Dayton Toppins Press Release

DAYTON, OH:  Earlier this morning General Manager of the Dayton Toppins, Joe V, stepped to the podium to introduce his manager, Anthony Grant.  Grant, known for his prowess in NCAA basketball, especially this past season where he put together the greatest team and season in University of Dayton history, is switching sports but vowed to bring with him the same approach.  "What works in one sport, works in them all," said Grant in his stoic style, "Defense, balance, and limiting mistakes.  That's what its about.  Do those things and you will win.  Don't, and it'll be a long season in any sport, from Basketball, to baseball, to whiffle ball."

Joe V and Grant assembled a squad they hope is designed to do just that.  Made up of solid defenders across the diamond, but no one with an ATB career average over .300, and all with good career ATB OBP.  The team also selected four straight pitchers to start the draft and plays in the hitter's desert 1906 Washington Stadium, where all manner of hits are hard to find.  "The field plays to our men's strengths, and with the Big Train leading the way, we hope to ride our horses to the division title," Grant said.  The hope is the offense can be led by the top of the order getting on base, and Gabby Hartnett knocking them in. 

Joe V feels confident in his squad's capability, "Clearly, we will set some records.  They could be for least amount of runs scored, or most shutouts, but we will be fun to watch."  Grant, however, exuded confidence in his ability to get the most out of his team and believes they will win a lot of one run games.  The exhibition season aside, where the team managed a 6-16 record, Grant believes the time for coaching and meticulous management of his team's talents will win out.  "In the exhibition season we were just operating at a regular pace, no adjustments, to see what we have.  Now that we know that, we will adjust our approach by player to maximize our efficiency," In the audience at the University of Dayton Arena, Commissioner Lou Poulas appeared to put his head in his hands and audibly groaned at hearing the phrase "adjust our approach by player."

Grant said.  Known for his intelligent and intense approach, Joe V hopes Grant can do for the Toppins what he did for Obi Toppin.  Time will tell in the NL West, where only one team in the Exhibition season played to .500 ball (Brian B at 11-10).  Play Ball!