Trail Droppings 2043-13 Mao Down!

[indiansfan]

Mao Down!

Chairman Mao is down and out for 6 weeks after getting hit by pitch from Jesus in the top of the 8th last Tuesday. Mao broke his thumb when he couldn’t get out of the way of the Blazer’s fastball. Calgary manager Terry Cochran came out of the dugout and was almost ejected arguing that Lopez should be ejected.

“This is ridiculous. It’s the 5th time he has been hit this Spring!,” Cochran shouted. “They really started throwing at him last year, but in training camp? That is bush league and Encarcion should no better or else he should get his ass back to the minors.”

Montreal Blazers manager Jesus Encarcion is in his first season as the Blazer’s skipper after spending his managing and playing career in the minors. Mao didn’t charge the mound, but rather said it is just part of the game. Cochran may be just voicing frustration after already losing 2 pitchers for the year due to injuries. At least Mao’s injury is not a season ender.

One of the best hitters in the league, Mao is expected to miss 5-6 weeks with the injury. While Calgary has some depth at the position, you don’t just replace a player like Mao. This Spring he was .354, with 4 HR, 19 RBIs and a 1.082 OPS. He has been hit 5 times in 55 plate appearances.

Mao and teammate Francisco Medina accomplished something last season that had never been done before in the BBA when both hit over 50 homers for the 2nd year in a row. Only a couple of teams have ever had 2 players hit 50 homers in the same year, but only Mao and Medina have done it twice. With Mao missing over a month of the season it is doubtful that they will threepeat.

Lopez has hit 4 batters in Spring Training this year after only hitting 4 batters all last season. Not known as a head hunter, he has hit an impressive 52 batters during his career.

Mao has been coming under fire from opposing pitchers leading the JL last season with 27 receptions. He has been hit 81 times in only 4 years. Only Vancouver’s Fernando Castillo is getting hit at a higher rate than Mao.

“Lopez better watch it when we play them,” Calgary’s Tommy Cochran threatened. “If he throws at any of our guys I will be the first one out there and I’ll be sending him to the dentist.”

Cochran, manager Terry’s son, will likely replace Mao at first base. By the time Calgary plays Montreal at the end of May, Mao should be back in the lineup.

[recte44]

Can't wait to see the retaliation for this one/