'09 Can the Creepers compete?

SPRING WINDING DOWN, KEY POSITIONS STILL UP IN THE AIR

With Spring Training nearing it's end, it looks like the Creepers have a solid team to compete in the realigned Central division. With few position battles unresolved, defense looks solid and the offense would appear to be in place. "On paper we have more pop in our line-up than ever before, even when Manny was a Creeper." Said Owner Jeff Moore, refusing to comment on the Commish suspending ManRam after the failed drug test, he went on to say "and our pitching looks healthy, rather than last year when we struggled to keep our rotation on the field." One looming question that hovers over the Creeper camp is who will get the opening day nod on the bump. "We just don't know yet, really it's down to Lee and Carp" Said Manager Tony LaRussa.
Other Key Draft additions are settling in as well. Brian Fuentes is battling with Jonathon Broxton for the Closer job. Ryan Ludwick was handed the Starting Left Field job as soon as he was signed on draft day, with Rick Ankiel expected to hav ethe Center job over Matt Kemp, who will likely be in Right. The 3-5 Rotation spots are looking like new addition Kyle Lohse, Vet Mark Buerhle and finally healthy Rookie Yovanni Gallardo respectivly. Ryan "The Riot" Theriot will have the job as SS Jose Reyes' double play partner. But in non-DH parks (the Creepers use the DH at home) it is yet to be determined of Aubrey Huff's glove will win out over Ryan Garko's. The hot corner will be manned by the steady Creeper prescence of A-Ram, Aramis Ramirez.

OUT OF ACTION, BY HOOK OR BY CROOK

Some key faces, however, have been ominiously absent from the Jupiter, FL. training home of the Creepers. LHP Noah Lowry is still trying to battle back from surgery. "We miss the innings he saved our 'pen," Said Pitching coach Dave Duncan, "He really will be missed and we can't wait to have him back."

Then there were others, Still in the midst of a contract dispute Ace Pedro Martinez is holding out, refusing to play until the front office negotiates part of his incentives package. "We are having a hard time with Pedro and coming to terms with what he wants." Said Assistant GM Walt Jocketty. GM/Owner Jeff Moore refused to comment saying only "He will be a tremendous boost to us once this is over."
Pedro could not be reached for comment.

MEET THE STAFF

The 2009 Creepers Staff is:
Owner/ GM Jeff Moore
AGM Walt Jocketty
Manager Tony LaRussa
Bench Coach Will "The Thrill" Clark
Pitching Coach Dave Duncan
Bullpen Coach Bob Gibson
Third base/ Baserunning Coach Jose Oquendo
First base Coach Dave Mckay
Hitting insructor Hal McRae