LONG BEACH (AP) - Realizing the new direction that the Weaver League is heading in, managment of the Long Beach Lobsters announced today that they would continue to look out for top talent to train their minor league players.

Announced team GM Ken Paplanus: "With free agency and supplemental reduction realities in the Weaver League, their is an even greater emphasis and importance on development of minor league talent. We have are very pleased with our parent club's staff, and with a few key additions the minor league staff will be just strong."

With that the club announced a new working agreement with the Temecula Tranchulas to help with development for their AAA club, the Louisville Sluggers.

Fomer major leaguer J.R. Richards was named pitching coach for the Tranchulas, and former NHL great Wayne Gretzky has agreed to try is hand at managing a minor league team, with fomer NBA player Jay Vincent serving as his bench coach.

Former Motown Miracles manager Triple H is the new bench coach of the low minor affiliate Transylvania Bats, helping new manager Clyde Drexler learn the ropes in a new sport. Former WCW star Sting will serve as new batting coach. "His experience carrying around that bat will be a real assest to the team."

At the AAA level, Louisville is finalizing a deal for a new skipper that will shock the sports world, says Slugger hititng coach George Brett and bench coach Ozzie Smith. "I agree" says new pitching coach Denis Eckersley, "if we can secure this person's services it will be a real boon for the Lobster franchise." Details to follow.

"We are looking for great sports minds to teach the youngsters, and we have a great start here and are proud to welcome all the new hires to the family. Their #1 goal will be to continue the tradition we have tried to instill since moving to Long Beach of developing quality young players to make the franchise sound long term."

While the ownership is focusing its current efforts on the minor league system, the big league club is off to a great start and attendance records are falling left and right.

"The whole city of Long Beach is excited and has gotten behind the Lobsters" says skipper Lucious Harris, "but it is still real early, and we are going to take things one step at a time. We are trying to catch the big boys in the Weaver League, and until we can we have a lot of learning to do."

"The last couple of seasons it has been a real pleasure to see this team grow, this franchise grow, and this organization grow. The new Lobster Tank has revitalized downtown Long Beach, and along with that mecca The Pyrmaid at LBSU we have two first rate facilities in this town." Says owner Ken Paplanus, "We have found a home in Long Beach, and we hope to be able to continue to grow with this community."