Hot stove finally heating up

NEW CARLISLE- The Old Republic Wiffle Ball League offseason has been characterized by

uncertainty thus far. Few teams have made any transactions yet to improve their clubs for the 2011 season. In fact, it is unclear which teams will actually return for next season. Nine teams remain after the contraction of Phat Dong, Lil' Saints, and Fast Plastics. The reshuffling of players from these teams will take place in the coming months. Potential key players that could be picked up by remaining teams include: Seth Shail (Fast Plastics), Tim Bacon (Fast Plastics), Jimmy Garis (Lil' Saints), and Brock Roberts (Lil' Saints). However, one transaction has been announced as the Pterodactyls have signed Zach Feldmeier. Manager Jared Emmons's squad is coming off a disappointing end to the 2010 season. After finishing the regular season with the league's best record (38-4), the 'Dactyls were swept out of the ALCS by the eventual champion Sour Wowers. Feldmeier is primarily an outfielder, but could be used in the 'Dactyls rotation to complement Emmons. Feldmeier previously saw action with the National League champions We've Got the Runs in 2010. He also was a key member of Rated RBI's Final Four run in the New Carlisle City Championship. On the other side of town, rumors have been swirling around the Newts and Scotty Jurczak. Jurczak came up through the Newts minor league system and appeared briefly with the big league club in 2008, but he has spent the last two seasons in Hudson Lake with the Banana Slugs. The Newts have reportedly offered Jurczak a six-year deal worth $72. The Banana Slugs have offered the Newts a sign-and-trade agreement, asking for Jeff Szczypiorski and Jordan Colanese in return. However, the Newts have made it clear that Szczypiorski is not available. New Carlisle is also rumored to be pursuing free-agent Nick Arndt and Evan Layman. With Jurczak, the trio would add some youth to the aging Newts lineup.