Aloha Ka Punahou 2004.02
Hawaii goes Bland for Litterbug
Catcher controversy develops
Honolulu
December 14
C Johnny Bland takes over as back up back stop to Hurley Reyes, replacing the respectable
C Ernesto 'Litterbug' García. Some wave watchers dispute the move.
"García did great for us last season," Al Hoot said, "But we feel Bland, no matter how plain his
name, represents a step up for us."
García hit .296 and slugged .481 in 135 at bats in 2003; he saw full time duty for two weeks in
April when Hurley Reyes was out with an ankle sprain. García was acquired prior to the 2003
campaign in a trade that sent C John Benhke to Chicago.
Bland, picked up on waivers from Greenville 12 days before Christmas, hit .197 in 66 at bats
for Greenville and .247 for the Moonshiners Triple-A affiliate Gotham.
Team scout Slip Lilo has rated Bland higher (however slightly) on defense, batting eye, and
patience at the plate. Lilo admits that García has more punch.
"And more paunch," says Stitch Lilo. Who also reckons that García fits in better with the club.
"Well," says Stitch Lilo, "he has a 'mañana mañana attitude,' which might be unattractive
elsewhere, but it' fits right in with our [Hawaiian] culture. Mr Bland's expectations of playing
for a winning franchise are probably gonna be disappointed."
Lilo adds that neither Bland nor García has officially been offered the job in O'ahu, although
the latter was demoted to Triple-A, where Bland is also assigned. This gives Death Valley five
catchers. And top prospect (2002, Hawaii #2 pick) Joe Tillman may soon join the Scorpions.
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