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Montgomery Spring Report

It's been another quiet spring for the Stits.

One of Capra's most steady franchises, the Montgomery Constitutions will soon head north to begin their seventh year, as they try to continue their streak of success capturing their division four times and finishing second twice in the league's six year history.

The biggest question mark coming into spring training was centerfield, and it looks like AAA shortstop Harry Fernandez has won that job. First base is still a bit in flux because Ryan Parrish has been resigned for a bargain $ 2 million and is probably going to take the bulk of rookie slugger Carl Henderson's anticipated playing time.The rest of the lineup will look the same as last year's, though shortstop Chip Turner will look a bit flashier, having signed the biggest contract in Constitution franchise history during the offseason.

The only other new face looks to be Frank Graves who was taken in the Rule 5 draft and will be the team's utility man.

Most disappointed this spring is Adrian Olsen who may not even make the team after starting well at third the last two seasons. He has asked for a trade. Secondbaseman William Alexander looks headed back to the minors despite his .476 spring. It also may be the end of the line for billionaire Trevor Roberts who was invited to camp to try for the firstbase job, but lost his chance with the Pasrrish signing.

The pitching staff looks just as solid with the entire starting five coming back to again fill the rotation. The only suspense left on the roster is who will fill the last two bullpen spots, though even the pen will look much the same as the last few years.

We southerners are conservative folk who go for reliability and consistency, and that's what the Stits have delivered, and it's what we're looking forward to again this season.

Also continuing with Montgomery's tradition, Lynyrd Skynyrd has again signed on to be at the home opener to lead the crowd in the seventh inning singing of "Sweet Home Alabama," and the namesake and great grandson of Colonel Peyton Manning will lead the crowd in the traditional Rebel Yell as the team first takes the field. It looks to be a great season, so come to opening day, and wear your best gray.

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