Cito Concerned about Alomar as Friend

Manager Cito Gaston has always had a special relationship with his all-star second baseman Robbie Alomar when they were together during the glory years through the early '90s. It was as if Gaston detected a vulnerability within Alomar that required special attention, almost father to son.

Recently Alomar's health has come into question with allegations in a lawsuit filed by a former girl friend who claims that he had unprotected sex with her for years while knowing that he had the HIV virus and later, full-blown AIDS. She is seeking $15 million for mental distress and negligence. Robbie has denied he is sick, but nevertheless, uncertainty and sadness hang over the entire, sad situation.

"I'm hoping it's not true and if it is the truth, I'm hoping Robbie can get the same care as Magic Johnson has and that he has a long life of health," his friend and former manager said. "I just pray that it's not the truth. I'm going to talk to him just to talk to him as a friend.

"We invited him (to be a guest coach for a week). If he chooses to come he's welcome. If he chooses not to come, then I can understand that too. I really believe with my guys (that I've managed) that they should value the fact that there's life after baseball. There's your family. There's a quality of life that you like to have after baseball. I can only wish that Robby is around to have that quality of life. 

Richard Griffin