Bandit Post, Vol 2.2, 1997

[aaronweiner]

The Birmingham Bandits went into their last sim with high hopes, and they were recognized, grabbing seven of nine games against Des Moines, slumping New Orleans, and Long Beach. Birmingham's winning streak during the sim reached eleven games before falling to Long Beach, and they held onto the top spot in the FL Midwest Division.

"We're pretty excited to still be in first place," said leadoff man Hector Fernandez. "We're very hopeful that we can keep this up and win a lot of games this year."

Birmingham's excitement at their sim was equalled only by their disappointment over Austin's 7-3 mark in the same ten day span, and then the ghastly addition of Allen Izatt to Austin's rotation. Birmingham was hoping to open some distance between themselves and the Riverbats, but Austin wasn't in on the plan, and Birmingham's lead over Austin is just one game.

"We're happy to be in first place, but we'd be happier if it were by three or four games," said manager Lou Brown. "It's probably good though - makes every game important."

While Austin may have acquired Izatt, Birmingham will experience a similar acquisition sometime in June, as Damian Bedgood prepares for his return from nine months on the disabled list. Bedgood and Izatt are both on the short list of the MBBA's best pitchers, and the arms race between Birmingham and Austin might heat up even more if Birmingham makes additional moves on their side. Recent rumors had Birmingham attempting to acquire a bat, but those rumors have quelled since Birmingham has scored 118 runs in 18 games this month, an average of about six and a half per game.

"I don't feel like we need anything, we're playing great baseball," said Sammy Bodeen, whose numbers have put him in the forefront for the Steve Nebraska. "Looking forward to Damian's return, because that will only make us better."

[mad0die]

Should be a good race!

[aaronweiner]

That's what I'm hoping. I didn't like getting skunked last year.

Aaron