Report: Empire Locks Up Sorensen For Four Years
Bronx, New York - Sources close to the team are reporting that the Empire and James Sorensen have tentatively agreed on an extension to keep the star third baseman with the team through the 1977 season. Sorensen, a four time all star, was drafted by the Emipire in 1963 in the first round (23rd overall). He earned the starting role at the hot corner for the Empire in 1967, and has been a key cog of the offense ever since. The 28 year old currently leads the team in RBIs with 65, third overall in the Mays League. Financial details of the contract have yet to be released.
This is definitely good news for a team that has struggled recently, losing ground to rival Boston in the Banks. The Empire currently trails the Digs by 4.5 games, and has struggled recently to generate runs. With Spooky Proulx having the worst season of his illustrious eleven year career, only young star Orlando Romo has provided any protection in the lineup for Sorensen. It has been rumored that GM Caelon has been exploring trade options to acquire one more productive bat for the lineup, but with virtually no room under the salary cap certainly almost any deal would require the team to move Proulx and his $16 million contract.
In other team news... young right fielder Matt Hill was injured while making a sensational catch in the 9th inning of Friday's game at Falls Church. Team doctor Doug Andrews reported that Hill suffered a fracture in his left foot after colliding awkwardly with the right field wall while making a potential game-saving catch. Andrews reported that Hill's injury did not require surgery, and the outfielder is expected to miss seven to eight weeks.
-- Sportswriter Dave Anderson