Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 10, 1991 TAG: 9104100160
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN SMALLWOOD SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But as the 1991 Salem Buccaneers prepare for their season opener against the Winston-Salem Spirits on Thursday night at Municipal Field, Cliburn isn't letting the disappointment of last season dampen his spirits for the upcoming one.
"I feel real good about this team," said Cliburn, who won the South Atlantic title in 1989 at Augusta (Ga.). "I think we should contend for the championship. Then again, I'm ever the optimist. I'm always positive going into the season."
Cliburn couldn't say that at the end of last season. An intense competitor, losing wasn't something he appreciated.
"In my 18 years in baseball, [last season] was the toughest of my career," said Cliburn.
He had to look beyond victories and losses to find the positive side.
"As far as player development up the ladder, [Salem] was better than any club in the Pittsburgh Pirates' organization. We had 11 guys move up to the next level. That's really what we're here for. Of course, you want to win too," he said.
This season Cliburn is in a familiar situation. The Bucs again are primarily stocked with players moved up from Augusta.
Of the 25 men on the roster, 15 spent the majority of last season in Augusta. Five are jumping directly from Welland (Ont.) of the Class A short-season New York-Penn League.
Opening Day starting pitcher Steve Buckholz, pitchers Tim McDowell and Mike Zimmerman, first baseman Ben Shelton and infielder Rob Bailey are returning Bucs from the 1990 team.
Offensively, the Bucs again should be potent.
Third baseman Kevin Young, who hit .244 with 30 RBI in Welland, and first baseman Rich Aude, who led Augusta with 61 RBI, are rated as two of the best batting prospects in the Pittsburgh organization.
Second baseman Austin Manahan, a first-round pick in 1988, catcher Felix Antigua and shortstop Roman Rodriquez finished the season in Salem. Shelton, who hit 10 home runs last year but struck out 116 times, could provide additional power.
Tim Edge and Keith Osik will handle some of the catching duties. Osik also can play in the infield.
The outfield is manned by William Pennyfeather in right, Daryl Ratliff in center and Alberto De Los Santos in left. Reserves Ken Trusky and Mike Brewington finished last season in Salem.
Cliburn said the Bucs' success will hinge on pitching.
"We were one or two in every offensive category last season," said Cliburn, "and last in about every pitching [category]. I think the pitching really has to come around this year. If the starters have the type of season we're expecting from them, I think will be OK."
Buckholz is pitching his second-straight season opener in Salem. Kevin Rychel, Rich Robertson, Paul Wagner and McDowell are the other starters.
Zimmerman, a right-handed closer, is rated one of Baseball America magazine's Top 100 prospects. A fastball-slider thrower, Zimmerman pitched 25 innings for the Bucs last year, recording eight saves and 24 strikeouts.
"Middle relief," said Cliburn. "We have to have solid relief. The key is going to be those guys that pitch the sixth, seventh and eighth innings."
\ BUCSHOTS: The Bucs will be host to Winston-Salem for a four-game series before embarking on a seven-game road trip starting Monday at Kinston. Salem returns home on April 22 to play host to Kinston. . . . In the other openers in the Carolina League's 47th season, Peninsula plays at Prince William, Lynchburg is in Kinston and Frederick is at Durham. . . . There are three new managers in the league - Mike Hart at Prince William, Steve Smith in Peninsula and Buddy Bailey at Lynchburg.
by CNB