8B
Thursday, April 25, 1996
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
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Vaughn's leaving may provide opportunities
I don't know about the rest of you, but I am getting tired of the suspense surrounding Jacque Vaughn's future. Will he go? Will he stay? Frankly, I don't care. But if pressed into a decision, I would say go pro. Really, let's think about this. First of all, why should he stay? He will spend his senior season surrounded by underachievers and incompetence. There is no reason to believe that the 1996-97 version of the men's basketball team will fare any better than last season's group. Yes, the team returns its starting lineup, pending Vaughn's return, and quite possibly its best four reserve players. The team will also add Ostertag-clone Travis Williams, and Nick Bradford. Even with the potential addition of Lester Earl to our collection of McDonalds' All-Americans, there is no reason for optimism. The front line, while large and skilled offensively, lacks the aggressive nature necessary against more powerful big men, as witnessed by their collapse against all-world center John Wallace and forward Otis Hill of Syracuse. Paul Pierce seemed to be more inclined to dribble the ball off his
feet late in the season rather than score points, and Jerod Haase's season-long shooting slump is now legendary. So, what would Jacque have to look forward to?
Second, where has Jacque Vaughn taken us? The last time I checked, All-Americans put their teams on their backs during crunch time (witness John Wallace). Jacque has never shown the ability to dominate the final five minutes of a key game. He has hit big shots, but there is a difference. He has not led a team to the Final Four, and has led a team past the Sweet Sixteen only once. So, what good will it do for this University if he stays?
I am a fan of Kansas athletics, but I am tired of high expectations, followed only by disappointment and excuses. Please, Roy, use Jacque's scholarship to find a consistent outside shot, and save me from another letter like this.
Phillip Legg Oklahoma City, junior
The Royals need you!
If baseball fans in Kansas City expect to have a major league team hanging around much longer, they should show their feelings by supporting the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Unfortunately, this has not happened so far this season. While it's true that the Royals are below 500 and sometimes lack offensive punch, this is perhaps the season they should be supported the most.
Consider the American League powerhouse Cleveland Indians. Three or four years ago, Cleveland was in the basement. But two years later they were nearly unbeatable. Their young talent had matured and began playing some great baseball. If you ask Cleveland fans whether it was worth it, I am sure they would tell you that the wait made it that much sweeter.
I bring this up because the Royals are now rebuilding, much like the Indians did a few years ago. After trading off most of their veterans to go with the "youth movement," a lot of Royals' fans questioned the organization's commitment
to winning. But in a few years these questions will fade away in a sea of victories.
The Royals are stacked with young talent that may rival that of Cleveland's. Tom Goodwin will compete with Llofort the stolen base lead and, with his speed, is always a threat to score. Bip Roberts, when healthy, is one of the best hitters in the league and will add pop to the lineup. If he played for a winner, David Howard might win a Gold Glove with his play at shortstop. Michael Tucker is swinging the bat very well and should be a deep threat. Although he got off to a slow start, Bob Hamlin is coming around, Patrick Lennon could be a huge surprise, and if you've seen the commercials, you know that Johnny Damon is the next George Brett.
Without fan support, no team can succeed. Please get to the 'K" and support our Major League Baseball队. It will be worth it in the long run. Just ask anyone in Cleveland.
The Royals front office frustrates Appier
Matt Woodruff
Olathe junior
Young players carry team because veterans let go to cut down on payroll
The Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kevin Appier said it was nothing personal. He just wanted to win, and wasn't sure the Kansas City front office was going about it the right way.
"I love it here. I want to play here. I just want it better here," Appier said Tuesday, after cooling off from a postgame fury the night before.
Appier's 6-2 loss to the New York Yankees Monday night was the Royals' sixth straight setback. He was fuming when reporters circled him after the game, in which he gave up nine hits and five runs in seven innings.
Mostly, Appier was upset that the Royals, to cut their payroll, had unloaded such veterans as Greg Gagne, Gary Gaetti and Wally Joyner. The purge began last year in spring training when outfielder Brian McRae and pitcher David Cone, and their huge contracts, were virtually given away.
Cone was the winning pitcher for the Yankees on Monday night.
"The way they sold the farm, I don't think it's the best atmosphere for developing players because it doesn't teach them how to win. It tears down their confidence," Appier said. The Royals, committed to developing young players
such as Michael Tucker and Johnny Damon, snapped the losing skid at six games Tuesday night with a 5-2 victory against the Yankees. But, that still left them eight games under .500.
Appier made it clear he was not putting down the young players.
"These guys are busting their rears," he said.
"This is a great bunch of guys. I'm not getting on them at all. I love these guys. I just don't agree with the approach the front office has taken."
Manager Bob Boone said he could not fault Appier for being angry, and no doubt would have preferred keeping Cone and the other veterans to bring the young players along more gradually.
"But it's not my job to point fingers and it's not Kevin Aopier's job to point fingers." he said.
Applier can be a free agent after this season.
"If they have no plans on winning, well, then
I'm not interested in staying here but, hopefully,
the situation is not that way and I can stay here."
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