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Past Interviews:

So Cal Slyme
Plattsburgh Champs

KNOW THY ENEMY

December 28, 1999
by "Biggest Daddy"

Hot Stove Talk: The New Milford Blazers

Oh, what a difference a year makes. Once out of contention last year, the Blazers dealt flamethrowing (and first team All Hair Cut) Randy Johnson to the Stamford Zoots. In return the Blazers received a young 24 year old Jose Rosado who, barring injury, will be the foundation of their rotation for many years to come. Let's look at the Blazers:

Staff infection: Going into the draft the Blazers starting staff is solid with Rosado (3.85 ERA, 208 IP) and Chuck Finley (213 IP, 4.43 ERA, 200 k's) in the one and two spots, with Livian Hernandez and possibly a Todd Stottlemyre(101 IP, 4.09 ERA) /Bobby Person/Tim Wakefield tag team combo. The bullpen appears thin with Dave Veres (77 IP, 5.14 ERA) and Lance Painter (4.83 ERA, 63 IP).

Line 'Em Up: The order will look something like this:

  1. Luis Castillo(2b-FR)- VG/EX steal/jump rating; .384 OBP
  2. Dave Berg - (SS-AVG)- 303/366/407 vs. righties
  3. Tony Fernandez(3b-PR)- 328/427/449
  4. Eric Karros (1b-VG)- 304/362/550 with 34 homers

After Karros it's hard to say what the order will be. Hell, it's hard to say what the order will be batting in front of Karros. Marvin Benard (290/359) will probably hold down one of the outfield spots and may bat near the top of the order but struck out a lot for a #2 hitter (97 k's in 562 at bats), while batting number one would reduce Castillo's ability to steal. Charles Johnson (EX arm), Ben Davis and Javier Valentin (EX arm) round out a great defensive catching corp.

The Blazers have a lot of money to spend and with the first pick in the draft will get much better (will it Alex Fernandez??). The main draft needs are relief pitching and a big bat in the outfield. Javier Valentin, one of the few EX arm catchers, is dispensable as a backup and could be dealt for a reliever.

The Blazers Christmas wish? To have David Delluci's 1999 stats quadrupled.

An Interview with Blazers GM Billy Romaniello

Biggest Daddy: You're a 1978 Yankee fan. Which name sounds like more like a fraternity hazing ritual: A Thurman Munson or a Dick Tidrow?

Billy Romaniello: Dick Tidrow.

BD: Your picture on the web page looks like a cross between Clark Kent and former Cubs pitcher Dennis Lamp. Which of these guys are you most like?

BR: Clark Kent.

BD: I see you're a Certified Athletic Trainer. Do you recommend Susan Sommer's Thigh Master? Do you wear Spandex?

BR: No to both, but for you ... Jan Fonda's workout tapes and a diet.

BD: You tanked the '99 season but things are looking up in 2000. What holes will you be looking to fill in the draft?

BR: Tanked is kinda harsh don't you think? It's not my fault you can't win in diamond mind without Pitching, speed or power.

BD: What's New Milford, Connecticut like? Any good restaurants for Biggest Daddy to eat at?   
BR: You would love NM. Quiet, peaceful and if you like Greek or Italian or Greek marketed as Italian ... I have a place for you. Just say the word and I'll reserve a table.

BD: Do you have any rivals in the BDBL? Any teams you would like to pound the snot out of?

BR: As the mild mannered reporter type ... pounding the snot out of someone is not my specialty, however ...... the Salem Cowchips and Stamford Zits would be a good place to start.

BD: If asked, would you be Mike Glander's Vice Presidential Candidate?

BR: No, but he could be mine!

BD: What can you tell us about Robert Person? Is he an asset in the clubhouse?

BR: Just leave the man alone ... he does his job and does it well.

BD: Who would you rather have as a bullpen catcher: Oprah Winfrey or Rickie Lake?

BR: Definitely Oprah ... I may need her millions to rebuild this team.