Wednesday, February 11, 2009
OTIS PAVLOV INTERVIEW
Following his interview the other day with B.C. Parent, Frank DeFord sat down with 2-time National League Most Valuable Player, Mr. Terrible Two, Otis Pavlov.
Frank: This is a different team of Two's this year. For the first time in a while familar names like Albert Piper, Vinny Granger, and Zephyr Johnson are gone. How do you think the new team stacks up and has the departure of the veterans led to the Two's end of year struggles?
OP: First, I realize this is a business, and veterans make a lot of money. Those guys are great players but I understand managements need to cut salary. The players we brought in made us a lot younger and we will be better for the long haul. Although I miss those guys, anytime you can trade players in 30's for players in their early to mid 20's, you are bound to get better.
Frank: And as far as the teams end of the year struggles?
OP: Well, these guys are young and some of them this is their first full major league season, and there are going to be ups and downs. Also, when the team changes as much as ours has, it takes time to gel and build the continuity that makes teams great.
Frank: You mentioned the veteran salary cuts, next year is the last on your contract, and rumor has it that negotiations have been slow to re-sign you long-term. Do you think you will be a Two at the end of next year? Or the beginning for that matter?
OP: I love Sacramento, and I love this team. I would like to stay a Two forever and finish my career here. On my end, I would like to sign an extension, but at this point we are trying to nail down a first round bye and all my attention is focused on that goal.
Frank: You currently sit at 451 home runs, would it mean more to you to hit your 500th home run in a Terrible Two's uniform?
OP: Like I said, I would like to be a Two forever.
Frank: Obviously, steroids and peformance enhancing drugs have been the talk of baseball recently. Have you ever used steroids or been tempted to?
OP: I have never used steroids. To be honest, and I am not saying anyone does, but when you hit 50 home runs like I did for a couple of seasons, and then you see guys hitting 60 and 70, it crosses your mind. You wouldnt be human if you didnt think about it. If I hit 50 but could add 15 or 20 more bombs, and 10 wins for my team, you have to think about the possibilities. But in the end, the long term health projections are something I dont want to deal with.
Frank: So are you saying that players you know are using and have offered you steroids?
OP: No, that is not what I am saying. I wouldnt know the first place to look even if I did want to use them. And I dont think that many guys are actually using, outside of B.C. Parent in Chicago...okay, I am joking with my boy B.C.. That man can rake with the best of them and is simply a naturally gifted athlete.
Frank: How would you feel about some of the records that are out there if you found out those players were enhanced "chemically?"
OP: Honestly, you can put whatever PED you want in your body, and it wont help you hit a baseball, it may allow you to hit it farther, but the skill is already there. You can't take any Joe Blow off the street, give him steroids, and turn him into a .300 hitter or a 40 home run per year player. So I am not sure how much they help anyway.
Frank: Do you say that because you have experimented at some point?
OP: I think I already answered that question Frank, I have never used any form of steroid or PED! Come on Frank, your better than the Dan Patrick's of the world (said in a joking manner).
Frank: How important is the first round bye? It has been a long time since the Two's have played a first round series. Is it worth playing guys down the stretch in lieu of resting the to secure at top seed?
OP: I think it is extremely important. We are 1-game behind Chicago with 10-games left for the #2 seed. That first round is such a crap shoot. In such a short series anything can happen regardless of a teams record. We would much rather not have to deal with that if possible. But on the other hand, with the top of our rotation with Albert Boone, Fausto Bennett, and Alex Schmidt, we are set up nicely for a short series.
Frank: What is it like around the organization to have had such amazing regular season success, but to have only 1 appearance in the World Series? Although you did win the championship.
OP: Well obviously you play to win a ring, and no matter what happens no one can ever take that ring away. But obviously we would have liked to have won a few more. Again, the playoffs are set up for the current hot team, if you're not the hot team, a 114-win team like the one we had 2 years ago doesnt stand a chance. That's just the way baseball is.
Frank: How do you like your chances this year?
OP: I always like our chances in the playoffs, I think you have to have a positive mind-set going in. But there are some great teams out there. Chicago can mash with anyone, San Antonio has a great pitching staff, Honolulu has Lenny Singleton, and the list just keeps on going. It won't be easy for whoever comes out of the National League.
Frank: Well, thanks for your time Otis, and good luck in the playoffs.
OP: Thanks, anytime Frank.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The beauty of the Beast
Longtime sports essayist, Frank Deford, recently sat down with Chicago Beast superstar, BC Parent, for an interview on his explosive season, performance enhancing drugs, and the team's chances in the upcoming playoffs. Parent's unvarnished answers offer a unique look into the life of one of the most prolific players in the NABCL.
Deford: With 13 games to play, you are within five homers of the NABCL's all-time single season record of 70. What does that mean to you?
Parent: Raking is my thing, Mr. Deford. The good lord blessed me with the power to hit it a long way and when I do it usually goes out of the park. I like going yard 'cause it means I get to "trot" instead of busting it around the bases.
Deford: Craig Hooper holds the record at 70. Any thoughts on his mark and career?
Parent: Hoop? The thing about him is he is a little dude...I got him by about six inches and 40+ pounds. But the man can stroke it. When I came up he was still playing in Scranton and I would see him a lot. Somebody told me he is closing in on 500 career taters. That's a lot of pop. He sent me a text the other day and wished me luck on getting to 69. I didnt know if he was talking about with my girl or home runs.
Deford: In today's sports world, no good deed goes unpunished. Detractors say that you and others in the game are prospering through performance enhancing drugs? What do you say to that?
Parent: Look, Mr. Deford, I pee in a cup seven times a season and it comes back clean each time. I cant control what someone else is going say or do. I been balling for 5+ years in the NABCL bigs and I been doin' it the right way since I got up. If I am guilty of anything its eating too much red meat but a man's got to have his pleasures.
Deford: You hail from Plaquemine, Louisiana. You are a long way from the Mississippi arent you?
Parent: I learned to hit along the banks of the mighty 'Sipp. Some say that my power comes from trying to hit it over the river. But Mama would say it comes from her biscuits and chicken gravy. Either way, you should know that Plaquemine is indian for persimmon - Strong wood.
Deford: Talk about the Beast and their chances in the playoffs; can you help reverse the failure of post-seasons past?
Parent: Damn - that's cold. Look when I got called up in season 6, our club missed the playoffs, in the year after going to the World Series. Since then we have ripped off five straight division crowns. Now, we know that divison titles aint all that and so we are gonna go down swinging this season. But take note, this team rakes like no other I've been on; Suzuki-san, Little Steven Wilson, Virgil, Melvin, Pena and me all have 30+ dongs. You down with that? Six guys that can take it long at any moment. Bam!
Plus our pitching is much stronger than people give us credit for (dont forget we play at Wrigley; check out my hurlers record away from home) and we pick it with just about anybody but San Antonio. Go ask Mr. X and anybody else in the NL if they are looking forward to facing BC and friends this year.
Deford: Well, the hearts and minds of the Second City will be glued to your fortunes. You got a lot of criticism for hanging around Jay-z and Beyonce during last seasons one and done versus Portland. Any plans to do something different this year?
Parent: (gets out of chair)...Mr. Deford, I hang with who I want, when I want. Jay and Beyonce are my peeps. They didnt have nothing to do with Portland rolling us last year. So no I aint doing nothing different. Tiger and 'Bron already been hittin me up for ducats for our first playof game. As for my babes, I just got off the horn with a couple of my galz and we are looking to tear this mother down, especially if we can go all the way. Thanks for the talk but I got go, got some rippin' to do.
Deford: With 13 games to play, you are within five homers of the NABCL's all-time single season record of 70. What does that mean to you?
Parent: Raking is my thing, Mr. Deford. The good lord blessed me with the power to hit it a long way and when I do it usually goes out of the park. I like going yard 'cause it means I get to "trot" instead of busting it around the bases.
Deford: Craig Hooper holds the record at 70. Any thoughts on his mark and career?
Parent: Hoop? The thing about him is he is a little dude...I got him by about six inches and 40+ pounds. But the man can stroke it. When I came up he was still playing in Scranton and I would see him a lot. Somebody told me he is closing in on 500 career taters. That's a lot of pop. He sent me a text the other day and wished me luck on getting to 69. I didnt know if he was talking about with my girl or home runs.
Deford: In today's sports world, no good deed goes unpunished. Detractors say that you and others in the game are prospering through performance enhancing drugs? What do you say to that?
Parent: Look, Mr. Deford, I pee in a cup seven times a season and it comes back clean each time. I cant control what someone else is going say or do. I been balling for 5+ years in the NABCL bigs and I been doin' it the right way since I got up. If I am guilty of anything its eating too much red meat but a man's got to have his pleasures.
Deford: You hail from Plaquemine, Louisiana. You are a long way from the Mississippi arent you?
Parent: I learned to hit along the banks of the mighty 'Sipp. Some say that my power comes from trying to hit it over the river. But Mama would say it comes from her biscuits and chicken gravy. Either way, you should know that Plaquemine is indian for persimmon - Strong wood.
Deford: Talk about the Beast and their chances in the playoffs; can you help reverse the failure of post-seasons past?
Parent: Damn - that's cold. Look when I got called up in season 6, our club missed the playoffs, in the year after going to the World Series. Since then we have ripped off five straight division crowns. Now, we know that divison titles aint all that and so we are gonna go down swinging this season. But take note, this team rakes like no other I've been on; Suzuki-san, Little Steven Wilson, Virgil, Melvin, Pena and me all have 30+ dongs. You down with that? Six guys that can take it long at any moment. Bam!
Plus our pitching is much stronger than people give us credit for (dont forget we play at Wrigley; check out my hurlers record away from home) and we pick it with just about anybody but San Antonio. Go ask Mr. X and anybody else in the NL if they are looking forward to facing BC and friends this year.
Deford: Well, the hearts and minds of the Second City will be glued to your fortunes. You got a lot of criticism for hanging around Jay-z and Beyonce during last seasons one and done versus Portland. Any plans to do something different this year?
Parent: (gets out of chair)...Mr. Deford, I hang with who I want, when I want. Jay and Beyonce are my peeps. They didnt have nothing to do with Portland rolling us last year. So no I aint doing nothing different. Tiger and 'Bron already been hittin me up for ducats for our first playof game. As for my babes, I just got off the horn with a couple of my galz and we are looking to tear this mother down, especially if we can go all the way. Thanks for the talk but I got go, got some rippin' to do.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Down the Stretch They Come- NABCL Top 10/Bottom 5
With less than 20 games left in the season, it seems like a perfect time for at Top 10/Bottom 5 update!
1. Anaheim Natural Disasters (94-53) – AL West
Still the team to beat in the AL, despite holding the #2 seed at the moment. Anaheim boasts the best pitching in the AL, a top 10 offense, and a top 5 D. SS Tony Wanatabe (.322/48HR/135RBI) is somehow not on the MVP list; SP Felipe Redondo (18-5, 2.95 ERA) and SP Harry Pena (15-7, 3.42 ERA) are Cy Young finalists, and young RP Jude Lindsey is in the running for the ROY award. The most well rounded team in the AL is poised for a deep playoff run.
2. San Antonio Missions (Viva the Puffy Taco) (94-53) – NL South
The Missions might not be as flashy as Honolulu or Sacramento, but they are currently the best team in the NL. They lead the majors in ERA and team defense, and have a solid if unspectacular offense; led by MVP candidate 1B Milt Brock (.322/36HR/110RBI). The pitching staff is anchored by Mark McNamara (17-5, 3.10 ERA) and Marvin Turner (17-5, 3.65 ERA), with top notch closer Arthur Donnels there to close the door when handed a lead. The team is on a 9-1 run, giving them great moment rolling into the postseason.
3. Fargo Roughriders (98-49) – AL North
More of the same ol’ same ol’ from Fargo, with a slight twist this season. The offense is again leading the majors in runs, and the defense is serviceable, but it’s the top 5 pitching staff that has lead the team to the best record in the league. SP Felipe Matos (20-4, 3.00 ERA) is enjoying arguably his finest season, while rookie Juan Goya (19-6, 3.56 ERA) and innings eater Luis Melendez (17-11, 3.90 ERA) give Fargo 3 of the 5 AL Cy Young candidates. The reason this squad is behind Anaheim and SA is simple, their 3/4 hitters (Mac Grey and Rudy Simms) are both on the DL, as is staring SS Bart Fiore. Fargo still has a solid team, but replacing 97 HR and 286 RBI is no easy task.
4. Sacramento Terrible Two’s (89-58) – NL West
The Two’s are perennial playoff contenders, and this year is no exception. Led by a top notch pitching staff and a rock solid defense that more than makes up for a slightly above average offense, this team is built for the postseason. Veteran SP’s Albert Boone (19-7, 3.24 ERA) and Fausto Bennett (16-4, 2.33 ERA) lead a deep and talented pitching staff, while CF Otis Pavlov (.295/40HR/107RBI) and ROY candidate Kris Ramirez help key the offense. Mr. X once again has this team poised to make a deep run in the playoffs, if the offense can contribute.
5. Chicago Beast (90-57) – NL North
The Beast have run away with the NL North, largely on the strength of the NL’s best offense. The team pitching is just OK, and the D is below average, but with bats like this, who needs anything else? Stud OF B.C. Parent (.329/63HR/157RBI) is mauling NL pitching, and 3B Steve Wilson (.297/38HR/116RBI) is playing a very impressive Robin to Parent’s Batman. This team will score runs on anyone in the postseason, it remains to be seen whether they can get enough pitching to be a factor in the playoffs.
6. Honolulu Anteaters (85-62) – NL West
The Anteaters are the antithesis of the Beast, their offense and defense are average at best, but their pitching is top notch, and they have used it to give Sacramento all they can handle in the NL West. This team is more dependent on a single player than any other team in the league; good thing that player is NABCL royalty. Lenny Singleton (20-9, 2.37 ERA) is producing his usual Cy Young worth season, and he makes this a team no one wants to see in the playoffs. If LF Derrick Stanley (.318/45HR/114RBI) can manage to bring the offense along for the ride, Honolulu has a very good chance to make a return trip to the World Series this season.
7. Richmond Poor Men (88-59) – AL South
Richmond is basically Chicago Lite, a top notch offense carrying below average pitching and defense. Closer Dan Powell (26/28 SV, 3.43 ERA) is doing a solid job finishing games for the team, but it’s MVP candidates 1B John Barkley (.301/46HR/136RBI) and 2B Bing Simms (.354/28HR/159RBI) that have put this team in a position to claim the AL South crown. It remains to be seen if they will be enough to push Richmond to the division title.
8. Iowa City Shuckers (85-62) – AL South
It stands to reason that the team chasing Richmond in the standings is right behind them in the top 10, too. Iowa City is a virtual mirror image of Richmond, with a slightly worse offense offsetting a slight better pitching staff. CF Rickey Valdes (.317/27HR/80RBI) and C Damaso Montana (.306/21HR/72RBI) give the Shuckers top notch bats at two premium positions, and closer Rip Christenson (36 SV, 2.47 ERA) are keeping this team in the division hunt, and currently leading the AL Wild Card race.
9. Wichita ‘weed (81-66) -- NL East
Top 10 pitching and defense have the ‘weed on the cusp of the franchise’s first division title, despite their current 5 game losing streak. The somewhat unconventional pitching staff is lead by Zephyr Johnson (14-7, 2.61 ERA, 17 SV), Derrick McPherson (15-3, 4.08 ERA, 4 SV) and Joe Rhodes (15-4, 2.60 ERA); while young SS Tony Trinidad (.292/22HR/78RBI/27SB) leads the offense. The ‘weed will need to hold off Charlotte to claim the division title, but if they can, they could surprise come playoff time.
10. tie- New Britain Blockheads (82-65) – AL North and Jacksonville Jackals (82-65) AL South
It is only fitting that these two teams share the final spot in the top 10, as both seem to be doing their best to NOT grab the final WC spot in the AL. New Britain was nipping at Fargo’s heels only 2 weeks ago, but after a crippling 13 game losing streak, they now find themselves in a tie for the aforementioned WC spot. As for the defending WS champs, they are 3-7 in their past 10, and are “riding” a 4 game losing skid. Either team can spring an upset if it can get to the postseason, and there is still a chance that the both can get in (knocking Iowa out of the playoffs), but they will need to right the ship quickly to claim their postseason berth.
On the Cusp: Charlotte Queen’s Men, Trenton Thrashers, Philadelphia Dead Milkmen, Seattle Salty Dogs, Los Angeles Robins
Bottom 5 (Cliff Note’s Version)
28. Washington D.C. Federals (62-85) – AL East
29. San Diego Storm (54-93) – AL West
30. Las Vegas Dust Devils (54-93) – NL West
31. Salem Gangbangers (54-93) – AL West
32. Boston Colonials (56-91) – AL East
1. Anaheim Natural Disasters (94-53) – AL West
Still the team to beat in the AL, despite holding the #2 seed at the moment. Anaheim boasts the best pitching in the AL, a top 10 offense, and a top 5 D. SS Tony Wanatabe (.322/48HR/135RBI) is somehow not on the MVP list; SP Felipe Redondo (18-5, 2.95 ERA) and SP Harry Pena (15-7, 3.42 ERA) are Cy Young finalists, and young RP Jude Lindsey is in the running for the ROY award. The most well rounded team in the AL is poised for a deep playoff run.
2. San Antonio Missions (Viva the Puffy Taco) (94-53) – NL South
The Missions might not be as flashy as Honolulu or Sacramento, but they are currently the best team in the NL. They lead the majors in ERA and team defense, and have a solid if unspectacular offense; led by MVP candidate 1B Milt Brock (.322/36HR/110RBI). The pitching staff is anchored by Mark McNamara (17-5, 3.10 ERA) and Marvin Turner (17-5, 3.65 ERA), with top notch closer Arthur Donnels there to close the door when handed a lead. The team is on a 9-1 run, giving them great moment rolling into the postseason.
3. Fargo Roughriders (98-49) – AL North
More of the same ol’ same ol’ from Fargo, with a slight twist this season. The offense is again leading the majors in runs, and the defense is serviceable, but it’s the top 5 pitching staff that has lead the team to the best record in the league. SP Felipe Matos (20-4, 3.00 ERA) is enjoying arguably his finest season, while rookie Juan Goya (19-6, 3.56 ERA) and innings eater Luis Melendez (17-11, 3.90 ERA) give Fargo 3 of the 5 AL Cy Young candidates. The reason this squad is behind Anaheim and SA is simple, their 3/4 hitters (Mac Grey and Rudy Simms) are both on the DL, as is staring SS Bart Fiore. Fargo still has a solid team, but replacing 97 HR and 286 RBI is no easy task.
4. Sacramento Terrible Two’s (89-58) – NL West
The Two’s are perennial playoff contenders, and this year is no exception. Led by a top notch pitching staff and a rock solid defense that more than makes up for a slightly above average offense, this team is built for the postseason. Veteran SP’s Albert Boone (19-7, 3.24 ERA) and Fausto Bennett (16-4, 2.33 ERA) lead a deep and talented pitching staff, while CF Otis Pavlov (.295/40HR/107RBI) and ROY candidate Kris Ramirez help key the offense. Mr. X once again has this team poised to make a deep run in the playoffs, if the offense can contribute.
5. Chicago Beast (90-57) – NL North
The Beast have run away with the NL North, largely on the strength of the NL’s best offense. The team pitching is just OK, and the D is below average, but with bats like this, who needs anything else? Stud OF B.C. Parent (.329/63HR/157RBI) is mauling NL pitching, and 3B Steve Wilson (.297/38HR/116RBI) is playing a very impressive Robin to Parent’s Batman. This team will score runs on anyone in the postseason, it remains to be seen whether they can get enough pitching to be a factor in the playoffs.
6. Honolulu Anteaters (85-62) – NL West
The Anteaters are the antithesis of the Beast, their offense and defense are average at best, but their pitching is top notch, and they have used it to give Sacramento all they can handle in the NL West. This team is more dependent on a single player than any other team in the league; good thing that player is NABCL royalty. Lenny Singleton (20-9, 2.37 ERA) is producing his usual Cy Young worth season, and he makes this a team no one wants to see in the playoffs. If LF Derrick Stanley (.318/45HR/114RBI) can manage to bring the offense along for the ride, Honolulu has a very good chance to make a return trip to the World Series this season.
7. Richmond Poor Men (88-59) – AL South
Richmond is basically Chicago Lite, a top notch offense carrying below average pitching and defense. Closer Dan Powell (26/28 SV, 3.43 ERA) is doing a solid job finishing games for the team, but it’s MVP candidates 1B John Barkley (.301/46HR/136RBI) and 2B Bing Simms (.354/28HR/159RBI) that have put this team in a position to claim the AL South crown. It remains to be seen if they will be enough to push Richmond to the division title.
8. Iowa City Shuckers (85-62) – AL South
It stands to reason that the team chasing Richmond in the standings is right behind them in the top 10, too. Iowa City is a virtual mirror image of Richmond, with a slightly worse offense offsetting a slight better pitching staff. CF Rickey Valdes (.317/27HR/80RBI) and C Damaso Montana (.306/21HR/72RBI) give the Shuckers top notch bats at two premium positions, and closer Rip Christenson (36 SV, 2.47 ERA) are keeping this team in the division hunt, and currently leading the AL Wild Card race.
9. Wichita ‘weed (81-66) -- NL East
Top 10 pitching and defense have the ‘weed on the cusp of the franchise’s first division title, despite their current 5 game losing streak. The somewhat unconventional pitching staff is lead by Zephyr Johnson (14-7, 2.61 ERA, 17 SV), Derrick McPherson (15-3, 4.08 ERA, 4 SV) and Joe Rhodes (15-4, 2.60 ERA); while young SS Tony Trinidad (.292/22HR/78RBI/27SB) leads the offense. The ‘weed will need to hold off Charlotte to claim the division title, but if they can, they could surprise come playoff time.
10. tie- New Britain Blockheads (82-65) – AL North and Jacksonville Jackals (82-65) AL South
It is only fitting that these two teams share the final spot in the top 10, as both seem to be doing their best to NOT grab the final WC spot in the AL. New Britain was nipping at Fargo’s heels only 2 weeks ago, but after a crippling 13 game losing streak, they now find themselves in a tie for the aforementioned WC spot. As for the defending WS champs, they are 3-7 in their past 10, and are “riding” a 4 game losing skid. Either team can spring an upset if it can get to the postseason, and there is still a chance that the both can get in (knocking Iowa out of the playoffs), but they will need to right the ship quickly to claim their postseason berth.
On the Cusp: Charlotte Queen’s Men, Trenton Thrashers, Philadelphia Dead Milkmen, Seattle Salty Dogs, Los Angeles Robins
Bottom 5 (Cliff Note’s Version)
28. Washington D.C. Federals (62-85) – AL East
29. San Diego Storm (54-93) – AL West
30. Las Vegas Dust Devils (54-93) – NL West
31. Salem Gangbangers (54-93) – AL West
32. Boston Colonials (56-91) – AL East
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