Bearcats Hibernate, Move To Alaska August 22, 1998
Anchorage (AP) - The floundering Cincinnati Bearcats franchise was given a
breath of fresh air. Fresh, cold air. In an unprecedented move, the
Bearcats were sold to new owner Nick Tulach and he promptly decided that the
best location for the team would be in the middle of the coldest state in
the union, Alaska. Stated new owner Tulach in a recent press conference: "I
always believe that adversity brings out the best in players. I think we
can use this cold weather as an advantage. Our team has had one of the
worst home records. We aren't playin' wussy ball no more." As if playing
in Alaska isn't bad enough, the Abominations (their new nickname) play in an
open air, brand new stadium, Exxon Field. "Its a beatiful ballpark, heated
seating for all the fans, whether it is bleachers or box seating. Well,
everyone except the road team..." said Tulach.
On the field, the Abominations have been holding their ground, despite a
slew of injuries to their pitching staff. Starters Wengert and Lira have
both gone on the DL as well as relief pitcher Terry Werden. "We hope that
the guys we call up from AAA will be able to fill these guys shoes, but its
looking pretty gloomy" said pitcher Billy Wagner.
Trading Post
- Anchorage pulled off a deal with division leading Vero Beach that sent 3b
Phil Nevin from the chilly temperatures of Alaska to the beautiful beaches
of Vero Beach. The 'Boms received young pitcher Mike Bottenfield and the
Bums first round pick in the amateur draft.
- Rumors have been surfacing that the 'Boms are shopping both 1B Eric
Karros and P Billy Wagner around the league looking for draft picks as well
as left-handed power hitting.
