3/11/2009February Mailbag

2/12
Just a little over six weeks to go before the first pitch of the 2009 MABL season, and the Scorpions are without funds, uniforms, or a complete pitching staff.  Nevertheless, that doesn't dampen the spirits of the emailers...

Are the Scorps and the Pan-Pacific P-Traps the same franchise?  Kind of like the Montreal Expos and Washington Nationals?  If so, do you have all time statistics?  I'm curious to know how many SB's Andy MacMillan had.

Reed M., Newport Beach, CA

Not exactly.  The P-Traps are a defunct franchise, mostly due to poor management and limited player participation.  However, there are many links between the P-Traps and the Scorps, kind of like the Kansas City Monarchs and the Kansas City Royals.  So you might see a throwback day where the Scorpions dress in P-Trap green. 

As far as Andy MacMillan's stolen bases are concerned, we do not have official records for the P-Traps, however if I had to guess I would say that he has as many as my kitchen table.

How's the search for pitching coming along?

John S., Springfield, OH

I don't know, how are your hemeroids coming along?  Its about the same.

If the Scorpions were to have an "Old-Timer's" day, who would play?

Steve N., Whereabouts, Unknown

That's an interesting question, let's go down the list:

1B - John De La Rosa
2B - Phil Mangram
SS - Steve Nessle
3B - Jose Alvarez
C - Paul Alvarez
P - The Korean guy from the Beams (even though he's not technically a Scorpion, he did more for the team's stat book than any player in team history!)
LF - Ben Maggard
CF - Cody Coderson
RF - Craig ???
DH - Dan Marin-Finn

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Well as you can tell, it was a slow email month.  Keep 'em coming as next month we'll give you our annual pre-pre-season preview. 

2/12/2009A New Year, Some New Gear, and Resolutions Galore!

1/8
We've passed the winter solstice which means that the three hours of light that we currently have is only getting longer by the day.  It also means that spring training is just around the corner and before you know it, the Los Angeles Scorpions Baseball Club of Orange County will be back in action.

The franchise will be going into its seventh year of existence, and players, fans, and management is hoping it proves to be a lucky one.  To some, it seems like an eternity ago since shortstop Andy Magana flipped the ball to second baseman Jon Piraino to record the final out of the 2006 championship game versus the Yankees.  In fact, it was only two seasons ago and many of those same Scorpions are hungry for another title. 

They will be reloaded in 2009....and as soon as we know what they'll be loaded on, uh I mean loaded with, we'll let you know.  One thing we do know is that with the new year, comes resolutions:

Resolution #1 - The Scorpions resolve to collect fees from each and every player before the first pitch is thrown of the 2009 season. 

Resolution #2 - The Scorpions resolve to field a full and competitive team of at least nine players every sunday in 2009.

Resolution #3 - Parker Ferguson resolves to be rested and ready for games on Sunday mornings without having to slam 5 Red Bulls for breakfast.

Resolution #4 - Marc Tapley resolves to bring orange wedges and juice boxes to any game where the expected temperture will reach 90 degrees. 

Resolution #5 - The Scorpions resolve to make fewer errors behind their pitching staff, allowing a pitcher to throw 5 innings in less than 150 pitches. 

Resolution #6 - Nick Hannon resolves to not break his own strikeout record because when he makes contact the ball usually goes over the fence. 

Resolution #7 - Patrick Marin-Finn resolves to "pitch and mash," but not to play the outfield.

Resolution #8 - Lance Tapley resolves to give even more hugs in 2009.

Resolution #9...#9...#9 - The Scorpions Baseball Club resolves to fight like hell to win another MABL Championship. 

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Next Post will be the Spring Training Mailbag in February.

1/8/2009Christmas Mailbag

12/9
Just a month after Thanksgiving, and you have to invite the same group of people to your house for dinner all over again, only this time you have to buy them shit.  Merry F-ing Christmas....

Do the Scorpions celebrate Christmas as a team, the same way the do Thanksgiving?
- Jack A., Denver, CO

The Scorpions are a non-secular organization, so all religious holidays are strictly unofficial.  They do however, observe a seasonal celebration on December 23 known as Festivus; a tradition that has been going on for many years now.   The team gathers around the aluminum pole (which requires no decoration, as tinsel is distracting) for the annual "Feats of Strength" and the "Airing of the Grievences."  This year the Feats of Strength will be handicaped.  Richard Glavas is the favorite at 5 to 3, but there are other good bets such as Lance Tapley at 3 to 1, Nick Hannan and Doug Senne at 4 to 1, and Marc Tapley at 5 to 1.  Longshots are Andy Magana and Adam Marin at 12 to 1, Patrick Marin-Finn at 15 to 1, and finally Jon Piraino and Parker Ferguson at 36 to 1.  Should be a fun night. 

With the new year right around the corner, is the roster set?
- Cody C., Houston, TX

If by set you mean, nowhere near ready to go...then yes.  Nearly all of the roster spots are soft committments; meaning there is no money in the bank, just promises.  That's better than no promises and most of those guys are a solid "yes", but its still not a carved-in-stone lineup.  Until everyone is fully invested, the roster will be in flux. 

Who will be the opening day starter?
- Craig ?, San Clemente, CA

Not sure yet.  Currently there are no %100 healthy, full-time starting pitchers on the roster.  That will change as Patrick Marin-Finn continues to rehab his knee, and Blake Content commits to more than half the schedule, but as of today they've got no one.  Veteran Reed McMackin was planning an adult-league comeback with the black and blue, but an unfortunate alcohol-related tabogoning accident has derailed such notions.  New catcher Joe Rivirosa is rumored to be bringing a pitcher with him to training camp, as is Doug Senne.  So right now the spot is up for grabs.  

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Again, thanks for all your emails, and please keep them coming.  We'll update you next in 2009...Happy Festivus!!! 

12/9/2008Thanksgiving Mailbag

11/19
What's better than gathering the family around the table for a plentiful Thanksgiving dinner?  Well, stupid emails about the Scorpions Baseball Club for one....

Do the Scorpions all gather for Thanksgiving?
-Turk E., Plymoth, Mass.

In fact they do!  Usually they eat around 3 o'clock and each Scorp is in charge of a different portion of the meal.  As the co-captains, Jon Piraino and Richard Glavas are in charge of cooking up the bird.  Patrick Marin-Finn brings begal bites, Doug Senne whips up a mean batch of sweet potatoes, Andy Magana spins a delicious green bean casserole, while Marc and Lance Tapley usually provide a few pies (pumpkin, lemon meringue, dutch apple, etc.).  Parker Ferguson and AJ Marin might show up with Red Bulls and cheeseburgers this year too.   

I really need some power for my MSBL fantasy team, is there anyone on the Scorpions that I should consider picking up?  (FYI, I'm in a keeper league.)
-D. Bagg, San Francisco, CA

Well there might be a few options for you this year; If you're looking for home runs, Nick Hannon led the club with a pair of bombs last season, and this year the Scorps signed free agent Joe Rivirosa, a catcher with sock that might help you.  If you're looking for extra base hits then Doug Senne and Richard Glavas are your guys.  If you need pitching, try the Wolves or Tigers rosters.

When can we expect the first album from the new band that features two Scorpions?
-Don F., Malibu, CA

The rumors of a band are in fact true.  The band is called The Harry Carrots and it features Lance Tapley on drums and Jon Piraino on guitar.  So far no plans are official, but the band plans to get into the studio sometime in January.  Word is they are still searching for a bass player.  Look for a mid-summer release.

Will the Scorpions have an actual home field advantage this season?
-Destiny D.D., Las Vegas, NV

This could be the first year that they have a real home field advantage.  The team and league are in negotiations with the CdM Baseball program for use of their facility in 2009.  Everything looks to be in order, its just a matter of how bad do the Scorpions actually want that.  They would have exlusive rights to the field but that would also include maintenance on said field before and after each ballgame. 

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Once again, thanks for all your email and please keep them coming. 

11/19/2008October Mailbag
It doesn't feel much like winter outside, but there is no Scorpions baseball which means that it is cold inside the hearts of stinger fans everywhere.  Thankfully the mail truck is right on time to answer all your off-season questions:

Is this going to be another re-building year for the Scorps or can we realistically expect a competitive team this year?
Keanu R., Whoa, FL

The Scorpions don't rebuild, they reload, and this year is no exception.  What we know for sure is that Marc and Lance Tapley have re-signed with the club and will be back in action for 2009.  At the very least, that alone should solve the problem of having only 7 players show up for every game.  Management continues its activity in the free agent market, and is close to signing an unnamed catcher, as well as another starting pitcher. 
11/19/2008October Mailbag (continued)
Rumor is that Parker Ferguson is going to play a full season in 2009, is that true?  If so, do you think he still has enough speed to break his single season stolen bases record, set in 2006?
Hector V., Buena Park, CA

As of today, those are just rumors.  It certainly is a possibility that he return to the club in a full time role, but you can't steal 1st base, so he's going to have to improve on his .350 on-base percentage over parts of the last two seasons if he's looking to set any records for theft.  Not only that, but it is up to the State University system of California as to weather or not he will be transfering back to the area.  Normally you have to be going to school in order to transfer to a school, but who has the time to sift through all those details?

Will Patrick Marin-Finn's knee surgery land him on the DL to start 2009?
Brian W., Philadelphia, PA

Not as far as we can tell.  Assuming everything goes well, he should have about 6 to 8 weeks of rehab, which would give him plenty of time to be ready to throw the first strike of the 2009 season.  He has recently given up Wing Stop and has hinted at the possibility of going cold turkey on soda.  No word on where begal bites figure into the equation.

How the hell did Jon Piraino win the MVP last year?! 
Doug S., Orange County, CA

Two reasons: 1) it was a down year for the Scorps across the board.  Nobody had any eye-popping numbers so it was a matter of being at the right place at the right time.  And 2) he probably snuck in a vote for himself.  A second place or a third place vote, something like that.  Although he did hit .400 in the regular season and posted a career low ERA, so its not like he was totally unworthy.
11/19/2008October Mailbag (continuted)
Isn't the rotation going to get a little thin with the losses of Ben Maggard and David Piraino?
Wang C., Westminster, CA

No doubt that Maggard and Piraino were the arms that won the Scorpions the 2006 American League championship, but that was then.  Maggard's injury is perhaps too much to come back from, and Piraino is persuing his playing options elswhere.  The ace of the staff is now Patrick Marin-Finn, and he is backed up by a core of three solid relievers in Andy Magana, Neal Piraino, and Jon Piraino.  So to answer your question; yes, they're pretty much F-ed.  Hopefully free agency will produce a durable, reliable arm that is capable of spliting the starting duties with the young Marin-Finn.....hopefully.

What about the log jam at 3rd base now?
Marc T., Tustin, CA

I take it you are refering to the competition between the incumbant AJ Marin, and the prodigal son, Marc Tapley.  This is something that management is going to have to figure out.  Both guys can hit, so its probably going to come down to who fields the ball better on a more consistant basis.  Neither one will lose at-bats, because in the MABL you can send as many yayhoos to the plate as you want.  They'll probably split time at the beginning of the season and whoever proves to be the better glove will see the majority of the action as the year goes on.  

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Keep sending your mail, we are happy to keep giving you very little information whenever we feel like it. 
10/23/20082008 Scorpion Awards









9/12
The Scorpions Baseaball Club had its ups and downs this season, to say the least.  From Patrick Marin-Finn's complete game, three-hitter on June 1, to Doug Senne's four-hit, four-RBI game on June 29, to heartbreaking walk-off losses on July 27 and September 7 respectively.  Through it all, the team had a few memorable moments and a few great individual performances. 

By virtue of his participation, each player on the team is given a ballot to vote for three awards at the end of each season; the Most Valuable Player, Cy Young, and Gold Glove awards.  There is also a fourth award that is not voted on but is simply given to the player with the best all-around offensive season; the Silver Slugger.  First place votes carry a value of five points, second place votes carry a value of three points, and third place votes carry a value of a single point.  Here's how it shook down in 2008:
10/23/20082008 Scorpion Awards (continued)
Cy Young - Patrick Marin-Finn
Patrick was a runaway winner in this catagory, receiving the most first place and the most second place votes.  He finished the year with a 3-1 record and posted the second lowest ERA in team history at 3.89 (Andy Magana's 3.43 from 2006 is the lowest).  He also completed two of his four starts, including a three-hit game vs. the Indians, and posted a WHIP of 1.46. 

Silver Slugger - Doug Senne
After getting off to a slow start, Doug mashed his way to this award with some gawdy second half numbers.  He finished the season with a .378 batting average, but hit a whopping .560 from June 29 on.  He was second on the team with 10 RBI (Marin-Finn, 12) and led the club with 5 doubles. 

Gold Glove - Richard Glavas
So what else is new?  Rock played a magnificent center field for yet another season, and it is no surprise that he has now won this award twice.  Doug Senne finished second in the voting following a solid season at first base, but the Rock has this award under lock and key. 

Most Valuable Player - Jon Piraino
This was the closest vote in Scorpions history, with JP barely nudging out Doug Senne by a single third place vote.  For the third consecutive season, Piraino tallied at least 20 hits (the only Scorpion to do acomplish that feat) en route to a .393 batting average.  In the proccess, he became the all-time Scorpion leader in basehits with 67.  He also handled much of the catching duties this season, throwing out an unofficial 50% of opposing basestealers.  On the mound he posted a career low 4.12 ERA.  
10/23/20082008 Scorpion Awards (continued)

Numbers, Records, and Stingers
As mentioned, Piraino and Senne were neck-and-neck in the MVP voting. Both men received the same number of first and second place points, but Piraino's two third place tallies edged out Senne's one.  Interestingly enough, Patrick Marin-Finn received one more first place vote than either Senne or Piraino, but did not receive any second place votes.

There were a number of team records that fell in 2008; some good, some...not so good. 

 - Rookie AJ Marin led the team with 14 runs scored.

 - Three players broke Lance Tapley's record of 12.8 at-bats for every strikeout.  Dan Whitaker (13), Jon Piraino (14), and Doug Senne put it out of sight with 22.5 at-bats for every strikeout. 

 - David Piraino gave chase to Ben Maggard's 12 hit batsmen in a single season, but fell just short with 10.

 - Nick Hannon hit two home runs this season, which led the team, but he paid the price for it; striking out 24 times.  Ben Maggard previously held the record with 15 K's in 2007.

 - As a team, the Scorpions set single-game and single-season marks in strikeouts.  For the season, they fanned an eye-popping 120 times and in one game versus the Wolves back on April 20, they went up in smoke 16 times.  Apparently the were observing a national holiday, of sorts, on that day.

 - Patrick Marin-Finn led all scorpions with 5 Stinger of the Week awards.  David Piraino earned the weekly honor 3 times, Jon Piraino and Doug Senne each earned a pair of stingers.

 - Richard Glavas led the team in walks for the second consecutive season. 

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