Abominations Blaze Kamloops, Trail Galena April 23, 2000
Anchorage AK (AP) - The Anchorage Abominations have once again started off
the season well, but must overcome a big hurdle this week in order to gain
respect in the Spock. After defeating division rival Kamloops, Anchorage
travels home to face the division champion Galena Hamsters for a three game
series.
Anchorage pushed its record to 11-6 with a 3-1 series win over the Kamloops
Blazers. "We got a good effort from the pitching staff as well as defensively.
We still need to work on our offense though." said manager Nick Tulach. "But
31 days without a day off is tough. We are going to need to rest some guys
against Galena, which is going to make it even tougher." The Abominations are
half way through the marathon run of games, which will test the resolve of
the club. "It doesn't help that we've played five extra inning games already."
commented Tulach.
Tulach plans to rest outfielders Brian McRae and Cliff Floyd as well as
shortstop Mark Grudzielanek in the first game of the series. In game two,
he plans to rest outfielder Lance Johnson, infielders Mark Grace and Jeff
Cirillo and catcher Mike Lieberthal. In the final game, expect to see John
Jaha, and Miguel Cairo sitting, said Tulach. "Its interesting, because last
year I wuld have sacrificed a game to rest all our starters. But this year, I
feel we have enough depth that I won't have to concede a game. I have faith
in some of our young guys, plus we have some crafty veterans on the bench too."
said Tulach.
Pitching matchups favor Galena very handsomely. Kevin Appier will go against
Willie VanLandingham in game one. "I believe that Willie is as good as anyone
in the league. Period." said pitching coach Chuck Crim. Game two will feature
Anchorage's lefty Scott Aldred versus Gonzo. "I like having a lefty against
Gonzo, but still, he has shut us down in the past. We need to overcome that."
said Tulach. In the final game, Anchorage will go with Buddy Moisan, while
Galena will pitch Tennessee Jones. "Jones has good stuff. Moisan and him
are similar. That should be a good game." said Crim.
Anchorage is one game back of Galena for first place in the Spock, with
Ann Arbor sandwiched between the two at a half game back.
Notes:
- All is quiet on the trade front for Anchorage. "Our pitching has been
good. Hitting is starting to come around. I feel good about the guys we
have. Our clubhouse morale is excellent. I don't really see a need now."
said GM "the Man". "Pretzels would definately be a plus though."
- Anchorage's pitching coach, Chuck Crim, has been accused by a number of
coaches in the PVBL's Spock division of distributing "illegal substances"
to a number of his pitchers, presumably to give them an unfair advantage.
"Can't these guys just admit that our guys are pitching well" said Crim.
In a recent visit to Anchorage's Poopmoose Park, Ann Arbor AllKnighters'
owner Michael Kennedy commented that he saw "suspicious looking persons
hauling crates of foodstuffs orginiating from Mississauga." Anchorage
front office personell refused to comment on the situation.
