Bandit Post, Vol 2.2, 1998

[aaronweiner]

News and Notes


Bandits Deal for Billy Ashley

In a move that hopefully will solve many of the Bandits' offensive issues, Billy Ashley was acquired from the Long Beach Surfers for two minor leaguers and $1 million cash.

"Well, of course I'm happy to be out of Long Beach and onto a first place team," said Ashley. "It's not the same around there as it was a couple years ago."

Long Beach won 93 games in 1995 and made the FLCS, but has stumbled to last-place finishes in each of the last two seasons and currently has the third-worst record in the MBBA. That's the reason they were willing to part ways with Ashley, a young powerhitter still in his prime.

"We're obviously pleased to have a power bat of Ashley's caliber join the team," said manager Lou Brown. "We don't need anyone riding in on their freaking white horse, but if it has to be someone, it's good that it's a guy who can hit it out of the park."

Ashley is signed through next season, but the Bandits are likely to try and sign him for longer than that this offseason. Ashley has hit 12 home runs this season in 53 games with a .277 batting average.


Pat Larkin Rookie of the Month

An extremely likely candidate for FL Rookie of the Year is Pat Larkin, who just won his first Rookie of the Month Award. Larkin, who is considered one of the most promising young players in the MBBA, hit an outstanding .383 in May to bring his season's average to .356, currently fifth in the FL and tops among his position, catcher.

"I'm honored and humbled to accept this award," said Larkin. "I owe my teammates the credit for my success so far in the major leagues. I just hope we continue to play as a team and work together."

The high batting average is nothing new for Larkin. Last year, in a September callup, Larkin hit .438 in 73 at bats.


JP Morgan Signed, Debut Debacle

JP Morgan was signed off the free agent wire to try and sure up the #5 starter spot. However, his first two starts have been so disastrous that it is possible that Morgan, who is owed $3.5 million for the rest of the season, may find an early release.

"We're obviously concerned about JP's first two starts, but we're willing to be a little bit patient," said pitching coach Joe Cooper. "We're not going to panic at any rate."

Morgan himself says that he's just getting adjusted to being back in the majors again.

"It's a difficult transition being a free agent and then being part of a team again," said Morgan. "I'm just trying to get back into my regular routines."

If Morgan doesn't turn it around, the team may be forced to eat his contract, which, happily, they can afford to do.


Felicetti To AAA?

Prospect Hank Felicetti is ready for the majors and would make a fantastic utility man, but the team is considering putting him in AAA to let him play every day when he returns from the disabled list, said a source inside the Bandits organization.

"We think that Felicetti is a star waiting to happen, but we don't want to push out any of the current starters," said the source. "He'd make a great utility guy, and we need one of those, but we're not going to make an immediate move."

Reportedly, Felicetti may be in line to take Willie Greene's job should he be promoted. If the team re-signs Greene, he'll then take over from Jack Dark at third base if Dark departs after next season.

"The logjam in the infield really isn't," said the source. "It's just that we have a lot of guys signed right now. He might be our starting shortstop on Day 1 of next year."