While the rest of the league has been struggling offensively the
MapleDogs are batting .351 with Edmonton second at .296. The pitching
has also excelled too. The M-Dogs have a team ERA of 2.00 even.
"I attribute that to Rolando Arrojo. He's really worked on his mental
game with help from Kevin Brown. Brown even showed him his Cy Young and
was able to convince Rollie that he had a shot at winning it this year.
He was overwhelmed last year as a 30-year old rookie. I know that's odd,
but still, a year experience means a lot. He's just playing with a lot
more confidence." player/manager F.P. Santangelo said.
Dean Palmer, a player who is involved in many trade rumours lately, has
led the offense. Against Motor City today he went 5-for-5 with 2 homers
and a double while knocking in 4 runs. "I just wanted to show them
(M-Dog management) that they might want to reconsider before dealing me.
I want to stay on this team. We cane so close last year, I think the
year 2000 is the year of the MapleDog!" Palmer told reporters after
Mississauga's 11-3 win over the Madmen. The game raised his Avg to .552.
2000 just might be the year of the M-Dogs. While none of their veterans
declined significantly, many young players made huge strides. "Look at
Rod Lewis, he'd be starting on almost any other team. Nomar even
improved! How many other sluggers have his speed? There's Gibson, Rose,
Duncan... I could go on. And let's not forget Troy Glaus, our 3rd
baseman of the future." GM Jesse Gouldson said as if he were talking
about his own children.
Mississauga is now 7-1, the best winning percentage in the PVBL, and
has beaten Motor City, the Kirk champions 3 years running, 5 times
already. Steve Trachsel, who had a remarkable season in 1999, takes the
mound tomorrow against Motor City after throwing a complete game shutout
in his first start against Tijuana.
Felipe Lira has also been replaced in the rotation by Brian Rose. Rose
was meant to be in rotation to begin the season but Brian had a freak
accident before the game. "I was walking to the stadium because it was
such a beautiful day. Then all of a sudden I got a pebble in my shoe so
I took off my shoe, then a dog jumped up and stole my shoe and I was
chasing him down the street on one shoe. I finally got my shoe back but
before I could get it back on a hornet stung my big toe. It swelled up
and I couldn't get my shoe back on. I blame that Mets Militia. I don't
know why, I just do." Rose explained to reporters.
The game Lira pitched was the only non-quality start by a M-Dog pitcher
and subsequently led to their only loss so far.
