Crusader Columnist
FireShoeless.com
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"Don't get me wrong. I think Xue-qin is a hell of a ballplayer and a hell of a team captain," Shoeless said to a gathering of reporters outside South Pacific Field. "But, sometimes you have to rattle a few cages to get people to perform at their best. And, hell, Xue-qin wasn't going to see the field much anyway this season."
The Crusaders also optioned reliever, George Noble, to AAA Black Hills after just over two innings of work for California. Noble gave up five earned runs in his two weeks with the big club.
In corresponding roster moves, Shoeless promoted third base prospect, Hector Ojeda, and pitcher, Lance Carter.
"Hector has been hitting the cover off the ball the last couple seasons in the minors. Hell, he hit 48 homeruns between A ball and Winter League last year," Shoeless said. "We're hoping Hector makes a home as a power platoon player against southpaws moving forward."
This is Carter's second stint with the Crusaders this season after being given a spot start in the rotation when Nick Pearce went down for a day-to-day injury. The hope is Carter can fill the long relief spot and the captain's role moving forward.
With all the moves, it's just too bad Shoeless getting canned wasn't one of them. Of course, Shoeless firing himself would be considered a smart and reasonable move, so, therefor, Shoeless will never make it.
I hate him.
A lot.
