FL River City Rascals

Rascals Anchoring Down the Lines and the Lineup

Published on April 2, 2008 under Frontier League (FL)
River City Rascals News Release


O'Fallon, MO -- It was May of 2007 with new ownership, a new manager and except for one Steve Brook, all new players. For new skip Toby Rumfield, it was the first time being around the Frontier League and it was his task to turn around a 2006 squad that finished 40-56.

Deals were made and players were signed in efforts to improve the latest Rascals' squad. Ninety-six games later, the Rascals' finished 36-60.

"I made some moves and thought some guys could compete at this level," Rumfield said. "I quickly found out what it took for guys to make it in the Frontier League."

The door seemed like it never stopped revolving as the Rascals hit the league maximum with 48 transactions.

For Brad Hough, Phil Laurent, Jeff Miller and Bobby Mosby, they were a few of the exceptions to this problem and as the projected 2008 corner infielders and outfielders, these four will anchor down the lines and form the Rascals version of the "Border Patrol."

"Our line-up will be scary this year," Rumfield continued. "For some it was a season long process to find them, but in the end we set ourselves up real nicely for 2008."

With Hough, Mosby and Laurent it didn't take all season to find out what these sluggers could do.

Hough was one of only two Rascals' to start all 96 games last season. The Waxachie, Texas native started at second base, then moved to short, then finished back at second. This season he'll settle into a new infield position, third base.

"I think third will be Brad's best fit," said the skipper. "He got worn down a little last year from playing up the middle. I think you'll see a lot more power from him this season with not having to run around in the field as much."

Hough finished hitting .285 with 10 home runs and 53 RBI, and ended the season having to carry much of the offensive load after Laurent and Mosby moved on. With the added firepower back, expect the power numbers to go up while the errors to go down. Hough committed a team high 29 last season, but figures to find the weather much more comfortable over at the hot corner.

Mosby commands respect every time he steps in the box. A pure home run threat, Big Mo tied the Rascals' single season home run record despite only playing in 62 games. On August third, his 19 home runs and 53 RBI's were sent to the Joliet JackHammers for now new starting pitcher Josh Regits and future considerations. In the offseason, Joliet returned the former East St. Louis High standout to the Rascals.

"We're thrilled to have Big Mo back," said Rumfield. "He's a guy who's gonna be hungry because he knows he has the ability. Now it's time for him to fully translate his ability into production and if he can do that, watch out boy I'm tellin' you."

Expect to see Big Mo back at first base this season for the Rascals, while no decision has been made if the "Czyzlin' Philly Cheese Steak" will go back to the "Big Mo Philly Cheese Steak," check back later for more details.

For Laurent, it's a bitter-sweet feeling to be back in Rascal red and black. The 2007 Frontier League all-star had a breakout season, as he left for the San Diego Padres system batting in the top ten in average and tive five in home runs and RBI's. But when the Padres did not renew his contract, the former Rascal slugger knew where to turn.

"I absolutely loved playing here in front of these fans," Laurent said in an interview last year after getting picked up. "It was a joy and an honor to come to [T.R. Hughes] ballpark everyday and play."

Phil getting picked up left a huge void in the Rascals' line-up. Rumfield had to replace arguably the league most valuable player. That's when Miller surfaced. A left-handed power hitter who could also hit for average and play both infield and outfield, Miller was drafted by the Montreal Expos right out of high school in the thirty-sixth round. He opted not to sign and instead turned into a three time All-American at Division II West Virginia State.

"Everyone told me this kid could hit," Rumfield said. "It just took him a little bit going last season but when he did, you saw why he's had so much success."

Miller grew into a hitter who could drive the baseball to all fields and in just 38 games, finished with seven home runs, eleven doubles and 26 RBI. His versatility made him available for Rumfield to put him in left, right and at first last season. Look the shaggy goatee holding down left field this season.

"You look at our line-up on opening day last season, you look at it now, I think it's pretty obvious how much better we're going to be this year," Rumfield said. "I'm excited."

Combined, the four hit .297 with 48 home runs and had 178 RBI in 2007. Opening day 2008 is less than 55 days away...get ready for some fireworks.

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Frontier League Stories from April 2, 2008


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