Pelletier - Wolfe Rift Seen as Key in Intrasquad World Series

Losing 1999 Team Black teammates Eric Pelletier and Josh Wolfe have parted ways and taken the reins of this year's Intrasquad World Series ball clubs, which open play today in the 2000 Guilford Fall Classic.

"Pelletier is why we lost last year," Wolfe said. "If he could run, throw, hit, or catch, we'd be defending champions. This should be a tip-toe through the tulips with him running the show."

Pelletier seems undeterred by Wolfe's comments. "So?" was his understated reply.

While starting pitchers have yet to be announced, Wolfe's Team Black is expected to open with top draft pick Anthony Ramakis. While inconsistent at times, Ramakis has been as good as anyone on the roster this regular season. His experience alone gives him a leg up on most Team Cardinal rock slingers. Team Cardinal may counter with Pelletier himself, the only pitcher on the roster with postseason experience.

"I haven't decided if I'll throw myself in game 1 or not," Pelletier said. "But whenever I do throw I'm sure I'll challenge the World Series strikeout record (18 set last year by Chad Coward in a 10-inning game) and probably hit a couple of home runs. Who do they think can get me out, Wolfe?"

Vegas oddsmakers make Team Cardinal a slight 37:36 betting favorite as the series opens under skies predicted to be partly cloudy and 84 degrees. Some strange factors may tell the story. Temperatures are expected to dip into the 40's as play continues through the weekend. Team Cardinal freshman Pat Murphy has vowed to "jump the club if we don't win in 5 games." The brash rookie has packed his bags and made flight reservations for next Friday afternoon in anticipation of a quick, efficient series victory.

Team Black has other ideas, having loaded its roster with lefthand hitters to challenge the offerings of Team Cardinal righties Pelletier and Brad Franklin.

"It was our intent in the draft to make the most of every matchup we could," Wolfe said. "We feel like we're bigger, faster and stronger, the only advantage they have is 'dumb luck.'"

Team Cardinal hosts game 1 and 2 this Friday (2:10) and Saturday (12:45) before heading to Team Black for a 12:45 tilt Sunday. In a surprise move, league commissioner Gene Baker has tabbed Team Black freshman Ciahnan Miller and Team Cardinal junior Tim Huie as umpires for the first three games in the absence of assistant commissioner Adam Taylor, who will be taking an unexpected vacation at an AAU showcase in Port St Lucie, Florida.

"I'm certain this decision will create problems for the casual fan, but I hope Tim and Ciahnan can rise above their team allegiances and call them as they see them. There were doubts about my umpiring crew last year, but don't think they changed the outcome of more than 3 or 4 games. Hey, nobody's perfect."

- G. Baker