Anchorage Deals Rightfielder, Veteran SS March 23, 1999
Anchorage AK (AP) - The Abominations stunned the league yesterday when they
dealt all-star shortstop Omar Visquel and disgruntled rightfielder Gary
Sheffield to New Diggens for third baseman Jeff Cirillo and cash considerations.
"It is no secret, we have been after Cirillo for some time now. There is
no other thirdbaseman in the league with his combination of youth, hitting,
power, fielding ability, and overall commitment to the game. He will be
a staple in the lineup for years and years, along with Miguel Cairo." commented
owner Nick Tulach at an early morning press conference in Jacksonville, where
the Abominations are just rapping up spring training. It has been widely
known that Anchorage was shopping for a third baseman and that Sheffield was
not willing to fill in fulltime at that position. Anchorage front office
personell have stated that there goals for this season were to establish a
solid starting rotation and solidify there infield for years to come by
signing Cairo and Eric Karros to long-term deals and bringing in a high quality
third baseman. "We have solidified three of the four positions and are very
close to finishing out the infield. We have our catchers in place and signed
to long-term deals and our starting rotation is set."
What seemed to surprise many owners was that Tulach dealt away all-star
shortstop Omar Visquel in order to obtain there future all-star third baseman.
"We were not even negotiating Omar. His name did not come in until very late.
We looked down our roster and saw that we had no third baseman on it and
that we had four quality rightfielders and two quality shortstops.
DiSarcina put up big numbers in spring and the addition of Moises made us
feel confident that we could give up a player at each of those position to
fill an important role in the lineup -- Infield leader." commented Tulach.
A number of owners lashed out at Anchorage, some questioning Tulach ability
as an owner to make deals for himself. Tulach responded, "I know there have
been two protests already and at least two other owners who are very unhappy
with this deal. All I have to say is I can't wait 'till opening day!"
Hartford's owner even went as far as to mail all the leagues owners before
the press conference this morning and inform them off what he believed to
be Tulach's reasons for the trade, of which he left one major reason out. He
is not one of the team's involved.
Cirillo is happy in his new home. "It is an honor to be recognized for my
contributions and work on and off the field. There is a lot of pressure on
me to perform, but that's the way I've always liked it. I will not make the
people of Alaska sorry.", Cirillo stated at the conference. Cirillo has
been much improved this spring in both power and hitting for average. He batted
.389 with 6 homers in spring training.
Notes:
- The Abomination's mascot, Bigfoot, was apparently beatup and robbed last
night at a local outing for charity. "They came up from behind and hit me
on the head. I woke up and my feet were gone.", said BIgfoot after the
incident. The team is offering a reward for the return of the missing feet.
- Starting pitcher Brett Tomko was awarded the Alaska citizenship award for
excellence in parenthood yesterday. Tomko is the father of a four year old
boy, Cory, who he is raising himself. When asked about the award, Tomko
said. "Well, it helps to have lots and lots of money."
