The Tucson Border Patrol is mired in the middle of the Kirk division,
with a 13-15 record. After getting to the .500 mark for the first
time in over a year yesterday, Tucson lost both halves of a double
header to division co-leader Medina today.
"We're not going to win the division most likely, but we should have a
good shot next year" said owner/GM Scott Watterson. "I'd like to see
a little better pitching out of the bullpen, but I'm not too unhappy
with how things are going. Our hitters are starting to hit a little
better, and our pitchers, while not great, are still quite a bit
better than last year." Indeed, Tucson's 4.36 ERA is down more than a
run from last year. Tucson's offense has come to life over the last
15 games, with much of the spart provided by SS Wilson Delgado.
"I'm just happy to be able to contribute" says Delgado, smiling at the
reporters crowding around his locker. "I knew when Tucson traded for
Matty Lund I wasn't going to be the regular shortstop here. When he
sprained his ankle 2 weeks ago, I just tried to go out and show the
other GM's what I can do." Delgado has really been lighting it up at
the plate since Lund's injury, hitting .339 and creating 14 runs in
only 16 games. Delgado is currently slugging .625, best on the team.
His hot streak apparently impressed at least one GM. Shortly after
Tucson completed a road trip through Laurel, in which Delgado hit .500
with a homer and a double, Tucson's phone rang. Laurel was interested
in acquiring a middle infielder, and Tucson needed a platoon partner
for Alex Ochoa. After a few days of negotiating, Delgado was sent to
Laurel along with pitching prospect Tom Foutz for center fielder Rich
Becker.
Becker has been struggling a bit, but Tucson felt that he was putting
too much pressure on himself in the leadoff spot. He will be batting
lower down in the order in Tucson, and that should take the weight off
his shoulders. "I hope I can come in here and perform up to
expectations here. I've been really been struggling to get on base
this year, but I think moving down to 6th will help a bit. I don't
have to carry much of the offensive load on this team. They've got a
lot of speed, and that always helps."
"Becker will only bat against righties, as Ochoa has been absolutely
murdering lefties. He'll play center when he plays, and Rondell will
move over to right field. That means we're really going to have an
excellent defensive outfield" said Watterson.
Todd Hollandsworth appears to have worked his way out of the doghouse
as well, and he should be taking left field against righties starting
tomorrow. "I've always sort of struggled at the beginning of the
year, and I'm glad they're going to let me get another chance." said
Todd.
Veteran Dennis Eckersley has emerged in the bullpen as well, pitching
3 solid innings today, giving up only 1 run on 3 hits. Tucson is
installing him as their only closer in an attempt to show the other
managers he can still help a team. "We're really just looking to deal
him for a high second round draft pick."
