It was on July 10 that a post was published proclaiming, “Tornadoes Take the Lead.” In Flint Hill we were enthused, but also knew that there was significant work to do to maintain the lead. Apparently, our lead was fake, and (presumably at the request of the Dragon management) a recount was enacted, showing that the Tornado lead was nothing but a mirage. Tornado management was heartbroken by this oversight, understandably. Have you ever given good news to someone, only to moments later tell them it was all a lie? The emotional rollercoaster our players were subjected to was no “It’s a Small World” ride, and it has proven to be detrimental to the psyche of our team. Here is the proof:
Offense since July 10:
AVG OBP SLG OPS
| .212 | .291 | .342 | .633 |
Pitching since July 10:
IP ERA
| 53.0 | 6.11 |
There is growing concern with the psychological toll such an error has taken on this surprising group of players. No one expected the Tornadoes to be doing so well, and management has tried to quell rumors among the players that the commissioner is in league with the “old guard,” though the recent ascent of Pittsburgh to the top is not helping to douse these suspicions.
The good new is that with the Frazier trade, Moncada is now up and ready to ignite a spark under the “Whimpering Winds.” Time will tell if this twinkie-loving top prospect is enough to turn things around.
Yes – the Dragon takeover and the rapid rise of the Allegheny hills give ample cause for concern. On the other hand, as long as the floundering Wolverines (quite the mental movie, that) remain sunk in ignominy somewhere in the lower reaches of the EFL, it will be tough to float a persuasive conspiracy theory. Flint Hill and Cottage represent the hope of the free world against the evil Old Guard.
I didn’t see this for the first three days it was up. I don’t know why, but I assure you it’s not due to any preference for Old Guard teams. Nothing galls an Old Guard team more than another Old Guard team winning a championship while one’s own team wanders in the remote wilderness regions of the EFL.