Anchorage AK (AP) - The boys of summer, also known as the Abominations baseball
club, arrived back in Anchorage today, minus a few faces who left with the team.
At the airport to greet them were their wives, families, and a few new
teammates. "We felt obligated to come out at greet our teammates as new members
to this organization." said new acquired shortstop Mark Grudzielanek. New
manager Ted Simmons was also there to greet the team and assure them that he
is ready to lead them into their first ever full season in Anchorage. "We have
a long road ahead of us this season. The more hard work and dedication to the
game we put forth, the sweeter the season will be come September." commented
Simmons at a meet-and-greet after the arrival.
Anchorage boasts four new starters in the field as well as two new faces on
the pitching staff. Anchorage's project starting lineup includes:
C Mike Lieberthal
1B Eric Karros
2B Miguel Cairo
3B Jeff Cirillo *
SS Mark Gruzielanek *
RF Mosies Alou *
CF F.P. Santangelo
LF Garret Anderson *
DH Greg Vaughn
Pitching staff includes:
RHP Brett Tomko
RHP Mike Bottenfield
RHP Felipe Lira
RHP Willie VanLandingham
LHP Scott Karl *
RHP Dave Telgheder
LHP BIlly Wagner
RHP Scott Service
LHP Mike Holtz
RHP Tom Magner *
LHP Eddie Guardado
Other key new faces are:
1B Mickey Tettleton *
SS Damion Easley *
RF Willie McGee *
Note: asterisks denote new acquistions during the off-season
Anchorage expects to contend for the EL wild card and possibly put pressure on
rival perrennial power-house Galena.
As for other deals that may be in the works involving Anchorage, 'Boms GM
"the Man" had this to say: "My vision's a little foggy, but, man, I gotta tell
ya that it looks like we might be done dealing for now. We're still looking
for a quality hotdog vendor, though."
The Abominations believe that they have a well rounded lineup that has
strong defense and solid pitching, both in the starting rotation and deep into
the bullpen. "We believe our pitching will be able to keep us in most ball-
games. We are a bit concerned about the amount of power we have at the plate.
But that is why we brought in Mickey (Tettleton). He'll provide us with some
pop off the bench and depth, in case of injury." said manager Ted Simmons.
Tettleton hit .230 with 4 homeruns in 196 at-bats last season. He has 40 career
homeruns.
Another surprise was the quick return of starting hurler Felipe Lira. "We
were hoping to get him back for his first start. He recovered quickly enough
that we were able to give him two starts in pre-season. It has been a
remarkable recovery." Lira was 0-1 with a 3.27 ERA in 11 innings in spring.
Notes:
- Veteran RF Willie McGee left Jacksonville injury-free and feeling great about
the third PVBL season. As the plane touched down in Anchorage and McGee
began to exit, he tripped on a crack in the JetWay and sprained his left
wrist. "I think it'll be okay for opening day. I should be ready to go.
When you are as old as me, these kind of things happen all the time."
- Abomination mascot, Bigfoot, who was mugged Monday, met with the team, still
footless. "We discussed the possibility of having to start the season with
a footless mascot. The player's and coaches are deeply concerned that the
team will struggle unless the feet are found. We are desparate." commented
firstbaseman Eric Karros.
