The Besuboru Journal (04/15/2057) [post Sim 2]

[R.Umali]

2-6 sim
2-1 vs Athens
0-3 vs Buenos Aires

3-10 season record (-7)

The Pearls finished their first home stand 2-6, but let's focus on that beautiful Home Opener in Manama Fields. A near sell-out in the stands (27678 paid attendance) and Huang Cheng on the mound . That's why Valdez had him start G3 last week: to line him up for the Home Opener. Cheng was charged up, striking out the side in the 1st on his way to 8 Ks and his first win of the season. Hard thrower Veikko Aravirta holding the Fighting Centaurs hitless for 2 and then handing the ball to Seu Park, who pitched himself into trouble (2 walks) and out of it, earning his 1st save in what we hope to be many. Everybody Huang Cheng'ed that night.

Maybe Umali and Valdez's plan can work, warts and all?

Or maybe not. The Pearls lost the next in extras, and then won the rubber match 7-1. And then promptly got swept by Buenos Aires, the last game the rare complete game loss thrown by Huang Cheng, who actually looked better in the loss.

And that's what I'm looking forward to: Huang Cheng going deep into games. But I'm also looking forward to SP1 Umar Dogar pitching his first win (we'll take pitching into the 5th inning) and leadoff hitter Elton Warr getting going.

Notes:

Catchers Ernesto Perez was waived and DFA'd and Luis Colon was promoted. Colon was slashing .364 / .512 / .636 over 43 PAs for the Port Elizabeth Windies (ABA). For his part, Perez had hoped to continue backing up Cris Cordero, but he stumbled badly, going 1-for-12 over 6 games. And patience was thin.

A clarification. We announced that 36-year old centerfielder Hadji Ufanisi had retired. In fact, he only announced his retirement. In Sim 2, he picked up another 2 ABs as a defensive replacement. Ufanisi, who is sort of a fan favorite in Tokyo, has yet to pick up a hit.