Groundhogs Finish Spring Session Successfully March 20, 1999
Clearwater, FL (AP)
The gates have opened and closed quickly on the Punxatawney Groundhogs'
spring training facilities, but all the players, coaches, and management
appeared pleased. Clearwater hosted the Hogs as the veterans and youngsters
all worked out together, giving many players who have never seen major
league playing time some valuable experience.
"I'm feeling very comfortable here already," said offseason acquistion
Geronimo Berroa. "Most of these guys have been playing together for two
full years, and they've really become a great team."
He will be replacing the bat of Marty Cordova in the lineup but not taking
his role in the field. Ryan Klesko is taking over in left while Jason
Giambi will take over at first. Berroa will be able to concentrate on what
he does best--hitting.
A few players had particularly good spring sessions. Scott Rolen continued
to work hard as always and now is one of the top contact hitters with ample
power in the middle of the order. His defense has also become very solid.
Billy Ashley, while still a poor contact hitter, has been stroking a massive
amount of homers and will be a very valuable bench player this season.
Rocky Coppinger worked hard to improve his fastball and sinker, while Curly
Karkovice improved his control greatly, as has Scott Ruffcorn.
Jaime Bluma and Dustin Hermanson have both become phenomenal control
pitchers, while Jim Burright is a year or two away from becoming a solid
reliever. Henry Neale worked on his fastball and slider quite a bit and may
get some major league playing time this year.
Bobby Thomas had a bizarre offseason, and may not get much playing time this
year. He struggled greatly with his control and his fastball during spring
training.
Punxatawney is now looking forward to opening day, but GM Dan Shapiro will
be out of town this year for the first week of the season.
"I'll be hoping for the best until I get back, but I think leaving the team
in the hands of John McGraw and Casey Stengel, through spiritual interpreter
Dionne Warwick, should get us off to a winning start," Shapiro said.
Stats 'n stuff
Today, just some trade rumors to report. Punxatawney is looking to move two
of their younger prospect type pitchers, possibly guys like Mike Hampton or
Curly Karkovice, for a solid starter. Talks for Deadwood's Scott Erickson
were underway a few days ago but they seem to have ceased. Billy Ashley is
also available if anyone wants a player with 99 PH but not much CH.
Our main needs are another outfielder, an established solid starter, and top
prospects/good draft picks.
