Washington Township Senators 35+

The Associated Press today reported that former two-time Senators 38+ MVP Joe Santone and former 28+ Senator and Tri-County great Dan Barbara are both considering a return to the diamond in 2007 as 38+ Senators. The news was confirmed by agents for both players, and by Senators GM Nick Frese. "I have to admit it: I said 'wow' when I was contacted by representatives from their camps," Frese exclaimed. "I mean, you're talking about two of the greatest players in Senator history here. Who the heck would want to face THAT lineup?" Santone, the former shortstop for both the 28+ and 38+ clubs, is a career .368 hitter with 163 RBI and 15 homers lifetime. The smooth fielding middle infielder says he missed the game, and if schedule and conditioning permit, he would love to get back on the field. "I stopped playing to devote more time to my son, Joey, and the team I was coaching," Santone said, "But through it all, I missed playing myself. As of right now, I would be 50/50. Schedule is a factor, as well as the actual physical side of it." As for Barbara, who holds a lusty .392 lifetime batting mark in his five seasons of SJMSBL play, he is also missing getting his weekly hacks. "I have a busy schedule with Township baseball, but getting into shape is my biggest concern right now," Barbara said. "Nick has told me that he'd love to have me if I can make eight games. Right now I'm still on the fence. We'll see." Frese could be gleefully seen mulling lineup possibilities as he pondered the news. "How's a middle of the lineup consisting of Frank Izzi, Ken Bevenour, Dan Barbara and Joe Santone strike you," Frese asked. "With all those big boppers -- plus speed guys like Mark Alessandrini, Jim McAllister, Dale Amos, Dan Laudisio and Jim Stefano ahead of them -- the sky's the limit for this club offensively. "Playing time would certainly be a premium given such a scenario," Frese said, "But we have the right mix of guys on this club. They all understand these things and will adapt. And also, everyone misses their share of games. We'll do our best to keep everyone happy. Winning sure helps." The older players seem certain to suffer some loss of playing time, though, should all the dominos fall in the plus column. "Guys like me and (hurler Frank) Rose understand these things, as we've been through 'em before with the 28s," Frese said. "Time marches on, like it or not, and I will put the best players on the field as often as possible." That's what the rest of the SJMSBL is afraid of.