Rebuilding Bums Make U-turn, Acquire Bichette for Playoff Run August 18, 1998
Vero Beach, FL (AP) - Sources in the Vero Beach Bums organization have
indicated that they have acquired slugger Dante Bichette from the Anchorage
Abominations. The Bums traded LF prospect Geoff Jenkins and pitching
prospect John Tankersley to the 'Boms, as well as their next #1 amateur
draft pick. The Bums also acquired pitcher Jim Corsi.
"I'm excited to have a guy like Bichette in the lineup," said Bums manager
Phil Garner. "We are going to improve our run production by leaps and
bounds if we get this guy."
Corsi would also be a welcome addition to the bullpen for the Bums. The
little-used reliever should add some stability to a bullpen that has been
largely inconsistent.
"Well, we give up two of our better prospects -- our left-fielder of the
future and a soon-to-be solid pitcher -- but we are making a move towards
the playoffs," said a Bums team source. "When we learned Bichette was
available, we initially hesitated; but we decided that the playoffs were a
goal within our reach, so we went after him. We've dealt with Nick
[Tulach, owner of the Abominations] before, and although his musical tastes
and office furnishing senses are questionable, we respect his integrity as
an owner."
The Bums, Picard Division champs the last 2 years, had a plan coming into
this year. They were on the rebuilding track. By dealing Marquis Grissom
and other players, and acquiring a number of prospects and picks, they
appeared to be looking to future years for playoff success. Their division
opponents appeared to be making the moves that would give the Picard
pennant to someone other than the Bums for the first time in PVBL history.
The ensuing season, however, has seen the Bums scrap their way to a 65-54
record, good for second place in the weak Picard, just 1 game behind
inconsistent Binghamton. "The Mets have folded before," said Bums manager
Phil Garner, "and there's no reason to believe they won't again."
Consequently, Gohlke began to agree with the rest of the league -- the Bums
needed another big bat in order to challenge the Mets and have a shot at
success in the playoffs.
The Bums have won 4 straight games and look to sweep the Punxatawney
Groundhogs today in the third game of their series in Vero Beach.
