The Owners Box

Breaking News - New York Blues, 10/24/07

Team Owner/President/General Manager Michael Rippe has come out in support of his NY Blues after an entertaining and rocky start to the 2007 campaign. The Blues in first place of the Federal League at 24-18 and have had a very exciting first 5 weeks. The Blues lead the league in Runs Scored (235) and Runs Against (230).  While the offense has certainly been there for the Blues, the pitching needs to be more consistent says Rippe.  Rippe has hailed the way rookie closer Jonathan Papelbon has pitched this season with a .5 era and also spoke well of Ron Guidry. However, Rippe decided to blast a couple of his players after poor performances. Apparently one of these players Jon Hiller has been hearing the talk about his play from Rippe over the past few weeks and this past week a face-off took place.  The latest word from the locker room from insiders say Rippe told Hiller of his "promotion" to mop-up duty and John didn't appreciate it to o much.  Hiller apparently told Rippe some words that cannot be repeated at which point Rippe engaged Hiller and a fight ensued.  Sources say Rippe got in a punch below the belt to which Hiller fell to the ground and Rippe stated "Enjoy mop-up duty you chump", as he left the clubhouse. Needless to say, Rippe has begun calling around the league to offer up Hiller as well as discuss any other trades from some offensive pieces other clubs may be interested in. Rippe is waiting to hear from others...