MWWL NEWS

    Union City, CA (MWWL News Service)....

When Steve Comer boarded the plane for the Bay Area, he did so to get to town early in preparation for his start in game 1 of the series between Lauderdale and Gold River. When he landed, he found out that he would be starting game 1 of the series, but in the Miners' home whites. He was told the news by Miners' GM Mitch Watnik and was whisked from the airport to the MLB Radio Fans.com Field of Dreams for a press conference to announce the deal.

"I had put out feelers in the market for a quality starter," Watnik said "and Cliff [Miller, GM of the Lauderdale Breakers] and I found a fit." The Miners sent their 3rd round pick of the 1980 draft for Comer, who was the Breakers' first round selection (18th overall) in the 1978 draft. The Miners sent down starters Rudy May and John Curtis and recalled rookie hurler Mike Morgan.

"We're glad he's throwing for us, rather than against us, tomorrow," said the Miners' backstop, Johnny Bench. Two weeks ago, Comer threw into the ninth inning against the Miners, holding them to 2 runs- both coming on a Reggie Jackson homer- to get the win.

Miners' skipper Jasper Nelson was beaming. "It looks as if John Curtis and Rudy May don't have many innings left in their arms this year. While Righetti looked good in a spot start, we couldn't count on him to be a consistent starter for the rest of the year to get us deep into the playoffs. This will allow me to match up Owchinko, Falcone, and Morgan as the fourth and fifth starters and put McLaughlin back in the bullpen, where he is most successful. I also won't feel as much of a need to pitch Flanagan or Eckersley on short rest. In fact, I'm going to give Flan an extra day so that he can start game 1 against the Bombers next week."

"I enjoyed pitching during the pennant race last year for the Breakers. I'm sure I will enjoy the stretch run with my new team here in Union City," said the Miners' new hurler. "After a few handshakes with my former teammates tomorrow, it will be weird trying to get them out, but that is what I plan to do."