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As August comes to a close in the Brewster Baseball Association the Montreal Blazers took one last, desperate attempt to secure a Johnson Wildcard spot. Seven time All-Star and 1938 Sawyer Silk Award winner Angel Zalapa was acquired from the Valencia Stars at the deadline for three prospects and veteran catcher Eric Fabre(to make the salaries work). Montreal GM Herb DeSpain said that just looking at this season's playoff race would be a mistake, "This deal was made to increase our chances to make the playoffs this season, no doubt!" DeSpain explained in the press conference that introduced Zalapa to the Montreal faithful. "But to discount what he will do to help us in the next couple of years moving forward would be a huge mistake. If it was for just one season then I don't make this trade." Zalapa will displace rookie Orlando Lopez as the team's everyday short stop. Lopez has done well in the field but he has struggled at the plate, as has most of the Blazers' hitters. "When everyone else on this team was hitting up to expectation then we can afford for Orlando to hit .210!" DeSpain relayed to the press. "But that's not happening so changes had to happen."
Along with Zalapa, Montreal has claimed veteran infielder Joey O'Brien from Boise. O'Brien, playing for his sixth BBA team, will provide above average defense around the diamond allowing others to rest when needed. He'll also be a valuable pinch hitter in close, late game situations.
After a 14-14 August the Blazers face an uphill battle for the last Johnson Wildcard spot trailing Brooklyn by eight games but needing to jump six teams to make it to the top. Following a horrible July, Montreal rookie stopper Carlton Casson was named JL Rookie of the Month for August. Casson managed a 1-0 record with five saves and a 0.76 ERA in 23.2 innings of work. He also struck out 31 batters in the month. Fellow rookie Don Jaramillo also had a good month on the mound posting a 2-3 record and a 2.53 ERA in 46.1 innings.
At the plate it was Keith Schultz who stood out hitting .304 with 15 extra base hits and 21 RBI on the month. He also scored 18 times and stole seven bases.
"There could be more shake ups to come in the offseason," warns DeSpain. "The goal here is to win and that means we will move anyone if it helps our chances of doing that."
