RJ Duke's kid

I'll bet a lot of you didn't know that RJ Duke even had a son. Ezekiel, 19, was a top high school draft prospect heading into last year, but was not available on draft day due to legal trouble.

After belting 3 homeruns in a game while pitching a no-hitter, Ezekiel was partying too hard with his team. It was more than your ordinary high school party, involving 6 kilos of cocaine, prostitutes, fully automatic weapons, a laptop full of stolen credit card numbers, 3 million dollars in gold bullion, a pair of plyers, and a blowtorch. As he was arrested, an intoxicated Duke tried to justify his crimes by pleading "Pimpin ain't easy".

While spending the past year in the Florida Penal League, Duke hit .655 with 37 homers in 21 games. RJ Duke says his son is fully rehabilitated, and eager to resume his promising career. If allowed by the commissioner, he will become the first player to wear two uniform numbers at the same time, since he could not decide between his favorite numbers. In high school he wore number 25 on the front of his jersey, and 17 on the back.

Callahan whiffs 16

Joe Callahan faced the Miami Stars and rookie Andy Roughton. Andy had no chance, as Callahan threw a complete game 3 hit shutout. He walked only one and struck out 16, including striking out the side in the 9th as he set down Brian Kaat, Damon Nkik, and Bubba Lewis.

Roughton allowed no runs after a 1st inning, 2 run homer by Alvaro Samuel, but struggled with his command, walking 7 while striking out 1 in 4 innings. He will be sent back to the minors as Bill Greene returns from the disabled list.

Minor Trades in the Major League

Detroit sends OF Reggie Winters to Denver for OF Bill Manno. This is basically a swap of reserve outfielders, very similar players, but Winters bats lefty, and Manno righty. Both teams had bad balance in the lefty/righty department, so trade will help both teams.

Autobots Develop Another Young Superstar

The Miguel Fernandez era has begun. While Phoenix has received subpar production from right fielder Joey Jorgenson, the minor league season continues to be delayed. The players are frustrated sitting around in extended spring training as they await for the 2008 draft class to be finalized so they can all start playing. In other news, while Roger Chillingworth has been working out, it appears he will not get an official game in the minors but will join Louisville directly.

Back to Phoenix and Fernandez. He stands 6'4, with 215 pounds of muscle on his frame. He has the speed for center and the arm for right. He was a first round draft pick out of high school after the 2005 season, and last year hit .287 with 8 homers and 61 RBI in the minors. He has all 5 tools, but a lack of plate discipline has held him back so far, and by swinging at everything he hasn't been able to show his full power, since he's often reaching just to get a piece of the ball. But he's learning, and quickly.

Today, Miguel made his debut, batting 6th in the lineup. He singled in his first at bat and homered in his second. He added another single later, stole a base, and scored 3 runs on the day. He's a little late to the lineup but his unbelievable ability makes him a potential Rookie of the Year candidate, along with teammate Alex Williams. Williams is hitting a very solid .283-6-24, with 30 walks and a .418 OBA.

Huge News

Roger Chillingworth has ended his retirement!!!!!!

Roger Clemens' comeback with the Yankees apparantly inspired Chillingworth to think about returning to baseball. He had his agent contact several teams to gauge the interest level, and a few teams with extra money and playoff aspirations made their pitches to Roger.

After much soul searching, Chillingworth narrowed the field to the New York Cobra, Denver Rabbits, and Louisville Sluggers. Once word reached Louisville Slugger General Partner Robert Smith that Clemens and Chillingworth were in the Kentucky area, Smith swooped in and made his pitch. He coordinated a private box be available for the two buddies to take in the Kentucky Derby (along with inseparable respective best friends Andy Pettitte & John Terry) and even served as Roger's caddy during a recent golf outing. The southern hospitality seemed to make an impact on Chillingworth, and he also enjoyed watching Louisville phenom Homer Nelson pitch in the minors.

The Cobra did not seem willing to pay Roger his $15 million dollar contract given that there 5 starters are all pitching well. That coupled with their championship last year, and believe it or not, lack of available money, stopped the Cobra from being serious contenders. The Rabbits were in a similar situation with respect to money and to a lesser extent need. After a serious meeting with Roger, Big Cheese (Denver Rabbits GM and Manager), and Acting Commissioner for Life, King Lewis II, The Rabbits came up short.

So Roger Chillingworth will sign with the Louisville Sluggers, and is expected to be with the club and on the mound for their home series against the Mars Eyebiters on June 1, 2007. Roger reportedly signed a one-year $17 million dollar contract that will be pro-rated. Chillingworth is expected to pocket about $11 million for 4 months of work - not too shabby.

Of course, Roger will also get tons of perks, like priority scheduling to maximize his home starts, free plane trips back to Texas on his off-days, and he will not be required to travel with the team when he is not pitching.

Roger will join a Slugger's team that is a perennial playoff team, and currently 1 game back of Baltimore in the Superior League East. He will also be reunited with Jojo Lewis...the two were of course traded for each other last off-season.

Oh, did I mention that Roger has 396 career victories, and will be looking to get #400 sometime around July 4th?

Jeff Lewis
'87 Shocker for Life

Trade

Baltimore acquired second baseman Trent Weaver from Orlando for 2B Jason Williams and minor league pitcher Matt Materano.

Baltimore gets a player who can reach base, and Orlando gets one who can run wild without worrying about wins and losses.