Anchorage AK (AP) - After evaluating each player individually, Anchorage made
a couple of moves in the off-season to help solidify a few problem areas,
but for the most part, remained the same as the team that finished 71-91 for
the second straight season. "After evaluating much of our team, we have
decided that a majority of the pieces are in place to meet our goals as an
organization and that allowing this team to mature and develop would be the
best move possible." said general manager "the Man".
The evaluation process took much of the off-season to complete, but out of it
came a few answers to the problems at 1100 Igloo Road. Here is a summary of
the results of the evaluation:
- Outfield depth was a problem for much of the year. A shuffling of players
in and out of the outfield led to a chaotic mess. Returning as starters:
Cliff Floyd and Brian McRae. Need to upgrade here dramatically.
- Relief pitching inconsistency. A number of players were to blame for the
lack of consistent effort in the bullpen, but none more then Don Wengert,
who will most certainly be moved in the off-season.
- Starting pitching must improve. Again, consistency was a factor here, but
look for little change. Progress of Mike Bottenfield and Buddy Moisan a
key factor for Anchorage in 1900 (um, I mean 2000).
- Infield depth. Another concern was the shuffling of the infield and the
lack of a solid second backup to help the infield. Mark Lemke did not
provide the answer. Look for him to not return to the Anchorage lineup
next season.
Anchorage Addresses Off-season Questions
Anchorage AK (AP) - The Abominations made a series of moves to address the
problems that were exposed during the management's evaluation of the club.
After acquiring Lance Johnson via free agency, Anchorage looked to make a
deal to bring further depth to the outfield and a solid defensive backup to
the infield. "We thought maybe we could fill two holes with one deal, so we
went shopping" said owner Nick Tulach.
Anchorage made a deal to send their #5 starter to Medina in exchange for
outfielder James Brosius and backup infielder Roberto Mejia. Both will
provide depth for the Abominations, though Brosius could contend for a
starting job. "I I know that I can play. I hope to get an opportunity in
spring training to contribute and challenge Brian (McRae) for the starting
job. I know that Nick Tulach and his staff are looking for young guys to
step up. I'm hoping to be one of them." said Brosius.
The Abominations then moved reliever Don Wengert, who was in Tulach's
dog house for the last part of the season. "Don is a good, talented pitcher.
He struggled with his velocity last season. I don't blame Don, I blame myself
for allowing him to have the impact on the club that he did. I wish Don the
best of luck in New Diggens." said Tulach. Clise Cooney, a relief prospect,
will likely spend the season with the A Maui Volcanos.
Possibly seeing action this season is Geoff Jenkins, who could be called
up from Maui straight to the active roster, depending on his performance in
spring training. Veteran outfielders Rickey Henderson, Ivan Calderon, and
Willie McGee may be on the bubble, if Jenkins can perform up to expectations.
