LONG BEACH (AP) - The 2007 season has been up and down for the Long Beach Lobsters, but all seems on course for a great new opening of their new waterfront park for the 2008 season.

Manager Lucious Harris has spent alot of time working with the new kids this year, and after a fast start it apprears they have hit a wall. "Yes the team has hit a wall, but it is a great learning process for the team. We have alot to be proud of. The franchise has most wins for the team since 2002, and we have a chance to break the franchise record for wins in one year."

Some players seem to be doing especially well. "I am very proud of the effort of our whole team, but extra kudos have to go to Brad Stewart and Darius O Neal for their quick pick up of the pro game.

"Of course I think two key pick-ups that will prove to be a real windfall for this franchise long-term is the pick-ups of my two Williams'- Mays and Upshaw Jr. Upshaw has anchored the middle of the infield and solidified the top of our line-up... and what can you say about Mays? He is a winner and after a brief adjustment period, he is coming on and will be our team leader for years to come. Players like Gomez, Cardoza, Monk, Schaffer, Coleman, and Sandavol all have great futures with this team, and just need the experience."

The front office has been questioned for rushing players instead of letting them season in the minors for another year, but Long Beach officials insist it is all part of the plan. Chief scout Chris Tower tells us, "We were not going to rent some vets for another year while our real talent sat in the minors, let them learn on the job, and remember our goal was to be competitive in 2008... anything else is gravy."

To that end team officials say they are not done wheeling and dealing, but it wil be more fine tuning and not the radical chances the team has a history of. "We made our last bold move with the aquisition of Mays and Upshaw this year. It gave our team some legitimicay in my opinion, let the league know we are working to be a competitive part of this league" says special assistant Akeli Jackson. "We are always looking to improve and we will continue to seek out the best for our team and the city. But we will not sway from our plan, trade tomorrow for a quick fix."

New pitching coach Juaquin Hawkins has done wonders with the pitching staff. Says Hawkins, "Schmidt is an all-star in our minds, one of the best this year, and with improvements as a team will come that respect. Martinez and Wagner have also helped out, as have new-comers Estes, Carpenter, and closer Gehrman."

Looking to the future, the team's new stadium opens in 2008 and is still a top secret endeavor. It will either model an old-time classic like Tiger Stadium or a modern classic like Jacobs Field. Time will tell. On the field super catching prospect Brent Thomas is looking to make it next year, as is top pitching prospect Danny Kwolaik. P Sean Johnston should come off injury to help the rotation, and this years draft set the team up with SEVEN top pitching prospects to re-arm the system. Owner Ken Paplnaus says, "We have begun a tradtion, tried to instill pride in our city, and I think we will open some eyes in 2008."