Hamsters Start Season in Convincing Fashion
May 1, 2001
Galena,IL--The Galena Hamsters have started the 2001 campaign in much the
same manner as they ended last year's regular season--winning. The Hamsters
have a 17-7 record this April, a .708 winning percentage. Thus far, they are
the winningest team in the EL and the second winningest team in PVBL, behind
the Phoenix GilaMonsters, who are currently 19-7.
"While we probably won't keep this pace up," admitted GM/owner Matthew Peck,
"it is in the realm of possibility that we could play .700 ball this year. I
think this might be the most talented Hamster squad yet, even more talented
than last year's club that won 110 ballgames."
Centerfielder Kenny Lofton shares Peck's enthusiasm: "Our starting pitching
is amazing. Has anyone noticed that [Scott] Erickson is our #4 starter? He'd
be the #1 starter on almost every other team in PVBL, but we're so darn good
he's relegated to a #4 starter on this team. That's scary!" Lofton hasn't
quite put his bat where his mouth is, hitting only .235 this season,
although he does have 10 RBI from the leadoff spot, and has stolen 11 bases
already.
Second base may be the key position for the Hamsters this year, and if Luis
Castillo's performance in April is any indiciation, he's primed for a
breakthrough season. "I've had the skills all along," notes Castillo, "Peck
gave me the opening day job in '99 and '00, and I ended up losing it both
years. Not this time. I'm over my mental lapses, I know how to play this
game. I have my confidence back. I'm ready to play ball." Castillo, batting
primarily in the 9th position to keep the pressure off of the youngster, is
hitting a solid .288 and leads the team with 14 sb. Castillo could end up
putting up some incredible numbers and has a great shot at becoming one of
the all time best second basemen in PVBL.
The loss of FA catcher Pat Cline was initially thought to be a big blow to
the club, but Peck seems to have done an adequate job patching up the gaping
hole at the catcher's position. Vetern Brian Johnson was brought in to be
the primary catcher. Johnson was acquired from Atlanta for ace setup man
Mike Jackson, "Nobody wanted to see a competitor like Jackson go," noted
closer Heathcliff Slocumb, "but we have a lot of depth in our bullpen, and
we needed to trade quality to get quality." Johnson, who started out slowly,
has raised his average to .235 and has hit .300 in his last 10 starts. His
defense has been exceptional behind the plate, and he has thrown out almost
40% of would-be basestealers.
