Abominations Feel Good After Spring "Thawing" March 4, 1999
Jacksonville FL (AP) - There's no snow on the ground, the beaches are open,
people are out tanning in the sun. Anchorage's spring training facility, just
outside of Jacksonville, is bustling with activity. "Boy, the weather is
nice here. But, hey, at least there aren't any bugs in Alaska." said
Abominations hurler Scott Karl. Karl is one of many new faces that are hoping
to catapult Anchorage from the cellar of the Spock division to a possible
playoff berth this year. "We have made numerous improvements and have plugged
a number of holes. Our starting lineup is solid from top to bottom now. We
are happy with our rotation. Now we have to work on developing our bench and
bullpen to the point that we are satisfied with. We've made signigant progress
toward our goals." commented owner Nick Tulach, while sipping an ice tea on
the beach.
New players aquired during the off-season include: pitchers Tom Magner and
Scott Karl, outfielders Mosies Alou and Garret Anderson, and shortstop Omar
Visquel. All are expected to contribute very signifigantly this season.
Gone from last year's roster are: pitcher Roberto Hernandez and first baseman
Greg Colbrunn. Colbrunn was the team's starting first baseman and Hernandez
was part of a shakey bullpen. Hernandez lead the team in holds last season,
but was disgruntled with the team's move to Alaska and asked to be traded.
Colbrunn, despite starting for owner/manager Nick Tulach, was also headed out
from the moment Tulach bought the team. "Greg is a great ballplayer, but we
wanted to get Karros in the field and couldn't afford to keep another high
salaried first baseman on the roster. I wish we could have kept him." said
Tulach.
Anchorage GM "The Man" was very disappointed that he was not able to acquire
third baseman Jeff Cirillo as a free agent this year, but he is still working to
acquire him. "Jeff is the guy we've been after. That's no secret, man. We're
ready for the season, regardless, but we continue to pursue him until either we
get him or we run out of options." said "The Man".
Notes:
- Anchorage city officials are planning a huge parade and festival for the
first ever baseball opening day in Alaska. "We're gonna make this a party
to remember." The schedule has not been released yet, though, so city
officials must wait to see when their team will be playing their first
home game of the season. "Its already April 4, the season will be starting
any day now, but we don't know when." said Anchorage's mayor.
- Centerfielder F.P. Santangelo was photographed nude, "stumbling around the
streets, unaware of what he was doing and impervious to gun fire."
according to Jacksonville police. Santangelo has had an excellent spring
training and is a lock for the starting job in centerfield. Santangelo
commented on the situation: "People have certain things that get them ready
to play. I have my own things, too."
