Spring sports preview

Fever and Indians and Pacers, oh my

Steve Hammer

The spring holds many treats for sports fans in Indianapolis, even though the Indiana Pacers’ playoff hopes are dimmed this season. Fans can choose from one of the WNBA’s elite teams, and one of minor league baseball’s most storied franchises.
Here’s a brief rundown on a few of the events scheduled for the spring.

Indiana Fever basketball

The Indiana Fever have high hopes for the 2006 season, looking to build upon the battle-tested playoff team from last season. Perennial WNBA All-Star Tamika Catchings has a new cast of supporting characters this year. UNC guard La’Tangela Atkinson was the Fever’s first-round draft choice and the ninth overall pick. She looks to play a supporting role behind returning guard Tully Bevilaqua. The Fever lost Deanna Jackson to the expansion draft and center Natalie Williams to retirement. Jurgita Streimikyte decided to train with the Lithuanian national team and raise her son.

Forced to make moves, the Fever signed center Olympia Scott. They traded guard Kelly Miller for Anna DeForge, who’s quicker off the dribble and taller than Miller. They also signed WNBA pioneer Tamika Whitmore, who brings experience with the New York Liberty’s great teams.

It will be a challenge for coach Brian Winters to recapture last season’s playoff form with the new roster. The Fever’s first home preseason game will be May 6 against Lisa Leslie and the Los Angeles Sparks.

Indianapolis Indians

With Victory Field now 10 years old, the Indianapolis Indians are trying to bring an International League championship to the city. Having recently signed a two-year extension to their player development agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Indians bring a savvy squad back for the 2006 season. The team has started off with a 5-6 record, but the pitching has been excellent. Indianapolis posted a staff ERA of 2.38 (24 earned runs in 90.2 innings) through the first nine games of the 2006 season. The Indians belted 12 home runs in their first 10 games, with first baseman Brad Eldred and infielder Gookie Dawkins hitting three each. Yurendell de Caster and Ray Sadler have hit two apiece. It’s somewhat of a new look for the Indians, with 12 players from the 2005 season having moved up to the Pirates. The Indians continue an eight-game homestand this week.

Pacers playoffs

As of NUVO press time, the Pacers’ first-round playoff opponent had yet to be determined. In one of the most frustrating seasons in franchise history, the Pacers look to face either the Miami Heat or the Detroit Pistons in the first round. Both teams would be heavy favorites over the struggling Pacers squad, who are limping into the off-season. At least two playoff games will be played at Conseco Fieldhouse with dates to be determined. On Monday, ESPN reported on persistent trade rumors that have Jermaine O’Neal headed to Minnesota in the off-season for Kevin Garnett. Last week, O’Neal said his future with the Pacers was secure, however.