The Maple Dogs clubhouse was very sombre following their 4-2 extra
inning loss to Motor City. They lost the series 2-1 to their division
rivals by losing 2 extra inning games. The series was not only damaging
emotionally, but physically as well.
Mississauga went into the series with some injured players and came out
of it with even more. Marty Cordova went down for 4-6 months with a torn
hamstring only 16 games into the season. Although owner Jesse Gouldson
was very upset with the injury the Dogs still had a great
middle-of-the-lineup. Until recently, the team had been free from
injuries and had played above .500 ball.
Before this series both Reggie Jefferson and All-Star Nomar Garciaparra
went down with day-to-day injuries in the same game. The very next day
Dean Palmer went day-to-day with a bruised heel as well. All three were
kept in the lineup as the injuries were not severe and the team thought
they'd get through it, but then came the final game vs Motor City. After
3.2 innings of scoreless pitching, more than expected of Rolando Arrojo
these days, he pulled himself from the game with a tight shoulder.
"With the luck we've been getting lately I'm not surprised, but what
happened after that I wouldn't wish on any team..." said player/manager
F.P. Santangelo.
On the next play Dean Palmer made a bad throw to first baseman Dave
Nilsson. Nilsson stretch as far as he could for it and made the runner
was out by a step. He then collapsed in excrutaiting pain clutching his
thigh. The stadium fell silent and all you could hear was Nilsson's
scream. He was helped off the field by teammates and taken immidiately
to the hospital. The Mississauga players were visibly shaken during the
rest of the game as they awaited the news on team home run leader
Nilsson.
They were dejected after the loss but then got even worse news. Nilsson
was out for over 6 months. He tore a thigh muscle. "There ain't a maple
cookie in the world that can cure this." team doctor Ron McClain told
players.
So now Mississauga goes into the break with Rolando Arrojo, Dean Palmer
and Nomar Garciaparra day-to-day, Cordova with 2-3 months left in
rehabilitation and no hope of Nilsson returning this season. Jefferson
was given a clear bill of health after the game though.
* * *
The Maple Dogs had 3 players selected to play in the All-Star game,
Manny Ramirez, injured Nomar Garciapparra and no, not Kevin Brown, but
Curt Schilling, who has somewhat struggled since arriving in the trade
with Duluth about a month and a half ago.
* * *
With all the injuries it is not out of the question that Tony Glaus, the
highly touted 3B prospect, may be called up to play. He's 21 and has
ratings of 49-60-50. "I'd love to play in the bigs, but I understand if
they want me to develop a bit more here in low." Glaus told reporters.
It is also possible that Gouldson is looking to move Glaus for some
immediate help, as it's well known he wants to make the playoffs this
year. More info later...
