By Fort Collins Coloradoan sportswriter Brenna Gamble
SPRINGFIELD, MO--How good are the Larimer Knights so far? Closer Gary Dellaventura has
yet to see any action. Five games into the regular season, the Larimer
Knights have a 4-1 record and are alone in the Defiant League's Data
Division by 1 1/2 games. Had they used Dellaventura instead of Jay Hensiek
in the lone loss to Chicago, they might be undefeated.
The latest Knights to answer the call to action were pitchers Tim Davis
and Bob Bliss, who combined for 7 hits and one run in 14 innings of work.
Bliss pitched 7 shutout innings versus the Springfield Atoms, and Tim
Davis gave up just one run and five hits, walking none and striking out 5.
Recently-acquired 2B Mark Lewis has also been impressive, both offensively
and defensively. His defense in the middle of the infield has been
stellar, 3 of his 10 hits have been home runs, and he has driven in 10
runs.
Chris Hoiles remains something of a question mark. In 5 games he has
already allowed 3 stolen bases. This, combined with his unremarkable
offense, has put his place in the lineup into some doubt.
"I am aware that they have been shopping me to other teams," Hoiles said
after the second game of the twin billing in Springfield. "I certainly
would hope they'd give me more time, after all, I barely played more than
a third of last season, being injured and everything, but I realize this
is a business. And Curry Powell is more than adequate as a backup."
Rumors are also circulating that Lenny Dykstra may be removed from the
lineup for a short period in order to give veteran 3B Steve Buechele some
time at third base. Buechele bats right-handed and right now the Knights
only have two righties (Hoiles and Lewis) and one switch-hitter (Offerman)
in their lineup. Manager Don Baylor said, "I never thought I'd hear myself
say this, but we have too many left-handed hitters. It makes it a little
too easy for other teams to use their pitching staffs against us."
Trade winds: team owner John Dybala is still looking for a lefty setup man
to replace Nick Blair, who was sent to Spokane in the trade for Lewis,
along with a starter and some solid right-handed hitting.
