Category Archives: Free

Tough times for Bauer

The Japan Series champion DeNA BayStars lost 4-3 in Hiroshima to the Carp Wednesday. Trevor Bauer (4-8) allowed all four Hiroshima runs on six hits including a pair of doubles and his Central League-leading ninth home run, a solo shot by first-year Carp Elehuris Montero.

Bauer has been able to get strikeouts, and leads qualified pitchers in whiffs per nine inning because the CL’s strikeout leader, first-year Hanshin Tigers right-hander Jon Duplantier, hasn’t thrown enough innings to qualify. Bauer’s ERA sank to an NPB-worst 4.06.

Murderer’s row

In other news, now that former Marine lefty Dan Serafini has been convicted of murdering his father in law, two of the people I’ve interviewed in my writing career have been found guilty of murder. He was also charged with attempted murder of his mother in law, who was injured and later died of an apparent suicide.

After Serafini was arrested, I recalled the times I spent with him while he pitched with the Marines.

Continue reading Tough times for Bauer

Marines look at new base

The Lotte Marines, in cooperation with the city of Chiba and Chiba Prefecture are looking at relocating across the street from their current digs, city-owned and Lotte-operated Chiba Marine Stadium.

The ballpark, which opened in 1990 on the eastern shore of Tokyo Bay, is suffering damage from the salt air, with rust visible on the metal parts of the stands. Leaks have developed in the indoor training facility, although it was only constructed after the 2010 season.

Continue reading Marines look at new base