Just Rambling
Doyle Throws Gem
by Caitlen Sullivan
Vancouver Sun Sports Reporter
August 18, 2035
The Mounties lost 6-5 on August 18th at Hawaii, thus failing to complete a sweep of the Tropics. Then it was back home for six games. Vancouver lost the opener at Northwoods Outpost to Omaha before winning the next three to take the series three games to one. Then the Mounties split two with Calgary with the rubber game coming tonight.
Scott Harper, back playing first base since the Hahn trade, had two home runs and six RBIs for the week to lead the offense.
There were three notable pitching performances:
- Alexandre Doyle got his first start of the season and made it an outstanding one as he allowed the Omaha Hawks just one hit, a single, into the eighth inning. Closer Rodrigo Lugo struggled in the ninth but held on for the save in a 3-2 victory.
- José Zamora held Omaha to four hits and a single run through eight innings as Rodrigo Lugo got another save in the 4-1 victory.
- Manuel Solíz was at his best against Omaha as well. He allowed seven hits and a single run through eight innings. Rodrigo Lugo got his 22nd save, but he made it exciting by allowing four hits and a run in the ninth. They tying run was on third and the lead run on second when Lugo managed to get the final Hawk to ground out to end the game as the Mounties hung on 3-2.
- Struggling outfielder Pierre Cordona got a chance to start all seven games this week. He did nothing to indicate he may start hitting anytime soon as he had just two hits in 30 at-bats.
- Relief pitcher Vernier Piel came off the disabled list after five months and will serve a rehab assignment at Victoria. It is rumored than Vancouver will release him at year end.
- Ray Perkins is also recently back from the DL, but he has struggled in his last two relief appearances. He is a free agent at year end and has steadfastly refused to negotiate with the team about an extension.
- Pablo Soto is coming up to a difficult decision. He has a player opt out of his contract at year end. Pablo is playing well, hitting .287, and is still a defensive standout at third base and shortstop. But he isn’t getting playing time, probably a front office tactic to encourage him to opt out. But will the 31-year-old want to forego two more guaranteed years at $10.1 million for a chance to test free agency? While he clearly isn’t happy with things in Vancouver, it’s doubtful he would make a decision to forego 20 million guaranteed dollars. Beyond those two guaranteed years, Pablo certainly knows enough to be sure Vancouver will void his $19.1 million team option (no buyout) in 2038.
The specially designed Bertarm Hahn La-Z Boy recliner chair
that we described last week has been sold.
While the buyer has requested anonymity, it is rumored that
the Jacksonville front office was behind the purchase.
Since joining the Hurricanes, Bertram has just two hits and one home run
in 37 at bats. That BA (.054) makes his Vancouver BA (.104) look good.
