Walsh has vowed to play outfielder Daryle Ward in NYLISL league games this season, despite the fact that he is ineligble to appear before Game 65. Ward had just 145 plate appearances last season, five short of the required number for expansion team players. Nevertheless, Walsh had a simple message for NYLISL co-commissioner Jack Flynn when informed of the decision.

 

"Told ya', I'm playing him anyway," Walsh was quoted as saying in a prepared statement on April 23.

 

The fiasco began one day before, when Walsh drafted Ward in the 14th round of the 2007 Expansion Draft. Already in an agitated state because he is a generally angry person, Walsh exploded when Flynn questioned the selection. Since it could not be confirmed at the time, the issue was shelved until further clarification could be made.

 

That clarification came the next day, when Flynn confirmed Ward's ineligibility. In addition, shortstop JJ Hardy (138 PA) and center fielder Jason Repko (145 PA) were also deemed to fall short of the requirement for league play and will also have to wait in the minors before an official call-up. Flynn vowed he will not be intimidated by Walsh's shenanigans.

 

"Every single game that Daryle Ward steps on the field for will be considered a forfeit on the part of the Riffs," Flynn said. "Same goes for Hardy and Repko. If Walsh wants to mess with the bull, he'll only get the horns."