Rumors abound that injured 2B Roberto Alomar will exercise a clause in his
contract that allows him to become a free agent for a three day period.
If true, it is expected that Alomar will sign a contract with Anchorage
pending an examination of his injured knee. If the knee is found to be
repairable, Alomar will most likely sign his new contract today.
Deadwood GM Philip Raisor is scrambling to find a replacement. The Outlaws
do not have another second baseman in the organization. If the season were
to start today, the Outlaws would probably go with a platoon of Chris Gomez
and Rich Amaral, with Gomez getting most of the playing time.
The rumored deal for Tampa's Charles Johnson is all but complete, and is
just waiting for rosters to unfreeze. The Outlaws have agreed to send the
club's 2nd round Amateur draft pick to Tampa in exchange for the young
catcher.
If the season were to start today, here's the probable lineup manager Don
Slaught would put on the field:
1. Steve Finley CF
2. Travis Fryman SS
3. Brad Fullmer LF
4. Rafael Palmerio 1B
5. Tim Salmon RF
6. Scott Brosius 3B
7. Mike Stanley DH
8. Chris Gomez/Rich Amaral 2B
9. Charles Johnson C (assuming trade goes through)
Rotation
RHP Greg Maddux
LHP Jeff Fassero
RHP Jose Rijo
RHP Mark Leiter
RHP Rick Reed
RHP Todd Stottlemyre
RHP Wally Lindsey
RHP Rick Aguleria
Holes to fill:
The Outlaws are looking to move 1B/DH Cecil Fielder, RHP Todd Stottlemyre
and either Jose Rijo or Rick Reed. We can see trading three of the four for
an ACE pitcher. We would also be looking to get a bit younger, as the farm
system is almost non-existent.
