Monday, August 3, 1998

Prairie Dog Notes

By JEFF WALKER / Abilene Reporter-News

Abilene Prairie Dogs' manager Barry Jones is almost finished tinkering with his starting lineup.

The pitching staff, however, continues to feature changes.

Jones' newest acquisition is Ashley Moore, a 25-year-old right-hander signed from the Western Warriors of the Western League.

"I got him from Charlie Kerfeld," Jones said of the former Abilene manager who now manages the Warriors.

"(Ashley) was at the tryout camp in Dallas but unfortunately, he had signed a contract with the Western League. Charlie said he's got good work habits and I remember him vaguely from the camp because everyone wanted him."

Moore accumulated a 3-3 record with the Warriors, who became a traveling team after the franchise in Grays Harbor, Wash., folded.

Greg Aiken became the odd-man out of the staff with the arrival of Moore. Aiken appeared in 19 games for the Prairie Dogs. He was 0-3 with a 7.62 earned run average. He pitched 39 innings and gave up 53 hits and 29 walks, while striking out 20 batters.

Jones said Moore will be used out of the bullpen at first.

"We're going to use him out of the pen until one of our four starters shows that they can't do the job," Jones said.

As for the rest of the team, Jones said there is only one question mark, but it has three possible answers.

"We've got one spot in the lineup that can change every day," said Jones. "We've got three guys (Mike Perini, Jody Holder and Keith Abrego) who are playing for one spot and that's center field."

Law & Order

Tonight will be Badge Night at Crutcher Scott Field. The Prairie Dogs will be welcoming a large group of local and area law enforcement officials at the game.

Monday will also bring another Dillard's Makeover Monday event. One contestant will receive a free makeover from Dillard's during the game.

Measuring stick

With all of the changes the Prairie Dogs have made since before the All-Star break, Abilene will finally get to find out how it stacks up against the best.

The Amarillo Dillas, who won the first half of the Texas-Louisiana League and are currently in first place in the second half, begin a four-game series at Scott Field tonight.

Barry Takahashi (4-1, 4.71) will get the start in the series opener for the Dogs. In his last outing, Takahashi struggled with five walks in six innings, but notched a 4-1 victory over Lafayette Bayou Thursday at Scott Field.

Jeff Walker can be reached at 676-6711 or at sports@abinews.com.