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He lost 100 games in each of his six seasons in Sherwood Park and he hasn’t done much better in his first two seasons as owner of the Ottawa Milkmen. But owner Brendan Macgranachan finally has a team contending for the playoffs.
As of July 31st, the Ottawa Milkmen are only a ½ game behind the West Bay Red Skulls for the wild card spot in the Fisherman League. Not only has the team been winning games but the Big Daddy's Crab Shack & Oyster Bar Stadium has been constantly been selling out it’s 38,000 capacity. It’s certainly been a thrilling time, said Macgranachan, who threatened me not to publish this article in fear of jinxing the squad.
How did the Milkmen, who lost 93 games last season, turn into a possible playoff contender? Macgranachan credits the emergence of some young stars, including leftfielder Vince Cahill, who has jacked 30 home runs so far. Acquired last year from Creston in exchange for reliable starter Mario Karchner, Cahill has settled into a permanent place in Ottawa’s order. He has certainly been a pleasant surprise, the owner said, Our scouting staff sure didn’t expect this [when we acquired him], but it’s been great.
Also making his presence known in the lineup is former first round selection Alex Hill. The first baseman has hit .292 while hitting 28 homers through Wednesday. Also stepping up is third baseman Casey Coveleski. The 32-year old third baseman has mainly platooned against lefties since arriving in Ottawa back in 2019, but he has finally hit well enough (.304) to earn a regular spot in the lineup. He used to suck sh*t, said Macgranachan in his honest tone, But every year, you need a guy like him to overachieve and put your team in position to succeed. I’m proud of that mother******.
The rotation has been solid as well. Masashi Takasu has been his usual self, so far having won 10 games and posting a 3.27 ERA. We entertained some offers for Takasu and took some hard looks at them, said Macgranachan, But at the end of the day, we just felt Takasu had a lot left to do in a Milkmen uniform, among them hopefully being the ace and leading us into the post-season.
Two other starters have really stepped up. Akeer Wooden, another former Creston pitcher, is leading the team in ERA. Also, second year starter James Hudson is leading the club with 11 wins and also has a sub-4 ERA. Hudson was among the three future starters we picked in the first round back in 2020, said Macgranachan, We knew he would eventually help our staff eventually, we just didn’t expect it so soon. It’s been great watching him develop.
Unlike most of his press conference, Macgranachan ended his interview pleasantly, wishing the reporters a happy Labor Day. Asked why this was, he said: We don’t suck balls. Therefore, I’m not drunk. Plus, I’m banging a Russian model. Have a good holiday.*
* - Owner Macgranachan is not actually banging a Russian model. You didn’t hear from me. Uh-oh, who are these guys with tire irons?!?
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