This completes the turn-around. Well, almost. "Winning the world series
would obviously complete it. That's our goal." said Manny Ramirez, one
of the few remaining players from the days of the Thunder Bay Storm.
Three years ago today the Brooklyn Flaming Skulls entered the playoffs
as the wildcard. Early the next season, they were dismal in last place
overall and were sold then moved to Thunder Bay. They finished the
season in last place. Last year they moved to Mississauga and were in
the playoff race until the final weekend. This year, they won their
division.
Battling in one of the toughest divisions in baseball, which is a big
reason Medina had the worst overall record, the M-Dogs won the division.
"We had a lot of luck in our run, both bad and good." said Jesse
Gouldson, who has been called by a PVBL owner "...the best FPS manager
to walk the face of our earth.".
Mississauga's main rival, the Tijuana Border Patrol, struggled with
injuries the whole year. "They always seem to have that problem, it's
really a shame. We lost some people for most of the season last year,
and this year we had quite a few. Luckily we have quite a bit of depth,
which unfortunately leaves a lot of people unprotected in the FA plan."
said Gouldson. Rumour has it that players such as Edgar Martinez and
David Wells must be left unprotected.
The team also struggled with injuries late in the year, but got the
chance to rest after clinching. The only player injured is long reliever
John Paschall, who is still recovering after a season ending injury in
June.
With almost the whole team healthy Gouldson is looking forward to the
playoffs. "We're ready and this whole team knows what they've gotta do.
Bring on the 'Boms!"
