TOKYO (AP) - The Tokyo Tsunamis late last night came to terms with free agent pitcher Pete Schourek, formerly of the Weaver league Champion Cozumel Mayans.

At the early morning press conference Schourek explained, "This is about respect. It's about going where you are wanted and needed. This team made me a priority when others wouldn't, so I'm glad to be here."

Schourek, who was signed by Berlin (and subsequently traded to Cozumel) last offseason, was a greeat contributor to thier Weaver Cup winning team, going 20-5 with 1.85 ERA and 28 quality starts (out of 31). "I thought I had my best year last season. I felt I got stronger as the season went along and that my arm has more than a few seasons left in it."

"We got our guy" stated visibly happy team owner Mike Wilson."The man sitting next to me is a stud. He's like a fine wine that keeps getting better with age. He is a bonafide ace, a #1 starter who anyone would love to have on their team.

"I don't know why Cozumel would let him go. He is warrior who will take the ball and pitch whenever you give it to him. He keeps you in games. He wins you games."

Schourek, who is considered by many to be a lock for Weaverball Hall of Fame, said, "I just want the chance to pitch and help a team win. I've won everyhere I have been, and I can win here too."

When asked if he would eventually consider trading Schourek Wilson replied, "I'm honest with every player on our roster. We are all here to win as a franchise. When you are here to play you are part of that franchise. Everybody knows, from me down to the ticket takers and the graonds crew, that if you are hurting the team or can help it more by not being here we will move you."

"Do I want to trade Pete? No. Will I trade Pete if it will help build this franchise? You bet your ass I will!" Wilson shouted.

"Hey, I'll say it again for all those who weren't listening... We want to get young, but not bad. We want to win, but with youth, pitching and defense. Pete IS pitching,"

Several of the team's veteran players are said to be extremely unhappy as the team prepares to enter spring training. One vet who spoke on condition of anonymity said, "If he thinks he come in here and cast us all aside, he (Wilson) is nuts. We have invested our careers in this sorry franchise and he wants to force us out.

"I say cut me or trade me. I froze my butt off in Russia. Send me stateside, or atleast somewhere warm."

If Wilson's words are to be believed, this veteran and several more may get thier wish to get out of town if not out of baseball itself.