The GCL Tribe began their season today, dropping two close games to the GCL Yanks after a rainout yesterday. Tony Sipp made his first appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery last year, pitching a scoreless inning to start the second game before giving way to 18 yr old Alex Perez who finished the game out. Also making his first post-surgery appearance in a game was Matt McBride, who DH'd and had a hit and a stolen base. Great to see some guys actaully coming back after extended absences due to injury. The GCL Tribe team has a lot of young talent this year, featuring a rotation fronted by TJ MacFarland, who pitched well in the first game, and a roster filled with prep draftees and grads from the Dominican Academy. Also a couple of international signees, Aussie Jason Smit (may be hurt, he didn't play in either game) and Taiwanese catcher Chun-Hsiu Chen. The bulk of the talent as usual is on the pitching staff, but the G-Tribe does have some fairly high ceiling athletes on the offensive side as well, with Abner Abreu (3B) perhaps getting the most early attention. '07 draftees Bo Greenwell and Kevin Rucker join Devi Cid to make a very athletic outfield. Looking forward to following the youngsters for the rest of the year, especially given the anti-inspirant vibe from the parent club this year.