Sharks aim nothing but four-peat

FRESH from their third straight title conquest, the Manila Sharks is aiming nothing but an immaculate four-peat in Baseball Philippines Series 9.
       Harbour Centre Manila Sharks general manager Rich Cruz said the hunger factor is still there for the team to go all out for another historic milestone, which is claiming their fourth consecutive title in the country’s major baseball league.
       “We definitely want to win again,” said Cruz in yesterday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Shakey’s UN Avenue. “Many are asking if we are still hungry for another title but the challenge will still be there.”
       The Sharks swept the Series 8 best-of-three title showdown after a 10-4 victory over the Cebu Dolphins in Game 2 last Sunday to claim a remarkable third straight crown.
       For his part, Manila head coach Jhoel Palanog said they will definitely build a strong line-up for next series.
       “Kailangan na rin natin i-explore ‘yung ganung option na mag-hire ng bagong players kasi may mga players na balak ng mag-retire. Malaking tulong ang maibibigay nila sa team,” said Palanog, who was also joined by former University of Mindanao-Davao Series 8 Finals Most Valuable Player Saxon Omandac, Jon Jon Robles and Marvin Malig in the session presented by Smart, PAGCOR, Outlast Battery, and Shakey’s.
       Cruz said they have already scouted some Fil-Ams who could possibly be part of the team for Series 9 although they are not in a hurry to recruit reinforcement.
       “We will still be gauging how well they can play because as you can see during the Series 8, Filipinos can compete very well with the Fil-Ams,” said Cruz.
       Robles said the three-peat would not have been possible without the support of the coaches, teammates and their sponsor.
       “Maganda ang samahan ng mga players at coaches. Ang suporta ng Harbour Centre, talagang halos lahat binigay nila kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila,” said Robles.(PSA PR)