Big leaguers like Stingers

The Stingers are back in town. With spring training behind them and a season-opening date at Las Vegas ahead, the Triple-A affiliate of the world champion Anaheim Angels began two days of workouts at Franklin Covey Field. Tuesday's gathering was preceded by a meeting with manager Mike Brumley.

"This is a team, just like I told them today, that the big league staff is excited about as far as possible contributions," Brumley said. "We've got a good nucleus of guys."

Salt Lake's opening day roster includes Robb Quinlan, the 2002 Pacific Coast League MVP and Rookie of the Year, and World Series contributor Chone Figgins. Other familiar faces include BYU product Gary Johnson and notable prospects like infielder Alfredo Amezaga and pitcher Chris Bootcheck. Veteran slugger Jeff DaVanon is also in the mix.

Each played a role in Salt Lake's success last season. The Stingers won Central Division and American Conference titles before coming up short against Edmonton in the PCL finals.

"We have guys that really had super years that are going to be back with us," Brumley said. "I'm confident this team will be a fun team to watch just like last year. It has a similar personality."

So much so, in fact, that Brumley took time in his meeting to remind the team about last year's Stingers. They racked up 92 triples. It's a sign, he added, of a team that runs from the box with confidence and determination.

Anaheim's improbable run, which gave several Salt Lake players and Brumley a first-hand look at winning baseball's greatest prize, also factors into the equation. It proved what the second-year skipper of the Stingers called "a good atmosphere" in spring training.

"No question," Brumley explained. "I think we're all still dealing with the fact that it actually happened. Spring went real well."

Competition was keen as several personnel decisions were made at the last minute. Figgins nearly stuck with the Angels, as did DaVanon.

Opportunities, however, are limited as Anaheim's roster is almost completely intact as the Angels attempt to repeat as champions. The biggest beneficiary may be the Stingers.

Quinlan, for example, is back in Salt Lake despite driving in 112 runs with a .333 batting average. Brumley predicts this stint could be short, especially if the slugger continues to improve his defense. The Stingers will showcase his talents by playing him at first base and both right and left field.