Anchorage To Address Needs In Upcoming Drafts October 27, 1998
Anchorage AK (AP) - After a disappointing season, Abominations' owner Nick
Tulach continued to try to address holes in his ballclub and add fuel to
the rumors of who his candidates sre for manager as well as GM. He also
began to hint at prospects for the upcoming free agent selection.
"I have been slowing forming a short list of candidates for both the GM and
manager positions. I can tell you that, no I haven't had anyone in for an
interview for either position. We are in the process of contacting candidates
for preliminary interviews. Some of those contacts are under contract with
other teams, so we are waiting to get permission to talk with them." Among
those rumored to be on his short list for managers are current Vero Beach
manager Phil Garner, who is rumored to be on the hot seat and current Edmonton
Oil Kings LF Rickey Henderson, who may retire or possibly be trade for by
the Abominations. The GM spot is rumored to be filled by long time Brewer
catcher Tony Simmons. He was unavailable for comment.
Also at the press conference, Tulach outlined the needs of the team and
gave some hints toward the strategy that they will take coming into the drafts.
"We have a number of holes that need to be addressed before we can make a
serious run at the title. We will be looking to improve our team batting
average by bringing in a legimate leadoff hitter. Someone who can get on
base consistently and score some runs for us." commented Tulach. Anchorage
has come under great scruntiny for trading away CF Lance Johnson, who was
one of the best leadoff men in the game. "Lance provided us with that before,
and yes, there is a possibility you could see him in a 'Boms uniform again.
Of course the injuries to our pitching staff showed another glaring weakness.
Though I believe that our staff is the strong point of our team, we could
stand to gain a lot by adding left-handed starting pitching to our rotation."
LHP Billy Wagner started 21 games for the Abominations last season and LHP
Vaughn Eshelman started 20 games. Neither is slated in the starting rotation
for next season. "Our infield has multiple holes that need to be filled.
An upgrade at any of those positions would be benifical to the club, but
especially on the left side." Gary Sheffield platooned with Tim Baldwin
at third and played the rest of his games in the outfield. Tulach is looking
to possibly move him to the outfield full-time and upgrade at third base.
Also, it is well known that he is unhappy with the play of both of his
shortstops and would like to possibly move one or both before the season
starts. DiSarcina hit a disappointing .218 last year with just 18 RBIs in
440 at-bats. Juan Castro hit .217 with five homeruns and 16 RBIs in 180
at-bats, but struck out 36 times.
Anchorage was the big winner in the lottery for the free agency plan as they
leaped five spots and snagged the third overall pick, while having the best
record (tie) of the eight worst teams (whoo-hoo).
