Pirates Make Splash in Free Agent Market
BOSTON, MA – Throughout their history, the Prohibition Pirates of the Parkway have been an all or nothing type team. This trend continued on Tuesday. In what could best be described as the Big Bang Theory of player acquisition, the PPoP announced the signings of seven players – the largest single-day coup in PPoP history. The signings included a mix players from every position including catcher, middle infield and pitcher.
Following an encouraging end to their 2008 campaign, the Pirates set out right away this off-season to bolster their ranks. Despite some early setbacks, they seem well on their way to building a dominant team. Through a concerted effort of trolling the Internet and searching out guys in bars, Manager Jake Walter has recruited the most players since the franchise’s inaugural campaign. (Though well shy of Vin Bertrand’s record of 24.)
“We’re Pirates,” said Coach Jeff Francis. “When we see something we want, we take it.”
The strong finish notwithstanding, the Pirates struggled to regularly field a consistent squad last season.
“At the end of last year, we were really lacking depth,” said Walter. “Add in some key off-season losses, the team was in desperate need of fresh blood.”
With the newest additions to the marauders of the ECABL coming to terms late Monday night, the front office is ready to officially welcome them to the squad on Saturday at the Extra Innings in Watertown.
“We have already worked these guys out in the cages pretty hard this winter. We are really excited for this year,” added Walter. “We know what they bring to the table.”
As is often the case, the Pirates were in need of pitching. With the loss of two pitchers and a squad littered with perennially injured shoulders, the team was ecstatic to discover pitcher Greg Holahan. A crafty southpaw, he will solidify the rotation behind returning stars Gino Beniamino and Paul Benson.
Another key position for the Pirates to address was shortstop. Over their three-year existence, the PPoP have endured a revolving door at the position (12 players have started at SS in 3 years). Newcomers James Sharkey, who moves over from Philadelphia, and Jay Kreisberg, signed away from Ohio, show the team’s dedication to search near and far for new alternatives.
“Recruiting is a full-time job. It takes a lot of miles and out-of-town weddings to really round out a squad,” said Walter.
As important as pitching and defense are, Coach Walter and the rest of the staff really get boned up watching the long ball. The coaches are confident Big John McKenna and Cliff Goodband can provide some much needed pop to the lineup. McKenna is a Buck Hunter fanatic, and if his ability to bag a triple buck is any indication, the pitchers of the ECABL will be running for cover all year. Goodband meanwhile helps even out the balance of power in the law enforcement business, which should give the Randolph Blues a run for their money.
Rounding out the new signees are Dan Gadbois and Justin Tullo. Gadbois, from the little town of Bethlehem, PA, is a solid bat and savior for the knees of fellow Bethlehem townie and catcher Jake Walter. Tullo is a solid lefty bat, as is McKenna, who should provide some much needed balance to the Pirates lineup.
While it would appear the PPoP are done shopping, the front office would not rule out adding more players, “if the price were right.” Rumors are swirling about a couple of deals still in the works. Though he would not give specifics, Coach Walter hinted that there might still be one or two deals on the horizon, though nothing is imminent.
