PVBL: New Orleans Vampires
Smoke Clears, a New Era begins
Febuary 7, 2000

New Orleans, LA (AP)- Finally, the smoke has cleared. And when all was said and done, New Orleans GM Peter Gammons feels that they have, "the most balanced team in franchise history. I can honestly say that. We will be able to enjoy more depth and flexibility than ever before. Injuries should no longer kill our season in one stroke." Thus begins a new era for the franchise once known as the Hartford Whalers. The Whalers began with a cinderella season 3 yrs ago ending with a world crown. However, it was soon followed by two last-place finishes in a row in the McCoy. At the heart of the team's inconsistency and failure of late had been poor management decisions and a lack of team unity as a result of over-trading. So, upon the advice of his colleagues, franchise owner Jeremy Chrabascz removed himself from the additional offices of GM and field Manager. Enter Peter Gammons as GM. Enter Pete Rose as Manager. And as they find themselves in a new city with newfound hope and a core of multi-talented youths, the franchise begins anew.

After a brief flurry of trading following the World Series, the New Orleans franchise filled the holes it needed to fill. What still remained was finding the right combination. Today, with eager anticipation from its fans, New Orleans will be announcing its Opening Day lineups as well as its new team name. Here were the announcements as presented by New Orleans GM Peter Gammons:

Good afternoon. It is my great honor and privelage to announce not only the newly chosen name for our franchise here in New Orleans but to also to present our starting lineups for Opening Day 2000.

First, I will begin with the announcement and unveiling of our new team name and logo. We sought the advice of our families, friends, fans and colleagues and put the decision to a vote. However, we had a poor response from the other owners and decided to ultimately make the decision a front-office decision. It is my pleasure to present to you the latest PVBL franchise....


The New Orleans Vampires

It should be noted that this was a name suggested by a multitude of people throughout the country. Therefore, we hope that no one is offended by our choice for majority ruled. It is, as we should disclaim, in no way a statement of our personal beliefs in the occult. It was a decision based on popular opinion and marketing consultations. A vast array of merchandise is already on its way to stores.

It is also my great pleasure to announce our Opening Day lineup as follows...
1. C    Jason Kendall   82-47-55
2. RF   Socks Byrne     63-73-60
3. 1B   Mo Vaughn       73-99-30
4. LF   Bernard Gilkey  67-81-46
5. 3B   Bill Mueller    69-47-47
6. 2B   Adam Riggs      59-66-57
7. SS   Orlando Cabrera 62-24-51
8. DH   Bob Abreu       54-62-44
9. CF   Kurt Abbott     46-86-55

Rotation...
RHP Roger Clemens       75-98-60
RHP Ken Hill            75-92-69
LHP Sterling Hitchcock  66-74-99
RHP Kevin Millwood      86-68-85
RHP Tom Gordon          57-90-61

Long Relief...
RHP John Burke          75-69-81
RHP Brian Boehringer    41-91-93

Middle Relief...
RHP Bret Saberhagen     66-60-83
LHP Brad Woodall        46-70-99

Setup...
RHP Clint Faatz     72-65-57
LHP Mike Mimbs      55-71-77

Closer...
LHP Nigel Fernandez     93-19-62

Matt, please make careful note of everything above. I can re-send it to you if you'd like. Let me know.

--written by Jeremy Chrabascz