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Eugene Church · 09-04-2009, 11:29 PM

The Islandian Times

Sunday, November 21, 2004

Valmara-Midway Deal Szymanski for Bidwell
The powerful Valmara Vipers of the RU North just got better, but had to give up one of its finest performers much to the dismay of its fans. The Vipers announced a deal with the Midway Wolves today, sending 32-year-old star center fielder Jan Szymanski and 28-year old shortstop Matt Mazurek to Midway for 24-year-old shortstop Tory Bidwell. It had been talked about for the past few weeks and everything came together late last night.

Szymanski told BNN, "I'm in shock. Valmara is my hometown and I thought I would retire with the Vipers. But...hey, it's a business... and if I gotta go to Midway, then that what I'll do. I still got a few good years in me and will do my best to bring the Pro Cup to Midway."

Szymanski led Valmara to two RU North Division titles and three times to the playoffs in his four years there. He hit .263 this season with 17 roundtrippers and 74 RBIs. In his career Szymanski is batting .253 with 535 hits, 122 doubles, 25 triples and 94 home runs. He was the Vipers main RBI man during that time with 385 RBIs. Szymanski also scored 342 runs.

Teammate Jet Kazmarek, who played along side Szymanski for four years in the outfield lamented, "Jan was the heart and soul of the Vipers on offense, defense and in the clubhouse. He is irreplaceable." Then he added, "Trades are a part of baseball and you just have to get used to them. Tomorrow it might be me."

Mazurek is a journeyman shortstop with great range and a good glove, but not much with the bat. He is a lifetime .260 hitter, but has severely tailed off the last two years, batting only .208 and .223 in limited action. Cochise Chandler, skipper of the Wolves, stated that "Mazurek has great potential and would be his first string shortstop in the coming season." Mazurek had three or four opportunities to take over at shortstop for Valmara, but never managed to take charge in his four-year stint with the club.

Valmara is getting an all-star quality shortstop in Bidwell, who hit .297 in his rookie year, blistering pitchers for 175 hits, 45 doubles, 5 triples and 15 home runs, scoring 104 times and driving in 89. Bidwell has good speed and stole 17 bases and is an above-average defender.

Bidwell told reporters, "I really enjoyed my first season in Midway, but I'm really excited about moving to a team that has a history of contending each year for the division title and going to the playoffs."

The Vipers came out good on the surface with the trade. They got a younger ballplayer and did not lose much run production. If Szymanski produces runs like he has in the past, this will be a good deal for Midway, too. If Mazurek blossoms into a decent hitter, it will be an excellent trade for the Wolves. The only downside is the fans in both towns will be up in arms initially in losing their favorite players. But that won't last long, if the players shine on the diamond and perform to their capabilities and potential.

09-04-2009, 11:29 PM	#1195
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,906	The Islandian Times Sunday, November 21, 2004 Valmara-Midway Deal Szymanski for Bidwell The powerful Valmara Vipers of the RU North just got better, but had to give up one of its finest performers much to the dismay of its fans. The Vipers announced a deal with the Midway Wolves today, sending 32-year-old star center fielder Jan Szymanski and 28-year old shortstop Matt Mazurek to Midway for 24-year-old shortstop Tory Bidwell. It had been talked about for the past few weeks and everything came together late last night. Szymanski told BNN, "I'm in shock. Valmara is my hometown and I thought I would retire with the Vipers. But...hey, it's a business... and if I gotta go to Midway, then that what I'll do. I still got a few good years in me and will do my best to bring the Pro Cup to Midway." Szymanski led Valmara to two RU North Division titles and three times to the playoffs in his four years there. He hit .263 this season with 17 roundtrippers and 74 RBIs. In his career Szymanski is batting .253 with 535 hits, 122 doubles, 25 triples and 94 home runs. He was the Vipers main RBI man during that time with 385 RBIs. Szymanski also scored 342 runs. Teammate Jet Kazmarek, who played along side Szymanski for four years in the outfield lamented, "Jan was the heart and soul of the Vipers on offense, defense and in the clubhouse. He is irreplaceable." Then he added, "Trades are a part of baseball and you just have to get used to them. Tomorrow it might be me." Mazurek is a journeyman shortstop with great range and a good glove, but not much with the bat. He is a lifetime .260 hitter, but has severely tailed off the last two years, batting only .208 and .223 in limited action. Cochise Chandler, skipper of the Wolves, stated that "Mazurek has great potential and would be his first string shortstop in the coming season." Mazurek had three or four opportunities to take over at shortstop for Valmara, but never managed to take charge in his four-year stint with the club. Valmara is getting an all-star quality shortstop in Bidwell, who hit .297 in his rookie year, blistering pitchers for 175 hits, 45 doubles, 5 triples and 15 home runs, scoring 104 times and driving in 89. Bidwell has good speed and stole 17 bases and is an above-average defender. Bidwell told reporters, "I really enjoyed my first season in Midway, but I'm really excited about moving to a team that has a history of contending each year for the division title and going to the playoffs." The Vipers came out good on the surface with the trade. They got a younger ballplayer and did not lose much run production. If Szymanski produces runs like he has in the past, this will be a good deal for Midway, too. If Mazurek blossoms into a decent hitter, it will be an excellent trade for the Wolves. The only downside is the fans in both towns will be up in arms initially in losing their favorite players. But that won't last long, if the players shine on the diamond and perform to their capabilities and potential. Last edited by Eugene Church; 09-04-2009 at 11:41 PM.