Toyama, June 2, 1019 — Dan Stewart can forgive Cliff Hanger fans for what was perhaps a bit of a rude welcome.  “If I were in their shoes, I would probably have booed me, too,” said the 6’2″, 205 pound third baseman from across the blue expanse in San Jose, California. “I’m twenty-seven, and from the US, and never even played in the majors back in the states, and here comes a GM from Japan and drops 3.6 million clams on me.  What kind of world is this?”

What kind of world? He asks.  Well …

It’s the kind of world where Stewart, after a cold start, has raised his game to inflict five homers and 27 RBI on BBG opponents, including a spectacular, late inning, pinch-hit grand slam to win a game against Seoul.  It’s the kind of world where you add in a nearly spotless, ++ glove to the hot corner.

GM Ron Collins was never in doubt.  “I told Dan that he just had to calm down and focus.  I saw his swing.  It’s perfect for the Castle, and even if he has streaks where he doesn’t hit, that glove is a thing of beauty.  He’s a great compliment to Shiro (Adachi) on that side of the infield.”

The team is weathering some early-season injuries, slow starts from the slugging duo at first base, and a little spotty starting pitching from guys who shouldn’t be so spotty.  But they now stands at 13-10, tied for second in the Bright Blade Group, three games behind Edo.  Fans are gleeful that the squad is a week from getting outfielder Keisuke Takahashi back.