BUCS HOPE TO GET BATS ON TRACK

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 13, 1993                   TAG: 9304130079
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
BUCS HOPE TO GET BATS ON TRACK
THE SALEM BUCCANEERS open their home season tonight after splitting their first four games on the road.
The Salem Buccaneers spent their first off day of the infant Carolina League season meeting the media and contemplating their less than vigorous offense.
Yet despite those two disagreeable, but necessary chores Monday, they could reflect on what is right with their little corner of the world.
Most importantly, they are 2-2 and tied for first place in the Southern Division. Furthermore, they can look forward to tonight's Municipal Field opener. Temperatures are expected to be in the 40s with a diminishing wind and clear skies. A bunch of fans will descend, although whether it is the franchise-record 3,900-plus that greeted the team on this occasion last year remains to be seen.
So what's not to like?
Maybe the bats, which helped leave the Bucs with a four-game split at the Kinston Indians, will make a triumphal entrance against the Wilmington Blue Rocks in Salem.
Dave Rajsich, the Bucs pitching coach, is one who seems not to have a worry in the world that the attack soon will start attacking.
"They'll hit," he said.
The lineup will have only a few changes from the weekend. For one, Marty Neff, who started the season as the designated hitter, probably will be moved to right field. That will send Trace Ragland to the bench, or to the designated hitter slot, depending on who pitches for the Blue Rocks. Joe Calder or Ken Bonifay also may DH.
Salem manager Scott Little hasn't had insomnia as a result of the the team's hitting, either.
"Kinston threw some pretty good pitching at us a couple of games, so I don't want to blame our guys," he said.
The Bucs are home through Sunday. In addition to the Blue Rocks, an affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, Salem will entertain the Frederick Keys this week.
Salem's starting pitcher tonight will be Mariano De los Santos (0-0).
Fans at Municipal Field will notice few changes from last year. Gourmands may appreciate several additions to the menu at the concession stand. Among the new entries are meatball subs ($2); pork barbecue ($2); jalapeno poppers ($1.75), a bracing combination of deep fried peppers, cheese and breading; and quarter-pound hot dogs ($1.75).
Those who are not vigorous eaters can look forward to some of the ballpark promotions coming through the year. The biggies include the Famous Chicken on July 9; an old-timers' game headlined by Hall of Fame pitcher Catfish Hunter on July 10; and a postgame concert featuring a twinbill of Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs and the Box Tops on July 17.

OPENING HOMESTAND Today through Thursday: Wilmington Blue Rocks, all games at 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday: Frederick Keys, all games at 7 p.m., except Sunday at 3 p.m.
Keywords:
BASEBALL

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB