'Boms Add Three More Pieces to the Puzzle December 12, 1998
Anchorage AK (AP) - Alaska may be in the dead of winter, but things are already
beginning to heat up at Exxon Field. The Abominations filled three big needs
yesterday and may be able to challenge powerhouse Galena for the Spock division
title. "We still have a couple of big holes to fill. But we made some giant
steps yesterday." said owner Nick Tulach. Anchorage, with the third pick in
the highly controversial free agent plan, filled their glaring hole in the
infield by selecting Vero Beach shortstop Omar Visquel. "Omar should give
us a solid presence in the infield. Teaming him up with Miguel (Cairo) should
bring a boatload of stability to our defense." Also acquired in a deal that
was finalized just as trading had begun, Anchorage traded firstbaseman Greg
Colbrunn and pitcher Roberto Hernandez to Houston for leftfielder Rich Amaral
and pitcher Scott Karl. "We were looking to move Vaughny (Greg Vaughn) to
DH so he could concentrate on hitting more and we wanted some speed in left
field. We managed to get both and a lot of veteran leadership with Rich Amaral.
Scotty (Scott Karl) is the lefty that we were looking to add to our rotation.
He struggled a bit in Houston, but I know he likes the cold, so maybe he'll
do better here."
The deal pretty much solidifies the Abmonations' starting rotation. Brett
Tomko is pencilled in at number one, despite a rough rookie season. Two
through five are: Bottenfield, Lira, VanLandingham, and Karl. Wagner may
start in place of Lira if he is not ready to go by opening day. "We have every
belief that Felipe will be ready for his first start. His rehab is going as
planned." commented Tulach.
Notes:
- Anchorage has been in the market for either a solid, power-hitting RF or
3B. "We'll play Sheff at third if we have to, but we'd prefer him in
right." They have been pursuing Jeff Cirillo and Troy O'Leary, but have not seemed to been able to strike a deal with either team. "Those two players
were one and two on our wish list. I guess we'll have to move to number
three."
- Rumored to be on the block for Anchorage: Gary DiSarcina, Paul O'Neill,
Billy Wagner, Omar Visquel, and any of their draft picks.
