Muckrakers Notebook

Conspiracy?
Like the schedule? Only if you enjoy opening the season with a chilly 9:30 p.m. start followed by a bye week. And judging by the sour looks in the Muckrakers clubhouse once the 2007 schedules were released, the 'Rackers really aren't too pleased with the schedule-makers.
The Muckrakers open the season on the road April 12 against the Lumberjacks at 9:30 p.m. on Willow Pass Field 3, then get their first bye week of the season.
"It's terrible!," cried a Muckraker front-office official who spoke on condition of anonymity. "We went to the playoffs and this is how we're rewarded? There's no question those folks in the league office have it in for us."
City of Concord Recreation officials were unavailable for comment.
The controversy seems to stem around longtime Muckraker supporter Joe DeLoach being tight with the Oakland Raiders' Emporer Al. Once that was cover was blown, it seems, to the Muckrakers at least, that all things are working against them.
Keeping it Leal
The Muckrakers' slogan for the 2007 campaign is "Keep it Leal," in honor of former Muckraker great Bob Leal, whose current where-abouts is unknown. At certain games throughout the season, Muckrakers fans will be invited to a meet-and-greet with the Muckrakers during postgame festivities in the Willow Pass parking lot and will be encouraged to bring their favorite Tall-boy beer can. YEAH!!!
Short hops
Left-hander Matt Petersen looked sharp during a bullpen sesion and is slated to get the start on Opening Day. ... The Muckrakers expect to unveil their new uniforms within the next couple of weeks.