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Rumors are running rampant about Stiller609 being forced out as General Manager of the Buffalo Spectacular Views, after a report on Deadspin.com surfaced. According to the report Stiller609 and Buffalo Owner D.J. McAllister had a heated exchange in the famous "Hutch's" Restaurant in Buffalo, NY. McAllister was allegedly heard telling Stiller609 that he, "better post his resume on Monster.com," after a disagreement surfaced about Buffalo's rebuilding project.
The Views were the most active team at the dealine trading MVP candidate Neil Clyburn, and ace Javier Lunar among others. This was seen as a shocking move as the Views were expected to compete for the NL North title. The dealing caused a backlash from the New York media and Views' ticket holders.
Scranton Scrap
Pawtucket starting pitcher Oswaldo Chavez was involved in an altercation yesterday following an away game in Scranton. Apparently after a poor performance against Scranton on January 22nd (in which he gave up 5 runs in 5 innings), a Pawtucket fan who had made the trip confronted him in the parking lot. The verbal confrontation turned physical, and Chavez was thrown onto a hood of the car before some bystanders broke up the fight.
"Just a drunk fan," said Chavez when asked about the incident. "Typical Scranton fan," he added.
Chavez was uninjured and isn't expected to miss any time, but his comments about "typical Scranton fan(s)" have seen the Scranton media and fans into a frenzy.
"Can't wait until he pitches here again," remarked New Jersey radio host, and Scranton native, Jeff Bridges. "If he thought the parking lot was rough, wait until he climbs out of the dugout."
Sneak Attack
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While nobody was watching the Pittsburgh Steelheads jumped from third place in the AL East to first courtesy of an 8-2 run in their last 10 games. The catalysts? The dynamic duo of Yamil Sanchez and Juan James who have combined for 92 home runs and 222 RBI.
"People are going to have to start taking notice of us now," said Pittsburgh catcher Midre Lopez. "We're for real."
Pittsburgh has some key upcoming games against divisional foes that will determine the tight three team race between Pittsburgh, Pawtucket, and Durham.
Trading Frenzy
This year's trading deadline was the most active in the Dream League History, much of it courtesy of the Buffalo Spectacular Views' firesale.
Superstar Neil Clyburn was shipped off to Montgomery for Babe Brooks and AA prospect Louis Stevenson. This was a shock to some as the frontrunners for the Clyburn sweepstakes figured to be San Francisco according to insiders. Reports indicate Buffalo was looking for top pitching prospects and the Stampede were unwilling to move fomer first round picks Keith Hughes or Al Seguignol. General Manager of the Stampede, Xandor 2 indicated he wasn't disappointed to lose out on Clyburn.
"We figure to be a year away from contention."
San Francisco was active in other deals, however, dealing slick fielding Vladimir Candelaria to Vancouver for highly touted pitching prospect Jose Acosta, who pitched on this year's American Young Stars staff, and Harry Bay. Ironically Vancouver was also rumored to be in on the Clyburn sweepstakes.
"Candy was great for us, but we had to find a way to get Juan Moya in the lineup, and Candy's departure paves the way for that," said Xandor2. "We've been targeting Season 5 since I took over the organization, and this deal is consistent with that plan."
News of the Candelaria for Acosta/Bay swap travelled fast, and according to Peter Gammons, Thunderbird General Manager Aaron_Clarke phoned Vancouver General Manager Sergei1991 shortly after the deal was announced and was absolutely livid. Acosta was a player Tacoma was reported to have coveted and gone after numerous times.
"No comment," was all Aaron_Clarke offered when questioned on the subject.
The Thunderbirds were able to complete a deal at the deadline for a young pitcher however, picking up Season 3 All Star Javier Lunar for speedster Andy Haney (who leads everyone in the NL with 64 stolen bases) and international prospect Torey Lima who figures to play third base at the major league level. The Thunderbirds had a lot of competition for Lunar's services, as Kansas City and Durham were involved up until the last minute.
Kansas City was rumored to be offering AAA pitcher Kelvin Sveum (who's struggled mightily with an ERA over 5.00 this year), and third baseman Mac Engle.
Durham was supposedly peddling a combination of pitching prospects. Names that were floating around included Ernie Ward, Terry Parker, Peter Beck, and Javy Ibarra.
Kansas City's involvement in the Lunar sweepstakes surprised some, as most believed the Bush Leaguers would be looking for a shortstop.
"Can never have enough pitching," Chadrader explained.
That need was partially met with an upgrade of the staff when Kansas City sent Hal Knotts to San Francisco for Don Sakamoto.
The Tucson Torros also took part in the Buffalo firesale acquiring crafty right hander Piper Franco in exchange for defensive wizard David Torres, Ted Sweeney, and Dwight Ingram.
The Torros getting Franco was seen as a very strategic pickup, as he is a well regarded, inexpensive, durable pitcher. In fact, Franco was a player Atlanta had been looking at as well, however the Major Duckies elected to call up young AAA talent in their organization instead of making a big splash during the trade deadline.
We Ow(e)n(ed) the Night
Philadelphia rookie Vic Owen made a big splash yesterday evening in a game versus the Chicago Machines. Owen went 3 for 3 driving in 7 runs. One of those hits was a 423 foot blast to left center field. Opposite field power--it's something Philadelphia fans have grown acustomed to, along with standing ovations from the Philly faithful each time he puts one in the bleachers.
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"It's better than them throwing batteries at me," Owen joked.
Owen has gotten off to a fabulous start as a rookie hitting 32 round-trippers and driving in 110. Most surprising--he's kept his average hovering around .300 (.295 currently). Hitting for average was not something that was expected of Owen, nor something he showed during his AAA stint. During his first call up for duty in Season 3, Owen struggled at the plate hitting only .212.
"I'm seeing the ball really well right now," said Owen.
