(Briggs) Richmond, England - Ace Hideo Nomo was selected today for the privilege
of representing the Richmond Panthers in the all-star
game.
Nomo has been the solid pitcher for the Panthers,
a real player to build a team around. Unfortunatly
Richmond's pitching begins and ends with Nomo, so
Richmond's great offensive output is wasted.
Nomo is currently 9 and 2, has an era of 2.36, 12
QS's out of 17 GS and an opposing batting average
of .226. On the other hand, Clemens, has 5 wins
and 7 losses, an era of 3.77 and 9 QS out of 15
starts. Wolcott is 5 and 4, 5.90 era and 7 QS out
of 15 GS (and that is the only three consistent
starters, the rest have been traded or have
been placed on the DL).
CF Michael Tucker represents Richmond's other
all-star representative. Tucker has a batting
avg of .323, and he has 30 doubles, 21 steals and
no errors. Unlike Nomo, Tucker isn't alone in his
department in attempting to help the team (offensive
department).
At the break, Eisenreich has a batting avg of .344,
50 runs, 128 hits, and only 9 SO's in 372 AB's.
Clayton is having a career year after two disappointing
years. He is currently hitting .286, and has 16 SB's.
Martinez is very consistent and is hitting .307.
Many of the other position players are also having
great years.
Chances for the playoffs? Well, playing in the
division that includes Washington and Phoenix
certainly dims Richmond's playoff chances.
The team is now officially over the hill and
Richmond is officially starting a five
year rebuilding project. The GM reports that
all but Nomo and Tucker are on the market, and that
he is looking for great young prospects.
One last point. Why are the Richmond Panthers in Richmond England instead of Richmond Virginia?
The Richmond Panthers are playing an exhibtion
game in England, trying to expand fan awareness.
The Panthers were picked because they "luckily"
only had two players are going to be at the all-star
game so most of the team could make the trip.
Will baseball expand to England? It is more likely
to expand into Mexico before moving across
the Atlantic.
