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."

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.

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.

20 of 30...

... games coming up are vs playoff contenders (or locks... see REG/HEN).

The Bruins offense is the worst in the entire league this year, and coupled with OF Cooper Newell, INF Woody Garner, OF Sammy Sagar, UTL Augusto Pena, 1B David Pena, and C Maestas (with SS Kim, the split of Roberts/Hogan, the injured Warrillow) and RH-Mashing Lee Brouthers has left Bruins fans baffled.

The fact is the entire team is having down years, including last year's #4 MVP vote getter Enrique Jarmilo.

Changes are a-coming in LA this off-season and rumors have it the Bruins are willing to wheel-and-deal, even sell low to shake things up.

All depends on how the season shakes out.

Deadline Woes.

... the Los Angeles Bruins have lost recent deadline acquiree OF Tony Warrilow for the rest of the season, and through-out the off-season extending through the middle of the spring.


INF Butch Hogan has been slow to start in Los Angeles, and SP Warren Piniella is ready to come off the DL at a momens notice.

The other Bruins deadline acquiree MR Phillip Moran got rocked in his first outing vs HEN but has regain his composure to an extent the last few days.

All in all, this has been an extremely trying season for the Bruins after putting together what most thought was a virtual lock for the post-season the teams' balance hangs against the toughest schedule in the league.

Many within the organization think the commish has it out for the team. It remains to be seen if the Bruins really will make the playoffs, or if star SS Jong-Min Kim's 3yr 27.5M extenstion before the season (Kim's average is around .170 this season, OBP still decent) will come back to haunt the team.

Warrillow was supposed to debut in hopes of helping the Bruins figure out the crowded outfield going forward but only time will tell.

Brad Anderson loses it...

EXPLICIT CONTENT
... Brad Anderson press conference feed ...

The Bruins lately have been playing under .500 ball, granted, the month has been games at 1st place Sacramento, 1st place Denver, 2nd place Pocatello, 2nd place Maui, 2nd place Boston, 1st place Hendersonville, and 2nd place Sacramento with only a day off in-between but the Bruins have stalled, and stalled, and stalled.

The team trails Sacramento by 7.5 games. They are 0-5 versus the Mentalists this season. Coupled with the team losing in the 8th inning or later three times, manager Brad Anderson has been extremely critical of the teams 6th ranked bullpen.

" We can't fucking hold a lead to save our lives. " said Brad Anderson before being asked a question after the first loss in a four-game set versus the division leading Mentalists. " Swept at home. Swept in Sacramento it's looking like. Who are we, the fucking Somerton Spartans? "

He has a point. The team is also 3-4 against the second place Tropics this season blowing two saves late, as All-Star closer Juan Morlaes has seemingly went out and lost his mojo. 

Morlaes has been second to only Martin Griffin of Oklahoma (H'Ville fame) in total save oves and save percentage three years A.D. (After Draft) and had been a complete monster.. finishing on the leader boards at 7, 1, and 3 in games finished and 5, 1, 2 in games saved. 

" Of course I'm concerned about Morales.  "said Anderson, face sunk into hands - getting redder by the minute, " He's been pitching like pussy. All our arms have. "

Team is sixth in bullpen ERA, not last, however this is something the Bruins haven't been used to in years past... in past years, the game would start. The starter would go 7. The bullpen would end the game. 

" You wanna talk about problems, " insisted Brad Anderson, egging himself on... " How about our fucking lineup. Garner is hitting .300 and Sagar .301 since coming over from New York which is FANTASTIC given our park and it's effect on our averages. But fucking aye... Newell's at .238 and the next highest batters are Pena at .238,... JARMILLO at .208 and Jong-Min Kim at .168 below the fucking mendoza line by .31 points. It's utterly ridiculous. Last in runs scored, OBP, Slugging, OPS, Hits, and hitting with RISP. I'm beyond myself. "

Anderson throws a water bottle at the wall before everyone in the press conference begins to mutter amongst themselves.

" Fact: we suck. Fact: our entire lineup is under-performing. "

Bill Plaschke interupts...

" Brad, granted your 7 games out of the division, but only one our of the wild-card. Your schedule has been one of the toughest/if not thee toughest in the league so far. Why the massive over reaction. "

" I agree, " chimes in TJ Symers, " Why? Your teams not awful, just massively under-performing. "

... Brad Anderson just stares at TJ.

" Get the fuck out of my building. " says Anderson, " I hate you. "

TJ stands there, stunned.

" Do I look like someone happy with a wild card birth? Would I take it, yes? Do I want it no. The division title isn't good enough, the wild card isn't good enough. Making the playoffs is not good enough. Win or go home. Just win baby. Whatever you call winning the BSA Championship, that's what we are striving for. "

The camera shows Declan Parsons, Earl Harper, Jesus Moran, and Ricky Bolden who have all walked in and are listening to their manager speak. 

" This is LA... " says Anderson, placing his face in his hands again, " This isn't a place where we have been so starved for a winning franchise we'll take anything at this point. GM/Owner Mike Brouillette has opened his pocket, spent his money and brought in a team good enough to win the whole fucking thing. Our bats need to start producing. How do you sit a two-time gold glove shortstop whose gotten continually better as the years have progressed and is only 25? How do you stop his development when he has provided in years past? I guess if this is still the case in August we address the issue, but I have to hope my stars will be my stars. That my players will do what's needed to be done to win. "

All in all, many fans around the BSA are confused as to why the Bruins are just an average team this year. Some point to the changes, however, Pena Garner Newell Brouthers Kim Jarmillo were all in the teams lineup and the team has only added upgrades with Sagar a top5 hitter in the entire league over Hunter, struggling former #2 overall pick Harle has been replaced by Maestas and UTL man Juan Padilla being replaced by Pena (whose hitting .270 with 15hrs 38rbis on the year, most of which in NY). 

Upgrades have been made. Injuries while they have happened haven't been on the season long variety as of yet (soon, I'm sure. Every year hit with 2 or 3). 

The rotation has more less been as advertised, and while the bullpen has allowed runs - they are sixth. The utter confusion that is the Bruins loses woes will continue to haunt GM Brouillette until he A) figures out what to do, or B) gives up on the season.

The offense is loaded with good players. Average at worst according to rankings positonally. 

Nor the matter, the Bruins were cautiously optomistic before last sim, now, not so much. Hopefully we do what we always find a way to do, win in the end. 

Trade & Hitters Anonymous.

The Bruins are doing what they have the first three years, and are treating the BSA Trade Market as a free agent market, wheeling and dealing –this year, trying to overcome a semi-slow start, the division leading Mentalists and Wild Card leaders (Baffin Island and Orlando) all the while Boston and the Empire seem already impossible to catch.

News came out of Los Angeles that the team had traded for Tyler Law (who posted a career best 3.00 ERA last season, while heading the top of the rotation for the Liberals who finished 3 games behind the Bruins). Law will be slated as the #5 starter in Los Angeles, who is trying to shore up the teams rotation.

While the Bruins dealt for Earl Harper (Jekyl/Hyde) in the off-season, the team has added #4 SP, Jesus Moran who has tons of upside and has pitched decent enough since coming over from Reno a few weeks back.

The real question again, is the Bruins offense. With injuries to the middle infield (star SS Jong-Min Kim out 3 weeks, and 2B Matt Roberts out a month-possibly more) the team has turned to August Pena to step in at short and fill in for the time being.

While Pena was a star last year for the Bruins, finishing with 65 steals the Bruins leadoff man hasn’t been able to get on base at a good clip and has really been one of the major problems with the Bruins offense this season, as Pena posts a .222 average currently.

Rest would be fantastic, some time to try and catch his breath but Augusto knows that’s not an option at the moment ,” We have injuries. But who doesn’t, “ said Augusto while talking to reporters before the game, “ I need to go back to doing what I did last year, and do the best I can to get back on track. Coop Troop has been killing it lately, and Coach has indicated to me that I will be batting ninth versus LHP for the time being. I’m okay with that. “

A team player atleast, as morale is still great.

If the team doesn’t start hitting, and soon –GM Brouillette has indicated changes may need to be made, “ Juan Marroquin knows the reality of the situation, “ he pushed, “ We may not have the most profilic lineup in the league, but we have a superstars at a few positions and the truth of the matter is they just aren’t producing. Augusto, Woody, Coop, Enrique, and now Sammy –coupled with great OBP guys like Jong-min, Matty… they know how to get on base and score runs. No more excuses will be made. “

Rumor has it Marroquin has until the end of the month.