iVerdi confident of winning. pennant By KAREN TROXEL Star-Gazette "We're here to win the pennant. We've already placed orders for our ring size." Those were the big words coming from Elmira Pioneers manager Mike Verdi Monday in predicting the outcome of the J990 New York-Penn League season. Those words are especially optimistic considering Verdi saw his 1989 Pioneers finish with a 30-46 record and 23 games out of first place. So, what's the reason for Verdi's optimism? Is it just normal pre season hype? ; Verdi feels strongly he has some ingredients in the talent department and that along with some changes in the structure of the league itself makes him feel his prediction is definitely possible. ; Let's take a long look first at the talent. ; In the pitching department, where Verdi feels is the cornerstone of success, the second-year manager has a blend of youth and experience and lots of enthusiasm. ; Here's the youth first. ! First there's Silverio Santama-ria. Santamaria is "19 going on "I think if we're a .500 ball club in two weeks, that should keep us in it this year. If we're in it, then we can win the pennant. 99 Mike Verdi, Pioneers' manager 25" according to Verdi. Santamaria, a right-hander who pitched in the Gulf Coast League last year has durability Verdi is going to count on especially early in the season. "He's very strong. He's the type of kid who could throw five days in a row if you asked .him too," said Verdi. Santamaria, from the Dominican Republic, is one of Verdi's "puppies" young in age but with some baseball seasoning. Cedric Santiago is the other. Santiago, who was the starter in Tuesday's season opener, is also 19 years old and was one of the highest players drafted out of Puerto Rico last year. The lefthander played in the Gulf Coast r 7 - Ty"" SIMON WHEELERStor-Gazette GETTING READY: Elmira's Larry Grant gets ready for a workout and the season with some stretches Monday at Dunn Field. League in 1989 and is noted for his hard-throwing. From there, Verdi's pitching staff consists of college players drafted in the 1990 June selection and players who have been in the Red Sox organization for at least one year. Left-hander Jim Dennison is probably the most seasoned, having spent time in the Gulf Coast and Florida State leagues last year and part of this season. He is going to be a starter for Elmira after having some problems adjusting to a reliever role in Winter Haven this spring. Big, strong right-hander Dave Ring (6-2, 220) has been pegged as the early-season stopper and comes to Elmira after spending last summer in the Gulf Coast League and having an excellent spring. Back for a repeat trip to Elmira is right-hander John Locker. Locker struggled last season in the NY-P with a 1-2 record and 3.29 ERA in 19 appearances out of the bullpen. Verdi says Locker's control is much better and has pitched back-to-back eight inning shutouts this spring. Coming straight to Elmira from the college ranks are righthanders Gar Finnvold from Florida State, Brian Young of Ohio University and Tim Smith of Boston College and left-hander Erik Plantenberg out of San Diego State. In the catching ranks, Verdi is hoping John Lammon, a free agent signee late this spring, is the answer to the every day problems. "I like him a lot. He's a helluva hitter and he's got a quick release," Verdi said. Joe Demus is slated to be the backup catcher. The infield also looks to be an area where Verdi sees a lot of potential, stability and excitement. At first base, David Alvarez, who played in Elmira last season, will team with Jason Friedman. Friedman has spent some time in Winter Haven but has been struggling recently but Ver- ' di requested him because of his attitude and work ethic. At second base, local favorite ! t TMnpOTll Ml I ... J III 1 I 4 t Ii. , . s' . ' i : . . . . 2 IX. ' f. v; A r 4 . vy 4 , v 'i'.i...., .. . .. "h.:- . x SIMON WHEELERStor-Goitt AUTOGRAPH TIME: Tim Southard, 1 3, of Horseheads collects some pre-season autographs from Cedric Santiago, left, and Jose Malave. Jeff Limoncelli will battle with top prospect Tim Davis. Davis, out of Southern Illinois, has good range and a strong arm according to Verdi and can play shortstop as well. Utility man Larry Grant is penciled in as the every day third baseman, but can give it a run at either short or second. Randy Brown, out of the junior college ranks, perhaps brings the biggest sparkle to Verdi's eyes. "I just saw him for the first time Sunday and I'm in love," said Verdi. "He's got good reactions, range and the strongest arm I've seen in a long time. He has all the tools. I haven't seen a shortstop like him in years." Ready to take a break from the praise. Don't count on it. Verdi's equally high on his outfielders starting with Elmira veteran Jeff McNeely. Verdi feels McNeely, who hit .250 in Elmira and .406 in the Gulf Coast League last season, has a shot to lead the league in hitting and steal a few bases as well. Jose Lora, a 20-year-old from the Dominican Republic, led the extended spring training league in stolen bases with 19 and was named the Red Sox' most improved minor league player last year. Tim Graham, who's expected to see lots of action in center field, brings intelligence and contact hitting to the lineup. Jose Malave is the power hitter of the crew and according to Verdi shows a lot of potential to rack up big numbers in the league with some deceptive speed. Now there are the names to go with the talent prognosis and what about that Intangible Verdi is counting on? ;'I think we have an advantage that they're are three divisions in the league this year," said Verdi. Elmira will play in the Western Conference of the New York-Penn League which will be made up of Auburn, Batavia and Geneva. Oneonta, Pittsfield, Utica and Wa-tertown will be in the Eastern Conference. The Stedler Division will consist of Jamestown, Erie, St. Catharines, Hamilton, Niagara Falls and Welland. "I think if we're a .500 ball club in two weeks, that should keep us in it this year," said Verdi. "If we're in it, then we can win the pennant."