Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)
AVIATORS | WEEKLY TOP 10
1. Where’s the beef?
The Aviators have received quality starting pitching from Miguel Romero and Brian Howard during the first two games of the current homestand against Tacoma, only to have their prolific offense go AWOL. They lost lost 4-1 Thursday and 6-3 Friday and dropped three in a row at home heading into Saturday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners’ top farm club.
2. In like Finn
Finn the Bat Dog will be making a special appearance at each of the next two homestands, with Saturday night’s game against Tacoma marking the popular canine’s 2021 debut. Meanwhile, Finn’s pal. Bark-Andre Furry, is still dragging his tail after the Golden Knights traded his favorite goalie to Chicago on Tuesday.
3. Schmidt happens at LV Ballpark
Former VGK defenseman Nate Schmidt made one of the best catches of the year at Las Vegas Ballpark in robbing one of the Raiders of a home run in a charity softball game last Saturday. The spectacular snag curried him no favor with the Vancouver Canucks, who traded Schmidt to the Winnipeg Jets three days later.
4. Slip Slammin’ away
Interesting stat of the week, courtesy of Aviators in-house reporter Matt Jacob: With his grand slam during a 10-6 victory over Salt Lake last Sunday, catcher Carlos Perez became the first Las Vegas player to hit three salamis in a season since infielder Brooks Conrad in 2005.
5. What will Jesus do?
Although Jesus Luzardo was trying to get his groove back with the Aviators after starting the season in the A’s rotation, more than one baseball expert believes Oakland might have given up on the 23-year-old left-hander too soon in trading him to the Marlins Wednesday for former All-Star outfielder Starling Marte, who is 32.
6. Eastbound and down
Outfielder Greg Deichmann became the second Aviators .300 hitter to become property of the Chicago Cubs in as many weeks. The A’s on Monday traded the former second-round draft pick for relief pitcher Andrew Chafin. The Cubs claimed Frank Schwindel —who may get a shot at first base in Chicago after Anthony Rizzo was traded to the Yankees — off waivers earlier this month.
7. Know it …
The Aviators have announced a three-tiered updated mask and COVID prevention policy. All patrons at Las Vegas Ballpark must wear a face covering indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings are exempt outdoors only for vaccinated fans.
8. … Learn it …
Las Vegas Ballpark is a cashless venue and no cash will exchange hands with the exception of the $2 beer stands on Thursday nights. A digital-only ticket system will be implemented for all games/events, with early registration encouraged. Fans can learn how to access tickets via the Summerlin app and their Ticketmaster account manager page.
9. … Live it
Bags must be no larger than 16 inches x 16 inches x 8 inches to be allowed into the ballpark. Backpacks are not permitted.
10. Aviators quick quiz
Which former Las Vegas player once prevented a potential ugly situation from developing in the stands during a game in Portland by tossing a souvenir baseball to a hecklers? A: Mike Martin. B: Jerry DeSimone. C: Larry Brown. D: David Ross.
The correct answer is David Ross. It happened in 2002 when the Cubs manager was a 25-year-old catcher still trying to break into the major leagues.
“I’m not saying that I have always handled those (situations) the right way, but that showed me what can happen when you turn things around,” Ross said after being cheered by fans sitting near the instigators.