The 2Ks promise more of the same, or so hope the Kansas City
faithful. While expansion and the salary cap have cut into the
depth of the squad and while Moline now reigns as champ, the core talent from 2000's divisional championship season remains. "We're still relatively young. I think we've got a few more miles left in the tank," said publicist Mike Veeck.
And a service station up ahead in the form of young arms
and some promising position players such as RHP Matt Ginter and
SS Antonio Perez. "Young ain't what it used to be," offered mascot Mr. Twisted. "Furcal and them guys, they can play."
Four time league champions, six time defending divisional champions, the Kansas City Whirlwind owe their dynasty to GM Nils Samuels and the ample purse strings of owner Sali Sahid Alabama, who took over the franchise after their first championship in 1992. Building upon the ashes of an aged championship squad, the Kansas City Cacti, Alabama rebaptised the franchise and quickly fortified it with high-vitamin talent such as Alex Rodriguez and Jim Thome, supplemented by established nutrients like Craig Biggio and Ken Griffey, Jr. The Whirls today eat early and often with offensive strength deep in their lineup that builds strong bodies twelve ways, consistently ranking among the league leaders in runs scored. While their pitching has not been as tasty, its depth has been good for you.
Current Whirlwind Roster
2001 Media Guide
2000 Media Guide
1999 Media Guide
1998 Media Guide