Draft day approaches

Many owners and managers of teams in the newly formed Fun Fantasy League are gearing up for the 2007 draft, which was changed from its original March 25th date to March 31st. Beth and Dawn are no different.

"It's this Saturday, right?" Beth said, when the press asked her about the Sassians' plans for the draft. "Wow. That's coming up quick. I haven't thought much about who we'd take since we joined the league, to be honest. I think I put together a list of guys we wanted to get back then. I suppose I'll pull guys from that list, and anyone else whose name comes up that I decide I like before then."

Despite Beth's noncommittal answer, Dawn has expressed complete confidence in Beth's drafting abilities.

"I trust her to get the job done. We've discussed last year's [Randy Johnson] fiasco, and I think we're on the same page. We're just here for the sass," Dawn said.

Several 2006 Sassians have expressed their hope of returning to the team.

"I don't know if they're going to take me again this year," said relief pitcher Matt Guerrier, "But it'll be pretty awesome if they do. I'd like a return of last year's team, to be honest, but I already know that's not going to happen. I'm sure we'll all keep in touch, though."

Among those who will likely not be returning are first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz. "One of the teams to really take an interest in me this off-season was the Yankees. I have a family to support now, so the financial details were important. I was star-struck by the contract, and the fact that the Yankees were after me that I totally forgot the No Yankees rule the Sass have. I'm reasonably sure someone else will take me before Beth and Dawn can. It's depressing, really," Doug said.

Rumors say that Mark Gruzielanek is still in the running for a bench position, however. "It's unfortunately, really. Doug, AJ, and I adopted little Jimmy last year, and it was great in the clubhouse. Now we're going to have to work out custody agreements."

Exciting news came through earlier this week when it was announced that Grant Balfour has decided to fully devote his time to the Sass Rehabilitation Center in Nice, France. Earlier, Grant had expressed a desire to return to the mound, but his early struggles made him decide that working for Sass Rehabilitation and the AA Nice Guys would be a good career move.

"We're very excited," Beth said. "He was a solid presence there, with the constant DL turnover. We need people like that in our system."

Beth and Dawn said the rest of the front office will be put together as soon as the draft takes place. Anyone wishing to apply for any position are asked to contact Beth and Dawn by leaving a comment on the Sass site.