After a blazing 3-0 start, the Kelly Leak All Stars aren't wasting any time making adjustments to strengthen their roster. Today, they made the surprising decision to waive veteran infielder Gary Gaetti. While Gaetti’s 1998 stats are nothing short of impressive—hitting .281 with 19 home runs and 70 RBIs—he didn’t see any action in the recent three-game set against the Suns. The All Stars’ front office, led by GM Steve Albeck, felt the team needed additional pitching depth to sustain their early success.
In a bold move to fortify their rotation, Albeck picked up right-hander Darren Dreifort off the waiver wire. Dreifort, who transitioned to a starting role in 1998, brings a level of versatility and durability that should complement the All Stars' existing staff. His inaugural start of the ’98 season came on April 11 against the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium, where he worked five innings but ultimately took the loss. Despite his challenging start, Dreifort settled in as the season progressed, finishing with an 8-12 record and a respectable 4.00 ERA.
Dreifort’s addition highlights the All Stars’ commitment to maintaining a well-rounded team, balancing power at the plate with depth on the mound. Known for his tenacity and competitiveness, Dreifort has the potential to be a game-changer for the All Stars, providing much-needed innings and flexibility in the rotation. Albeck’s decision to bring Dreifort into the fold suggests that the GM is taking a long-term view, focusing on a sustainable approach that leverages quality pitching as the team looks to build on their strong start.
For Gaetti, this marks the end of a brief stint with the All Stars, though his strong 1998 numbers ensure he won’t remain on the market for long. Despite his lack of at-bats in the Suns series, Gaetti’s bat and veteran presence could be a valuable asset for teams in need of offense.
With Dreifort now onboard, the Kelly Leak All Stars have set the stage for a promising season. The question remains: can Dreifort deliver the consistency on the mound to keep this All Stars’ momentum going?
Comentários