Los Angeles, CA - Star reliever Ghidewon Hassan who came over in the infamous Sammmmmmy Sagar deal is now joining his set-up buddy Domingo Ruiz on the DL, putting him out of the entire season as well.
Ghidewon has never been hurt, never even had a hint of being hurt before being hurt three times in spring with the final blow to the head coming against the New York Knights.
Last year, Mr. Hassan went 3-1 with 6 saves and a 1.16 in 62.1 innings pitched striking out 71 all the while sporting a cool 1.07 whip. This year, Mr. Hassan in 11 innings for the Bruins this year was 1-0 with a 1.64 era, striking out 8 with a 1.18 whip.
His production continued to prove elite, and the Bruins will definately miss him as much if not more than Domingo this year.
This leaves the Bruins in a predicament. Having lost two of the best three arms out of the pen - Brad Anderson echoed GM Brouillette's comments by stating the team will "Give Manny, and Phillip" more work before exhausting trade options.
Jose Murillo is primed to take on a bigger role, but manager Brand Anderson has been quoted numerous times as being a huge fan of Jose in the middle reliever spot due to his stamina (laddddiiiiieessss!!!!).
With the recent free agent addition of SP Donovan Lean, the Bruins hope he can lighten the load towards the back-end of the pen and with the Bruins starters notorious for going deep into games, the team feels they can cover for Hassan (and Ruiz) - if all goes their way.
Obviously not having elite bullpen options will hurt as the season winds down but the team can only help they can continue to play in the 'everyone always hurt' BSA.
Now to try and replace Peter Larson... *Heavy Sigh*
Friday, February 17, 2012
Jesus Moran loves Dwayne Johnson...
Los Angeles, CA
3:01 AM, late evening after the Bruins beat Cleveland in Game 1
- - - - - - - - - -
Loud laughter can be heard through-out the locker room as Bruins SP Jesus Moran is being prodded at as Ricky Bolden and Declan Parsons toss a DVD over his head back and forth.
“ Where did you find this Declan” asks Ricky laughing.
“ Where else. Phillip, he just left the clubhouse a while ago. Can’t believe their brothers…. “ says Declan
“ Different fathers. “ adds Jesus, “ Obviously. “
“ Obviously. “ adds Ricky
“ Anyways, this is going to be hilarious, “ says Declan smirking.
“ The only thing hilarious is your ERA “ says Jesus, which prompts Ricky to fall down to his knees laughing.
“ Hey compadre, we are all on the same team here. “ insists Declan as his smile is now a frown. “ Give me some slack, my career ERA is like 3.20 INCLUDING my two full years in the non-friendly confounds of San Fran. “ he pauses, “ God, I’m glad I’m where the fake boobs are inside of the fake “
“ Wooooah, “ says Ricky, “ Family show. “ he says fighting back laughter,
“ Right. “
Declan plants the DVD into the player and they all begin to watch …
- - - - - - - - - -
The camera flickers on and begins to pan what appears to be arena, screaming children – teenagers and grown men alike begin to count in together.
1.
2.
3.
The bell sounds a few times as the man who was laying on top of the other man stands up slowly raising his hands and cocking his head to the side with the raise of an eyebrow.
“ Your winner, … and STILL,… WWF Champion,… theeeeeeeeeee ROCK! “
The fans go crazy as his opponent (lets say, HHH) is rolled out of the ring and the fans begin a ‘Rocky’ chant as he is handed his title and begins to play to the fans.
The Rock is handed a microphone as he looks out to his millions (and millions) of fans and begins to speak.
“ Tonight, the Rock did what he said he was going to do. He went out, fought the man with the biggest nose in the business and througholy laid the Smackdown on his candy ass ! “
The fans erupt into laughter as he continues,…
“ Tonight, the Rock has a special moment for one of you! “ the place erupts.
The Rock spots little Jesus Moran in the crowd, given it’s 1999 Jesus is about eight or nine years old.
“ My man in my shirt, get over here. Get up here! “
The fans cheer as Jesus jumps the railing and walks up the stairs waiving with the crowd waiving him on.
“ What is your name kid? “ asks The Rock
“ Jesus, “ he pasuses, “ Jesus Moran. “ another Moran, his older brother (and Bruins middle-reliever from another father, given as he grew up in the states – as indicated by his player page which ties all this together) … looks on smiling.
“ Well young Jesus, how would you like to hold and wear my WWF Championship belt. “
A huge grin grows and the fans begin to chant Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. The child raises his hands high into the air and jumps up and down before going for the belt and grabbing the Rocks muscles on accident which leads to laughter from the fans.
“ Now stay still Jesus. “
The Rock moves around and stands from behind placing the title belt on the waist on young Jesus and the crowd cheers. The Rock smirks and walks around then looks at the belt but can’t help but notice …
“ Is that an erection!? “ asks The Rock as the crowd eats it up.
The camera briefly catches the erection which Declan has now paused allowing them to both fully take it in.
- - - - - - - - - -
“ What the?! “ asks Ricky
“ I told you. “ says Declan, smirking before hitting play again (Jesus looks irritated, but not upset).
- - - - - - - - - -
“ Does the Rock, EXCITE YOU, Jesus?! “ asks the Rock as the fans go nuts. “
“ I suppose so?! “ asks Jesus confused, “ This is my first … “
“ IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOUR NAME IS! “ (Huh, oh well,)
The Rock smirks and grabs his belt back laughing.
“ Get this little erection out of my ring, because the Champion has some celebrating! “ The Rock motions towards the crowd again looking for other fans as the camera finishes on Jesus and the footage stops
- - - - - - - - - -
“ Everything I expected and more. “ says Ricky pinching his tears off his face.
“ Told you. “ says Phillip, walking from the back, “ The kid looooves the Rock. “
“ That may be, “ adds Declan, “ But atleast your brother can laugh at himself. “ adds Declan tossing the DVD to Jesus.
“ Plus, he makes about 10 million more per year than you, “ says Ricky which causes Jesus to join in on the laughter now with him and Declan.
Phillip has no response.
3:01 AM, late evening after the Bruins beat Cleveland in Game 1
- - - - - - - - - -
Loud laughter can be heard through-out the locker room as Bruins SP Jesus Moran is being prodded at as Ricky Bolden and Declan Parsons toss a DVD over his head back and forth.
“ Where did you find this Declan” asks Ricky laughing.
“ Where else. Phillip, he just left the clubhouse a while ago. Can’t believe their brothers…. “ says Declan
“ Different fathers. “ adds Jesus, “ Obviously. “
“ Obviously. “ adds Ricky
“ Anyways, this is going to be hilarious, “ says Declan smirking.
“ The only thing hilarious is your ERA “ says Jesus, which prompts Ricky to fall down to his knees laughing.
“ Hey compadre, we are all on the same team here. “ insists Declan as his smile is now a frown. “ Give me some slack, my career ERA is like 3.20 INCLUDING my two full years in the non-friendly confounds of San Fran. “ he pauses, “ God, I’m glad I’m where the fake boobs are inside of the fake “
“ Wooooah, “ says Ricky, “ Family show. “ he says fighting back laughter,
“ Right. “
Declan plants the DVD into the player and they all begin to watch …
- - - - - - - - - -
The camera flickers on and begins to pan what appears to be arena, screaming children – teenagers and grown men alike begin to count in together.
1.
2.
3.
The bell sounds a few times as the man who was laying on top of the other man stands up slowly raising his hands and cocking his head to the side with the raise of an eyebrow.
“ Your winner, … and STILL,… WWF Champion,… theeeeeeeeeee ROCK! “
The fans go crazy as his opponent (lets say, HHH) is rolled out of the ring and the fans begin a ‘Rocky’ chant as he is handed his title and begins to play to the fans.
The Rock is handed a microphone as he looks out to his millions (and millions) of fans and begins to speak.
“ Tonight, the Rock did what he said he was going to do. He went out, fought the man with the biggest nose in the business and througholy laid the Smackdown on his candy ass ! “
The fans erupt into laughter as he continues,…
“ Tonight, the Rock has a special moment for one of you! “ the place erupts.
The Rock spots little Jesus Moran in the crowd, given it’s 1999 Jesus is about eight or nine years old.
“ My man in my shirt, get over here. Get up here! “
The fans cheer as Jesus jumps the railing and walks up the stairs waiving with the crowd waiving him on.
“ What is your name kid? “ asks The Rock
“ Jesus, “ he pasuses, “ Jesus Moran. “ another Moran, his older brother (and Bruins middle-reliever from another father, given as he grew up in the states – as indicated by his player page which ties all this together) … looks on smiling.
“ Well young Jesus, how would you like to hold and wear my WWF Championship belt. “
A huge grin grows and the fans begin to chant Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. The child raises his hands high into the air and jumps up and down before going for the belt and grabbing the Rocks muscles on accident which leads to laughter from the fans.
“ Now stay still Jesus. “
The Rock moves around and stands from behind placing the title belt on the waist on young Jesus and the crowd cheers. The Rock smirks and walks around then looks at the belt but can’t help but notice …
“ Is that an erection!? “ asks The Rock as the crowd eats it up.
The camera briefly catches the erection which Declan has now paused allowing them to both fully take it in.
- - - - - - - - - -
“ What the?! “ asks Ricky
“ I told you. “ says Declan, smirking before hitting play again (Jesus looks irritated, but not upset).
- - - - - - - - - -
“ Does the Rock, EXCITE YOU, Jesus?! “ asks the Rock as the fans go nuts. “
“ I suppose so?! “ asks Jesus confused, “ This is my first … “
“ IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOUR NAME IS! “ (Huh, oh well,)
The Rock smirks and grabs his belt back laughing.
“ Get this little erection out of my ring, because the Champion has some celebrating! “ The Rock motions towards the crowd again looking for other fans as the camera finishes on Jesus and the footage stops
- - - - - - - - - -
“ Everything I expected and more. “ says Ricky pinching his tears off his face.
“ Told you. “ says Phillip, walking from the back, “ The kid looooves the Rock. “
“ That may be, “ adds Declan, “ But atleast your brother can laugh at himself. “ adds Declan tossing the DVD to Jesus.
“ Plus, he makes about 10 million more per year than you, “ says Ricky which causes Jesus to join in on the laughter now with him and Declan.
Phillip has no response.
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Rivalry resumed ...
.... and no, I'm not talking about the Los Angeles Bruins final game versus the Niagara Falls Frenzy, who send former Bruins ace - Ethan Pickup, who while his team (last year, ELP) went 3-13 versus the Bruins - Ethan had two wins in three starts and allowed just four runs over twenty two innings.
That game is up next, but the series on the horizon is that of the World Series Champs. The Hitmen.
The history between the two has been well documented. The rundown features H'Ville holding a 21-14 record versus the Bruins during the regular season, and the Bruins holding a 7-5 record versus the Hitmen during the post-season. H'Ville however won the World Series in 2010 after beating the Bruins in the LCS/7 Games. The Bruins returned the favor in 2012 taking down a oft-injured Hitmen lineup, but scoring over 7 runs per game themselves after they averaged only 4 per game during the regular season.
" This one is going be tough, Scott Hill is injured " joked manager Brad Anderson, alluding to the Bruins 5-1 record versus Scott Hill the last six times the teams have met with Hill getting the loss in 4 of the 5.
" Obviously though, " continued Brad, " I think we scored 10 runs or something over those six games. We've shut him out a few times. Scott's the best pitcher in our league. Theirs no secret to that. "
... but don't tell that to Ricky Bolden.
Bolden who had two of the Bruins three wins versus the Hitmen last season, and a pair in the 2012 playoffs knows what you need to do.
" Their pitching is as good, if not better than ours 1-12 " he pushed on, " I'll need to go out on Thursday and be ready to pitch another Hollywood-esque game. I've been solid so far but it must continue. "
The two teams are said to be expecting the 58th sellout in their 58th meeting.
But in all fairness, the hype machine is at an all-time high this year as the Hitmen have jumped out to a crazy start again.
The Bruins will send Salazar, Bolden and opening day starter Parsons to the mound to face the Hitmens trio of elite lefties in Bamber, Burgess and Haward.
It should be as usual between the two teams, must see television.
That game is up next, but the series on the horizon is that of the World Series Champs. The Hitmen.
The history between the two has been well documented. The rundown features H'Ville holding a 21-14 record versus the Bruins during the regular season, and the Bruins holding a 7-5 record versus the Hitmen during the post-season. H'Ville however won the World Series in 2010 after beating the Bruins in the LCS/7 Games. The Bruins returned the favor in 2012 taking down a oft-injured Hitmen lineup, but scoring over 7 runs per game themselves after they averaged only 4 per game during the regular season.
" This one is going be tough, Scott Hill is injured " joked manager Brad Anderson, alluding to the Bruins 5-1 record versus Scott Hill the last six times the teams have met with Hill getting the loss in 4 of the 5.
" Obviously though, " continued Brad, " I think we scored 10 runs or something over those six games. We've shut him out a few times. Scott's the best pitcher in our league. Theirs no secret to that. "
... but don't tell that to Ricky Bolden.
Bolden who had two of the Bruins three wins versus the Hitmen last season, and a pair in the 2012 playoffs knows what you need to do.
" Their pitching is as good, if not better than ours 1-12 " he pushed on, " I'll need to go out on Thursday and be ready to pitch another Hollywood-esque game. I've been solid so far but it must continue. "
The two teams are said to be expecting the 58th sellout in their 58th meeting.
But in all fairness, the hype machine is at an all-time high this year as the Hitmen have jumped out to a crazy start again.
The Bruins will send Salazar, Bolden and opening day starter Parsons to the mound to face the Hitmens trio of elite lefties in Bamber, Burgess and Haward.
It should be as usual between the two teams, must see television.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Bruins new logo, uniform, and a slow start...
Los Angeles, CA - Strangely, the 2014 Season opened up and the Bruins jersey requested through Under Armor had not been met, in-fact they were behind on production and with signs the company could be going under the Bruins opted-out of their contract to pursue other options.
This brings us to the logo as seen below:
The Bruins (as I'm continuing to mention) didn't make the playoffs for the first time in the franchise's illustrious history and the team wanted to move aside from their happy-go-lucky attitude, and "Show our teeth some" smirked GM Brouillette.
The teams' jersey is the second in the franchise's history and brings a new attitude, a 'Gold-Standard' that the franchise is continuing to build around.
Speaking of which the jersey is as follows:
... now to the on the field stuff.
The Bruins have started 4-1 at home, losing only to the Libereals and former Bruin Drake Davis, but once leaving Los Angeles, the Bruins are in San Fran again, sitting in a familiar position - which is Jesus Moran losing to Drake Davis for the second time in a week.
The last three losses (all by one run) have left the team three games back already and are forcing them to look up at the newly minted Los Cabos Cartel who have gotten off to a blazing start, leading the league again this season in most offensive statistics.
The Bruins face San Fran, The Boston Rebels, and start a three game set with the Beavers of Baffin, desperately needing to go 4-2, but praying to split the games.
Salazar finishes again the Liberals, while Bolden, Parsons and Moran take the mound versus the League's - Eastern Division leading the Rebels.
More info as the season progresses...
This brings us to the logo as seen below:
The Bruins (as I'm continuing to mention) didn't make the playoffs for the first time in the franchise's illustrious history and the team wanted to move aside from their happy-go-lucky attitude, and "Show our teeth some" smirked GM Brouillette.
The teams' jersey is the second in the franchise's history and brings a new attitude, a 'Gold-Standard' that the franchise is continuing to build around.
Speaking of which the jersey is as follows:
The Bruins have started 4-1 at home, losing only to the Libereals and former Bruin Drake Davis, but once leaving Los Angeles, the Bruins are in San Fran again, sitting in a familiar position - which is Jesus Moran losing to Drake Davis for the second time in a week.
The last three losses (all by one run) have left the team three games back already and are forcing them to look up at the newly minted Los Cabos Cartel who have gotten off to a blazing start, leading the league again this season in most offensive statistics.
The Bruins face San Fran, The Boston Rebels, and start a three game set with the Beavers of Baffin, desperately needing to go 4-2, but praying to split the games.
Salazar finishes again the Liberals, while Bolden, Parsons and Moran take the mound versus the League's - Eastern Division leading the Rebels.
More info as the season progresses...
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Opening Day Stuff
.... and Mr. Parsons gets his first opening day start. Declan 'Dec The Halls' Parsons has been waiting and hoping for such a chance but with franchise ace Ricky Bolden ahead of him on rotational chart - not to mention Jesus Moran, Warren Piniella and Jose Salazar all very capable of starting opening day as well he wasn't sure if he would get the chance.
Declan's career era since coming a full time starter between SNF and LA is 3.09, with his best year coming his first year in LA when he finished 4th in the Cy Young voting, topping out with a 2.85 ERA (after having an abismal September to end the year, including a season ender in his last start).
" Sure, after the season Jesus (Moran) had after last year most would have expected him to make the start after Ricky (Bolden) went down. However, Dec has been with us for a few years now and I love the kid. He's earned this start no doubt about it. "
Moran will slide into the number two spot, with Warren Piniella rounding out the opening series versus SNF. Ricky Bolden is expected to make his debut at home vs New York on the 7th.
The Bruins have also released the lineups for the opening series versus the Liberals as well:
Game 1
1) Jong-min King, SS, S
2) Tony Warrillow, LF, L
3) Julio Ortega, DH, L
4) David Pena, 1B, R
5) Jesus Maestas, C, R
6) Matt Roberts, 2B, L
7) Tom Jacobson, 3B, R
8) Yun-qi Qiao, RF, L
9) Jim McDaniel, CF, R
Game 2
1) Jong-min King, SS, S
2) Tony Warrillow, LF, L
3) Julio Ortega, DH, L
4) David Pena, 3B, R
5) Domingo Perez, 1B, L
6) Jesus Maestas, C, R
6) Matt Roberts, 2B, L
8) Yun-qi Qiao, RF, L
9) Jim McDaniel, CF, R
Game 3
1) Jong-min King, SS, S
2) Tony Warrillow, LF, L
3) Julio Ortega, DH, L
4) David Pena, 3B, R
5) Domingo Perez, 1B, L
6) Jesus Maestas, C, R
6) Matt Roberts, 2B, L
8) Yun-qi Qiao, RF, L
9) Jim McDaniel, CF, R
The Bruins didn't win the division for the first time in franchise history, and missed the playoffs as well; ending a putrid season, and seeing both division foes the Maui Tropics and newly dubbed Los Cabos Cartel (formerly Sacramento Fightin' Squids/Mentalists) both make the playoffs.
Manager Brad Anderson, borrowing from his Great Uncles favorite football team's slogan, has hung a large sign in the Bruins locker room for the 2014 season going forward. The teams moniker is simple: "Commitment to Excellence."
Declan's career era since coming a full time starter between SNF and LA is 3.09, with his best year coming his first year in LA when he finished 4th in the Cy Young voting, topping out with a 2.85 ERA (after having an abismal September to end the year, including a season ender in his last start).
" Sure, after the season Jesus (Moran) had after last year most would have expected him to make the start after Ricky (Bolden) went down. However, Dec has been with us for a few years now and I love the kid. He's earned this start no doubt about it. "
Moran will slide into the number two spot, with Warren Piniella rounding out the opening series versus SNF. Ricky Bolden is expected to make his debut at home vs New York on the 7th.
The Bruins have also released the lineups for the opening series versus the Liberals as well:
Game 1
1) Jong-min King, SS, S
2) Tony Warrillow, LF, L
3) Julio Ortega, DH, L
4) David Pena, 1B, R
5) Jesus Maestas, C, R
6) Matt Roberts, 2B, L
7) Tom Jacobson, 3B, R
8) Yun-qi Qiao, RF, L
9) Jim McDaniel, CF, R
Game 2
1) Jong-min King, SS, S
2) Tony Warrillow, LF, L
3) Julio Ortega, DH, L
4) David Pena, 3B, R
5) Domingo Perez, 1B, L
6) Jesus Maestas, C, R
6) Matt Roberts, 2B, L
8) Yun-qi Qiao, RF, L
9) Jim McDaniel, CF, R
Game 3
1) Jong-min King, SS, S
2) Tony Warrillow, LF, L
3) Julio Ortega, DH, L
4) David Pena, 3B, R
5) Domingo Perez, 1B, L
6) Jesus Maestas, C, R
6) Matt Roberts, 2B, L
8) Yun-qi Qiao, RF, L
9) Jim McDaniel, CF, R
The Bruins didn't win the division for the first time in franchise history, and missed the playoffs as well; ending a putrid season, and seeing both division foes the Maui Tropics and newly dubbed Los Cabos Cartel (formerly Sacramento Fightin' Squids/Mentalists) both make the playoffs.
Manager Brad Anderson, borrowing from his Great Uncles favorite football team's slogan, has hung a large sign in the Bruins locker room for the 2014 season going forward. The teams moniker is simple: "Commitment to Excellence."
Monday, January 23, 2012
Injuries, Injuries, Injuries...
The Bruins will start the 2014 season without Ricky Bolden, Ghideon Hassan, Domingo Ruiz, and Peter Larson, all four of which were supposed to play major roles for the 2014 team.
The Bruins over the first four years have been noted and ravaged by injuries more than any other team in BSA history as it's been well documented, but the team's ace Ricky Bolden missing his first opening day start since becoming a member of the Bruins sends chills down the spine of the Bruins faithful.
Bolden has been a workhorse for the franchise since coming over from Whitewater, but instead of going down with an arm injury went out with an 'Adominal Strain' he got on the set of, "Ricky Knows Best" his online webcast that he does for his Twitter followers.
Hassan was as advertised this spring since coming from Hendersonville, and Ruiz was his pair in the pen - the longest tenured Bruin.
Larson was hurt the first sim of spring, going down for two weeks then having a set-back for a few months. This is how the 2011 season started off, and an eerie feeling is already setting in.
97 wins.
Mulligan please.
The Bruins over the first four years have been noted and ravaged by injuries more than any other team in BSA history as it's been well documented, but the team's ace Ricky Bolden missing his first opening day start since becoming a member of the Bruins sends chills down the spine of the Bruins faithful.
Bolden has been a workhorse for the franchise since coming over from Whitewater, but instead of going down with an arm injury went out with an 'Adominal Strain' he got on the set of, "Ricky Knows Best" his online webcast that he does for his Twitter followers.
Hassan was as advertised this spring since coming from Hendersonville, and Ruiz was his pair in the pen - the longest tenured Bruin.
Larson was hurt the first sim of spring, going down for two weeks then having a set-back for a few months. This is how the 2011 season started off, and an eerie feeling is already setting in.
97 wins.
Mulligan please.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
2013 ends/14 begins; Rudy Yan, Julio Ortega and more...
The camera flickers on as GM Mike Brouillette steps in front of the podium, removing his tie and staring into the sea of reports.
Last season was a tough and rather confusing season for the Bruins as the team blew the lead in 21 games over the first months, losing a staggering 66% of those games before failing to miss the playoffs and win the division for the first time in team history.
The Bruins lost in the LCS’ again last year this time to the Boston Rebels in 6 Game series that saw the teams star closer Juan Morales blow two games – which eventually led to huge overhaul of the bullpen mid-year.
The pre All-Star break blow-up at a media session by famed manager Brad Anderson did exactly what he thought it was revitalize his team, allowing the Bruins to post a top record after the All-Star break.
However, it was for not.
The Los Angeles Bruins won 93 games and missed the playoffs by a single game on the first day of the season to their divisional foe Maui Tropics, but the Tropics first Post-Season appearance was basically a sweep at the hands of the eventual World Series Champion Hitmen (a team the Bruins beat last year in 5 Games, and in 2010 lost to in 7 during the LCS).
Many (ok, all) believe GM Travis Hays instructed his manager to rest guys, thus ducking the Bruins and allowing Maui to put in work versus the Hitmen’s AAAA squad.
GM Brouilette puts on his trademark smirk and runs his hands through his increasingly awesome bread, and begins in.
“ Well, amidst the rumors that came flowing out of Hendersonville I’m not surprised they ducked us. We were the superior team, playing in a superior division and with superior players. “ a smirk, “ Scott Hill be damned. “
The seas of reports begin to talk and type notes, tweet, send emails to their editors and continue to record the conversation on their seemingly ancient tape recorders as GM Brouillette continues to talk, this time about the fury of moves.
“ While we felt organizationally that our pitching was our strength, we all agreed that finishing 27th of 28 BSA teams offensively given the stand-alone talent we had, was not expected. These things usually average themselves out. As of next year, our entire pitching staff will be back in the fold alongside newly acquired Ghidean Hassan. .”
GM Brouillette pauses for a moment, pulling out a piece of paper and unfolds it.
“ Old school, “ he jabs, “ Our 2B combo of Matt Roberts and Butch Hogan will be back in the fold with Roberts getting the majority of the starts –however, Hogan’s speed and ability to play multiple positions will definitely get him into the game in many other places; fan-favorite and self-proclaimed Asian Sensation, Jong-Ming Kim will be returning to shortstop with David Pena returning to 3B. Tony Warrillow will continue to patrol left-field for us and our A-Lister, Cooper Newell will continue to play RF throwing out base runners with a staggering rate.
Now, McDaniel in AAA had a fantastic season for us, and is absolutely amazing in the outfield defensively, and with his speed we expect him to be playing nearly everyday whether it’s exclusively in center or rotating between all three positions. We felt that even given our offensives struggles last year, Jesus Maestas was something we could sacrifice and have replaced him with OUR PUDGE, Jose Moya coming over from Greenville. This leaves 1B and DH open, and we plan on using DH as a way to keep our bats in games but substitute guys in and out of the everyday lineup to keep everyone fresh. “
GM Brouillette takes a sip of water and presses on.
“ Now. We are pleased to announce we have offered three-year deals to both Tony Warrilow and David Pena, both of which we expect to sign. But now for the man you’ve all been waiting to meet, Julio Ortega. “
Julio Ortega steps out of the back with a smile donning a Bruins jersey with the number 88 on it. He stands and takes a photo with GM Brouillette before he moves closer.
“ Julio was brought over in the huge trade that saw us part ways with recently acquired star outfielder Gregg Burkholder, a player that NO DOUBT we have coveted as well as fan favorite, the swift hitting-defensive minded Woody Garner. Dealing two players for a player who plays first base only isn’t something our organization normally does or values, but in Julio’s case the exception was easily made. Julio Ortega is a former Rookie of the Year, MVP, and absolute monster at the plate. We expect he, David Pena, and Cooper Newell to be an absolute terror to get through. “
Julio stands up and shakes the hand of GM Brouillette who hands him the Bruins cap. As he puts it on, it’s a tad small and the hat oddly rests on the brim of his head, causing the reporters to laugh.
“ Thank you for everyone’s warm welcome. “ says Julio, “ With the Haddonfield franchise relocating, this was an easier transition that I had earlier expected. Leaving an organization that you’ve spent your entire career with isn’t easy, but with GM Steve Trucotte coming and doing a wonderful job reshaping the roster before the move to Indianapolis, I feel confident the team will continue to take the necessary steps moving forward to continue being competitive in what’s turned out to be the most talented division in baseball. I do however, continue to ponder how the city of Indy continues to steal teams in the dead of the night. “
This gets a chuckle from his new adoring audience.
“ Last year I played hurt and through the pain, and put up what I’d like to call a substandered year. I’m aware of the degree of difficulty in putting up homers in the city of Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to be contribute in other ways. I’m going to continue to draw walks, get on base, and smack the ball around this beautiful park here at Staples Field. “
“ We will now open the floor to questions, “ says GM Brouillette speaking into the microphone.
“ Yes. I have a question, “ says a man standing up from the back.
The man, dark in tone appears to look familiar. His sideways grin and devilish eyes land burn an imprint and GM Brouillette stares, wondering.
It takes him a moment.
“ Rudy Yan. “ says GM Brouillette, “ What are you doing here? At his LOS ANGELES BRUINS press conference. I thought you were an embassador for the New Orleans Looters. “
Yan smirks. “ Right, right, right. “ continues Rudy, “ I just wanted to see if I can get try-out, finish my career where it all started. The overhaul has been impressive. “
“ Not that impressive, they missed the playoffs last year. “
The room erupts with low-key laughter, sending GM Brouillette into his calm, cool, and collected tone. Ignoring the man, he continues.
“ Rudy, you are aware this is Los Angeles, correct? “
“ Los Angeles? “ he adds confused.
“ Yes Rudy, this is the Los Angeles Bruins presser. “ he pushes on, “ We are introducing Julio Ortega today. “
Julio waves.
“ Who? “
“ JULLLLLLLIO. “ adds Ortega, “ Not Who. “
“ I think he meant, ‘Who is Julio Ortega’ “ adds GM Brouillette.
“ Who am I? “ he asks
“ Yes. “ finishes GM Brouillette.
“ I see. “ says Julio, grabbing his newly formed beard he appears to be growing out.
One team, one mindest.
GM Brouillette motions to his security who grab Rudy Yan by the arm and slowly start to escort him towards the door.
“ RUDY, RUDY, RUDY, RUDY, RUDY “ says Yan pumping his fist as he looks around and is escorted from the building.
“ Julio will hit 4th behind Cooper Newell. “ says GM Brouillette as Julio nods and the presser continues.
“ Whose going to hit before and after those two? “ asks a younger, slim report who hasn’t been seen before. “ Jantz Mathers, “ he pushes on, “ LA Times. I’m the new Bruins beat writer. “
“ Excellent. Welcome. “ he pushes on, “ I have yet to sit-down with Brad and talk about whose going to hit where, but I’d assume David (Pena) is going to get the first shot at protecting Julio. He had a tremendous year for us last season. Tony should be in the mix also.
We’ve made many moves to get ourselves in a good financial situation and looking over the team we have many talented guys ready to compete, many of whom this is the first time they’ve been on a contender. As of now we are expecting to break out of spring with the following.
SPs Ricky Bolden, Earl Harper, Jesus Moran, Declan Parsons, Warren Piniella, Domingo Ruiz, Jose Murillo, Phillip Moran, Zhi-hung Chou, Ghideon Hassan, Joe Cameron, C Leon Moya, 1B Julio Ortega, 2B Matt Roberts, 2B Butch Hogan, SS Jong-Min Kimg, 3B David Pena, LF Tony Warrillow, CF Jim McDaniel, RF Cooper Newell. With other aquirees C Cajani, 1B Perez, SS Doyle, etc etc getting the first shot at making the roster in the spring.
We obviously have some depth to build, but we have put ourselves into a great financial situation to do that via trades and free agency, and will continue to build through-out. “
“ But what about Joe Brooks? “ asks Jantz Mathers again, new Bruins beat writer.
“ Mr. Brooks was inadvertently looked, causing us to lose his Type A status while we were in the process of making a flurry of moves towards the deadline last year. Mr. Brooks agent has been notified of our interest. He’s priority number one as long as he’s willing to resign. “
That seemed to be enough, because Jantz began flipping through pages. Cutting off another reporter, he began in again.
“ What of the rumors you’ve been shopping Earl Harper. “
A smile crept across the face of GM Brouillette.
“ 258k, 59walks. 1whip, 3era, blah blah. Read into it as you may, but I can assure you the Bruins have began to take all steps necessary to extend Mr. Harper when the time comes. In fact, a proposal has been written. However, the Bruins entertain offers for Harper, Bolden, Newell, etc on a weekly basis. The Bruins lines are always open for negotiation. That’s what makes it so great to be apart of this organization. We are constantly trying to improve and we will do whatever it takes to achieve this. “
“ Any questions for me? “ asks Julio leaning into the mic which gets a chuckle from the people in attendance.
“ I’ll bite. “ says Jantz again, “ What’s your thoughts of the Bruins organization as a whole. “
A small chuckle escapes Julio.
“ Well, for one I know not go buy a house or anything, “ which now gets a chuckle from everyone; “ But I do know this, I am team player. I will do whatever is asked for me. 1B, DH, learn a new position it doesn’t matter. “ he pushes, “ But, Mike… “ he says turning to GM Brouillette, “ I am quite disappointed. I thought their was going to be super-soakers, and the attractive woman here today. This is HOLLYWOOD!!! “
That gets a rise out of the crowd.
Just then a song begins to blare and one woman, after another, after another, etc etc begin to make their way out of back in blue and gold bikinis with the words ‘Oh, Julio’ written on the cheeks.
A huge goofy grin spreads from ear to ear and the camera cuts out and the Bruins 2014 quest begins.
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