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GM Office: Talent Analysis and Evaluation Underway
Orlando, FL (11/25/2004) The Predators GM Matt Kraynak has surfaced in Orlando, FL where he is reportedly reviewing tapes, crunching season statistics, and evaluating potential changes to improve the Predators as they plan for their their 22nd season in 2005. Kraynak was recently spotted at an Orlando airport holdng a sign that read "Looking for Web Administrator: Will trade beer for programming".
The Predators do have a very full roster already - particularly with their "log jam" of infielders. The current rumor is that Kraynak is interested in signing a young outfielder with tremendous speed to bolser the Predator's veteran outfield. Kraynak is also looking to carry another veteran "on call" player to be available as the 2005 season progresses and injuries occur to the core roster. The 2005 squad is expected to otherwise stay intact for 2005 as it stands today.
The Predators expect to call for a player meeting in mid-December to discuss the upcoming season.
Season Over: Predators Drop Round 2 to 1st Choice Auto 20-6
Milford, CT (8/22/2004) Immediately following their 157 "1st round" playoff win, the Predators faced their long-time nemesis - 1st Choice Auto (formerly A-1 Cleaning) in a round 2 playoff game. The Predators had won the previous meeting between the two teams 8-4. Everyone knew that 1st Choice was "flat for that game and would likely be hard to take down a second time. Prevailing opinion was correct as 1st Choice Auto came out swinging and thrashed the Predators 206 in just 5 innings of play. It was a tough loss for the Predators who had otherwise shown remarkable resilience all season.
In the top of the 1st inning 1st Choice opened the game up with a 2-out 4-run rally. The Predators answered right back in the bottom of the 1st with 4 runs of their own. After King Carl Malinosky reached on error, Dave Godzilla Weiss and Fred Ripper Bialka singled, Todd Iron Man Slade doubled to drive in Malinosky and Weiss; Bob Boomer Paradis crushed a deep Sacrifice Fly to drive in Bialka, and Prince Dain Runestad drove in Slade with a clutch single.
1st Choice pounced on the Predators in the top of the 2nd scoring 5 runs on 5 hits. Strangely enough, the inning featured a bizarre Predator defensive play that would have been a triple play except for an errant throw by Matt Slasher Kraynak. The Predators were only able to squeeze one run out in the bottom of the 2nd after Barry Beer Burner Kresen reached on an error and scored on a double by Matt Slasher Kraynak making it a 9-5 1st Choice lead..
The rest of the game was pretty much a one-way matter with 1st choice pulling away with 7 runs in the 4th and 4 runs in the 5th. The Predators final run of the season came in the bottom of the 5th after Ken SEAL Man Jasmin scored on a sacrifice fly by Fred Ripper Bialka.
It was another good season for the Predators whose achievements during 2004 included a win over 1st Choice Auto, a HUGE win over previously undefeated Village Pub (who were 9-0 before the Predators issued them a loss). The Predators have now mastered winning 1st round playoff games but need to work on winning in the second round. The team anticipates new sponsorship in 2005 and perhaps some additional players to plug in the gaps.
Playoff Round 1: Predators 15 - Eye On Creation 7
 |  | | Dave "Godzilla" Weiss at the plate against Eye on Creation | |
Milford, CT (8/22/2004) The Predators got back on track today in their first round playoff game against Eye On Creation posting a solid 15-7 victory. Bill Smith was once again the winning pitcher for the Predators - who have now won 8 of their last 9 games after dropping their first 3 of the season.
Additional details and pictures forthcoming!!
Wipe Out! Bridgeport Harley Stuns Predators 16-3
Milford, CT (8/8/2004) The Predators 7-game winning streak came to a halt this evening as they were stunned by Bridgeport Harley 16-3 in 5 innings. With the loss, the Predators finish the 2004 regular season with a respectable 7 win 4 loss record.
Riding a wave of euphoria from defeating First Choice Auto earlier - the Predators found themselves ill-prepared to handle the "hangover". As Matt Kraynak (Ahab) stated: "Aye - too much rum makes many a sailor forget the dangers of the open sea...or the open road."
The Predators played what will likely go down as their worst defensive game since the mid-1990's - committing a total of 9 errors over 5 innings. At the plate - the Predators were just plain awful - scaping up a pitiful 3 runs on 8 hits. It was a disappointing end to the regular season. If anything - this game served as a reminder not to take any team for granted.
Thar She Blows! Predators Take 1st Choice Auto 8-4
Milford, CT (8/8/2004) The Predators rolled to a team record 7th straight win with an 8-4 victory over 1st Choice Auto (formerally A-1 Cleaning). At last - the Great White Whale did not get away!
The game started off very slowly for both the Predators and First Choice Auto. First Choice managed to score one in the first and two in the third inning to set a 3-0 lead that held through the end of four innings. Through the first four innings, the Predators were held to just three hits. The Predator dry spell broke in the bottom of the 5th with an inspired 2-out rally. Carl Malinosky singled and advanced to second by tagging up on a deep fly ball. With 2 outs, Bob Paradis lined a single to left driving in Malinosky. Subsequently, Dain Runestad singled, and Barry Kresen walked to load the bases. Rick Ruiz knocked in Paradis and Runestad with a single making it a 3-3 game. Mike Ranilla singled setting up an RBI single by Ken Jasmin to give the Predators a 4-3 lead at the end of 5.
In the top of the 6th, First Choice Auto hit back-to-back-to-back singles to squeeze out a run tying the game at 4-4. In the bottom of the 6th the Predators once again rallied with 2 outs. Bill Smith ripped a double to right-center. After Carl Malinosky was intentionally walked Kevin McTigue ripped a clutch RBI single. Bob Paradis followed with an RBI single of his own, and Dain Runestad topped off the rally with a single knocking in both Paradis and McTigue - enabling the Predators to assume control of the game with an 8-4 lead. Winning Pitcher Bill Smith shut down First Choice Auto in the top of the 7th sealing the 7th consecutive win for the Predators.
Game notes: With the win the Predators established a new all-time team record for consecutive wins with 7. Before the game a well-crafted harpoon symbolizing the Predators pursuit of their elusive foe was presented. After the game a copy of Herman Melvilles epic Moby Dick was signed by the team to mark this long-awaited moment in team history.
Predators Rock and Roll Over Village Pub 11 - 9
|  | | Matt greets teammates after beating previously undefeated Village Pub | |
Milford, CT (8/1/2004) Today the Predators took their 6th straight win with an inspired 11-9 victory over previously undefeated Village Pub.
The Predators jumped all over Village Pub in the top of the first inning scoring 7 times on a combination of timely hits, walks and a couple of Village Pub errors. After Dave Weiss and Carl Malinosky each singled cleanup hitter Fred Bialka walked to load the bases. Dain Runestad followed with a single to drive in 2. Bob Paradis drew a walk to once again load the bases. Pitcher Bill Holsworth took advantage of the situation lining a single to center driving in 2 more runs and extending the Predator lead to 4. With 2 outs and 2 on, Matt Kraynak drove a ball to deep left center for a triple driving in Paradis and Holsworth giving the Predators a 6-0 lead. Matt Kraynak subsequently scored the 7th run of the inning when Ken Jasmin was able to reach base on an error by the Village Pub 3rd baseman.
Although their first two batters of the game were issued walks Village Pub only managed to answer the Predators with 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st making it a 7-2 game. In the 2nd inning Todd Slade led off with his team-leading 4th triple of the year and subsequently scored on a single by Carl Malinosky. Village Pub chipped away with 2 in the 3rd making it an 8-4 Predator lead at the end of 4. In the top of the 5th the Predators added to their lead with 2 more runs; Bob Paradis singled and scored on an RBI single by Mike Kraynak; and Matt Kraynak singled and scored on an RBI single by Dave Weiss making it a 10-4 game. Village Pub answered with 3 runs on a 3-run home run closing the score to 10-7.
The Predators added one in the 6th on a single by Carl Malinosky who was later driven in on a single by Bob Paradis. Village Pub managed to get 2 runs in the bottom of the 6th however were shut down completely in the 7th where their bid for an undefeated season ended with a Predator 11-9 victory.
9 Predators Unload on Based Loaded 206 (5 innings)
Milford, CT (7/25/2004) Despite being short-handed defensively, the Predators rolled to their 5th straight win by hammering Bases Loaded 20 - 6 in just four and a half innings of play. Mike Cobb Kraynak slept through most of the game arriving only in time to see the final out and to meet the "Predator Faithful".
Once again pitcher Bill Smith cruised on the mound surrendering only scattered hits while not yielding any walks. Most of the Predators boosted their batting statistics today with 8 of 9 players having a multi-hit day. The Predators went on an offensive tear scoring 7 in the 1st; 5 in the 2nd; 7 in the 3rd and 1 in the 4th. Several players had a very big day at the plate: Carl Malinosky went 5 for 5 with 3 RBI and a run scored; Todd Slade went 4 for 4 including a triple and scored 4 times; Kevin McTigue went 3 for 4 with 4 RBIs and scored twice; Mike Ranilla went 3 for 4 with a run scored and 2 RBI; Prince Dain Runestad went 3 for 3 with a walk, 2 RBIs and scored 3 times; Bob Paradis went 2 for 4 including a deep blast against the centerfield fence for a double had 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored.
Game notes: Matt Kraynak was the only player in today's lineup without multiple hits - however managed to score twice and drive in two; Today's missed game marks the 3rd time in 3 seasons that Mike Cobb Kraynak slept through a game; Todd Slade got his 3rd triple of the season the most triples for any Predator since Matt Kraynak hit 3 in 2001 and 2003; Despite going 5 for 5 today - King Carl Malinosky continues to trail Fred Bialka for the 2004 regular season batting title: Bialka is batting .684 to Malinoskys .679; The Predators have boosted their average runs scored statistic to 12.1 runs per game.
Predators Sweep Doubleheader - Over .500 Again
Milford, CT (7/11/2004) The Predators took both games of their cross-town doubleheader today by defeating Pro Drywall 17-7 by the mercy rule in 5 innings, then going on to beat Eye On Creation 14-11.
In the afternoon "matinee" at Washington Field - the Predators awoke after a very slow start. After trailing Pro-Drywall 4-2 after 3 innings - the Predators went on the prowl - scoring 7 in the 4th. Taking their fresh 9-7 lead into the bottom of the 5th inning - the Predators fininshed the job: Matt Kraynak led off with a pop fly that was dropped in centerfield allowing him to reach 2nd base. "Prince Dain" Runestad followed with a home run down the right field line making it an 11-7 Predators advantage. After Barry Kresen and Ken Jasmin each drew walks, Bob Paradis had an RBI single; Mike "Cobb" Kraynak reached on an error; and Bill Smith smacked an RBI single making it 13-7 Predators lead. After Todd Slade flew out - he was sent in to pinch run for Mike Kraynak - and ultimately forced a throwing error at 3rd base to push across 2 more Predator runs. After Carl Malinosky reached on an error and Fred Bialka singled to load the bases - Matt Kraynak delivered the game-winning RBI with a sacrifice fly to deep left.
The evening game was played at Platt Tech Field - where the Predators survived a very sloppy game against Eye On Creation. This game also started slowly for the Predators who were only able to be leading 5-3 after 4 innings. The Predators finally got things rolling in the top of 5th inning - scoring 6 times: After Todd Slade singled - Fred Bialka reached on an error; Mike Ranilla and Matt Kraynak each smacked RBI singles; Dain Runestad continued reaching base with a walk and scored after singles by Barry Kresen and Ken Jasmin making it an 11-3 Predator lead. After sutting down EOC in the 5th - the Predators failed to finish off the game in the top of the 6th - only getting 1 run to make it a 13-3 game. In the bottom of the 6th, the Predators suffered a "mini-collapse" yielding 6 runs on some scattered hits and errors - enabling Eye On Creation to climb back into the game at 13-9. The Predators added 1 in the 7th - and held on to a 14 - 11 win.
SCHEDULE CHANGE: Doubleheader July 11th
Milford, CT (7/7/2004) Announced this evening, on Sunday July 11th the Predators will play 2 games. GAME 1 is a make up of the game postponed from Father's Day and will be held 3:30pm at Washington Field. GAME 2 is our regularly scheduled game and will be held 6:00 pm at Platt Tech.
Please confirm your attendance plans for each game right away to Matt Kraynak. Thank you!
Predators Trim "Over the Top Landscaping" 7-6
Milford, CT (6/27/2004) Behind the consistent pitching of Bill Smith, the Predators overcame an early 3-0 deficit to defeat Over the Top Landscaping by a score of 7-6. In the top of the first, Over the Top Landscaping scrapped for 3 runs on 3 hits. The Predators immediately responded in the bottom of the first with 4 runs: Bill Smith led off with a walk; Carl Malinosky tripled and scored on an overthrow by the left fielder. Dave Weiss and Fred Bialka each singled and later scored on a sac fly by Kevin McTigue and a fielders choice by Matt Kraynak giving the Predators a 4-3 lead after 1.
Over the Top Landscaping regained the lead with 2 runs in the 3rd and one in the 4th making it a 6-4 game. In the bottom of the 5th the Predators tied things up 6-6 after Bill Smith walked; Carl Malinosky homered driving in Smith. In the bottom of the 6th with some great drama - the Predators rallied to bring home what proved to be the winning run. Matt Kraynak led off the bottom of the 6th with a spectacular lead-off left-handed-swinging strikeout. Mike Ranilla followed with a single. After Bob Paradis popped to 2nd base Predator hero of the day Dain Runestad delivered a clutch single driving a ball over first base far enough away to enable Ranilla to score all the way from 1st base.
Games Notes: Mike Cobb Kraynak received his 1st warning of the season from the home plate umpire for remarks made during the game. Cobb usually receives between 3 and 4 warnings per season and is running behind his usual pace. Matt Kraynaks left-handed strikeout in the 6th inning was the first strikeout he suffered with the Predators since the regrettable 1999 season when he struck out 3 times over a 2 game period. Dave Godzilla Weiss also struck out swinging this afternoon to lead off the 3rd inning. It was Weiss first strikeout in a Predator uniform.
PREDATORS POSTPONE FATHER'S DAY GAME JUNE 20th
With the unavailability of players (being either injured or away for the father's day holiday), the Predators have requested and received a postponement of the game scheduled June 20th against Pro Drywall. The new date, time and venue for this game will be determined at a later date.
Get Well and Enjoy the holiday!!
Predators Thump Orange Ale House 19-9 in 5 Innings
|  | | The Predators after a 19-9 thumping of Orange Ale House | |
Milford, CT (6/13/2004) This afternoon the Predators snapped their 3-game losing streak by hammering Orange Ale House 19-9 in just 5 innings - invoking the 10-run mercy rule. Todays game saw the return of Bob Paradis from his DL rehab assignment, and the introduction of Kevin McTigue who filled in for Rick Ruiz at 3rd base.
After Orange Ale House picked up a run in the top of the 1st, the Predators responded with a manufactured run. Bill Smith and Carl Malinosky each walked, and Dave Weiss singled to load the bases. After the slumping Matt Kraynak popped out to 2nd, Todd Slade popped the ball up between 1st base and home. On the play Bill Smith displayed good heads up and hustle as he tagged up at third and literally stole home as the Orange Ale House catcher abandoned home plate on the play.
In the 2nd inning, Orange Ale House picked up another 3 runs taking a 4-1 lead. In the bottom of the 2nd the Predators let loose with an 8 run outburst. After Mike Ranilla, Dain Runestad and Barry Kresen drew walks, Mike Cobb Kraynak reached on an error by the shortstop scoring Ranilla. In his 1st at bat of the season, Bob Paradis drove in the 1st of his 3 RBIs on the day with a bases loaded walk - pushing across Runestad. Bill Smith followed with an RBI single, and Carl Malinosky also singled. Dave Weiss singled to left and came all the way around to score as the Orange Ale House Left Fielder committed a 3-base error. With that play, the Predators took a 9-4 lead after 2. In the 3rd Orange Ale House responded with 3 more runs making it a 9-7 game. The next scoring came in the bottom of the 4th as the Predators pushed another 9 runs across. Carl Malinosky led off with a single that was followed by a Dave Weiss triple. Matt Kraynak roped a single to left driving in Weiss, giving the Predators an 11-7 lead. Todd Slade singled to center, and Kevin McTigue drove a ball past the shortstop scoring Kraynak. Mike Ranilla hit a sacrifice fly, driving in Slade. Dain Runestad and Barry Kresen reached on an error and Mike Kraynak walked. Bob Paradis hit a sacrifice fly and after a poor throw by Orange Ales house - 2 runs came in. Bill Smith dropped in an RBI single, Carl Malinosky singled and Dave Weiss drove in another run with a single.
In the 5th inning orange Ale House scrapped for 2 runs to keep the game alive but barely. The Predators closed up the game after Todd Slade led off the Predator 5th with a triple and scored the final run of the game on an RBI single by Kevin McTigue.
Matt Kraynak commented: This was the kind of game we played all last season. We showed much more patience at the plate drawing 8 walks. We saw a good spray of contributions up and down the lineup. Getting a mercy rule win is always good. We earned it today.
Ruiz lost to Disabled List; Predators Recall Kevin McTigue
Milford, CT (6/11/2004) This afternoon the Predators learned that veteran 3rd baseman Rick Ruiz will placed on the DL for approximately 3-5 weeks with a knee injury. Ruiz joins Ken Jasmin and Bob Paradis who were already on the Predators expanding DL. To fill the hole left at 3rd base, the Predators have recalled journeyman Infielder/Pitcher Kevin McTigue from their Chattanooga Moonshiners developmental squad. McTigue has excelled with the Moonshiners in 2004, batting .578 with 16 home runs and 44 RBI's. McTigue is slated to play 3rd base this Sunday June 13th as the Predators take on Orange Ale House.
B&J Sends Predators Packing 5-4 in 8 innings
|  | | Predators Rick Ruiz and Bill Smith - seemingly "caged" in today's loss | |
Milford, CT (6/6/2004) Under the overcast skies at Foote Field, the Predators 2004 campaign suffered another setback, enduring a pitiful 5-4, eighth-inning loss to B&J Hyatt. Making the loss even more disturbing was the fact that B&J got away with the win, having been shut out the first 5 innings, and having been outhit by the Predators 11-8.
The first 2 innings went by quickly for both teams with the only hit by either team coming as a single by Dave Weiss. In the 3rd inning, the Predators took a 10 lead after Rick Ruiz reached on an error and later scored on a 2-out single by Mike Cobb Kraynak. The Predators added to their lead in the 3rd inning. After Dave Weiss tripled, Matt Kraynak drove Weiss home with a soft single to left field. Kraynak was advanced to 2nd base on a sacrifice fly by Fred Bialka, and subsequently scored courtesy of a Todd Slade triple making the score 3-0 in favor of the Predators.
In the 5th inning, the Predators should have scored but squandered their opportunities. Rick Ruiz led off the inning with a single but was thrown out at 2nd trying to stretch the hit into a double. Mike Ranilla immediately followed with a double that potentially would have knocked in Ruiz. Barry Kresen drew a Walk setting up runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out. Mike Cobb Kraynak then hit into a Fielders choice, and Bill Smith popped out to 1st - stranding 2 runners on base.
After B&J got 2 runs in the 6th on a 2-run blast by their leadoff batter, the Predators scraped another run together. Carl Malinosky singled, was advanced to 3rd on a single by Fred Bialka. Malinosky scored when Todd Slade reached on an error by the B&J left fielder - making it a 4-2 game. In the top of the 7th B&J struck again on a single, a triple and a sacrifice fly tying the game and eventually sending it to extra innings. In the top of the 8th, the Predators let B&J take the lead with 2 crucial errors. The leadoff batter reached base on a mis-judged fly ball, and advanced to 3rd base after a routine throw was dropped by the Predator first baseman. This set up a sacrifice fly by the B&J cleanup hitter - giving them a 5-4 lead.
In the bottom of the 8th, the Predators started a very late rally. After the 1st 2 batters quickly made outs, shortstop Carl Malinosky came through with a clutch single to right. Hot-hitting Dave Weiss followed with a Walk setting the stage for Predator cleanup batter Matt Kraynak. Kraynak ran the count to 3 and 2 before swinging at a low strike and popping out to the 2nd baseman stranding the final runners of the game.
Matt Kraynak summarized: Four runs wont get you much past the 2nd inning of any game. With the exception of a few players our collective team is flat-lining at the plate. A big part of this is a lack of patience. A lack of patience also leads to a lack of confidence. Were seeing a lot of swings at 1st pitch junk balls. Our team has drawn only 4 walks in the course of 3 games. That speaks volumes to me. To be successful as hitters, we MUST exercise patience at the plate. At this point, we need to let go of the last 3 games, and renew our resolve - one game at a time, one at-bat at a time - and one pitch at a time.
Predators Dumped by Bulldogs 15-4
| |  | | Dave Weiss - lonely baserunner versus the Bulldogs |
Milford, CT (5/25/2004) Under threatening skies and with the ominous rumble of thunder in the distance, the Predators dropped a 15-4 decision to the Bulldogs. From all accounts, the Bulldogs appear to be a vastly improved team as compared to the team they fielded in 2003. The Bulldogs seem to have added several players who can hit well, and also appear to play better defense than last season.
For the Predators, it was another example of letting a game go purely due to a lack of offense. This was especially true for the middle of the Predators lineup. Batters 4,5,6 & 7 in the Predator lineup had an abysmal 1 for 12 showing at the plate. This kind of performance quashed run generation opportunities. Despite this - there were a few offensive highlights for the Predators: Bill Smith had 2 singles and scored; Dave Weiss went 2 for 3 and had 2 RBIs; Fred Bialka broke his long drought at the plate, going 2 for 2 and scoring twice; and Barry Kresen also singled and scored.
With the loss, the Predators season record dropped to 0-2, matching their start from the 2003 season.
Predators Lose 1st Game as History Repeats
|  | | The Predator Bench "Looking for a Spark" | |
Milford, CT (5/16/2004) Nothing stings more than learning the same lesson twice said Matt Kraynak shortly after the Predators opening day loss; On opening day 2003 we mounted a 9-run lead in the first inning, only to let it slip away in a one-run loss. Today we took an 8-run lead in the first - and once again came out with a 1-run loss. Its a shame but thats why we play the whole game.
On a glorious May afternoon the Predators played against Keepers/Orange Ale House at Foote field. Keepers had quite a lineup of plus size players who were able to pound the ball well. The Keepers crew drew first blood scoring 3 in the top of the first on a flurry of hits. In the bottom of the first the Predators answered big time scoring 11 runs on 11 hits. Bill Smith and Carl Malinosky starting the Predator assault with back-to-back singles. Bill Smith showed great heads up and by advancing to 3rd base. Dave Godzilla Weiss singled to drive in Smith. Matt Kraynak doubled to drive in Malinosky. Todd Slade reached on a Fielders choice knocking in Kraynak. Rick Ruiz reached on error setting up another scoring opportunity. Bill Holsworth followed with a single to load the bases. Fred Bialka ripped a single to drive in two more runs. Mike Cobb Kraynak singled bringing up Bill Smith who singled to load the bases again. Carl Malinosky completed the explosive first inning with a 3-run double.
After Keepers took a run back in the 2nd the Predators answered with one after Mike Ranilla reached on fielders choice and eventually scored on a single by Rick Ruiz. Unfortunately this would be the last of the Predators scoring for the day. Keepers went on to add 2 in the 3rd; 2 in the 4th and the back-breaking 5 runs in the top of the 7th to steal the game away.
Opening Day Rained Out: Team Gets Time To Heal
Milford, CT (5/2/2004) The Predators opening day game will have to wait a couple of weeks, as poor playing conditions prevailed today. The cancellation of today's game was a stroke of luck for the Predators - who were otherwise planning to replace injured outfielders Todd Slade and Barry Kresen with Matt Kraynak and Bill Smith. The next action for the Predators is slated for May 16th.
Predators Use New Technology To Analyze Swings
| |  | | Todd has his eyes on the ball while Barry tries to stay balanced in the box |
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Milford, CT (4/18/2004) The Predators unveiled a new tool in their quest to improve batting production. The new technology leverages a combination of hidden cameras, biometric diodes, micro-synchrotrons and lasers to analyze and illustrate all aspects of a players swing. In the photos above - the red lines pinpoint where the batters eyes are focused; the yellow lines indicate bat direction; the white lines indicates incorrect balance of body positions and the blue line indicates either the ball altitude or ball path (depending on the setting). This technology will be used to provide Predator players scientific feedback of what is going well - or not well with their swings.
2nd Practice: Sunday April 25th at Platt Tech 3:45pm
| |  | | Todd Slade discovers a "new position" at practice April 18, 2004 |
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Our 2nd practice of 2004 will be Sunday 4/25 at Platt Tech Field. Our permit runs from 4:00pm to 5:30pm - however please arrive early so that we can make the most of the time we will have.
This week Mike "Cobb" Kraynak will miss practice - while Rick Ruiz will join us in an attempt to win back his 3rd base position from Todd Slade.
Courtesy Runners At Last!!!
Milford, CT (3/23/2004) Rules for this year's Milford Sunday Night League were published earlier today. Although most of the league's traditional rules remain the same, one major change will be implemented in 2004. For the first time, a courtesy runner may be used. The new rule states:
"One courtesy runner will be allowed per inning. Courtesy runner will be the last recorded out."
Although we'll just have to "go figure" regarding the last portion of the rule, the introduction of a courtesy runner provision has been long overdue. Also published today was the "black list" of bats. The complete list of bats that are banned from use in the Milford Sunday Night League is as follows:
Demarini "Dark"
Easton "SCX2 Synergy"
Easton "SCX23 Synergy Plus"
Louisville Slugger "SB34 Genesis"
Miken "Ultra (Balanced)"
Miken "Ultra (Maxload)"
Miken "Ultra II"
Worth "EST9"
Worth "XEST9X"
Worth "QESTFP"
Worth "SBWK"
Worth "Wicked(Slow Pitch Version Only)"
Worth "XWICKX (Slow Pitch Version Only)"
Worth "WWSC Wicked Composite (Slow Pitch Version Only)
The complete list of approved bats for 2004 is available at www.asasoftball.com
The Call: We're back...baby !!!
Milford, CT (3/9/2004) The call came in - just like clockwork. At 6:55PM this evening, the call from League Commissioner Al DelloRusso to Predator GM Matt Kraynak transpired. "Hi Matt.... DelloRusso. Are you guys playing again?". Kraynak responds "Absolutely ... we're playing again...we're back!" DelloRusso - "OK - I'll send the paperwork shortly..." Done.
For twenty years, "the call" has been a symbol of the season, of continuity, and of renewal. God willing, "the call" will remain a fond ritual for many years to come.
Winter Meeting 2004: Pitchers and Pizzas Report
Milford, CT (2/29/2004) The Predators held their 5th Annual Winter meeting this evening, officially kicking off their 21st season in the Milford Sunday Night League. The usual crowd of Predator players and Predator faithful enjoyed several pizzas and consumed a number of pitchers that reportedly reached double digits.
Prior to the team meeting, a pre-meeting conference between Predator GM Matt Kraynak and aging veteran shortstop Carl Malinosky was held. Although not all details of the conference were available, it is believed that King Carl was pleading for additional clauses to be added to his outrageous 2004 contract. In a post-conference interview, Kraynak cited that if Malinosky were to hurt himself in an unfortunate non-softball accident, that the team would immediately seek another shortstop no matter what the cost. Kraynak appeared to be gleeful as Malinosky left the Winter Meeting early to participate in a hockey game up in Waterbury.
Business items discussed (on and off) during the Winter Meeting included:
Sponsorship Issues: The anticipated change of Predator team sponsorship after the 2004 season, and a discussion of a prominent doughnut franchise to sponsor one Predators uniform exclusively.
Personnel Updates: Ken Jasmin to return to the Active List and Bill Holsworth to return to the On-Call List.
Promotional Updates: Mike Juice Krajewski out on the road in support of his Instructional Video, and Krajewski's scheduled appearance at Toads Place in New Haven on Wednesday March 10th.
Schedule Updates: The target First Practice is anticipated to be Sunday April 18th. The team will play a maximum of 2 games in May and might schedule a practice on Memorial Day weekend.
In honor of it being leap year day, and for the lack of having Mike Krajewski or Carl Malinosky present at the close of the meeting, the Dumont Piece was left uneaten.
Winter 2004 - Roster Updates Announced
Milford, CT (2/15/2004) Today the Predators announced player status changes for the 2004 roster. Bill The Hammer Holsworth will be moving to an exclusive on-call status for the balance of the 2004 season, so that he may focus on nuptial-related activities. During the 2003 season, Holsworth participated in 6 games, batting .300 and slugging one home run. In an unrelated update, utility infielder Ken Jasmin, who missed the entire 2003 season due to injury, has been cleared to play for the Predators once again. Ken will re-join the Predators active roster for 2004. In 2002, Jasmin batted .429 with an on-base-percentage of .481. As during 2002, Ken is expected to platoon in different infield assignments throughout the season. At this time, the team eagerly awaits confirmation regarding the return of veteran Billy Smith. Also fueling the rumor mill were questions regarding Mike Juice Krajewski. Juice was last believed to be out supporting the release of his instructional video Krajewski Ball: How To Hit .750. Additional updates are expected to be stated at the Predators annual Winter Meeting slated for February 29th.
Krajewski Instructional DVD To Be Released
| |  | | Clip From Upcoming Krajewski Video |
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Milford, CT (2/8/2004) On the heels of his finest batting season to date, veteran infielder Mike Juice Krajewski will resurrect his previously scrapped instructional batting video from the 1990s and release it on DVD later this week. The revised film entitled Krajewski Ball: How To Hit .750 will come with a commemorative 8x10 black and white photo of the Predator slugger (folded once). The updated video explores the mental and physical batting techniques of Mike Krajewski narrated and demonstrated by the master himself. The DVD version includes multi-angle features and reveals some of Krajewskis most coveted secrets including: Pre-Game Rituals, Swinging At Balls That Are Over Your Head and Hitting the 3rd Base Line Every Time.
The release of Krajewskis video appears to pre-empt a similar project rumored to be underway by King Carl Malinosky. Like Krajewski, Malinosky hit .750 in 2003 and has expressed an interest in the instructional video market. There was no immediate word from the Malinosky camp.
 | | Mike "Juice" Krajewski Demonstrates "Optimal" Ball Height |
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Malinosky Declines Arbitration - Signs Extension For 2004
|  | | Local News Reporting Malinosky Signing |
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Milford, CT (12/31/2003) The Predators front office shocked the softball world today by signing aging veteran shortstop Carl Malinosky to yet another contract extension. Malinosky whose age has never been confirmed due to sketchy birth records from Cuba, will once again be wearing Uniform #30 for the Predators. The signing came after a marathon drinking session in the basement of the Predators sponsor.
The deal signed this evening makes Malinosky the lowest paid Predator in team history, however does include numerous incentive bonus clauses. Some examples of Malinosky's 2004 incentive bonus clauses were released - including: If Carl goes through a 7-inning game without a fielding error, he will get a gold star affixed to his forehead. Should Carl bring more than 5 fans to any regular season Predator game in 2004, he will receive a pat on the back from Mike Cobb Kraynak. Should Carl bring a girlfriend to a game, he shall receive a standing ovation from the Predator bench in the middle of the 5th inning. If Carl goes 4 for 4 or better in any regular season game, he will earn a coupon good for sitting next to Mike Juice Krajewski on the players bench for any 1 (one) regular season game. Should Carl hit more home runs in 2004 than Dave Godzilla Weiss; he will receive a bottle of Wild Turkey to chug at the annual season-end get together. Malinoskys contract reportedly rambles on for a total of 69 such clauses.
 | | Carl Malinosky and Matt Kraynak before and after New Year's Eve negotiations.... |
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Space Exploration And Softball Collide
|  | | Image From Europe's "Beagle 2" Rover |
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Devon, CT (1/16/2004) The European Space Agencys robotic space craft "Beagle 2" that touched down on Mars on Christmas Day 2003 was finally contacted early yesterday morning. A single image depicting a reddish, rocky plain was received as proof of the rovers landing. NASA scientists immediately detected a discrepancy in the photo that allegedly supports claims of Beagle 2s success. As can be viewed from the enhanced photo (left), it is clearly shown that a pitchers mound, home plate and bases are among the objects on the alien surface. Upon further analysis, NASA scientists concluded that the Beagle 2 did not reach Mars, rather, the rover successfully landed at West Shore Field on the west side of Milford, Connecticut U.S.A.
The aim of the Beagle 2 mission was to look for life on Mars, and to see how the mountains and rocks formed on that planet. With the latest revelation, the rover will be re-programmed to detect a soft-powdery substance believed to be hiding deep below the baselines of the ancient softball field.
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