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Coach Nicholson and his staff look to take Orleans back to the playoffs

Cardinals Start Second Half Of The Season Jockeying For Playoff Position

The Cardinals look to break out of a logjam in the Eastern Division standings in the second half of the season

July 11, 2007

By: Jon Tosches - Orleans Cardinals Intern

For Cape Cod locals, July marks the season to complain about the tourists and heavy summer traffic.  For the 2007 Orleans Cardinals, now is the time to officially set your rosters and look ahead to the second half of the season.   At the midway point of the season, Manager Kelly Nicholson and the Cardinals understand the makeup of this summer’s club, the need to focus on what they do best, and fight for a coveted playoff spot.

“I really like our pitching and defense this year, and in this league that is huge,” the manager said when asked about the strengths of this year’s team. 

Historically, the Cardinals have been at the top in every pitching category and this year is no different.  As of July 9^th, the Cardinals were leading the CCBL with an ERA of 2.40.  An impressive fact is that no pitcher on the Cardinal roster is among the league leaders in any pitching statistic, which gives them a label of consistency.  This speaks volumes in a league with this much firepower in every opposing lineup. 

In addition to the strong pitching staff, the Cardinals also have some pop in the middle of the lineup.  Dennis Raben (Miami) has lived up to his reputation this summer and is among the leaders in many offensive categories.  He has 5 HR (2^nd), 21 RBI (1^st), .620 SLG (1^st), and 12 extra base hits (1^st).  Raben hopes to continue this pace for the rest of the season.  Coach Nicholson agrees. 

“I knew Dennis was good coming in, but he has really impressed me.  He is a great kid too, and I expect him to continue to play at this level,” Nicholson said. 

There have also been a few pleasant surprises for the club this summer. Michael Schwimer came as a late addition to the roster and he is making the most of his trip to Cape Cod.  He received a late invite to the Cape after his college season ended at Virginia. Hurrying to Orleans, he ended his long drive up the east coast at Eldredge Park, just in time for the Chatham game on June 17^th.  That night he watched the game on the bleachers in street clothes, but he took the mound a few days later and posted a shutout to start his Cape career.  Schwimer hasn’t showed signs of slowing since. 

In four appearances he is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA while posting 14 Ks in 15 innings.  Every time he toes the rubber, he puts the Cardinals in position to win, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.  Baseball America has listed him as one of the stars of the league in the early going. “The 6-foot-7 Schwimer has recorded two wins in his three starts this summer after going 3-1, 2.77 for the Cavaliers during the spring.” 

Schwimer is taking it all in stride and using this experience to grow as a pitcher. 

“I’ve really taken everything I learned at UVA and carried it over to the summer.  I am learning how to pitch to certain players in specific situations,” he said.   “I have really enjoyed learning about pitching and calling my own game,” he added.

Another surprise was Eric Reese (Fordham), who refused to go home this summer. Eric signed a temporary contract and played every game as if it was his last.  In some cases, he thought he was at bat for the last time in the CCBL.  Knowing that he could be released at any time, he played himself into the lineup every night and made it impossible for the club to release him.  Reese, who has been spotted at a few different positions this summer, is currently hitting .258 and is second on the team in both hits and total bases. 

If the Cards expect to bring home another championship, they must continue to receive the same steady contributions that have carried them thus far.   To punch their ticket to the playoffs, the pitching staff must continue to dominant and receive help from every spot in the lineup.

As of July 9^th, the Cardinals find themselves needing 4 points to move into second place.  With the tourist season at full strength, the Brewster Whitecaps, Chatham A’s, and your Orleans Cardinals are creating a traffic jam in the standings that will make everyone happy.  If history is any indication, the Cards should be right in the thick of things come August.  Get your beach chairs and blankets ready for a competitive summer at Eldredge Park.