EDMONTON (AP) - The Edmonton Orcas made some interesting moves during the offseason. Mired in the toughest place of Weaverball, the Roehm Division of the Blizzard League, ownership recognized the potential that their franchise might just remain at the bottom of it for a very long time if the present course was maintained. General Manager J.J. Wurz said after Spring Training, "Ownership spoke up, telling me that this was it. Our players aren't getting any younger. We had a couple of key holes, and having Darrin (Erstad) announce his retirement only made those holes bigger. It was my job to plug those holes, so that's what I did. I think you might like the plugs. I know the owners did."

For starters, Edmonton landed stellar third baseman Kris Kotsopalous from the Johannesburg Steelmen. With a nice career average and solid power to all fields, Kotsopalous will hopefully provide not only a great glove on the hot corner, but veteran leadership in the clubhouse. "I've been on a winner in J-Berg," remarked Kotsopalous. "I believe this team can win. They just don't believe it yet. I'm here to fix that."

Though, that was only the beginning of modifications. Multi-positional Charles Peterson and pitcher Jim Jordan come over from the Amity White Sharks for a minor league catcher and a player to be named later. Peterson can play the outfield, second base, and shortstop, where he will most likely begin the season. Jordan was in a battle for the fifth starter spot with pitchers Rube Hall and Gus Beattie during Spring Training. It's probable, though, that he will win that job with new pitching coach Jimmy Key taking over. "I like a guy who has stuff to throw rather than a control freak with garbage pitches," said Key.

The next deal was swung with the Cairo Scorpions as highly touted first baseman Isaac Wyndorff and pitcher Lee Verbanic crossed the border for a minor league pitcher and draft picks. Wyndorff will take over for young slugger Paul Burnett, who made excellent strides last year offensively but is somewhat lacking with the glove. Verbanic will fill a void in a bullpen where over 20 different players were used the prior season.

With catcher Serafin Quintanar and Kelly Laskey, both coming off serious injuries, crushing the ball in Spring Training, and starters Gene Aspromonte, Lee Valdez, Don Brett, and Rube Hall throwing better pitches, the team looks set to do more than just hope for .500. If rookie pitcher Dan Kavanaugh, veteran lefty knuckle-baller C.J. Veau can solidify the bullpen, and converted outfielder Rick Randolph figures out second base, this could be a very interesting year for Edmonton. Hopes are as high as the new grass which grows in the Seadome. With so many promising looks before, one doesn't look much higher