Anchorage Calls Up Outfielder To Lance Opponents June 18, 2000
Anchorage AK (AP) - After his third re-evaluation, Lance Johnson was finally
cleared from his rehab assignment in New Iberia to be activated to help stop
the sliding Abominations from being knocked out of the playoff hunt. Johnson,
the team's unquestioned offensive leader, missed nine games with a sprained
ankle that did not seem to want to fully heal. "At first I didn't think it
was that bad, so I played a game on it. After that, that was a mistake, and
it took a while to heal." said the veteran outfielder.
Also sent to AAA was thirdbaseman Jeff Cirillo, who has struggled to hit just
.245 this season after a great season last year. Cirillo is suffering from
a bruised hip and manager Nick Tulach is denying rumors that he has lost
confidence in his infielder. "Jeff is in a bit of a slump. But we sent him
down because he couldn't run without pain. We hope to see him back in the
starting lineup in the next few days, though." said Tulach.
Called up to replace Cirillo was utility infielder Roberto Mejia, who had
played in just one major league game this season until this point. "I was
starting to get used to the weather in Louisana, but I'm sure I'll be back
there soon." said Mejia, who saw action yesterday.
Notes:
- Mike Holtz, one of the best setup men in the EL this season, has been sent to
AAA New Iberia for a rehab assignment. Holtz is suffering from inflamed
biceps muscle that he suffered in the 21 inning win against New Diggens
yesterday. "I felt a bit of burning during warmups, but they needed me out
there. I'm just glad we got the win." said Holtz. He is expected back
within two weeks. Called up to replace him was left-hander Vaughn Eshelman,
which came as a surprise to the veteran. "I thought that they'd go for
Scotty (Service), since he's been great for them in past seasons. But I
guess I was the only lefty available. I hope I can hold my own like Mike
was." said Eshelman, who has not seen action this year, but has a career
5.07 ERA, compiling a 6-10 record.
- Shortstop Mark Grudzielanek's hitting woes continue and rumors of his
benching have been put on hold since red-hot Gary DiSarcina has been placed
at thirdbase while Cirillo rehabs. "Mark has struggled with the bat, but
we are looking for a stable presence with the glove, which he has done. We
aren't really looking for much offense out of the short position. Anything
we get is really a bonus." said Tulach. Grudzielanek is batting just
.207, .045 below his career average. DiSarcina is hitting .333, nearly
.100 above his career figures.
- Anchorage fans have still not completely taken to the team, despite the
team being in the hunt for the playoffs later then ever before. The
Abominations have still had to have creative promotional events this year
to draw fans. They have used promotions such as park your sled dog team
for free, "first fan to wrestle the grizzly bear and win gets to sit in
the opponent's dugout for the game", and "Free Seal Milk Day". Upcoming
promotions include the ever-popular "Free Motor Oil Day" for all fans 12
and under and "Wack-the-baby-seal-for-a-buck" day.
