Old Hopes Live Again At Tryouts

Baseball

Pitcher Rick Swarbrick is trying to come back from a rotator cuff injury - suffered in 1962.

The 55-year-old Swarbrick was among 33 prospects Friday attending a 4-hour tryout camp for strike replacement players conducted by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“Really, I wouldn’t want to face Ken Griffey Jr. at this juncture of my life,” said Swarbrick.

There was no indication whether the Pirates, who have been reluctant to recruit replacement players, intend to sign any of the prospects. Swarbrick was by far the oldest, and the youngest was in his early 20s.

“We’re making contingency plans for the season as best as we can,” said Scott Lovekamp, the Pirates’ Florida scouting supervisor.

Although the front office had hoped to attract only players with minor-league experience, there were some exceptions.

“They wanted to try and get released minor leaguers,” Lovekamp said. “But I don’t have the heart to send the others away.”

One of the prospects ran a 60-yard sprint in 8.4 seconds, well above the major-league average of 6.9.

Swarbrick, whose repertoire includes a fastball, slider and screwball, said the New York Yankees nearly signed him before his shoulder injury.

“After about three years it was fine again,” said Swarbrick.

Most of the hopefuls arrived with dreams of making the team, but Swarbrick’s age helped him keep the experience in perspective.

Does he feel the season will begin with replacement players?

“Truthfully? No,” he said. “There just won’t be enough talent.”

Mets want players

The New York Mets will conduct tryouts for replacement players in California, Florida and Texas.

The tryouts are open to those who have played pro baseball within the last five years. The sessions will be held Jan. 28 at Long Beach State University and at Brookhaven Community College in Dallas, and on Feb. 1 at the Mets’ spring training complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Committee favors four additions

Baseball’s expansion committee, meeting in New York, recommended that owners add four teams: most likely two in 1997 or 1998, and two at some undefined point after that.

Phoenix and St. Petersburg, Fla., are expected to get the next two teams. Orlando, Fla., and Northern Virginia also are vying for franchises.

“Expansion continues to be on a fast track,” acting commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement. “The executive council will review the issue and then make a recommendation to full ownership.”

Mariners firm schedule

The Seattle Mariners plan to open spring training camp when pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report Feb. 15 to Peoria, Ariz., the team announced Friday.

An initial workout for pitchers and catchers was scheduled for Feb. 16.

The remainder of the Mariners are to report Feb. 20.