Tuesday, September 29, 2010

By Granville Price, Palm Springs Semaphore

As they look toward the opposing team’s dugout prior to tonight’s first game of the 2010 Sovereign League divisional playoff series, the Palm Springs Codgers might have an eerie sense of having done this before.

That’s because, for the third straight year, they will be facing the Crystal Lake Sandgnats.

“Yeah, you might say we’re pretty well acquainted,” commented Codgers slugger Michael Smith.  “We’ve, ah, met before, you might say.”

Palm Springs will definitely be hoping the third time is the charm against their familiar foe, as they lost the two previous series with the Sandgnats.

“I can’t believe we have to play these guys again, but it gives a chance to get revenge,” said third baseman Ollie “Phenom” Morris.  “Either by beating them, or just living well.”

“Yes,” said Smith.  “You might say they are definitely, ah, known to us.”

While the past years’ series were not close –Palm Springs was swept in 2008 and managed just one victory in 2009 – there may be more cause for hope this year.  Though Crystal Lake again has a better regular season record, sporting 103 wins to Palm Springs‘ 100, the Codgers hold the edge in head-to-head games, winning seven and losing only five.

General Manager Denny Hills was unmoved, however.

“Aw, c’mon,” he slurred, mysteriously unshaven and wearing a salmon-colored kimono.  “When have we ever won ‘gainst these guys?  And have you noticed that with Jason Lloyd hurt, we have a designated hitter (Keitaro Nakayama) playing second base!?”
“We might have a chance if we could plug in somebody more agile there.  Like if we still had…had… Miguel So…”  Tears suddenly welling in his eyes, he put on a pair of dark glasses and stumbled out of the room.

The team does not necessarily share their GM’s opinion.

“Playing a team a lot means you know their tendencies and can capitalize,” said first baseman Gilberto Ibarra.

“You might say we’re pretty, ah, familiar with them,” commented Smith.

Starting pitcher Felipe Lara is also among the optimists.

“I been looking at the matchups.  With me, Gigolo (Hisashi “Gigolo” Oike), and Genocide (Andrés “Genocide” Díaz), I see three ways we win and no way we lose.  It’s like 98 percent for sure.”

But all agreed that the familiarity with this particular opponent would make it a memorable series.

“This ain’t our first rodeo,” said right fielder Donnie Sutton.  “We know all their tricks.”

Outfielder Smith agreed.

“You might say we’ve, ah, played them before.”