MONTREAL (AP)--Say good-bye to flashy, daring plays at second, a lightning
quick bat and a hesistant smile that creeps up every time the ball is hit
over the fence. We'll miss you Roberto Alomar.
But not for too long. Soon a near-7 foot pitcher with a 95-mph fastball by
the name of Randy Johnson will be taking the mound in Jackie Robinson
Stadium. A pitcher who went 16-7 in 35 games in 1997 and led the league in
strikeouts with 274. The southpaw is particularily fearsome against
left-handed batters. Last year, lefthanded batters facing him posted a
meagre .207 batting average.
"Randy's style will be unique on this team, and it will be refreshing as
well," commented Royals manager, Gary Carter. "Most of our rotation is
composed of finesse pitchers, such as Mike [Grace] and Kirk [Rueter], who
use their control and cunning to outplay the batters. Johnson does
something no other pitcher does on this staff--he unstills fear into
batters."
This is also an advantage to the Royals batters, many of whom are
lefthanded. Rusty Greer, the Royals' top lefthanded hitter, and one of the
best in the game, is glad that he won't have to face Johnson any longer.
"Trust me, it's no picnic having to face the Big Unit. Obviously, Randy
uses the fear factor to his advantage, and with all the games we face
Deadwood during the season, it will be a big relief to us."
Randy Johnson will replace Luis Andujar in the rotation, and will replace
Pete Harnisch as the unquestionable ace of the staff. He is expected arrive
in the airport this afternoon.
Johnson was surprised by the move, although he was aware that the Outlaws
were trying to shed some pitching to acquire some offensive power in the
infield.
"Last season there was a lot of ups and downs for me, but I have to say one
thing that was constant was the great fan support in Deadwood."
"I realise that the Royals have been struggling of late, especially against
my former team. But I look at all those young arms in Kirk [Rueter] and
Mike [Grace], without mentioning the others, and I'm really excited to be
leading this staff. I'll I can say is I'll be trying hard bring them back
into contention. I realise that their offense is a concern. For me, it
isn't."
The trade, of course, was not without a cost. It has left a gaping whole in
the infield. Rafael Bournigal has taken over second base, and Spike Owen,
an offseason free agent signing, is left to take shortstop. Owen would have
never imagined taking over a starting role for the Royals. Fans are hoping
he's not staying there too long.
Another trade earlier last night involved recent draft pick Matthew Jacobs.
He was sent to Laurel in return for much needed power hitting in Danny
Tartabull. Tartabull will be the Royals' official designated hitter. Hal
Morris will return to firstbase, where he was a defensive liability, and
Curtis Goodwin will be pushed back to the bench.
Tartabull played 8 games this season for the Laurel Lynx before being sent
down to the minors. During that stretch, he posted a .182 batting average,
and drove in only 1 run. The 32-year old rightfielder was growing
frustrated with his lack of playing time on a young lineup composed of
sluggers Jeff Bagwell, Jermaine Dye and Chris Snopek, among others. The
Laurel newspaper reported that Tartabull had asked the manager to be traded
earlier this season, realising that he would have to fight to stay in the
lineup. Another factor was that the Lynx manager was favouring younger
players, in hope to develop them for coming years. So far, his formula has
worked and the Lynx are enjoying so far a winning season.
Tartabull arrived in Dorval airport Wednesday afternoon on a non-stop
flight from Baltimore. On hand were reporters from various Montreal
newspapers.
The Royals newcomer had some comments, not so different from Johnson: "I'm
fully aware that with a great outfield that the Royals have, I won't be
getting much chance to do some fielding. But I know that they've been
looking for a bit of longball, and I'm happy to help even if it means being
the DH. Look,I know they've been frustrated so far this season, but
hopefully I can help renew their winning game."
"As far I as can see, offense isn't a problem. They have a great, young
lineup, they just need a better attitude."
The Royals General Manager is hoping the recent acquisions will be able to
spark a winning attitude.
In the offensive department, the Royals are by far the league's worst in
home runs after 22 games into the season. The Royals have combined for 12
so far, that's little more than one home run every two games. They've in
fact given given up almost twice as many home runs as they've hit. And,
not surprisingly, they are second worst in runs. Only the Brooklyn Flaming
Skulls are doing worse in runs.
Relief wasn't supposed to be a concern for the Royals this year, but
they've had trouble holding close games. Pitchers in relief have gone for a
combined 1-4 win-loss record. In extra innings, the Royals are 0-3. Jose
Mesa, supposedly a top-line closer, has racked up a 13.50 ERA. Steve Cooke
and Santo Skinner, also both reliable last year, have ERAs of 6.57 and 7.24
respectively.
Pitching coach Tim Burke on the lousy performances by the bullpen: "So far
we are looking at a pretty fragmented staff. There's a lot of talent and
strength in the staff, but we have to learn a little bit how to use are
resources more effectively. Some of the pitchers, like Omar [Daal] and Joe
[Hetrick], are still trying to find their place within the lineup.
