The Dandy Dozen: Del Gil

Del Gil none none Age: 37 B/T: L/R Born: Boca Chica, DO Position(s): RF/CIF/LF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Resume: Del Gil won the NL Rookie of the Year award in Season 2, hitting .300 with a then record 70 HRs and 165 RBI for the Norfolk Admirals. Del would move with the team to Charlotte and Harrisburg before being dealt to the Mexico City Bandejos prior to season 7. In return, the franchise got SS Pablo Guerrero who would play just one season of excellent defense in Washington before departing via free agency, RP Bobby Joe Tollberg who struggled in 2 seasons as the closer before being traded again, and P Pete O'Brien who would put in just one season for DC.

Gil, however, would go on to hit 273 HR's for Mexico City before wrapping up his career in Arizona and Sioux Falls. His career major league totals include 598 HRs (3rd all-time)and 1468 RBI (top 10 all-time). Gil won MVPs in Season 7 (.323, 73 HR, 204 RBI) and Season 10 (.304, 50 HR, 138 RBI), both with Mexico City. He was named silver slugger 3 times at 3B and twice in RF, but made the all-star team just 4 times. He also won the HR Derby in Season 10.

Gil holds the Tampa Bay franchise record for HR (273) and is 3rd in team history with 661 RBI. He's also 3rd in Mexico City history with 271 HR and 677 RBI. He owns single season records for HR (Mexico City 73 and Tampa Bay 70) and RBI (Mexico City 204 and Tampa Bay 2nd with 165).

The Rest of the Story:
Gil desperately wants another chance this season to get his 600th HR which would tie him with long-time rival, Dick Caruso, who retired. Only Banjo White has more HR in 2nd City history (613).

However, Gil hasn't always left on good terms (http://hbd2ndcity.blogspot.com/2009/04/legends-on-move.htm) and he may not get the opportunity to hit # 600. He and Caruso, a former teammate in Charlotte, often spar in the press. In fact, agents for both men refuse to sign autograph deals with any collectors show without getting assurances that the other will not also be appearing. Caruso remains upset that Gil's name is the only one besides his on the
Tampa Bay single season HR listing. And, neither man will concede that other's 70 HR season was better, or even as good as, his own.

So, the two remain Grumpy old men, and Gil begs for a chance to play somewhere, anywhere in the major leagues to get #600, or even better, #601. (picture to the right reflects artist rendition of Caruso and Gil in 20 years)

Legends on the move

A flurry of early free agent signings included two Second City Legends.

Dick Caruso Texas Riders Age: 37 B/T: L/L Born: Du Bois, PA Position(s): 1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Dick Caruso, Second City's all-time HR leader with 586 dingers singed with the Texas Riders. The Riders will be 37-year old Caruso's 4th franchise. Caruso was excited at the fresh start and short porch in Texas. "I hit only 18 HR's last year and that's not acceptable. I'm hoping that the warm weather and short fences in Arlington bring me back to the numbers I'm used to producing." There's no word yet on where Texas will play Caruso who's diminishing athleticism limits his options defensively. One thing is certain, there's likely to be a brawl over that 600th HR ball if and when it lands somewhere in Texas.

Del Gil Arizona Isotopes of Albuquerque Age: 35 B/T: L/R Born: Boca Chica, DO Position(s): RF/CIF/LF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Del Gil, 2nd in Second City in career HR's with 558 has left the defending champion Mexico City Bandejos for the Arizona Isotopes of Albuquerque. Gil ended a run 6 six consecutive 50 HR seasons with a measly 48 long ones for the Bandejos last season. Gil did not react well to a playoff benching last season and didn't hesitate to take a parting shot at Mexico City management on his way out the door. "dyuen and his staff don't stand behind their people. I'm not the first guy to carry this team and then be thrown overboard and I won't be the last. Hopefully the Arizona franchise will appreciate what I do for them, and the league."

Sounds like sour grapes if ever there way. Whatever Mexico City's methods, it's hard to criticize the results. They keep winning titles and spending a lot less than the rest of the league.

Playoff Preview (Mexico City)

Mexico City Bandejos (NL South Champs, NL #1 seed)
The Bandejos staged a late season rally to claim their 4th straight NL South title. Incidentally, their 3 WS titles all came after wild card seasons. The Bandejos won 29 of 39 late season games before resting some starters in a 10 of 18 finish.

Hitting:
2b Jalal Rivera (.301-44-131) and RF Del Gil (.304-50-138) power an explosive offense. Season 8 MVP Alex Shibata remains a dangerous force but hasn't been the same since his break-up with Japanese pop star Jun Shibata. His .258 average and 42 HR's are career lows for the 2nd straight season. This season's 124 K's are 28 more than he's had in any previous season.

Team BA: .283
Team HR: 285
Team SB: 138

Pitching:
Ozzie Myers (18-6, 3.32 ERA) and Brian Jung (20-7, 3.31 ERA) form a dangerous 1-2 punch in the rotation. Willie Velazquez (13-4, 3.06) is likely to get the #3 spot for the playoffs despite where some pretty lame eye black. Rob Shields appears to have lost the closer role to veteran Benjamin Ardoin. The end of the bullpen might be the only vulnerability in this perenial contendor.

Team ERA: 3.65
Team SV: 41-65
Team HR Allow: 181