Anchorage Infield Returns For Playoff Charge August 31, 2000
Anchorage AK (AP) - The Abominations got a wealth of good news this week as
half of their starting infield has returned from the DL. Miguel Cairo and
Mark Grudzielanek have both been on the disabled list for the better part of
August. But in their absence, a pair of unlikely heroes have emerged from
the ranks of the Abomination bench. Utility man Gary DiSarcina and minor
leaguer Roberto Mejia both stepped in and played outstandingly in the absence
of the two young stars. In fact, so much so that one of the players --
DiSarcina -- will most likely remain in the starting lineup despite the
return of a healthy Mark Grudzielanek tomorrow.
"Gary (DiSarcina) has been playing so darn well for us we can't sit him now.
Mark will get his chance, I'm sure. But Gary is the hot bat, and glove, right
now, so he'll be in there." said manager/owner Nick Tulach. DiSarcina is
batting .282 this season in 57 games while Grudzielanek has struggled, batting
just .221 in 92 appearances. Many critics believe Grudzielanek got more then
a fair chance and many believe he should have been pulled earlier. "Mark
(Grudzielanek) started to come on before he went down. Gary has always been
a role-player for us. Our first bench guy. But he's definately earned the
playing time." said Tulach.
DiSarcina has not been able to secure the starting spot since the Abominations
moved from Cincinnati two seasons ago. He has been the backup both for
Grudzielanek and former Anchorage shortstop Juan Castro. "I have been
comfortable with the role that I have played with this team. Its important
for any great team to have quality bench players, guys who can come in and
fill in without a let down. This chance to start, its nice, but I still
need to prove that I can play everyday, both to myself and the coaches."
said DiSarcina.
Grudzielanek was highly criticized when he came to the Abominations, deemed
the "second half" of the deal involving Jeff Cirillo, Omar Vizquel, and Gary
Sheffield. Anchorage felt that Grudzielanek was their man at shortstop for
the future, along with Cirillo at third base and Miguel Cairo at second.
"We built an infield that we feel will be around for a long, long time. I
can honestly say that I am committed to keeping those three guys, along with
Mark (Grace) in an Anchorage uniform for as long as they care to play." said
Tulach. Grudzielanek put up similar numbers to the departed Vizquel last season
but both have gone in opposite directions this year, with Vizquel having
a solid year before going down with injury.
Miguel Cairo's replacement at second base was a God-send for the 'Boms.
Roberto Mejia, picked up in the off-season specifically for depth in the
middle infield in case of injury, filled in well during Cairo's extended
absence. Tapering off toward the end of his stay, Mejia hit four doubles and
a home run, as well as playing flawless defense at second. "We went after
some help for Miguel (Cairo) in the off-season and Roberto is who we felt
most comfortable with. We actually picked him up for his glove, but were
pleasently surprised by his bat as well. He really stepped up when we needed
him the most." said Tulach. It is unclear whether he will be carried on
the playoff roster, should Anchorage be able to make the post-season. "Well,
a lot can happen between now and then. We are taking it one game at a
time." said Tulach.
Anchorage is currently 2 1/2 games up on Tijuana in the wild card race and
8 1/2 games back of Galena in the EL's Spock division.
