Abominations Bench Number One Starter September 10, 1998
Anchorage (AP) - Rookies pitchers in the PVBL generally have a hard time
adjusting to the big league environment. For a majority of the season,
Anchorage rookie Brett Tomko seemed to be the exception to the rule.
Winning the number one starting spot after the move to Anchorage, Tomko made
some rookie mistakes, but held his head high and remained the 'Boms #1 guy.
"We like his stuff. He definately puts out an effort. He's pitched a lot
of innings for us this year, I just think he is burned out. We want to give
some other guys, Mike [Bottenfield] in particular, some more innings toward
the end of the year. Tomko has struggled his last couple of outings, he's
shown some signs of fatigue. We're going to rest him a while on the bench."
said GM Nick Tulach, who is still in search of a manager for his club. The
move comes after a rocky outing against the Laurel Lynx, in which Tomko
pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up 8 hits and 7 earned runs. He struck out
just 2 batters. "Let me assure you that I am not basing my decision on his
performance in one game, but he did show that he is not pitching in his
usual style.", commented Tulach.
Tomko was understandably upset at the move, which came as a surprise to
him. "Nick called me into his office. I thought he was going to remind me
that I am a rookie and everyone has games like that. But he shocked me when
he said that I was benched. I really don't see how this can help the team.
I really want to pitch." said Tomko late last night in a candid interview.
"And I don't want to pitch out of the bullpen, that's for [expletive] sure."
Tulach assured Tomko that he will not. "I have no plans on bringing him out
of the bullpen. He is on the bench, in the dugout, he won't even be in the
pen. Until I bring in a coaching staff, he is benched."
Notes
- The search for a manager has been progressing very slowly for Anchorage.
"I've interviewed some candidates. I feel comfortable finishing the season
out without a manager, if I have to. I have a short list of candidates
which I am going to interview in the next week. I just want to get the
right man for the job. That's the #1 thing." said GM Nick Tulach. Possible
candidates include: former left-fielder Rickey Henderson, former Cubs
manager Jim Riggleman, and former Brewer catcher Tony Simmons.
