Slugger Shavings 2053.2 - Bitchin' Pitchin'

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GM BP felt good. He just came back to his office following a meeting with new manager Chris Hooper. The season was starting well for the Sluggers who were 14-9. The fans were coming back to the park after an unusual and disappointing sub-.500 season with attendance up more than 30% so far. There was a buzz around the club.

A big reason for the strong start was starting pitching. Led by the 4-1 Yoshii Takuda, the Slugger's staff has the 2nd best starter's ERA in the league at 3.49, over a full run better than last year. Some had written off Takuda after a horrible 4-11 5.46 season last year. But no doubt he came to play this year.

"Yeah, I'm dialed in," said Takuda. "GM BP had us all watch this really old karate movie and tv show. Then we had to go to some strange dojo in the sketchy part of town where the grocery stores don't even have free wine and cheese samples. We beat the shite out of each other. It was great. It helped us come together. The new skipper is a big part of that. I think he is so happy to have this job that he is giving 200% right now."

The team is also excited to see free-agent signing Ricardo Rivera come back from his long injury. He might be a stubbed toe away from full disability, but if he can pitch anywhere close to his potential, the Sluggers' fans are in for a real treat. Rivera makes his first start on April 30 against Nashville.