the game. I'm embarrassed the way I let my team play the first three years." The Westerners were fourth in 2001, 13 games back of the Marston Nine; fifth in 2002, 7 games behind Valka; and third last year, 6 games off the pace of St. John. Good and steady progress, but not good enough for the demanding Johnson.
"It is time for us to produce," Johnson said. "In playing or managing, the game of ball is only fun for me when I'm out in front and winning. I don't give a hill of beans for the rest of the game." Last season was the first playoff appearance for the Westerners, but it didn't last long. Belair Beach knocked them out early in the first round.
The Island baseball writers have voted St. John and Belair Beach to run 1-2 again this season in the RU South with Waleska coming in third. Lack of long ball power is the Westerners main shortcoming and it doesn't appear that Johnson solved his dilemma. Johnson has signed six newcomers, four pitchers and two position players. He will use the pitchers to shore up his overall staff. Waleska has solid starters, but suffered when they went to the bullpen, especially the closers.
Johnson told BNN, "I've added four strong arms... several of them throw hard... around 95 mph. Two of them will be spot starters and long relief and one of them is going to be my closer." Ed Barnard and LHP Derek Brunet will be the spot starters and Nasty Naymick will be his closer. The fourth rookie hurler, Earl Willis, will be a middle reliever and mop-up man.
Commenting on Naymick's nickname Johnson said, "With a name like that he'd better be nasty... or else they'll laugh him out of the ballpark. I'm hoping he is nasty. What the heck! I don't name 'em, I just play 'em and pull 'em."
Cliff Wills, a 33-year-old rookie, will split time in center field. He is a good defender, but more importantly to Johnson, he can hit with power, an element sorely needed by the Westerners. Waleska only hit 97 roundtrippers in 2003, ranking near the bottom of the league in that category.
The Westerners starting four will keep them high in the standings. Carter, Kennedy, Wagner and Hill are all steady and consistent winners.
Top Hurlers: Smokey Joe Carter (20-9 3.09), Buddy Kennedy (17-14 3.27), Jack Wagner (13-6 2.92) and Gary Hill (16-16 3.90)
Top Hitters: LF Big Hoss Burkhalter (.269 BA/27 HR/120 RBI/89 R/10 SB), 3B Yoshihide Nishata (.268 BA/14 HR/105 RBI/100 R/41 SB), 1B Mark Ulricht (.285 BA/15 HR/67 RBI) in 110 games, 2B Depaul Labat (.305 BA/9 HR/53 RBI/61 R/38 SB) in 84 games and SS Johnny Nowitzki (.303 BA/0 HR/60 RBI/75 R/10 SB
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