Wednesday, September 8, 2010

IS all well in the Akira Nation?  After experiencing a measure of success early on in the season, things have nosedived of late for Neo-Tokyo.  After reaching their high-water mark at 27-25 on July 1^st, NT has gone on to drop an astounding 44 of 59 (.254), enduring a horrendous month of August (6-21).  While no one expected NeTo to make a serious run at a playoff spot this season, there were hopes that the team would show significant improvement over previous campaigns.

Hardcore fans have stuck with the team and attendance has already surpassed that of the previous 2 years.  It appears the Akira faithful are satisfied with the assurances that the strong minor league system will bring the promised turn around.  However, there may be cracks forming in the clubhouse walls.

Rumors of discontent among Akira veterans have been surfacing, especially with the trade of highly regarded 2B José Escalante, who was one of the few offensive threats the team had.  One veteran player, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “I no longer have a desire to play in Neo-Tokyo.  There seems to be no effort to improve things here and I don’t care to play for an owner who has no interest in his team.  I can help a contender, so I asked that they deal me ASAP.”  With the trade deadline come and gone with no further player movement, it appears all such requests went by the wayside.

It may be that more than one player has expressed his unhappiness with the team’s direction, although it’s unclear how many have requested trades.  The danger may be less those who are not talking to management, but rather to each other.  Dissent in the clubhouse can quickly divide a team and undermine any progress that has been accomplished.  Will Akira general manager Ron Hiscock be able to put out the fire before the (club)house burns down?  This may be the biggest test in the new GM’s short reign to date.

When asked for a comment on the growing unrest, he stated, “We understand our players have pride; they want to win now.  We like that.  We also hope they understand that help is coming.  We have some impact players on the way.  And who knows what will happen in free agency?  That aside, any player who does not want to be here can expect to be accommodated.”

Was that a promise or a threat?  “Yes,” he said vaguely.

One player that Neo-Tokyo seems to be able to count on – both on and off the field – is closer Héctor Rodríguez.  The 35-year-old veteran continues to dominate, having already surpassed his save totals from the previous 2 seasons.  He may be even more valuable in the locker room with the positive attitude he exudes through thick and thin.  But will a veteran relief pitcher making $4.6 million next year survive the housecleaning that is taking place?  With the season nearing its end, we may not have to wait long for the answer.