[Alsfastball] TidBits - Block Buster Issue!

[Al Doran]

TID BITS – BLOCK BUSTER ISSUE



About the most popular thing we do is to produce regular versions of
TidBits of information from the Ball Yard.


We receive a lot of anonymous information from our many subscribers that we 
sift through and unless it’s totally outrageous, we send it out to our many 
subscribers and we post it here on this web site.


Let's be very clear, we are not the Toronto Star, we are not Sports
Illustrated, and we are not TSN or ESPN, we do not have a high paid staff 
who have the time to go out and verify every story. In fact, we emphasize 
that all the information is purely ball yard rumours.  This is the kind of 
stuff you hear in the ballpark. But since we are mostly in the OFF-season, 
there is nothing to do but share good stories that others may wish to 
hear.  We are trying to duplicate the very stories one would hear in the 
ballpark, if we had one to go to.


This will only provide temporary relief for those experiencing Fastball
Withdrawal and will provide no relive at all from those suffering Hockey 
Withdrawal.


OK, the usual reminder:


For those not familiar with tidbits, its ballyard rumours, nothing
more. Maybe no fact here at all, but same kind of stories you hear in the 
ballpark. Only those mentioned can confirm or deny these stories,
and traditionally they tell us nada, or hardly ever, but they can
straighten the story out any time.


We should add that there are guidelines for posting to the list and for
submitting TidBits, see them at:
<http://www.alsfastball.com/webstart/news1.htm>http://www.alsfastball.com/webstart/news1.htm

   Maybe we should call this “BlockBuster TidBits”:

ONE:

A new super team for the Toronto Area?

Looking for manager, coach, players,
I am interested in bringing high caliber ball back to the GTA. I have 
already approached a major sponsor who has interest. I wish to contact xx 
and/or yy  to see if they/he would have an interest in running such a team 
or whom you would think might be good choice if they/he has no interest. 
Would the ball players be interested? I would like to play in the ISC 
Alliance and play home games in towns like Cobourg, Stouffville, Pickering, 
Barrie, etc.

And, just in,
Super Team looking at Ontario stars Todd Martin and Craig Crawford as 
starting battery!

And

TWO:

Same group, Bringing Major Tournaments to Ontario?


I will also be approaching another major sponsor to bring several 
tournaments to Ontario towns/cities with excellent prize money. I tell you 
this because my plan is to hold these tournaments on each of the long 
weekends, which means conflict with other events. As I would like to 
further the cause of Fastball I was wondering how to go about this without 
stepping on toes. I would appreciate any help in these matters.

My tournament proposal involves $75,000 over 4 tournaments, each held on a 
long weekend. That would conflict with Monkton, OASA, Nationals and 
possibly Waterloo. Monkton, having only 8 teams could easily move to the 
weekend preceding Canada Day, as there wasn’t a major tournament this year 
on that date if memory serves me correctly. Waterloo moves their date 
around and the OASA tourney had only 8 open teams this year and may have 
less next year.

Each tournament would have $15,750 in prize money with 16 teams. Prizes 
would be broken down thusely:  1st $6,000   2nd $3,000  3rd $1,750 4th 
$1,000  5th to 8th $500 and the 4 division winners would receive $500 for a 
total of $63,000. There would be an $12,000 in prizes for the top 4 teams 
based on a point system over the 4 tourney's:  1 point for a division win,
1 point for 4th, 3 points for 3rd,  6 points for 2nd and  10 points for 
winning a tournament. The end of the year prizes would be handed out like 
this.  1st $6,000  2nd  $3,000  3rd  $1,500  4th  $1,000
To qualify the team MUST have played in ALL 4 tournaments!


THREE:

Broken Bow Moving?


Apparently Bob Quick is done and Doc has been in some serious conversations 
with Taco who manages the Houston HIS team. I believe this guy has some 
serious money to put Doc's way. Doc only wants to merge with someone who 
will not want any involvement in the team management, just as Quick did. I 
can't see the Fireman deal as we all know Jack is not the quiet / hands off 
type.

Without new funds Doc will not be able to keep the Bow intact. Rumor has 
about 3-4 of Bob's boys (Cox, O’Brien, Eidt and possibly Casley going to 
the Farm.  AND see item FIVE below about The Farm boys.


THREE A:

Broken Bow, another Version?

Rumour has it that Bob Quick - the Spirit part of the equation in Broken Bow
Spirit - is not going to be putting up money any more for the team and that
Doc Simmons is looking for another partner. The very latest is that he'll
team up with Jack Fireman and they'll be the Broken Bow Gators playing out
of Toronto or Orillia or wherever the heck Jack is located these days.

THREE B:

Broken Bow, a failed marriage proposal?

Doc Simmons talked merger with Rod Peterson to form the "Broken Farm" but 
failed to reach agreement on who would coach third. Rod is adamant he wants 
to continue to run the offense; Doc would feel like a fish out of water if 
he were not calling the shots there. Call this effort a second attempt at 
creating Frankenstein!  It simply won't work, it would have been more like 
Herman Munster.


THREE C:

Broken Bow, another suitor spurned?

Victor Johns has secured 100k to resurrect Fastpitch in Decatur. Given the 
fact their failure to secure the 2006 ISC was largely based upon not having 
a team, Father & Son Johns, III, IV, etc., actually fielded a call from Doc 
Simmons' group asking if they were interested in merger with World Champs 
relocating to Decatur and said a polite "No Thank You."



NOTES:

We have it on Good authority that Tim Lyon of Marathon did NOT offer Gerald 
Muizelaar $100,000 USD over two years to throw for County Materials. Nor 
did he offer to throw in a new car.

And this just in:
Broken Bow Spirit looks like it will stay together with a reduced roster 
and Bob Quick giving the answer soon to remain as main sponsor. Doc has 
several options but feels that there is no place like home and wants to 
stand pat. Why not? Six consecutive ISC finals and three world titles in 
last four years.


FOUR:

Who can keep track of Porcelli and Calgary?

Andrew is not signed with Calgary but Calgary wants him back. They are told 
by Andrew that if the team stays intact and is willing to fill the voids by 
the departure of Keith Mackintosh and Evan Potskin that Andrew will stay 
and spurn the offers of up to twice the money elsewhere.

Porcelli gives credit for the spectacular third place finish to G.M.Kelly 
Wenstrom along with the entire pitching staff of Kirkpatrick but also Sean 
Whitten who threw the hardest in the tourney on the gun. Calgary is looking 
at Aussie Zenon Winters to join Andrew provided he returns. Calgary wanted 
Jeff Goolagong but County beat him to the punch. Calgary also making big 
push for Darren Box. Boxy said to be listening but has not given even a 
slight sign of where he will decide to go. But Calgary or Bow is the best 
two bets there. Zack is signed with Calgary but only for the Canadians in 
St. Thomas. Zack is not listening to offers from anyone until his fate with 
County is determined.

And,

Steve Schott may rejoin Boomer Brush, David Boys, Trent Rubley and the 
Smoker nomads in Calgary on limited basis for next year. All except Brush 
re-signed but Brush has committed, Garcia is interested in making it five 
smoke boys in Alberta but Craig Horswell returning along with the Darren 
Box sightings makes that unlikely.

    Calgary is said to be putting a tourney together to rival the two great 
non-majors now: Orillia & Monkton to be held during the beginning of the 
Stampede. It makes New Years in New Orleans look like only Trappist monks 
participate there. It is a party and a high stakes Skins format is to be 
set up. May secure Ducks Unlimited as sponsor or go it alone. Last year's 
tourney in Saskatoon had so much rain it simply quacked.



FIVE:

Wisconsin Teams on the Move?

Todd Martin and Paul Algar will not be back (retirement is the official 
explanation). Garcia will not be back as catcher (also retirement) and Todd 
Budke may be hanging up the cleats. The Farm with the addition of 3 or 4 of 
the Bow boys would look to dramatically improve on their 5th place this 
season.

In the last three or four years after Marathon (County, whatever name they 
use) fail to reach the top we hear rumblings. This year again we hear that 
Coaches Lyons and Becker are really gone. Zack is said to gone (maybe to 
Calgary) and we hear that Gollan is seriously considering Circle Tap. Mata 
would be back and the money behind Marathon are making a serious pitch to 
get Andrew Kirkpatrick. Maybe Porcelli can confirm that Andrew is not 
signed with Calgary yet and that Zack may be in the fold. Also heard is 
that Makea would like to return home to the Bow and play for Doc. Perhaps 
Marathon could get the remaining 3 or 4 New Zealand National Team players 
not on their current roster and try again in 2005, or maybe they could just 
pay Muizelaar to not play anywhere in 2005.

Circle Tap has made offers to all last year's players. It would be 
interesting to confirm if the Gollan rumor is true as they already have 
Dyck and O’Brien as pitchers. If the new Super List is going to happen they 
would have to drop one of these guys to make room for Gollan. Team 
management was also rumored to have offered 2004 ISC pick-up Trevor Ethier 
a roster spot for 2005. Sounds like a lot of pitchers to me.

And, this just in:

Denny Bruckert trying to improve Circle Tap team, but is running into snag 
with ISC MVP Chris Miljavic wanting to go back to playing second base, but 
Darren Derricks sez no way. Mookie very loyal to Brucks, but his 
alternative to go to the Farm to replace Jaybo Hanson cut short when Farm 
signed Keith Mackintosh earlier today to play second. Farm still needs 
replacement for departed Donnie Hale.

Tim Lyon definitely out at County Materials, Makea no way returns to Bow.

John Becker has chance to stay as manager but needs to see if he has time 
with work commitment. If Becker is out it will NOT be for poor performance, 
but because of work. Lyons is unable to continue due to commitment to work 
and the 19 and under juniors.

(Lyon said this week that he is still with Marathon).


NOTES:  This just in, Andrew Kirkpatrick returning to Calgary in 2005 as he 
is a major fan of Peter Porcelli.

And that Andrew Kirkpatrick is talking to Rod Peterson of The Farm, as word 
is his pitching staff is all moving.

And that Todd Martin being looked at by the new Ontario super team as the 
nucleus of their pitching line up. Watch for a two-year deal there.

And that Dean Holoien offered a five-year deal to go with Saskatoon Black Sox.

And that Paul Algar offering to go with Circle Tap as their third pitcher.

And/or that Paul Algar will stay around with the Farm if Holoien goes to 
Saskatoon on the five-year deal.

And, Dean Holoien is said to be looking hard at a five-year offer from 
Aspen Interior Black Sox on the heels of their runaway Championship at the 
Canadians. Wanting to gear up, Aspen has also approached certain personnel 
at Calgary. Saskatoon native Pat Mackintosh and others would go if Aspen 
secures Deano.  Lloydminster also interested in Calgary but is talking 
merger. Chances are that if Andrew K is in with Calgary and they secure 
Boxy and Winters, Calgary has legit shot to be only second Canada Based ISC 
champ.

And that Karl Gollan looking at a couple of teams that think that the new 
2-pitcher rule will be thrown out.


BTW, we have lost track of the number of people that think that the 
2-pitcher rule absolutely sucks and are convinced it will ruin the 
game.  Where have we heard that before
. That a pitching rule will ruin the 
game?

and this just in:
List of top 60 pitchers said to be out and in hands of a select few 
"Privileged" teams, giving them advantage time wise. Al Doran said to have 
a copy but is not letting anyone see his. Doran is not getting much sleep 
lately, having nightmares with the sound of hard drives crashing in the 
middle of the night.  Al is calling his buddy Roger but we also have not 
heard from him either. Oh R....oger......we miss you...stop counting your 
money and write something please...


A well-placed source says that County Marathon will be back better than 
ever, with Zack
    Trevor Ethier looking at the Aspen Interior option, playing third 
fulltime and pitching. Won't be going to Circle Tap.



SIX

Keiths changing or hanging them up?

Version A:

Halifax-Windsor-Murphy's-Fish & Chips-Keiths (the longest name of any 
sports team in history) sponsorship group are very disappointed in their 
recent showing (4th) at the Canadian Nationals. Lots of rumblings that 
Coach Penman's tenure is over. The ownership group would like to go to the 
2005 ISCs and also improve their showing at the Canadians in St. Thomas 
next year. They are in the process of moving Holoien, Underhill and Ethier 
to Nova Scotia to live with Colin Abbott by the deadline.


Version B:

Yes, Barrie Penman is retiring, but not because of the performance in 
Windsor this year. They had a great tournament in Fargo, mostly on the arm 
of Tim Macumber, but for Barrie, its just time.

Penman retiring after 17 years.  The Keith's portion of the sponsorship is 
over for good (not because of this years performance).  Can Murphy’s Fish 
and Chips carry the sponsorship on their own?  Many in Nova Scotia hope so, 
and hope Keith’s have a change of heart. Every Bluenoser living in Ontario 
drinks their suds so no excuses accepted, keep the Keiths going!



And

Did the Keith’s blow it because Cox and Muizelaar forgot how to toe up?
Or was it because of the crowded living conditions in that one bedroom walk 
up apartment seven guys shared in Amherst?


SEVEN

Modified Team moving to Fastball with big bucks?


Rumor out of Elkland Labor Day tournament has a modified team by the name 
of Patsys coming on to the major fastball circuit in 2005. This would not 
be a big deal except for the fact that this team has very involved sponsor 
with VERY deep pockets.

Familiar names that already play modified with this squad are pitchers Rob 
Scheller and Darren Rea. Other big name players that have appeared with 
this team at several modified tournaments during the course of 2004 are 
Rhys Casely, Jarrad Martin and Reno Lato. We are not implying these players 
would make a jump to this team just pointing out they have a nose for 
acquiring talent. This teams circus atmosphere on the sidelines with 4 
personal trainers; exercise bikes, yoga mats and instructors along with 
complimentary fruit snacks could make Smokin Joe blush.

 From what I've heard this sponsor is an attorney/partner with a fortune 
500 company and will not be shy about going after big name players and 
making an immediate splash on the fastball circuit. The private jet he 
shuttles his players around on won't hurt his recruiting efforts either. 
Should be fun to watch.

AND, another voice says:


Patsy's Team- A very good squad. They came to Elkland after the Hurricane 
cancelled their trip to modified nationals. Had pitchers Darren Rea, Rob 
Scheller, and Reno Lato on hand, as well as modified pitcher Steve Platt. 
Also had a cast of players there with a definite fastpitch experience. Also 
saw a couple of Broken Bow helmets on the heads of players in the batters 
box, though their names I do not know. One thing is for sure; they did have 
a sponsor with a big budget. They bought out the T-Shirt vendor of shirts 
on the very first day of the tournament, traveled to Elkland in their own 
plane, and did have personal trainers, rented out a floor of the most 
expensive hotels in the area, and quite a following of fans that made the 
trip with them.

I played against them (Elkland Fastpitch vs. Patsy's, Patsy's won 5-3), and 
I must tell you they had a very good squad there. A whole bunch of big guys 
in the lineup, and I heard more than once the comment, "You have to be at 
least 6'3" to crack their starting lineup". Their sponsor seemed like a 
very nice guy, and they seemed to be a very well behaved team who enjoyed 
their time at the tournament, and had a first class feel to both their team 
and fans.

I too heard the rumor they might be headed to the major fastpitch circuit, 
but I also heard the same rumor two years ago about the Matarazzi Sea Dogs 
after they won the Elkland Labor Day Tournament. The difference in my 
opinion is I think that this Patsy's team has the financial backing to make 
this rumor a reality if they decide to go the major fastpitch root. I would 
not be surprised if they did go the major fastpitch route.



EIGHT

BC


Vancouver Grey Sox to go the ISC route in 2005?


Conrad (I'm not Anonymous) Margolis the silver medal sponsor of the 
Vancouver Grey Sox is rumored to be interested to bring his club to Eau 
Claire for the ISCs in 2005. Apparently he has already filed a protest with 
the ISC to dispute the residency of all players on the top 4 teams rosters.



And,

Victoria may gear up big for push next year. Mark Mackereth. getting 
sponsor money and is going to field exceptionally strong team. Bob Court 
coming out of retirement?

And,

Barrie Penman out at Halifax. Excellent players loyal to Penman may not 
return without the red head from Vancouver calling the shots. Tim Macumber 
wondering if he is among the top sixty pitchers. (he should be)

And,

Craig Crawford possibly the best free agent catcher available. Back to 
Victoria a second time? Glenn "Spike" Ormsby said to be considering offer 
from Calgary but logjam there may make things difficult to be worked out. 
Vancouver would love to add him and was very happy with his performance at 
St. Croix.

Crawford high on list as the starting catcher for the new Ontario super team.




NINE

Old St. Catharine’s Junior Team to go senior in 2005 and shoot for Canadians?


St. Catharine’s Junior
team that won two Cdn Jr. championships featuring Paul Koert, Chris
Shewfelt, John Brunton, Corey Costello and others. They will play two
tournaments - OASA Senior Elims and, hopefully Canadians, as 2005 Nationals
are in St. Thomas. Bernie Pollack and Ken Steeve are pushing this plan
forward.



TEN

ISC III by 2006?

With the WT coming back to Kitchener in 2006...and they were the pioneers 
in helping start the ISC II division of the tourney, KW group working on 
getting a Master's division included in the 2006 WT.....KW team competed at 
the Australian Master's games last fall, there are already two teams from 
there very interested in coming to Kitchener.



ELEVEN

Lack of results from East Coast

Has anyone seen the results from the Eastern Canadians yet?

We were flooded with requests, observations and complaints about the lack 
of results out of Eastern Canada recently for some divisions of the Eastern 
Canadians.

Maybe its just sour grapes out of Ontario but many have observed that when 
the Eastern Canadians are hosted in Atlantic Canada the reporting of 
results leaves a lot to be desired.

(We reported what we received and we asked around but reporting was thin to 
say the least, but then the Men’s Senior Nationals reporting was almost 
non-existent as well. I can only suggest that fans let Softball Canada know 
that they think about this. – AD).



TWELVE

Midland Explorers will be back in 2005!

1)  This past week, the Midland Explorers Booster Club voted to once again 
support a team for the 2005 season, the 19th consecutive season at the 
Major level.

2)  Rumor that Explorer DH Steve 'Sarge' Roberts is going to play locally 
with his hometown Munger (MI) team.  Roberts led the team in average, home 
runs, and RBI's in '04.



THIRTEEN:

Heflin rebuilding?

Heflin said to be recruiting players from several sources but is still 
reeling from Frankie Perez' quitting the team after they gave him ultimatum 
before ASA. Frankie committed to Bow for ASA, and then Heflin decided to go 
creating a no-win for Frankie. When push came to shove, Frankie said his 
word to Bow would have to prevail. Frankie now looking at Calgary and Bow. 
Bow looks like sure winner there.

Billy Smith remaining mum about signing a three-year deal as their starting 
1st base after his appearance in Fargo.




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