Hops Enter 2007 With High Expectations
by Frerin Rockear
Caradhras Courier-Journal
Misty Mountain Hops Baseball
MISTY MTN - After a disappointing 2006 season that saw the Hops surge, fall, surge and fall one last time, the team re-focused its energies on its internal structure, working hard on players already within the system. One big trade, however, was completed in the off-season, with young pitching prospects Tanta Gardener and Sormina Glyrion being sent to Mirkwood for their ace reliever, Gebur Chiselmaker. The thought is that the Hops are making absolutely positive their pitching is in excellent shape before turning their focus onto fielding and hitting.
The Rule 5 draft saw catching prospect Phaitina Fandir snatched from the heavily-pillaged Rohan Roughriders, while Dagorlad took 8-position player Nunk Gnomedragger from the Hops in the same draft. With top catching prospect Bagwurz Bloodaxe already anchoring home plate, it looks like the platoon behind the plate might grow into the best in the league.
With Frodo Rookie Award Winner Hudash "Rolling Thunder" Elfprodder returning to defend his Sam Gamgee Batting Title, the Hops look to have grown into their roles more this season, and it's hoped that the team's ownership will be able to pull off something big to help out in the not-so-distant future.
With the season but days away, we're ready to show up at the Gap of Rohan Stadium at Caradhras to cheer our team on. We look forward to seeing everyone on Monday, April 4th, for Wizard Staff Day when Dunharrow makes its first appearance here this season, and definitely hope everyone shows up on April 1st for the season-opener against Grey Havens, with Tanta Stinkblossom guaranteed to get her first start of the season.
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