Baseball Continues to be Played in PA
May 30, 2001
Punxatawney, PA (AP)
"The Groundhogs?" asked Vero Beach Bums owner Jason Gohlke. "Yep, they're still
there, last I checked. Still playing a game or two a day, I think, too."
That seems to be the sentiment of many Punxatawney residents (and the management)
right now as well. After being accused of being an inactive owner, Hogs GM Dan
Shapiro sent an angry reply to the front office and then had this to say to the
press.
"Look, I've watched this team every day this year. We're happy with the lineup,
and we didn't see anyone as seriously injured enough to merit a trip to the DL.
There was no reason for me to do anything."
The Hogs are "burrowing" along at a medium pace. They lead their division by a
few games, but have no reason stellar performances from any individual. Ryan
Klesko has returned to town and leads with 10 homers while Tony Batista has the
top average on the team at .294. Literally, nothing to write home about. Bobby
Thomas is 4-3, Rocky Coppinger is 4-2, and Masato Yoshii tops the rotation with a
6-2 record. Ricky Bottalico has quickly racked up 11 saves, probably the most
notable single achievement on the team.
"What's there to write about? This just isn't an interesting team now. Its a
team that is quietly leading the weakest division in the game, in which none of
the teams are even close to a .500 record outside of the division," said ESPN's
Peter Gammons.
Today, Shapiro finally made a roster move. His young ace Rocky Coppinger suffered
a minor injury and was replaced in the rotation by Jeff Taylor. No other moves
were made as Dan Wilson will play through a minor hip injury and Alex Ochoa will
continue to play with a bruised heel.
"It makes no sense for us to start making roster moves, so I hope the commissioner
doesn't expect to see them flowing in. We're happy to stay where we are for now
and we'll make changes when we need to. Nobody appreciates being threatened, but
even moreso when its not even merited," said Shapiro.
For now, the Hogs will continue to play baseball. And hopefully, not lose their
management for doing what they see is the reasonable course of action--standing
pat.
