WHIV 2004 Vol. 13- Key injuries cloud Hustlers playoff berth

[recte44]

The Hustlers clinched the FL Pacific, and will be going to the playoffs again, this time facing the Buffalo Bison in the Doubleday Series first round matchup.

"We're happy to be back," manager Elroy Futon said, "but we're going to be missing a few very key guys."

On 7/18, set-up man and former closer Jonathan Salott
was put on the shelf for the rest of the season, with shoulder inflammation. "Big loss," Futon said. "This thins our bullpen quite a bit."

On 7/21, starting shortstop Phillipe LaRouche was lost for approximately 5 weeks with a torn meniscus. This would bring him back for the September callups...but on September 6th he was involved in a collision on the bases and suffered a strained hamstring. Doctors estimated he'd miss about 5-6 weeks, which might give him a chance of being back for the LMS if the Hustlers were to make it that far.

On 7/31, the Hustlers lost middle reliever Ernest Nilson for 3 months, putting him out for the season. Like Salott, shoulder inflammation was the verdict. "It's a big loss, as Ernest has been a staple for us since the 1999 trade deadline, and now we're down two key relievers" Futon explained.

Then, in the last three days of the season, the Hustlers lost their starting centerfielder (Jeff Washington) and a struggling, but important, starting pitcher (Lorenzo Morales) for the remainder of the season.

"Tough breaks," Futon quipped. "Next man up, I suppose."

Those next men up?
Tom Sharp and Killian Noble must fill roles in the pen. Jay Burns will grab LaRouche's starts against RHP with Donald Noboru moving back to shortstop full time. Chuck Adolph steps into the starting lineup at first base against RHP, with John Catron moving to left field and Ross White moving to centerfield full time.

[scottsdale_joe]

Welcome to my world.

Depth is critical.

[recte44]

This has been business as usual for the Hustlers for the last few years. Depth= the most important thing to being a winning team. Having quality depth comes down to great cap management.

[bschr682]

or pulling off trades for guys with completely unrealistic contract extensions..... looking ur way ross white

[mrbornac]

At least you can know that Buffalo has lost a SP and starting SS in the past 5 weeks..... We are a bit wounded as well.....

I do look forward to the series however, getting a chance for Mitrani, Wasson, Hunter, and company to shine on the national stage...