Church Gets Fans' Backing; More Nominations

DC fans back Church

MLB.com writer Bill Ladson called out National General Manager Jim Bowden a few weeks ago on his non-support of outfielder RYAN CHURCH (.272, 15 HR, 70 RBI). He even compared him to Yankee All-Star Paul O'Neill.

Church is pictured here in a picture by Mike Collins of Collins Photography.

The next week Nationals fans made very clear that they too support Church, and not Bowden.

In Ladson's weekly mailbag, a reader asked if general manager Jim Bowden is enamored with former Reds-

"Don't you think the real story is that Bowden is enamored with players he was responsible for bringing to the team? Ryan Church was a member of the Expos, so he doesn't get the love because Bowden doesn't get any credit for bringing him to the team. Not saying that Bowden doesn't have an eye for talent, just that he favors players who will make him look good in the eyes of the media and the ownership group. -- Swanni P., North Beach, Md.

Ladson---"Don't believe that. In fact, when Bowden took over as GM in late 2004, he looked over plenty of video of Expos players and felt Church was a superstar in the making. In fact, Bowden once compared Church to Cardinals center fielder Jim Edmonds. At the start of the 2005 season, then-manager Frank Robinson was planning to start outfielder Terrmel Sledge, but was told by Bowden to start Church instead.
I can tell you that Bowden doesn't dislike Church. I just think expectations are too high. Church is not a 30-homer, 120-RBI guy. He is a good complementary player who will likely be in a few All-Star Games before his career is over.

-0-

"The only change Church needs is in the attitude of the GM. If he's another Paul O'Neill, we shouldn't let Bowden mess it up again. You're too easy on the GM. -- Bill N., Washington, D.C.

-0-

Ladson-- "I can't tell Bowden how to do his job. The only thing I could do is criticize him. In the three years I've covered Bowden, it's very hard to get on him. I think he has done a great job.

-0-

Well, Ladson and I agree on one thing. Church will be seen in an All-Star Game or two.

==================================================

Church, Fabing, Allen, LHS Nine Named

RYAN CHURCH, Hancock College x-country runner ARIANA FABING, Lompoc High coach JIM ALLEN, and the Los Padres League champion LHS boys baseball team have been nominated for LLR End of the Year Awards.

Nominations are open to all readers. Just e-mail pressboxprod@verizon.net with your nominations for team, coach and male or female athlete of the year. The list of nominees can be seen below in the right hand column beneath our advertisers. E-mail us now!