Mounties prospect Tom Belle, shown during Spring Training

VANCOUVER (AP) - The Vancouver Mounties today made their moves for opening day, and to the shock of many observers, minor league sensations Tom Belle and John Donohue were not included on the opening day roster. In fact, the only rookies included on the opening day roster were power hitting outfielder Orlando Tracy and starter Mel Taveras.

"Tom is a great young prospect and we were really torn on this decision", said GM Cory Muzyka. "We think he can hit Weaver League pitching right now and he is going to be a serious threat on the basepaths as well. But the fact is that he is nowhere close to reaching his potential and he is going to be even better next year, if we're patient with him. Tom knows and understands this decision and has vowed to make the team next year."

"As for Miller, well, you all saw how he fared in his rookie season last year. He's worked really hard in the offseason and with a year's experience we think he will end up being a very good catcher in the league. If he slips again this season, he is aware that Tom is waiting in Idaho for his chance."

Moser, for his part, was pleased with the decision.

"I had a disaster of a season last year, and I'm hoping to atone for that this year. If you look back at the history if the rookies here in Vancouver you'll see that they all started slow in their first season... Jim Tipper hit .197 in his first season. I know that this year will be a lot better for me and I am anxious to get started."

The non-inclusion of the five-tool Donohue and the fireballing Swanson was expected by most insiders.

"Donohue, again, could probably hit in the Weaver League right now. But the kid still has a lot of growing up to do, and we think it's best if he does it in Idaho. Jamie Swanson is our #1 pitching prospect, and still needs to master his control a bit better before he's ready to pitch in the show."

The recent trades for Carlos Hernandez and Pavel Chmura seemed to indicate that the Mounties were going for it right now, but these moves raise some questions. What are the Mounties doing?

"We are staying the course - Belle, Donohue, and Swanson could all probably help us... but they'll help us even more next year. As it stands I think we are still a very very talented team and we are going to surprise a lot of teams in the league. Paddy Smalley is back again for another season, as is Miller Moser."

"With the acquisition of Hernandez, Jim Tipper will be shifting over to a problem position for us - shortstop. We think he can handle it with little in the way of problems defensively. Guys like Tipper, Reuschel, and Dick Simpson will all have to step it up a notch this season and lead this team."