New Ballpark, New Look for Toronto

After the most dominating post-season in Maelstrom history, all eyes were on the Toronto Blue Jays to see what they would do in the follow-up season. The answer was a new ballpark and a new retro look for the team.

At nearly $300 million, Blue Jays Stadium opened to sellout crowds this year, giving Toronto fans a chance to enjoy baseball at home under blue skies for the first time. The retractable roof ensures that even in the colder months, fans will still be comfortable. Extra amenities and seating, as well as luxury boxes for their most loyal fans is their way of giving back to a city that supported their run to the World Series last year.

To go along with their new stadium, the team announced a change to their logo and uniforms, hearkening back to the team of the early 1990s, when the Blue Jays won 4 division titles in 5 seasons, including 2 straight World Series Championships. The retro logo, modernized to fit the Maelstrom style, was a huge hit with fans even though many had to purchase all new merchandise to avoid looking out of date. While the Blue Jays currently sit 1/2 game behind the surprising Boston Red Sox in the AL East, the team is confident that they've made the right off-season moves.

Past News

Cincy Hopes Goose Will Strengthen Bullpen

What do you do with the best pitching staff in the Maelstrom? If you are Cincinnati Reds GM Nick Gervasi, you make it even better. After losing to Los Angeles in the first round of the playoffs last season, the Reds decided to make some changes. They already had arguably the best rotation in baseball, led by Legend Walter Johnson. What they turned their sights on was assembling the best bullpen.

The foundation was made with a pair of trades. One brought in Brewer closer Ricardo Acosta, who had saved 31 games for Milwaukee last season with a 2.56 ERA. The other brought in someone potentially even better. Shortly after being selected by the Detroit Tigers in the first round of the Maelstrom draft, Rich "Goose" Gossage was on his way to Cincinnati to become their closer.

The 22-year old legend had saved nearly 100 games for USC in the Maelstrom College League. His ERA of 2.27 against some of the best bats in College baseball is noteworthy, as are his 93 strikeouts in just 63 2/3 innings last season as a Senior. In Spring Training, Gossage pitched 11 scoreless innings, allowing just 4 hits while striking out 15. He earned 7 saves.

But the Cincinnati Reds haven't stopped there. They are already finalizing another trade that will send the top hitting prospect in the league, Rafael Escobeo, to the New York Yankees in exchange for another Legend that has yet to be selected.

With these players, the Reds hope to end their streak of 7 straight playoff appearances without a Championship. The road won't be an easy one as they'll have to contend with several other tough teams in their own division. The Homestead Grays aren't any weaker than they were last season when they went to the World Series. In addition, the Chicago Cubs added two strong arms to their rotation and have the tools on paper to compete as well. It should be an interesting division to watch this season.

Iowa's Hendron Out Again

As a Freshman last season, Iowa Hawkeyes infielder Norman Hendron hit .396 with 50 HR. In the Spring, a torn thigh kept him out until late last month. Now, an errant pitch broke his wrist and he's expected to miss 2 more months.

Nashville's Leyte Great in AAA

Last season with the Brewers, Bernardo Leyte was 0-5 with an ERA of 7.55. In AAA with Nashville this season, he's doing much better. His last start was a 2-hit shutout against Las Vegas in which he struck out 15. He hopes to earn another shot to show the Maelstrom what he's got.