Rookies 2004

06 June 2004    Pitching line = IP H R ER BB SO

Game action ... INT --  Matt Diaz (TB, RF) 2-4, 6th HR, R, 2 RBI ... Chad Gaudin (TB) 5.0 6 0 0 1 9 ... Marcus Thames (DET, RF) 2-4, 3B, 17th HR, 2 R, RBI ... Michael Restovich (MIN, LF) 3-4, 13th HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, HBP ... Jason Kubel (MIN, RF) 4-5, 2 R, RBI, SB ... Russ Adams (TOR, SS) 2-3, R, Sac ... Matt Riley (BAL) 5.0 6 1 1 0 6 ... Grady Sizemore (CLE, CF) 2-5, 5th HR, R, RBI ... Jhonny Peralta (CLE, 3B) 2-5, 2B ... rehab, Nomar Garciaparra (BOS, SS) 2-4, 2B, 1st HR, R, 3 RBI ... Jeremy Reed (CHA, CF) 1-3, 5th HR, R, RBI, Sac ... Josh Stewart (CHA) 6.0 8 3 3 3 3 ... Brad Halsey (NYA) 6.0 7 0 0 0 7 ... Corey Hart (MIL, RF) 2-4, RBI ... Aaron Heilman (NYN) 6.0 5 5 5 2 3

PCL --  after a horrible start to the season, Taylor Buchholz HOU has pulled a U-turn, 7.0 3 2 2 0 8 ... Danny Haren STL 7.0 6 0 0 0 3, 3.58 & 2-3, homer, hitting .400 ... could win some time in STL, John Gall 2-4, 13th & 14th homers, 4 RBI (41) ... Calvin Pickering KC 2-4, double, 17th homer ... Tagg Bozied SD 1-3, homer, 3 RBI ... Ricardo Rodriguez TEX, back from the DL, 4.0 8 5 3 3 4 ... Adrian Gonzalez TEX 0-4, 2 Ks, .245 ... Lance Niekro SF 2-5, double, .349 ... Mike Wood OAK 5.0 8 2 2 1 5 ... Ryan Church MON, after a super six games (14-24, .583, 4 doubles, 4 homers, 9 RBI, no walks, 2 Ks) a stinker, 1-5, 4 Ks, but still at .381 ... Koyie Hill 0-1 (nice week -- 15-28, .536, 4 doubles, homer, 7 RBI) ... Peter Bergeron MON 3-5 (after a 5-5 Friday) ... Justin Leone SEA 2-5, 15th homer ... Jose Lopez SEA 2-5, 2 doubles ... Antonio Perez LA 2-3, 3 walks, 3 RBI, .299

EASTERN --  Abe Alvarez BOS 6.0 6 4 3 1 3 ... Aaron Hill TOR 2-4, double ... Matt Peterson NYN 6.0 6 4 4 2 2, 3.66 ... Justin Huber NYN 2-3, .259 ... Kevin West MIN 1-3, 13th homer, .338 ... a little rocky, but two wins in two AA starts, Michael Hinckley MON 5.1 4 2 2 4 1 ... Chris Duffy PIT 2-6, 2 homers, 5 RBI

SOUTHERN --  Dimas Reina LA 5.0 5 2 2 1 3 ... Jeff Fulchino FLA 6.2 1 0 0 2 10, combines with two relievers to 3-hit Jacksonville ... Kelly Johnson ATL OF 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR (6) ... Andy Marte ATL 3B 2-5, 2 R, 2 2B, 1 RBI, 1 K ... Brett Evert ATL 6.0 5 1 1 1 7, W 2-1 ... Richard Lewis CHN 2B 1-4, 1 K ... Chadd Blasko CHN 5.0 6 6 5 2 6, L 4-4, 5.85 ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 1-4, 3 R, 2 RBI, 1 HR (7) ... 1B Aaron McNeal 3-4, 13th homer

TEXAS --  Shane Komine OAK 6.0 9 5 5 1 10 ... 2B Ruben Gotay KC 2-4, triple, .294 ... just keeps surprising, CF Dustin Delucchi SEA 3-5, 3 runs, .332 ... Greg Dobbs 3B SEA 3-5, triple, 4 RBI, .324 ... Jason Botts TEX 2-4, double ... Jeff Mathis ANA 0-1, 3 walks, .287 ... Josh Kroeger ARZ 3-5

CAROLINA --  Chaz Lytle PIT 0-2, R, BB, K & 1-2, SB (15) … Brad Eldred PIT 1-4, double, 2 K & 3-4, 2 doubles … Rajai Davis PIT 3-3, R, 2 SB (22) & 1-3, R, double, BB, K … Ryan Sweeney CHA 1-3, RBI, K, SB (6) & 1-2, 2 R, HR, RBI, 2 BB … Brian Anderson CHA 0-2, RBI, BB, K & 0-2 … Casey Rogowski CHA 0-2, RBI, 2 BB, K & 2-3, R, RBI, 2 SB (11) … Pedro Lopez CHA 2-3, 3 R, BB, SB (6) & 0-2, R, RBI, BB, SB (7)

FLORIDA STATE --  Chris Roberson (PHI, CF) 0-3 - Streak ends at 23 games … Scott Kazmir (NYN) 4.1 5 2 2 3 5 L(0-2, 6.23) … Aarom Baldiris NYN(3B) 2-3 … Tony Giarratano (DET, SS) 2-4 SB(3) … Brent Clevlen (DET, RF) 2-4 RBI … Vince Rooi (MON, 3B) 2-5 HR(4) 2R 2RBI … Manny Delcarmen (BOS) 3 3 0 0 1 3 … Jeremy West (BOS, 1B) 2-3 R RBI … Matthew Murton (BOS, LF) 2-4 … rehab, Justin Speier (TOR) 1 1 0 0 0 1 … Ismael Ramirez (TOR) 7 6 2 2 1 7 W(5-5, 2.80) … Matthew DeSalvo (NYA) 6 7 4 3 3 4 L(5-3, 1.58) … Scott Olsen (FLA) 5 2 1 1 2 4 … Andrew Sisco (CHN) 6 3 1 0 2 8 … Felix Pie (CHN, CF) 1-3 R … Manny Tejada (MIN) 6 2 0 0 2 3 W(1-2, 1.96) …

CALIFORNIA --  Jeffrey Baker COL 4-5, 16th double, 5th homer, 3 RBI, .348 ... John Vanden Berg MIL 2-3, double, .317 ... he's back, Ben Kozlowski TEX 6.0 4 1 1 2 3 ... Vincent Sinisi TEX 2-3, 6th homer, .313 ... Tim Salmon ANA 2-3, homer ... Vince Harrison 3B TB 3-5, 15th double, 8th homer, .316 ... oops, another stinker for Bobby Livingston SEA 5.0 9 8 8 3 3 ... Conor Jackson ARZ 3-5, 11th homer, 3 RBI, .330

MIDWEST --  longballs just keep coming Brian Dopirak CHN 1-4, 17th HR (.280) ... rehab going well Ryan Dempster CHN 4.0 5 1 1 0 6 ... Kody Kirkland DET 4th HR ... Brad Knox OAK 7.0 5 1 1 1 5 (W, 5-3, 2.31) ... Lou Palmisano MIL 1-4, 2 K (.301) ... Calvin Medlock CIN 6.0 3 0 0 0 6 (1.82) ... Brandon Wood ANA 0-4, 2 K (.269) ... rollin' along Howie Kendrick ANA 1-4, 5th HR (.354) ... ack Chad Scarbery ARZ 6.1 8 6 6 1 3 (L, 7-4, 3.48) ... Eric Duncan NYA 0-4, BB, 2 K ... Daric Barton STL 2-4, 2 BB, K ... Ian Kinsler TEX 1-4, 28th double, 16th SB, 3 errors ... Chris Lubanski KC 2-4, BB (up to .235)

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Clint Everts MON, tough loss, 5.0 2 2 1 0 4 ... Chuck James ATL, superb season continues, 5.0 7 2 2 1 4, 7-0, 1.66 ... Delmon Young TB 3-4, double, .301 ... Ian Stewart COL 1-4, double ... Ryan Harvey NYN 3-6, double, 3 RBI, .345 .

    Troop movements ...  ANA -- optioned pitcher Ben Weber to Rancho Cucamonga of the California League,  recalled pitcher Matt Hensley from AAA ... ARZ -- recalled pitcher Edgar Gonzalez from AAA, purchased the contract of pitcher Brandon Villafuerte from Tucson; optioned pitcher Shane Nance to AAA, designated infielder-outfielder Donnie Sadler for assignment ...

    SD, with good results (and a bargain) from their 2003 top pick, hope for more good luck on Monday :

" ... The Padres have targeted Florida State shortstop Stephen Drew as the first pick overall in Monday's amateur draft and are thrilled with their first-round pick from last June, right-handed pitcher Tim Stauffer. Stauffer saved the Padres $2 million in bonus money last July by telling the Padres he had a shoulder ailment, but he's come back strongly. Thursday, Stauffer threw eight scoreless innings for Double-A Mobile, dropping his ERA to 1.80. "I hope he ends up doing well for himself financially," Towers said. "You don't see that kind of integrity. You wish there were more people with his integrity. Good things happen to good people, and good things will happen to him." If the Padres had picked first last June, Towers said, they probably would've taken Southern University second baseman Rickie Weeks, who's now in Double-A with the Brewers. Before Drew moved atop the Padres' draft list, Towers had rated Long Beach State pitcher Jered Weaver his first choice – but now Weaver might drop to ninth, where the Colorado Rockies are to pick." (SD Union Tribune)

    COLLEGE --  Jered Weaver, Long Beach State, tossed eight strong innings as LBS upset #1 seeded Stanford in the NCAA Regionals ... Jered Weaver  8.0 5 2 1 1 8, 15-1 (132 pitches) ... Wade Townsend, Rice 7.2 9 3 3 2 7 ... Jeff Niemann, Rice, in relief, 1.1 0 0 0 0

05 June 2004

Game action ... INT --  Matt Diaz (TB, RF) 2-4, 2B, 5th HR, R, 2 RBI ... B.J. Upton (TB, SS) 2-5, 2 2B, 2 R, RBI, 0 errors ... Joey Gathright (TB, CF) 2-5, R ... Stephen Smitherman (CIN, LF) 2-4 ... Brandon Claussen (CIN) 5.0 7 6 6 4 1 ... Jason Kubel (MIN, RF) 3-5, 2 2B, 2 R, RBI, SB ... Russ Adams (TOR, SS) 3-4, 2B, RBI, BB ... Jorge Padilla (PHI, RF) 2-4 ... rehab, Placido Polanco (PHI, 2B) 0-3, R, BB ... Kazuhito Tadano (CLE) 5.2 5 2 2 2 5 ... Kelly Shoppach (BOS, C) 2-3, R, BB ... rehab, Nomar Garciaparra (BOS, SS) 1-4 ... Joe Borchard (CHA, DH) 1-4, 10th HR, R, 2 RBI, SF ... Jon Rauch (CHA) 5.0 3 0 0 4 5 ... Pedro Liriano (MIL) 5.0 4 4 4 1 3 ... Victor Diaz (NYN, RF) 3-5, 6th HR, R, 4 RBI, SB

PCL --  Sean Burnett PIT 7.0 7 3 3 3 2 ... Nick Regilio TEX (an 11-hitter in 2+ IP last time) 6.0 1 1 0 2 2 ... Adrian Gonzalez TEX, pretty awful campaign so far, 0-2, down to .252 & hitting 9th in the lineup -- a first sacker hitting 9th! ... JD Closser COL 3-3, walk, .324 ... Michael Tejera FLO 6.0 6 3 1 0 4 ... Chris Burke HOU 2-4, 8th homer, .330 ... John Buck HOU 2-4, double, .323 ... Brian Barden ARZ enjoying his bump to AAA, 3-5, 2 doubles, 2 RBI, .400 ... Tagg Bozied SD 2-3, 2 homers, 4 RBI ... Jamal Strong SEA 2-3, double, walk, .338 ... Ryan Church MON, up to .387 & still no call from MON, 3-4, double RBI ... Peter Bergeron MON 5-5, double, triple ... Koyie Hill LA 2-4, .325

EASTERN --  David Wright NYN 2-4, 2B (23), RBI (31) … Justin Huber NYN 1-4 … Prentice Redman NYN 3-4, 2B (25), HR (11), RBI (42) … Aaron Hill TOR 0-3, RBI (27) … Dominic Rich TOR 0-4 … Dioner Navarro NYA 0-4 … Val Majewski BAL 0-2, BB … Keith Reed BAL 1-2 … Franklin Gutierrez CLE 1-4 … Andy Brown CLE 4.2 1 2 2 4 5, 2.51 ERA … Jeff Keppinger PIT 1-2, RBI (14) … Ryan Doumit PIT 0-5 … Michael Cervenak SF 2-3, BB … Luis Maza MINN 2-5, 3B (4), 2 RBI (30) … Kevin West MINN 2-4, HR (11), RBI (49) … Michael Hinckley MON … Gavin Floyd PHI 6.0 4 4 4 1 3, 2.59 ERA … Wilferdo Ledezma DET … 8.0 4 0 0 0 6, W (7), 1.92 ERA

SOUTHERN --  Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3B 3-4, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 1 HR (5) ... Prince Fielder MIL 1B 3-4, 1 2B ... Jose Capellan ATL 4.0 7 2 2 2 6, in relief of P Byrd ... Brad Thompson STL 6.0 7 2 2 3 6, 1.49 ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 2-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K

Tim Stauffer SD the P{itcher of the Week in the Southern ... 1-1, 0.60 in 15 innings ... 4 walks, 14 Ks.

TEXAS --  Jason Botts TEX 4-5, 12th & 13th doubles, 13th homer, 40th RBI, .300 ... Shin-soo Choo OF SEA 1-5, R, RBI ... Greg Dobbs 3B SEA 2-5, 2B, RBI ... Drew Meyer SS TEX 1-4, BB ... Jason Bourgeois 2B TEX 0-5, R ... Jayson Nix 2B COL 0-3, BB ... Maryland Williams CF ARI 2-4, 2R, 3B, 2RBI ... Josh Kroeger RF ARI 3-4, 2 2B, RBI ... Sergio Santos SS ARI 1-4, RBI ... Chris Snyder C ARI 3-4, 2R, 2B, HR, 2RBI ... Dustin Nippert ARI 7 2 0 0 4 7 ... Dee Brown LF KC 2-4, 2R, 2 2B ... John Baker DH OAK 0-3 ... Jeremy Brown C OAK 2-4 ... Tommy Whiteman SS HOU 1-3 ... Todd Self 1B HOU 0-4 ... Alberto Callaspo SS ANA 1-3, R, BB ... Nick Gorneault RF ANA 1-4, R, 2B, RBI ... Dallas McPherson 3B ANA 1-3, 12th HR, 2RBI ... Jeff Mathis C 0-3, R, BB ... Jake Woods ANA 5 6 2 2 2 6

CAROLINA --  Luke Scott HOU 2-4, K ... Mark Saccomanno HOU 1-4, double, K ... Donnie Murphy KC 1-4, RBI, BB, K ... Mike Aviles KC 3-5, 2 R, 2 doubles ... Shane Costa KC 1-4, RBI

FLORIDA STATE --  Cole Hamels PHI, nearly ready for a jump to AA, 5.0 2 0 0 0 8, 1.13 ... Chris Roberson (PHI, CF) 2-5 2R - extends hitting streak to 23 games … Justin Pope (NYA) 9 7 3 3 0 4 W(4-3) … Bronson Sardinha (NYA, 3B) 3-4 2R RBI … Melky Cabrera (NYA, CF) 2-5 R RBI … Tommy Winrow (NYA, RF) 3-5 R 2RBI … Vito Chiaravalloti (TOR, 1B) 2-4 R … Jeremy West (BOS, 1B) 2-4 RBI … Vince Rooi (MON, 3B) 2-4 HR(3) 2RBI … Mike Megrew (LA) 5 2 2 2 3 7 W(4-1 - 2.01) … Aarom Baldiris (NYN, 3B) 2-4 RBI … Jonathan Slack (NYN, CF) 3-4 R 2SB(19) … Reid Gorecki (STL, CF) 2-4 HR(3) 2R 3RBI

CALIFORNIA --  Fred Lewis SF 3-5, triple, homer, walk, .321 ... Daniel Davidson ANA 8.1 8 1 1 0 12 ... Mike Prochaska TB 6.0 9 1 1 0 5, 6-2, 1.70 ... Vince Harrison TB 3B 2-4, double, homer, 4 RBI ... Jeff Salazar COL double, 11th homer, 3 RBI, .327 ... Jeffrey Baker COL 3-5, .335 ... Conor Jackson ARZ 2-3, double, .323 ... Carlos Quentin ARZ 3-4, .287 ...

MIDWEST --  bit of a slump Eric Duncan NYA 0-5, 2 K (.286) ... Steven White NYA 7.0 3 1 1 3 10 ... Cody Haerther STL 2-2, 3 BB (.290) ... Daric Barton STL 1-4, BB .. Rickey Barrett MIN 6.2 10 3 2 3 1 (2.39) ... Adam Jones SEA 1-4 ... Wladimir Balentien SEA 2-3, 7th HR, BB (.258) ... Brian Dopirak CHN 2-4, 2 HR (16) ... Carlos Marmol CHN 6.0 7 0 0 2 3 (W, 6-1, 2.85) ... Chris Lubanski KC 2-4 ... Ian Kinsler TEX 2-4, double ... Steven Bondurant OAK 7.0 2 0 0 2 7 (W, 9-2, 2.21) ... Lou Palmisano (C) MIL 0-3, BB, K ... performance of the day Howie Kendrick ANA 4-4 (.356)

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Lastings Milledge NYN 1-4, & 1-5, double,.338 ... Yusmeiro Petit NYN 5.0 6 4 3 2 6 ... Ian Bladergroen NYN 0-2 & 2-5, 11th homer, .335 ... Ian Stewart COL 0-4 & 0-4, .279 ... Adam Boeve PIT 2-4, 13th homer, .309 ... Delmon Young TB 2-3, .292 ... Zach Dixon BAL 6.1 6 2 2 4 7, 4-1, 1.89 ... OF Cory Harris BAL 5-6, double, .372 ... Brandon Moss BOS 2-4, double, walk, .363

Mets' Lastings Milledge the Hitter of the Week in the South Atlantic ... .476, 2 doubles, triple, 2 homers, 8 RBI.

    Troop movements ...  SF -- Todd Linden up (Jeffrey Hammonds released), Cody Ransom up (Brian Dallimore back to AAA)... CHA -- placed outfielder Magglio Ordonez on the DL, recalled catcher Jamie Burke from AAA ...  CIN -- activated third baseman Brandon Larson from the DL, placed RHP Aaron Harang on the DL ... CHN -- activated Mark Prior from the DL, optioned Michael Wuertz to AAA ... BAL -- promoted SP Chris Ray to A+, Carolina League ... OAK -- promoted 3B Mark Teahen to AAA ... BAL -- recalled RHP Rick Bauer from AAA, designated RHP Darwin Cubillan for assignment ... TB -- designated infielder-outfielder Charles Gipson for assignment ... SEA -- recalled infielder Ramon Santiago from AAA (Raul Ibanez DL) ... LA -- activated outfielder Jayson Werth from the DL (Edwin Jackson back to AAA) ... MIL -- optioned pitcher Ben Hendrickson to AAA, purchased the contract of infielder Jeff Liefer, designated catcher Kade Johnson for assignment ...

    John Sickels, ESPN.com, on Daric Barton STL :

" ... drafted by the Cardinals in the first round last June, out of high school ...Some people felt the Cardinals overdrafted him with the 28th overall pick, but the Redbirds really loved his bat. Barton hit .294/.420/.424 in rookie ball, and is annihilating the Midwest League in 2004. He started the season in extended spring training, but joined the Peoria club three weeks ago. In his first 16 games for Peoria, Barton is hitting .389/.515/.685. I know it's just 16 games, but a .515 OBP? Wow. He's drawn 14 walks with just 10 strikeouts in 70 plate appearances. Although he'll cool off at some point, scouts say these numbers are not flukes; he is a genuinely skilled hitter. He has excellent bat speed from the left side of the plate. Combine that with a great eye, and you have a special bat. The question for Barton still revolves around his glove. He has enough athleticism to be a decent catcher, but he is inexperienced behind the plate, and still needs work with his throwing mechanics, blocking pitches, calling games, etc."

    Chris Kline, Baseball America, on Zach Duke PIT :

" ... Duke, a 20th-round pick out of Midway High in Clinton, Texas, might not have dazzling stuff, but his poise and command make up for the lack of power. "He's a command guy," Lynchburg pitching coach Scott Lovekamp said. "He doesn't have super stuff or anything, but I think you'd say solid average stuff across the board. He's got a really good delivery and his fastball plays faster than it appears. He can command both sides of the plate and he creates a good angle on his pitches, coming from a three-quarters slot like Andy Pettitte. When he comes inside on righties they often jump out of the way ... Currently, Duke is 7-2, 1.19 with 68 strikeouts in 61 innings. All three pitches are clicking now and he has the demeanor and the maturity on the mound to boot. While he has thrown between 80-85 pitches in most of his starts this season, he threw 92 last night."

    Thee's the possibility of surgery for yet another young gun :

" ...  Kurt Ainsworth, who is on Ottawa's disabled list with a sore right elbow, will be examined today by team doctors at Camden Yards. A magnetic resonance imaging exam showed a bone chip in Ainsworth's elbow, and the team hoped he could treat it with anti-inflammatory medication and rest. But Ainsworth still has pain, increasing the chances he'll need surgery." (Baltimore Sun)

    From The Sports Network, the minor league leaders (stats through Thursday's games) :

AAA Batting:              AA Batting:             A-BALL Batting:
Andy Phillips NYA .385    Jason Kubel MIN .377    Ian Kinsler TEX .394
Justin Morneau MIN .346   Kenny Kelly CIN .356    Brandon Pinckney CLE .385
                          Richard Lewis CHN .356  Erick Aybar ANA .357
                          Willy Tavares HOU .356  Alejandro Machado MON .355
                                                  Darren Fenster KC .349]

Home Runs:                Home Runs:              Home Runs:
Earl Snyder BOS 16        Jason Stokes FLO 16     Tony Blanco CIN 16
Marcus Thames DET 16      Ryan Howard PHI 14      Brandon Sing CHN 16
Luis Garcia LA 16         Jason Botts TEX 12      Michael Napoli ANA 15
Calvin Pickering KC 16                            Kevin Collins CHN 15
                                                  Nate Schierholtz SF 14
                                                  Ryan Goleski CLE 14

Hits:                     Hits:                   Hits:
Wilson Valdez FLO 76      Tommy Whiteman HOU 76   Ian Kinsler TEX 78
Bryant Nelson CHA 71      Luis Maza MIN 69        Brandon Moss BOS 75
                          Kenny Kelly CIN 68      Erick Aybar ANA 71
                          Richard Lewis CHN 68    Bronson Sardinha NYA 67
                                                  Rajai Davis PIT 63

RBI:                      RBI:                    RBI:
Bucky Jacobsen SEA 49     Jason Stokes FLO 53     Michael Napoli ANA 60
Jeffery Liefer MIL 44     Kevin West MIN 46       Ian Bladergroen NYN 51
Earl Snyder BOS 44        Dallas McPherson ANA 44 Brad Eldred PIT 47
Marcus Thames DET 44                              Brandon Sing CHN 45
                                                  Matt Brown ANA 43

Stolen Bases:             Stolen Bases:           Stolen Bases:
Nook Logan DET 22         Wayne Lydon NYN 35      Josh Anderson HOU 40
Wilson Valdez FLO 18      Dwaine Bacon CHN 31     Erick Aybar ANA 26
                          Willy Tavares HOU 29    Chris Walker CHN 26
                                                  Alex Requena LA 21
                                                  Rajai Davis PIT 20

AAA Wins                  AA Wins                 A-BALL Wins
Felix Diaz CHA 8          Jeff Francis COL 8      Steve Bondurant OAK 8
Mike Wood OAK 7           Brad Thompson STL 7     Josh Banks TOR 7
                          Wilfredo Ledezma DET 6  Clint Goocher ARZ 7
                          Cameron Reimers TOR 6   Dan Denham CLE 7
                                                  Zach Duke PIT 7
                                                  Jarrett Gardner BOS 7

ERA:                      ERA:                    ERA:
Alex Graman NYA 2.12      Brad Thompson STL 1.33  Sean Marshall CHN 1.11
Dennis Tankersley SD 2.29 Mike Burns HOU 1.56     Zach Duke PIT 1.19
                          Jake Joseph NYN 1.90    Dimas Reina LA 1.29
                                                  Chuck James ATL 1.48
                                                  Matthew Cain SF 1.72

Strikeouts:               Strikeouts:             Strikeouts:
Danny Haren STL 87        Jeff Francis  COL 91    Steven Shell ANA 79
David Bush TOR 59         Bill Murphy FLO 70      Jon Papelbon BOS 77
                          Chris Smith BOS 61      Brad Knox OAK 76
                                                  Brandon McCarthy CHA 71
                                                  Yusmeiro Petit NYN 71
                                                  Zach Duke PIT 68

    Dayn Perry, FoxSports, with his preview, a dandy dozen, of next Monday's draft :

 1. Padres — Stephen Drew, SS, Florida State                         
 2. Tigers — Jered Weaver, RHP, Long Beach State                  
 3. Mets — Philip Humber, RHP, Rice                                     
 4. Devil Rays — Chris Nelson, SS, Redan HS-Decatur, GA    
 5. Brewers — Jeff Niemann, RHP, Rice                             
 6. Indians — Jeremy Sowers, LHP, Vanderbilt        
 7. Reds — Thomas Diamond, RHP, New Orleans
 8. Orioles — Justin Verlander, RHP, Old Dominion
 9. Rockies — Wade Townsend, RHP, Rice
10. Rangers — Matt Bush, SS, Mission Bay HS-El Cajon, CA
11. Pirates — Neil Walker, C, Pine Richland HS-Gibsonia, PA
12. Angels — Homer Bailey, RHP, La Grange HS-La Grange, TX

    Baseball America, in its revised list, touts Stephen Drew as the class of the draft  :

" ... Drew hasn't just moved into the lead to become the No. 1 pick. He's seized it, and it's considered a lock that the draft's best position player will go first overall."

BA ranks Phillip Humber as the second best choice with high school pitcher Homer Bailey as No. 3 :

" ... Despite the usual concerns about high school righthanders, Bailey is so good that he could go as high as No. 2 to the Tigers and no lower than No. 10 to the Rangers."

Jered Weaver has dipped to No. 5 on the list, after high school SS Chris Nelson.

    Baseball America suggests Jered Weaver could fall far down the chart :

" ... The consensus as of now is that Weaver isn't likely to be drafted before the Rockies at No. 9. But we're also hearing that Colorado may have no desire to get involved in fighting Boras for Weaver. If that's the case, I don't think there's another team with the financial resources to do so until the Dodgers pick at No. 17. And with an extra first-rounder at No. 28 and a supplemental first-rounder at No. 31, they could afford to walk away from Weaver if the price doesn't come down. They'd still have two picks before the start of the second round, and they'd collect a supplemental first-rounder next year for failing to sign Weaver." (Jim Callis)

" ... 1) His fastball is his only plus pitch according to most scouts. 2) His delivery creates deception but also precludes, in many scouts' minds, the development of an above-average breaking ball, especially precluding tilt (i.e., his breaking ball is a one-plane pitch, not two). 3) His bonus demands seem excessive. He's performed like Mark Prior, but his stuff should not command a Prior-like $10.5 million MLB contract in the mind of most clubs. We're hearing Weaver could slip out of the first 10 picks based on his perceived bonus demands."m (John Manuel)

    NCAA Playoffs ... Philip Humber, Rice 7.2 11 4 4 2 11 ... Jeremy Sowers, Vanderbilt 8.0 4 1 1 2 11

    ATL's Chuck James, one of the top dogs in the SAL :

" ... James, a 23-year old left-hander from Mableton, has clearly been the league’s most dominating performer this season ...  best record (6-0) and lowest ERA (1.48) in the SAL. He’s given up just 31 hits in 54 2-3 innings, and has struck out 56 batters while walking 17. “Chuck’s been terrific,” said Rome manager Rocket Wheeler. “He’s given us an excellent chance to win every time he’s gone out.” But there’s more to his success than just his stats, said Rome pitching coach Kent Willis. “I think what impresses me most about Chuck is that he’s transformed himself from a thrower into a pitcher,” Willis said. “He has the unique ability to make adjustments from one pitch to the next, and that’s something not many guys at this level can do. “... This year, he’s taken his game to an even higher level, thanks to the development of his slider, which he uses to compliment his fastball and devastating changeup. “I feel like I am way ahead of where I was at this point last season,” James said, “and my slider has a lot to do with that. “There was a time when I was basically just a two-pitch pitcher. But this year, I’m working on some things, especially my slider. So far, I can’t complain about the results.”  (Rome News Tribune)

04 June 2004

Game action ... INT --  B.J. Upton (TB, SS) 0-5, 0 errors ... Joey Gathright (TB, CF) 3-5, R, 2 SB ... Nook Logan (DET, CF) 2-5, R, SB ... Marcus Thames (DET, RF) 1-3, 16th HR, R, 2 RBI, BB ... big day in rehab, Brandon Larson (CIN, 3B) 3-4, 6th & 7th HRs, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB ... Matt Belisle (CIN) 6.0 11 5 5 2 5 ... oh-fers by the Twins' farmhands!, Justin Morneau (MIN, 1B) 0-4 ... Michael Restovich (MIN, LF) 0-4 ... Jason Kubel (MIN, RF) 0-4 ... Jorge Padilla (PHI, RF) 1-4, 3rd HR, 2 R, 2 RBI ... Brian Forystek (BAL) 6.2 3 1 1 2 5 ... Brandon Phillips (CLE, SS) 2-4, 2B, 3 R, RBI, SB (after a strong start, pedestrian numbers -- .284, .356, .408) ... Kyle Denney (CLE) 4.1 4 2 2 2 3 ... rehab, Nomar Garciaparra (BOS, SS) 0-4 ... Michael Vento (NYA, RF) 1-4, 8th HR, R, 2 RBI ... Corey Hart (MIL, DH) 2-4, RBI ... Jeremy Griffiths (NYN) 5.2 7 4 4 3 4

PCL --  Jason Dickson KC 6.0 8 3 1 1 3 ... Clint Barmes COL 2-4, double, 2 RBI, .340 ... Brian Barden 3B ARZ 2-4, double, 2 RBI ... Freddy Guzman SD CF 2-4, 2 SBs (8) ... Nick Swisher OAK 1-5, 9th homer, 3 RBI ... Mike Rose OAK C, 3-3, walk, double, 3rd homer, .310 ... Jamal Strong SEA 3-5, .331 ... Bucky Jacobsen SEA 3-5, 12th & 13th homers, 3 RBI (49), .314 ... Justin Leone SEA 4-5, double ... Ryan Church MON 2-4, double, 10th homer, .377 ... Chin-Feng Chen LA 3-5, 9th & 10th homers, 5 RBI ...

EASTERN --  David Wright NYN 2-4, 2B (22), RBI (30) … Justin Huber NYN 1-3, 2 BB … Prentice Redman NYN 2-5, 2B (24), RBI (40) … Aaron Hill TOR 1-3 … Dominic Rich TOR 0-3 … Dioner Navarro NYA 0-4 … Val Majewski BAL 0-4, SB (4) … Keith Reed BAL 1-4 2 RBI (22) … Franklin Gutierrez CLE 0-0, R … Jake Dittler CLE 5.0 3 0 0 2 5, 3.29 ERA … Jeff Keppinger PIT 1-4 … Ryan Doumit PIT 2-4, HR (6), 2 RBI (20)… Michael Cervenak SF 0-4 … Luis Maza MINN 0-4 … Kevin West MINN 1-4, 2B (19), RBI (46) …  Placido Polanco PHI 2-3 … Scott Baker MINN 9.0 3 0 0 0 9, W (3), 1.50 ERA  (The Twins' 2nd round pick in 2003, Baker has allowed just 13 hits in 30 IP in AA with 24 Ks and only 2 walks. He's been picked as a FSL All-Star after an outstanding start to the season in A+ .) :

" ... Baker, won’t be at the All-Star Game because he was called up to Double-A New Britain on May 15, was voted in on the numbers he put up during the first month of the season. Baker was 4-2 with a 2.40 ERA in seven games. His 2.40 ERA is currently sixth best in the FSL. In 45.0 innings he allowed 40 hits, walked just six and struck out 37. The opposition hit just .233 against him. In Baker’s first start at Double-A New Britain, he came within two outs of throwing a perfect game. This is the 22-year-old’s second season of professional baseball."  (Florida State League)

" ... [A May 26th report on Baker]  A first week with a 2-0 record and 0.60 ERA earned him the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week Award. Baker’s impeccable control is a major factor in his success. In 60 innings between New Britain and Class-A Fort Myers, he has walked seven. In two seasons of pro ball, only 15 hitters have worked him for free passes in 110 2/3 innings ...   "I just try to get guys out early in the count," Baker said. "I’m honestly not trying to strike anybody out. I come right at them, even if it’s a 2-2 or 3-2 count. I want them to put the ball in play." Pitching coach Stu Cliburn cites confidence and preparation as key ingredients in Baker’s makeup. "He has mound presence, confidence and an air about him," Cliburn said ...  "You’ve got to have baseball instincts to be successful," Cliburn said. "That comes from the mental approach to the game and focus as well as the physical ability. It’s not something you can teach. It’s got to be something that’s been learned since you were a kid playing Little League." Baker, 22, corroborated Cliburn’s thought. "You have to stay focused and stay within yourself," he said. "Growing up, I put a lot of effort into mechanics. I’d make my mechanics great, not just good. Having a repeatable delivery really helps in throwing strikes. I’m able to repeat my delivery every time." Minnesota general manager Terry Ryan got a chance to see Baker’s near-perfect performance. "He’s the ideal pitcher because he’s got powerful stuff and he’s around the plate," said Ryan, who chose Baker in the second round of last June’s amateur draft. "That’s the combination that all of us in the industry are looking for. "He’s got plenty of zip on his fastball. He’s got nice tilt and power to his breaking ball and a good feel for the change. Those are pretty good qualities to have. He’s athletic and I like the fact that more often than not he gets you right around that seventh inning. He’s a guy who should get you deep into games and give the bullpen a break. He’s one of our better guys." (The Middletown Press)

SOUTHERN --  Eric Reed FLA OF 2-5, 1 R, 1 3B, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SB (24) ... Jason Stokes FLA 1B 2-5, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 K, 1 HR (16) ... Josh Willingham FLA C 1-1, 2 R, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 HR (11) ... Rickie Weeks MIL 2B 1-4, 1 K ... Prince Fielder MIL 1B 1-4, 1 K ... Brad Nelson MIL OF 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 K, 1 HR (10) ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 2 K ... Tim Stauffer SD 8.0 5 0 0 1 9, W 2-1, 1.80 ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3B 0-4, 2 K ... Arnie Munoz CHA  6.2 7 3 3 2 8, 2.19 ...

TEXAS --  Drew Meyer SS TEX 0-3, BB and 1-2, BB ... Jason Bourgeois 2B TEX 0-3 and 0-3 ... Ryan Shealy 1B COL 2-3, R, 2B and 0-2, BB ... Jayson Nix 2B COL 0-2 and 0-3 Continuing to struggle badly, dropping to .203 ... Kameron Loe TEX 4.2 7 3 2 2 5 ... John Baker C OAK 2-4, 2R, 2B, RBI ... Greg Dobbs 3B SEA 2-5  ... Shin-soo Choo RF SEA 2-4, R  ... Nick Bierbrodt TEX 5 4 1 1 3 3

CAROLINA --  Chaz Lytle PIT 3-4, R, triple, K ... Brad Eldred PIT 0-4, K ... Ryan Sweeney CHA 2-5 ... Brian Anderson CHA 0-4, 2 K ... Casey Rogowski CHA 1-3, 2 R, double, BB ... Pedro Lopez CHA 1-4, RBI ... Zach Duke PIT (W) 6 8 2 1 1 7 (7-2, 1.19) ... Michael Aubrey CLE 0-4, BB, K ... Nathan Panther CLE 0-6, K ... Doug Gredveg BAL 2-6, 2 K ... Tripper Johnson BAL 1-4, R, HR (11), RBI (34), 2 BB ... Fausto Carmona CLE 5 7 3 3 3 6 ... Jeff Francoeur ATL 3-5, 3 R, double (18), 2 HR (10), 2 RBI (29), K ... Brian McCann ATL 1-4, R, HR (6), 2 RBI (32), BB ... Tony Blanco CIN 3-5, 2 R, 2 doubles, 2 RBI (43), K ... Chris Denorfia CIN 0-3, 2 BB, K ... ouch ... Blaine Boyer ATL (L) 3.2 8 9 9 3 3 (5-3, 3.54) ... Luke Scott HOU 2-4, 2 K ... Mark Saccomanno HOU 0-4, K ... Donnie Murphy KC 0-4 ... Mike Aviles KC 1-3, R, BB ... Devon Lowery KC (W) 7 6 0 0 1 6 (3-3, 3.71) ...

CIN's Tony Blanco, the Player of the Month in the Carolina :

" ...  the right hand batter, hit .375 (35 for 95) with nine home runs and 22 RBI in 27 games in May. His on-base percentage was .470. As of June 2, Blanco had a .309 batting average, 16 homeruns, and 41 RBIs. This year is Blanco’s sixth season in professional baseball. He was originally signed by the Red Sox out of the Dominican Republic in 1998. After being traded to the Reds, he spent the 2003 season at Potomac where he hit .226 in 69 games." (Potomac Cannons)

FLORIDA STATE --  Kyle Sleeth (DET) 7 3 2 2 2 7 W(5-3 - 2.68) … Michael Woods (DET, 2B) 2-5 2R … Tony Giarratano (DET, SS) 2-5 2R … Chris Roberson (PHI, CF) 1-3 SB(10) - 22 game hitting streak … Jeremy West (BOS, DH) 2-4 R RBI … Off the DL and looking good, Jonathan Broxton (LA) 5 2 0 0 1 7 W(4-3 - 3.49) … Felix Pie (CHN, CF) 2-4 2SB(10) … Also looking healthy, Angel Guzman (CHN) 4 1 0 0 0 5 … Bronson Sardinha (NYA, 3B) 2-4 SB(7) … Maybe some 1B help on the way for the Yankees - Jason Giambi (NYA, 1B) 1-4 … rehab - Chris Woodward (TOR, SS) 0-2 … rehab - Justin Speier (TOR) 1 2 1 1 0 1 … Reid Gorecki (STL, CF) 2-5 2R RBI SB(12) … Travis Hanson (STL, 2B) 1-1 RBI - injured, see below

" ... Cardinals lose FSL All-Star 2B to injury - Hanson twisted his ankle a full 180 degrees when trying to break up a double play in the first inning. While attempting to slide, Hanson's foot got caught in the infield right as Mets shortstop Corey Ragsdale sprinted over the bag colliding with Hanson and causing the injury. The game was delayed 29 minutes as medical personnel took Hanson off on a stretcher." (PalmBeachCardinals.com)

Among the picks for the FSL All-Star game -- Kyle Sleeth DET, Jon Papelbon BOS, Matthew Desalvo NYA, Jonathan Broxton LA, Chad Billingsley LA, Eliezer Alfonzo FLO, Hanley Ramirez BOS, Jeremy West BOS, Travis Hanson STL, Joel Guzman LA, Bronson Sardinha NYA, Jeremy Hermida FLO, Matt Murton BOS, Vito Chiaravalloti TOR

CALIFORNIA --  Kennard Jones CF SD 4-5, triple, 2 RBI, .291 ... John Hudgins TEX, quietly successful, 5.1 3 1 0 1 6, 2.14 ... Manny Parra MIL 6.0 4 3 3 0 5 ... Bradley Sullivan OAK 8.0 8 0 0 1 2 ... Steven Shell ANA 7.0 2 0 0 1 9 ... Tim Salmon 1-4, homer ... Michael Napoli ANA 2-3, double, triple, .348

MIDWEST --  Adam Jones SEA 1-3, double (.237) ... Brian Dopirak CHN 1-2, 14th HR ... where did THIS come from? Kody Kirkland DET 4-4, HR, 2 doubles (up to .226) ... Eric Duncan NYA 0-3, BB, K, E ... Joey Votto CIN 3-5, 2 doubles, 2 K (.299) .. Brandon Wood ANA 2-6, double ... Kevin Jepsen ANA 6.0 3 1 1 2 4 (2.70) ... falling from the radar screen Drew Macias SD 0-4 (.280) ... Daric Barton STL 0-4 (.389) ... Chris Lubanski KC 0-5, 2 K (.222) ... Chris Kinsey ARZ 9.0 7 0 0 2 3 (W, 4-4, 3.14) ... Ian Kinsler TEX 1-5 (.394) .. ouch Matt Farnum TEX 4.1 7 7 6 1 4 (L, 4-2, 2.55) ... Lou Palmisano MIL 1-4 (.307)

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Adam Miller CLE 5.0 2 1 1 2 11, 4-1, 2.95 ... Matt Albers HOU 7.0 4 2 2 1 7, 2.34 ... Jarrett Gardner BOS, 6.0 2 0 0 0 5, 7-1, 1.54 ... Brandon Moss BOS 2-5, 6th homer, 3 RBI, .361 ... Mickey Hall BOS 5-5, the cycle, .223 ... OF Matt Esquivel ATL 3-5, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, .333 ... Nate Schierholtz SF 2-6, double, 5 RBI

" ... right-hander Jarrett Gardner has been named the South Atlantic League’s May Player of the Month. Gardner went 4-0 with a 0.90 ERA in six appearances, four of them starts, last month ...  pitched 30 innings and allowed 23 hits, three earned runs and just four walks. He struck out 15. Gardner, 23, was selected out of the University of Arkansas by the Boston Red Sox in the 19th round in 2003. Gardner (6-1. 1.72 ERA) was named the SAL Pitcher of the Week for May 7-13. He currently is tied for first in the league with his six wins and his ERA is good for second in the South Atlantic League." (SAL)

    Troop movements ...  FLO -- activated AJ Burnett from DL (Larry Sutton back to AAA) ...  MIL -- claimed pitcher Jesse Harper off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays and optioned him to High Desert of the California League (A); designated pitcher Tim Bausher for assignment ... STL -- recalled catcher Yadier Molina from AAA (Mike Matheny, DL) ... TB -- recalled pitchers Dewon Brazelton and Jesus Colome from AAA, released pitcher Paul Abbott; designated pitcher Jason Standridge for assignment; claimed infielder Jose Bautista off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles ... TOR --  placed pitcher Roy Halladay on the DL, recalled pitcher Bob File from AAA .... PHI -- recalled RHP Josh Hancock from Triple-A (Sean Wooten to AAA) ... COL -- optioned RHP Vladimir Nunez, outfielder Rene Reyes to AAA, recalled RHP Scott Dohmann, outfielder Choo Freeman ... NYN -- 1B Brett Harper promoted to AA (after a .347, .448, .547 stint in the FSL) ... 

    Matthew Pouliot, RotoWorld, with a couple of generally under-rated prospects :

" ... Richard Lewis - 2B Cubs ... acquired from the Braves in the Juan Cruz deal, is currently leading the Southern League in average and slugging percentage. He certainly doesn’t have any star potential, but since he’s solid defensively, he could be average regular at second base for a few years. It’s a position that the Cubs will have an opening at next year, though they’re unlikely to hand the job to a rookie."

" ... Matt Cain - RHP Giants ... San Francisco’s best pitching prospect ... The 6-foot-3 Cain is primarily a fastball-curveball pitcher. He usually sits at 92-93 mph with his fastball, but he has no trouble reaching 95 mph and can throw harder. His hard curveball is very difficult to hit, so he’s dominant when he throws it for strikes. Cain also possesses an adequate changeup. He typically shows impressive command for a 19-year-old, though he occasionally has trouble with the curve. Because the Giants have traded several young pitchers, they won’t be afraid to be aggressive with Cain ...If he can stay off the DL and continue to put up quality numbers, he could make it to San Francisco in the first half of 2005."

    MIL, despite some rough going for its top prospects, might be looking to promote Sweet Lou :

" ... Class A Beloit catcher Lou Palmisano is knocking on the Brewers' door for a promotion, hitting .309-2-29. Already on the fast track to move through the system because of his athleticism behind the plate and his ability to hit with power to all fields, Palmisano could go the regular route of many top Milwaukee prospects--skip high Class A High Desert and go directly to Double-A Huntsville." (Baseball Amercia)

    Jonathan O'Konis, The Sports Network, on some kids who could be trade bait :

" ...  Dioner Navarro ... currently batting .289/.372/.390 with 3 HRs and 20 RBI. He shows good defensive skills behind the plate and has an above-average arm. A switch hitter, the player that Navarro reminds me most of is a young Craig Biggio, minus the speed. Navarro is the Yankees biggest bargaining chip, and any move that they plan to make for Carlos Beltran or any other high profile player will have to include him. Many teams would covet a good young catcher like Navarro."

" ...  Jeff Mathis ...  an excellent defensive catcher who is also able to put the bat on the ball, hitting .293/.368/.494 with 7 HRs and 28 RBI. Most teams wouldn't consider trading away a player like Mathis, but I think it's possible Anaheim could ... Owner Arturo Moreno has proven that he's a win-now type owner with his off-season spending spree. If he thinks the Molina brothers are good enough to hold down the catching duties, Mathis could be traded no matter how short sighted."

    Jered Weaver, No. 1 for 2004 :

" ... Weaver, Long Beach State's first two-time first team All-American who earned a record six Collegiate Baseball Player of the Week awards during the regular season, was named the publication's Player of the Year ...   "Since 1974, I have been covering college baseball for Collegiate Baseball newspaper. There have been some fabulous pitchers who have participated in college baseball since that time, such as Roger Clemens of Texas, USC's Randy Johnson and Mark Prior, as well as numerous others," said Lou Pavlovich, editor of Collegiate Baseball earlier this season. "But I can't remember any who has had the season Jered Weaver is putting together. What he has done is absolutely amazing." Weaver enters this week's NCAA Tournament in Palo Alto with a 14-1 record and 1.68 ERA, to go along with a Big West and LBSU record 193 strikeouts and just 18 walks." (longbeachstate.com)

03 June 2004  

    Game action ... INT --  Jeremy Reed (CHA, CF) 2-4, 2 2B, 3 R, BB ... Felix Diaz (CHA) 6.2 5 3 3 2 5

PCL --  David DeJesus KC, getting back in a groove, 3-5, homer, .287 ... just about when you're ready to give up hope, Adam Wainwright STL 6.2 5 1 1 4 9 ... Travis Blackley SEA 5.0 4 1 1 4 4, 3.02 ... Nick Swisher OAK 2-3, 8th homer, 3 RBI, .274 ... a little setback, John VanBenschoten PIT 7.0 10 5 5 0 2 ... some rough patches lately, Carlos Hernandez HOU  6.0 7 3 3 4 3 ... Chris Burke HOU 2-5, 7th homer, .329 ... Lance Niekro SF 2-5, double, .360 ... ARZ 3B Brian Barden 3-3, walk, 3 runs, double, homer ... Josh Karp MON 7.0 8 4 4 0 8 ... hard to know why MON is delaying a promotion for Ryan Church, 4-4, 12th double, 9th homer, 2 RBI, .374 ... SS Maicer Izturis MON 4-5, double, .333 ... Koyie Hill LA 2-4, double

EASTERN --  Aaron Hill TOR 0-3 … Dominic Rich TOR 1-2, 2 BB … Dioner Navarro NYA 2-4, 2B (9) … Val Majewski BAL 2-3, 2B (12), 3 RBI (34), SB (3) … Keith Reed BAL 2-4, RBI (20) … Franklin Gutierrez CLE 0-1 … Jeremy Guthrie CLE 6.2 4 2 2 1 6, W (5), (3.64) … Jeff Keppinger PIT 1-4, RBI (13), SB (3) … Ryan Doumit PIT 1-4, 2B (12), RBI (18) … Ian Snell PIT 6.0 8 4 4 0 4, (3.32) … Michael Cervenak SF 2-4, 2B (17), RBI (42) … Luis Maza MINN 3-5, 2B (14), RBI (19), .347 AVG … Kevin West MINN 3-4, HR (11), 3 RBI (45), 2 BB, .337 AVG ...  Not a good AA debut for Josh Banks (Tor) 0.2 5 7 7 2 1, 94.50 ERA.

SOUTHERN --  Josh Barfield SD 2B 2-5, 1 RBI, 2 K's ... Eric Reed FLA OF 2-4, 1 2B, 2 K's ... Jason Stokes FLA 1B 1-3, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 SB ... Luis Martinez STL 7.0 5 1 1 2 7, W 4-5, 4.80 era ... Rickie Weeks MIL 2B 0-3, 1 K, 1 SB ... Prince Fielder MIL 1B 0-3, 1 BB, 1 K, batting .247 ... Andy Marte ATL 3B 3-4, 1 R, 2 2B ... James Loney LA 1B 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB ... Bobby Brownlie CHN 6.0 8 4 4 3 3, 3.12

TEXAS --  Alberto Callaspo SS ANA 0-4 ... Nick Gorneault RF ANA 1-4, 2B, R ... Dallas McPherson 3B ANA 0-4 ... Jeff Mathis C ANA 0-1, R, 3BB ... Ruben Gotay 2B KC 1-4, R, 3B ... Junior Herndon KC 8 5 2 2 8 ... Mark Teahen 3B OAK 2-3, R, 3B, 2RBI ... John Baker DH OAK 3-5, 2R, 2B, 2RBI ... Jeremy Brown C OAK 2-5, 3R, RBI ... Shin-soo Choo LF SEA 0-2 ... Greg Dobbs 3B SEA 1-4, HR ... Tommy Whiteman SS HOU 4-5, 2R ... Todd Self 1B HOU 2-2, R, 2 2B, RBI, 3BB ... Charlton Jimerson CF HOU 4-6, 2R, 2B, SB ... Sergio Santos SS ARI 0-4 ... Josh Kroeger CF ARI 1-3, R, 3B, BB

CAROLINA --  Jeff Francoeur ATL 4-5, R, double (17), HR (8), 2 RBI (27), K ... Brian McCann ATL 1-4, RBI (30), BB, K ... Ryan Sweeney CHA 0-5, RBI ... Brian Anderson CHA 2-5, R, double (17), HR (5), RBI (32) ... Casey Rogowski CHA 0-2, 2 BB ... Pedro Lopez CHA 4-5, R, double, 2 RBI ... Anthony Lerew ATL (W) 6.2 5 1 1 2 3 (6-2, 2.48) ... Luke Scott HOU 0-3, R, BB, K ... Mark Saccomanno HOU 1-3, BB, K ... Tripper Johnson BAL 2-3, R, HR (8), 4 RBI (30) ... Tony Blanco CIN 1-4, 2 RBI (41), 2 K ... Chris Denorfia CIN 0-2, K ... Michael Aubrey CLE 1-3, R, HR (8), 3 RBI (44), K, .329 ... Nathan Panther CLE 1-3, 2 R, RBI (32), 2 BB ... Dan Denham CLE (W) 7 7 4 4 1 5 (7-1, 3.60) ... Donnie Murphy KC 0-3, R, BB, K ... Shane Costa KC 1-3, R, double, BB, K ... Brad Eldred PIT 2-3, R, BB ... Rajai Davis PIT 0-4, SB (20)

FLORIDA STATE --  Joel Zumaya (DET) 6.2 3 1 1 5 5 … Tony Giarratano (DET, SS) 2-4 2RBI SB(2) CS … Chris Roberson (PHI, CF) 1-3 - extends hitting streak to 21 … Vito Chiaravalloti (TOR, 1B) 2-4 … rehab, Chris Woodward (TOR, SS) 1-3 HR … John Mark Sprowl (NYA, C) 2-3 R … Jonathan Figueroa (LA) 1.1 2 1 1 1 0 … Alex Romero (MIN, RF) 2-5 R … Trent Oeltjen (MIN, CF) 2-5 R RBI

CALIFORNIA --  Joe Saunders ANA 6.0 3 0 0 2 2 ... Erick Aybar ANA 2-3, double, .356 ... Tim Salmon ANA, rehab, 2-4, double, triple, walk, 2 RBI ... Matthew Cain  7.0 2 0 0 1 14, 5-1, 1.72 (superb campaign so far, 11 starts, 62 2/3s innings, just 49 hits, 17 walks, 76Ks) ... Dan Trumble SF, at age 24 and in his 3rd season in the California loop, he seems to have "got it",  3-4, 14th homer, .326 ... John Suomi C OAK 3-5, double, .325 ... Jeff Salazar COL 3-5, double, .322 ... Jeff Baker COL 2-3, double, 2 walks, .327

MIDWEST --  Dick Hayhurst SD 7.2 8 1 1 0 10 (W, 4-2, 2.60) ... Eric Duncan NYA 0-4 (.298) ... Abel Gomez NYA 5.1 2 3 2 3 7 (L, 5-1, 2.70) ... Chris Dickerson CIN 0-2, BB, HBP, 2 K (.320) ... nice line David Shafer CIN 6.0 1 0 0 0 5 (W, 3-1, 1.29) ... sombrero for the kid Adam Jones SEA 0-5, 4 K ... Wladimir Balentien SEA 6th HR ... Brian Dopirak CHN 2-3, double, 13th HR, BB (.274) ... there he goes again Ian Kinsler TEX 3-4, 26th double(!), 7th HR ... superboy takes the collar Daric Barton (C) STL 0-4, K (but gunned down 2 thieves who'd been 10 for 11, one to end the 1-0 game; now 5 of 7 CS in his 6 games at C) ... Brendan Ryan STL 2-4 (.358) ... Errol Simonitsch MIN 5,0 4 0 0 0 5 (2.13) ... just a tough day all over for MWL teenagers Brandon Wood ANA 0-5 (.273) ... Chris Lubanski KC 0-4 ... Matt Chico ARZ 6.1 2 2 2 4 5 (W, 7-3, 2.42) ... Lou Palmisano MIL 2-4, double

SOUTH ATLANTIC ---  Josh Whitesell MON, 3-5, 3 homers (7,8,9), 4 RBI ... Matt Esquivel ATL, 2-4, 2 homers (6,7), 3 RBI ... Lastings Milledge NYM, 2-5, triple, 3 RBI ... Ian Stewart COL, 0-3 ... Delmon Young TB, 0-3, 2 RBI, walk, run, steal (3) ... Elliot Johnson TB, 2-4, double, walk, 2 runs ... Jason Pridie TB, 2-5, RBI, 2 runs, 3 strikeouts ... Andy LaRoche LA, 1-3, homer (11), RBI ... Antonin Gray CHW, 3-3, double, walk ... Micah Schnurstein CHW, 1-4, homer (1), RBI ... Josh Anderson HOU, 1-5, steal (40), 2 runs, 2 strikeouts ... Derick Grigsby HOU, 6.0 3 2 1 4 9 (W 3-4, 3.88) ... Brandon Moss BOS, 2-4, 2 doubles, 4 RBI ... Beau Vaughn BOS, 5.0 6 1 0 0 7 (W 2-0, 2.77) ... Nick Markakis BAL, 1-1, 3 walks, steal (3) ... Nate Schierholtz SF, 1-4, run ... 1B Jon Benick PIT 3-6, 2 doubles, .349 ... OF Adam Boeve PIT 4-6, two homers (12), 4 RBI, .304 ... SS Javier Guzman PIT 3-4, walk, 4 SBs (17), .330 ... Ryan Roberts 2B TOR 0-2, 4 walks

    Troop movements ... HOU -- optioned pitcher Brandon Backe to AAA, signed pitcher Peter Munro ... LA -- recalled pitcher Edwin Jackson from AAA, designated pitcher Rodney Myers for assignment. ...  OAK -- placed Eric Chavez on the DL, recalled infielder Esteban German from AAA ... PIT -- placed pitcher Brian Boehringer on the DL,  recalled pitcher Mike Gonzalez from AAA ... SD -- placed outfielder Brian Buchanan on the DL, recalled outfielder Xavier Nady from AAA ... SEA -- optioned Gil Meche to AAA ... purchased the contract of outfielder Hiram Bocachica ...  CHN -- Sergio Mitre optioned to AAA (clearing a slot for Mark Prior) ...

    Dayn Perry, FoxSports, has Grady Sizemore atop his revised CLE prospect list.  Starter Fausto Carmona is the runnerup, with on-coming first sacker Michael Aubrey at No. 3 :

" ... Scouts widely regarded Aubrey as second only to Rickie Weeks among college hitters in last year's draft, and thus far he's done nothing to disappoint them. He put up excellent numbers in the Sally League last season and is doing the same at High-A Kinston this year (.327 AVG/.407 OBP/.535 SLG thus far). He could stand to improve his plate discipline a bit (although it's not a glaring liability), and like a lot of young lefty bats he figures to have platoon issues in the early going. On the upside, he projects to have good power, hit in the .300s and play excellent defense at first. He's a promising hitter, if not a future superstar."

Perry likes the looks of catcher/first baseman Ryan Garko.  He's No. 7 :

" ...  Tribe spent a third-rounder last year on Garko, and, after some struggles last year, he's making himself look like a bargain in '04. A Stanford product, Garko's defense behind the plate is a major weakness, according to scouts. Still, the Indians have allowed him to log 14 games at catcher this season, and if they're able to cultivate improved defensive chops in him that'll increase his value. His bat, however, is beyond reproach. This season at High-A Kinston, which is a pitcher's park in a pitcher's league, Garko is hitting .341/.432/.618 thus far. Impressive, no? He's showing tremendous raw power and hitting for average. He needs to improve his walk rate, but it's otherwise a highly impressive start. If he manages to stick at catcher, he'll provide a potent bat at a position that doesn't have many of them."

    PIT's Freddy Sanchez finally getting close to returning ... but, his positions (SS/2B) now filled :

" ... Sanchez, who had been working out at extended spring training in Bradenton, Fla., had his rehab program transferred to PNC Park yesterday. He will continue to receive treatment and work out with the Pirates until he is cleared to join a rehab assignment at Nashville. Sanchez had surgery in November to remove a bone spur from his right ankle. His recovery has been slow, and he has dragged beyond the 4-6 month scenario predicted by doctors. Sanchez also has been receiving treatment for a quadriceps injury he sustained while in Florida. "The last week or two is the best my ankle has felt. I think I'm getting a lot closer," Sanchez said. "In spring training, I knew it wasn't going well. Now, I'm running and doing things that make me think it's getting closer." (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

    Cubs, already deep in pitching, should have an Angel ready soon :

" ... righthander Angel Guzman threw back-to-back solid rehab starts since coming off the DL. Guzman is 2-0, 4.03 with 20 strikeouts in 16 innings. "His velocity is back to where it was when he stopped pitching," farm director Oneri Fleita said. "Right now, he's trying to get his command back." There is no set timetable for when Guzman, coming off shoulder surgery, will be on the move, but look for him to get several more starts to polish up his command at the upper levels before seeing him in Wrigley Field. "We're handling things very conservatively," Fleita said." (Baseball America)

    Jeremy Deloney, Baseball Miscellany, on Jeff Francis COL :

" ... Jeff Francis was at it again [Tuesday] night for Double A Tulsa and struck out 14 in a victory over Frisco. The 23 year-old went 8 innings and allowed only 3 hits and 1 run to attain his 8th victory on the season. The former 1st round pick of the Rockies in 2002 has unbelievable stats this year: 8-0 2.12 ERA 72 innings, 47 hits (.185 ba), 13 bb, 91 K Keep in mind that he ended the season last year in High A Visalia with a 10-1 record with a 1.06 ERA in his final 13 starts. Therefore, he's won 18 of his last 19 decisions with an ERA of 1.54. Unbelievable. He was mentioned in my earlier column prior to the season about guys who could make the leap to the majors and make an instant impact. He has the maturity and moxie to perform such a feat."

02 June 2004  

    Game action ... INT --  Jonny Gomes (TB, LF) 1-3, 12th HR, R, RBI, BB ... B.J. Upton (TB, SS) 1-3, R, BB, 0 errors ... Michael Restovich (MIN, RF & LF) 1-2, 2B, 2 R, 2 BB, SB & 1-4, R ... rehab, Joe Mauer (MIN, C & DH) 1-4 & 2-4, 2B ... John Maine (BAL) 6.0 7 6 5 4 2 ... Corey Hart (MIL, RF) 3-5, 8th HR, R, RBI, SB ... Victor Diaz (NYN, RF) 2-4, R, RBI, BB, SB ... Bob Keppel (NYN) 6.0 7 4 4 1 0 ... Brandon Larson CIN 0-4, 3 Ks

Mets' slugger the Hitter of the Week in the IL :

" ...  first baseman CRAIG BRAZELL has put together a solid first full season at the Triple-A level and had a productive week, batting .438 with 3 HR and 10 RBI in 8 games ...  While Brazell is tied for second among IL batters with 15 home runs, he also places among the League’s best in RBI (T-5th), runs scored (T-6th), slugging percentage (8th), hits (T-8th), and extra-base hits (T-9th). Brazell is currently in his seventh season in the New York Mets’ system after being selected by the club in the 5th Round of the 1998 June Draft ...  entered the 2004 season rated as the Mets’ #9 Prospect as selected by Baseball America."

PCL --  Adrian Gonzalez TEX, needs to pick it up or fall behind Jason Botts as the 1B of the future, 0-3, .259 ... Clint Barmes COL 1-4, 7th homer, .343 ... John Buck HOU 2-4, 9th double, 8th homer, 2 RBI, .329 ...  Noah Lowry SF 9.0 5 0 0 3 5 ... Lance Niekro SF, likely one of the kids to get a look soon, 2-4, homer, 3 RBI, .356 ... Mike Edwards OAK 4-6, 16th & 17th doubles, 3 RBI, .324 ... Koyie Hill LA 4-6, 2 doubles, .316 ... Jayson Werth, a spot waiting in LA, 4-6, 3 homers, 6 RBI ... Ryan Church MON 4-6, 7th & 8th homers, 3 RBI, .358 ...  shortstop Maicer Izturis MON 3-6, 2 homers, 6 RBI, .319

EASTERN --  David Wright NYN 3-4, 2 RBI (29), 2 SB (19) … Justin Huber NYN 0-3 … Prentice Redman NYN 2-4, 2 2B (23), RBI (39), SB (8) … Aaron Hill TOR 2-4, 2 RBI (26)… Dominic Rich TOR 1-2, 2B (11), 3 BB … Dioner Navarro NYA 2-5, double, 2 walks, .293 … Val Majewski BAL 2-4, RBI (31) … Keith Reed BAL 2-3, 2B (12), 2 RBI (19) … Franklin Gutierrez CLE 1-3, BB … Jeff Keppinger PIT 0-5 … Ryan Doumit PIT 1-3, BB … Bryan Bullington PIT 4.0 10 6 5 1 6, (4.04) … Michael Cervenak SF 2-5, 2B (16), RBI (41)… Luis Maza MINN 1-4, 2B (13)

SOUTHERN --  Rickie Weeks MIL, the drought continues, 0-3 & 1-3, double, .248 ... Prince Fielder 0-3 & 0-4, .251 ... Chris Seddon TB 5.0 6 2 2 3 5 ... tough loss, Dan Meyer ATL 5.0 7 1 1 0 6, 1.96 ... Willy Aybar LA, shifting over to 2B, 3-4, double ... James Loney LA 1-5 ... Jason Stokes FLO 2-5, 12th double, 15th homer, 3 RBI (50), .266 ... shortstop John Nelson STL 3-5, triple, .311 ... Sean Marshall CHN, winning ugly, 5.0 11 6 6 2 1 ... CF Dwaine Bacon CHN 3-5, homer, 3 RBI & 0-3 ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 2-5, 2 doubles, 2 RBI

TEXAS --  Drew Meyer SS TEX 2-4, 3B, RBI and 0-4 ... Jason Bourgeois 2B TEX 1-5, 2B ... Jason Botts 1B TEX 0-4, hat trick, 3k's and 1-4, 2B, RBI, 2k's (League leader in HR's is #18 on BA Prospect Hot Sheet)  ... Jayson Nix 2B COL 1-4 and 0-3, BB ... Ryan Shealy 1B COL 1-4, HR and 0-2, R, 2BB ... Erik Thompson TEX 7 3 1 1 0 5 (3.17) ... Zach McClellan COL 6 6 0 0 2 6 (3.70) ... Jeff Francis COL 8 3 1 1 2 14 (2.12, now 8-0) Absolutely phenomenal, spectacular, there are no words to fully explain how well Francis has pitched since the middle of last year, now with 18 wins in his last 20 decisions (#2 on BA's prospect hot sheet, see below) ... Mark Teahen 3B OAK 2-4, 4R, HR, 2RBI, 2BB ... John Baker DH OAK 3-4, 2R, RBI, 2BB ... Dustin Delucchi CF SEA 1-2, 2BB ... Shin-soo Choo LF SEA 0-4 ... Josh Kroeger RF ARI 4-4, 3 2B, R, 2RBI ... Sergio Santos SS ARI 2-4, R, 2B ... Alberto Callaspo SS ANA 3-6, 3R, 2B, RBI ... Tommy Murphy CF ANA 2-3, 2R, 2B, 3RBI, 2BB, SB ... Nick Gorneault RF ANA 1-6, 2R, 2B, 3RBI ... Dallas McPherson 3B ANA 2-6, 3 RBI ...  Jeff Mathis DH ANA 2-5, 2R, 2B, HR, 2RBI  ... Ruben Gotay 2B KC 4-5, R, RBI, BB ... Ervin Santana ANA 5 6 1 1 2 6

CAROLINA --  Tony Blanco CIN 1-3 & 1-3 ... Michael Aubrey CLE 0-2 & 2-3, double ... Chris Denorfia CIN 2-2, walk & 1-3 ... Jeff Francoeur ATL 3-4, double & 0-2 ... Ryan Sweeney CHA 1-4 & 1-1 ... Brian Anderson CHA 0-3 & 0-3

FLORIDA STATE --  Jon Papelbon (BOS) 5 5 1 1 1 6 W(5-3 - 3.04) … Dave Murphy (BOS, CF) 2-3 2RBI … Bronson Sardinha (NYA, 3B) 2-4 RBI … Melky Cabrera (NYA, CF) 2-5 R … Aarom Baldiris (NYN, 3B) 3-4 HR(1) 2R 2RBI … Jared Smith (STL) 5 5 1 1 6 5 W(4-2 - 2.75) … Chris Roberson (PHI, CF) 3-5 HR(8) 2R 4RBI … Ryan Barthelemy (PHI, 1B) 2-5 HR(3) 3RBI … rehab, Chris Woodward (TOR, SS) 2-2 … Miguel Negron (TOR, CF) 2-5 HR(4) 3R 2RBI … Carlo Cota (TOR, 2B) 2-5 HR(3) 2R 3RBI … Felix Pie (CHN, CF) 2-4 R RBI … Joel Guzman (LA, SS) 3-4, 6th triple, R RBI SB(6) … Delwyn Young (LA, DH) 2-3 R … Chad Billingsley (LA) 6 3 1 0 5 5 W(2-4 - 2.22) … Nice game by Francisco Liriano (MIN) 6.2 3 0 0 3 8 blown by his bullpen … Trent Oeltjen (MIN, RF) 3-6 R SB(15)

Cubs' OF and FLO starter the best of the week in the FSL :

" ... Felix Pie, Outfielder, Daytona Cubs was named the Player of the Week. In seven games he collected 14 hits in 28 plate appearances for a .500 batting average. His hits included three doubles, three triples and two homeruns. He scored nine runs and drove in four. His slugging percentage was .893 and his OBP was .500. He also stole three bases ...  Pitcher of the Week was Jupiter Hammerheads Righthander Yorman Bazardo. He started two games and recorded two wins. In 15 2/3 innings he posted a 1.15 ERA while allowing 14 hits, two earned runs and striking out 10 batters." (Florida State League)

CALIFORNIA --  John Suomi OAK (at 3B) 2-4, 13th & 14th doubles, 5 RBI, .319 ... Merkin Valdez SF, quite a 2004 debut as he comes back from injury, 5.1 2 1 1 0 6 ... Felix Hernandez SEA, again less than phenom-like, 6.0 8 4 4 3 7 ... Michael Napoli ANA 4-5, .350 (.586 over the last 8 games, 3 doubles, 3 homers, 13 RBI, 7 walks, 7 Ks) ... Juan Gonzalez SS SEA 3-5, .337 ... Jeff Salazar COL, not bad for a CF/leadoff guy, 10th homer, .316 ... Conor Jackson ARZ 2-3, walk, 3 RBI (44) ... Jamie D`Antona ARZ 2-5, triple ...

MIDWEST --  Andy Baldwin DET 6.0 4 1 1 3 2 (W, 7-3, 2.51) ... ugh Kody Kirkland DET 0-4, 3 K (.207) ... Tyler Clippard NYA 6.1 6 4 4 1 9 (L, 4-5, 3.19) ... Willie Vasquez (1B) NYA 2-4, double, HR (.292) ... Omar Segovia CIN 4.0 2 1 1 2 6 (2.59) ... Brandon Wood ANA 1-4, E ... still scuffling Chris Lubanski KC 0-3 (.235) ... Wladimir Balentien SEA 2-4, 7th SB (.257) .. Adam Jones SEA 1-4, E ... not so hot for the other Jones, either Justin Jones CHN 3.2 5 4 4 3 4 (4.35) ... Miguel Montero ARZ 1-4, HR ... Lou Palmisano MIL 1-3, BB, K (.304) ... Ian Kinsler TEX 2-4, double (.392) .. first clunker in a while John Danks TEX 3.2 6 4 4 2 5 (2 HR allowed, still just 2.16)

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Matt Esquivel ATL, 1-3, R, RBI & 0-3 ... Ian Stewart COL, 2-4, homer (12), RBI ... Aaron Marsden COL, 7.2 5 4 2 4 5 (L 3-3, 3.36) ... Jon-Michael Nickerson TOR, 7.0 4 2 1 2 5 ... Chuck Tiffany LA 5.2 1 1 1 3 7, 2.54 (52 Ks in 39 innings) ... Hong-Chih Kuo LA, back in action, 2.0 4 3 3 1 4  ... Delmon Young TB 0-3, walk, 3 Ks, .292 ... Jose Vaquedano BOS 5.0 4 2 1 1 9, 1.88 (in 11 starts, 12 walks, 66 Ks in 67 innings) ... Lastings Milledge NYN 2-3, 3rd homer

    Troop movements ... CIN -- Felipe Lopez back up (Juan Castro DL) ... KC -- recalled Chris George, optioned Justin Huisman to AAA ... NYN -- activated pitcher Al Leiter from the DL, optioned pitcher Pedro Feliciano to AAA ... TOR -- placed pitcher Justin Miller on the DL,  purchased the contract of pitcher Josh Towers from Syracuse,  designated pitcher Jesse Harper for assignment (that's some move, Harper with a 1.00 ERA in A+, 18 Ks in 18 IP) ... ARZ -- promoted 3B Brian Barden, RHP Lance Cormier to AAA ...  MIL -- recalled RHP Ben Hendrickson from Triple-A ... ARZ -- optioned RHP Casey Daigle to AAA, recalled LHP Shane Nance ... NYA -- placed outfielder Kenny Lofton on the DL, recalled pitcher Bret Prinz ... FLO -- placed catcher Ramon Castro on the DL, Matt Treanor the likely replacement

    Folks at the University of British Columbia with grins as wide as the prairies ... lefty Jeff Francis, who put the UBC baseball program on the map, is just a step from the top of the latest Prospect Hot Sheet from Kevin Goldstein at Baseball America.  Francis trails only TB phenom BJ Upton (and the picks made before Francis' Tuesday win).

Jason Kubel MIN remains in the elite category, finishing 3rd, ahead of ATL's Jose Capellan and LA's Mike Megrew:

" ... In his last four starts he's allowed two runs in 24 innings while allowing just ten hits and striking out 29 -- if he's still projectable, what's next?"

Lots of interesting picks.  At No. 7, the Cards' Daric Barton :

" ... The Cardinals' first-round pick in last year's draft, Barton missed the first six weeks of the season to recover from minor elbow surgery, but has been one of the minor league's hottest bats since, hitting .457-4-16 in 14 games to go with 14 walks and a nifty .583 OBP."

And ... now he's officially back (grabbing the No. 11 slot) -- Joel Guzman LA :

" ... Get him back on your radar screen as he hit .342-7-21 in May with improved plate discipline and doesn't turn 20 until after the season."

    Joe Domagalski, Baseball America, on Andy Brown CLE :

" ... Brown, who came over to the Indians to complete the Milton Bradley deal, hasn't skipped a beat since landing at Double-A Akron. Brown is 1-0, 1.86 with 15 strikeouts in 10 innings for the Aeros. When the Tribe made the deal, it had until June 30 to complete it--with two other arms in the mix--but it didn't take nearly that long. "This is a guy who could be a top of the rotation or back of the bullpen guy for us down the road," general manager Mark Shapiro said. "We've clocked his fastball between 92 and 98 (mph). He's had a plus fastball every time we've seen him. It just depends on how plus. He also has a good curveball and a usable slider. As we went through this, it became very clear that Andrew had separated himself from the other guys. This is a chance to get him over here and indoctrinated into our organization."

    Dodgers placed five players on the FSL All-Star team (no list found of all the picks) :

" ... While the Dodgers have five players on the All-Star roster, only four will compete in the June 12th game, as RHP Dimas Reina is now playing for the Double-A Jacksonville Suns. The Dodgers who will be representing their club are RHPs Chad Billingsley and Jonathan Broxton, C Russell Martin and SS Joel Guzman. Guzman has likely been the team's top offensive player, leading the club in most categories including batting average (.289), home runs (10) and extra-base hits (25). Martin, second on the team in homers with seven, has hit .227 with 27 RBIs and leads Florida State League catchers in runners caught stealing. Billingsley and Broxton quickly established themselves as two of the top hurlers in the league this season. Billingsley, having not received a whole lot of run support, has gone 1-4 with a 2.53 ERA. He has not allowed a single run in four of his nine starts. Broxton, despite one rough outing that raised his ERA, is 3-3 with a 3.83 ERA and is third in the league in strikeouts despite having missed two starts. Reina, before his promotion to Jacksonville, had gone 5-3 with a league-best 1.29 ERA." (Vero Beach Dodgers)

    Initial progress for Tsao :

" ... Top prospect Chin-Hui Tsao threw 11 pitches during a one-inning appearance against the White Sox in extended spring training and reported no problems with his shoulder." (Denver Post)

    Poor SEA ... Rafael Soriano heads for a longer-than-expected stay on the DL :

" ...  Soriano, projected as one of the building blocks this season to an effective bullpen, will not be back with the Mariners any time soon. The hard-throwing right-hander with a sore right elbow had been expected to be cleared to begin throwing today. But he continues to feel discomfort in the elbow. The club has scheduled a second MRI to rule out anything serious. Manager Bob Melvin said he is concerned, "(but) I don't think it's a surgery-type thing. The initial MRI didn't indicate he would need surgery. I haven't seen anything since that would indicate that either." ...   "I wouldn't call it a setback. It's just an ongoing thing," Melvin said. "I wouldn't say I'm surprised. I was hoping it would be better by now." (Seattle Times)

    MIL not worried about Rickie Weeks' mediocre campaign :

" ... "No," said general manager Doug Melvin. "It's his first year in pro ball, and to make the jump to Double-A is a pretty big jump. That's why I'm never big on having a timetable for guys or pushing guys. "The one area we would like to see him improve on in his game is basestealing. We were hoping that he could steal 30 or more bases in a year, and it is going to be tough for him to do that. Weeks has been slowed by a toe injury of late and was also battling a slight hamstring strain. The organization moved Weeks into the leadoff spot about two weeks ago to get him off and running."

    Wade Townsend, Rice, selected as the Pitcher of the Year in the Western Athletic Conference :

" ... Townsend (11-0, 1.68 ERA) was 7-0 with one save in 11 WAC appearances. He had a conference-leading ERA of 1.55 and was second in the league with 92 strikeouts ... one of five national finalists for the Golden Spikes Award and among the national semi-finalist for the new Roger Clemens Award and Dick Howser Trophy." (riceowls.com)

    John Sickels, ESPN.com, on Kevin Youkilis BOS :

" ... Scouts have never been especially wild about Youkilis, since he isn't that athletic and doesn't have good physical tools. He doesn't run well, has an average arm, average range at third base, and doesn't have tremendous power. Although his defense at third base is only average, he does enough offensively to play at the hot corner. He has a quick swing, and while he isn't a huge home run threat, he hits line drives from gap-to-gap, making consistent hard contact ...  has some of the best strike zone judgment in professional baseball. He works pitchers like a master, tries hard to get ahead in the count, and seldom swings at pitches outside the zone ...   His high walk rate juices his on-base percentage, and since he's usually hitting at or over .300, his OPB is good indeed ...  In the long run, he should be able to provide a good batting average and excellent OBP for several years. He is a good example of how an intelligent skill approach can make a player valuable despite mediocre physical tools."

    Jeremy Deloney, Baseball Miscellany, answers some questions on a trio of Low-A stars :

" ... 23 year-old OF/DH Kevin Collins is repeating a level at Low A Lansing and he's challenging for the Triple Crown. He's currently 4th in batting (.335), 1st in HR (15), and 1st in RBI (42). The biggest obstacles Collins is facing are the lack of speed and his well-below average defensive "skills". His misplaying of balls in the outfield and poor routes are somewhat comical. He also strikes out way too often, but that is expected considering his power. At this point, he's a non-prospect until he can prove his value in more advanced leagues. Lansing also houses the player who is second in the league in HR. Brian Dopirak was the Cubs 2nd round draft pick in 2002 from a Florida high school and the 20 year-old shows mammoth power. He's hitting .268-12-35 as the Lugnuts first baseman. At 6-4 220, his power is legendary, but he needs to focus on hitting breaking balls. Dopirak is considered a very good prospect and would probably make most teams' top prospect lists. But because of the depth in the Cubs system, he is somewhat obscured in the land of anonymity. 1B Brandon Sing leads the Florida State League in HR and RBI with 16 and 45 respectively. He's also hit 16 doubles which brings his slugging percentage to a fine .623. The 23 year-old Sing was a 20th round selection in 1999 and his career has been less-than-stellar. He split last year between Daytona and Double A West Tennessee and hit a combined .221-9-46 in 81 games. In fact, this season is his third stop in Daytona. In 2002 with the club, he hit .248-18-64, all career highs. He is a non-prospect."

01 June 2004

    Game action ... INT -- Jonny Gomes (TB, LF) 1-3, 11th HR, R, RBI, HBP ... B.J. Upton (TB, SS) 0-2, BB, 0 errors ... Chad Gaudin (TB) 3.0 7 7 6 2 3 ... rehab, Brandon Larson (CIN, 3B) 1-4, 5th HR, R, 3 RBI ... Russ Adams (TOR, SS) 2-4, R, RBI, BB ... Gabe Gross (TOR, DH) 2-4, 2 R, BB ... David Bush (TOR) 6.0 3 0 0 2 5 ... Jorge Padilla (PHI, RF) 1-3, 2nd HR, R, RBI, BB ... Jack Cust (BAL, DH) 2-3, 2B, R, SB ... Grady Sizemore (CLE, CF) 3-5, 3B, 2 R, 3 RBI ... rehab, Nomar Garciaparra (BOS, SS) 2-3, BB ... Craig Brazell (NYN, 1B) 2-5, 12th & 13th HRs, 2 R, 4 RBI ... Aaron Heilman (NYN) 4.0 8 8 4 1 1 ... Pat Strange (NYN) 5.0 3 0 0 0 5

PCL --  Mike Wood OAK 6.0 3 2 2 3 4, 2.35 ...  Clint Barmes COL 2-3, .345 ... Joe Blanton OAK 5.0 7 4 3 2 3 ... Nick Swisher OAK 1-2, 2 walks, 7th homer & 2-3, double, but just .265 ... Antonio Perez LA 2-4, 2 walks, .302 ... Koyie Hill LA 3-5, double, .305 ... Jose Lopez SEA 2-5, 10th homer ... Danny Haren STL 7.0 7 1 1 1 11, 6-2, 3.93 & 2-2, double, homer  ... Taylor Buchholz HOU, what a turnaround, 6.0 5 1 1 1 3 ... David DeJesus KC, 2-3, homer, .280 ... Chris Burke HOU 1-4, 6th homer ... John Buck HOU 2-3, double, .325 ... Todd Linden SF 2-2, 3 walks, .287 ... Lance Niekro SF 2-4, double, triple, walk, .317 ... Cody Ransom SF 2-4, double, 3 RBI, .331

EASTERN --  Aaron Hill TOR 0-3, RBI (24) … Dominic Rich TOR 1-3, BB … Franklin Gutierrez CLE 1-3, 2B (16), RBI (20) … Michael Cervenak SF 2-5, HR (11), 3 RBI (40) … Michael Hinckley MON, impressive AA debut, 6.0 5 2 1 0 7 ... Catchup (from Sunday's games) ... Andrew Brown CLE,  a good bet to see MLB time before the season's through, 5.2 1 0 0 1 9

SOUTHERN --  Josh Barfield SD 2B 3-6, 1 R, 1 2B, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR (6) ... Kelly Johnson ATL OF 2-5, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 K (from shortstop to third, now to CF & leadoff) ... Andy Marte ATL 3B 2-4, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 K, 1 HR (11) ... Eric Reed FLA OF 1-3, 1 BB ... Jason Stokes FLA 1B 1-4, 1 R, 1 K  ... Catchup (from Sunday's games) ... Jose Capellan ATL, in AA debut, 6.1 5 4 4 1 11

TEXAS --  Dallas McPherson ANA 2-5, 15th double, 10th homer, walk, 2 RBI, .321 ... Alberto Callaspo ANA 2-6, double, triple ... Shane Komine OAK 5.2 8 5 2 2 2, 3.92 ... Chris Snyder ARZ 3-4, 6th homer ... Sergio Santos ARZ 7th homer

ANA's Dallas McPherson, Player of the Week in the Texas League :

" ... McPherson, 23, hit .435 (10-23), with 4 HR, 10 RBI and 7 runs scored. The fourth-year player had 2 doubles, a triple and drew 7 walks to post a 1.130 slugging percentage and a .567 on-base percentage during the week. Currently, the native of Randleman, N.C. ranks amongst the top 10 in the Texas League in 9 offensive categories. He leads the Texas League with 29 extra-base hits and a .606 slugging percentage. His 10 home runs and 39 RBI tie him for second in each category, while his 5 triples rank third. Dallas posts a .319 batting average to lead the Travs and rank 7th in the Texas League. McPherson also has 14 doubles (T-5th), a .403 OBP (6th) and 42 runs scored (T-5th)." (Arkansas Travelers)

CAROLINA --  Jeff Francoeur ATL 2-5, 2 R, HR (7), RBI, K ... Brian McCann ATL 2-5, 2 R, double (15), HR (5), 5 RBI (28) ... Ryan Sweeney CHA 1-5, R, 2 K ... Brian Anderson CHA 3-4, 2 R, double (16), .337 ... Casey Rogowski CHA 1-4 ... Pedro Lopez CHA 1-5, R, double ... Kyle Davies ATL (W) 6 7 4 3 0 3 (5-2, 3.31) ... Tony Blanco CIN 2-3, R, HR (16), 3 RBI (39), BB, K, .310 ... Chris Denorfia CIN 2-4, R, double (11), HR (8), 2 RBI (36), BB, K, SB (7) ... Michael Aubrey CLE 2-5, 2 R, 2 HR (6), 4 RBI (40), .327 ... Nathan Panther CLE 1-5, R, double, 2 RBI (30), K, SB (8) ... Richard Gardner CIN 5 4 2 2 1 5 (2.40) ... Donnie Murphy KC 2-4, R, BB, K ... Mike Aviles KC 3-5, 2 R, RBI (35), .320 ... Shane Costa KC 2-4, R, HR (1ST), 2 RBI, BB, K ... Chaz Lytle PIT 2-4, R, K, .316 ... Brad Eldred PIT 2-3, R, double (11), HR (12), 4 RBI (47) ... Rajai Davis PIT 1-4, 2 R, BB

FLORIDA STATE --  Scott Kazmir (NYN) 2.2 3 3 3 2 5 L … Joel Guzman (LA, SS) 1-2 HR(10) 2R 2RBI 2BB CS … Felix Pie (CHN, CF) 2-5 3B 2R RBI SB(8) … Brandon Sing (CHN, 1B) 2-4 2R RBI … Andrew Sisco (CHN) 4 3 6 6 4 5 … Vince Rooi (MON, 3B) 2-4 HR(2) … Matthew DeSalvo (NYA) 5.1 2 1 1 6 8 W(5-2 - 1.30) … Manuel Delcarmen (BOS) 2 2 2 2 3 1 L(0-2) … Michael Sandoval (MIN,3B) 3-4 2HR(4) … Rehab, Chris Woodward (TOR, SS) 0-2 … Vito Chiaravalloti (TOR, 1B) 2-4 … Trent Oeltjen (MIN, RF) 3-4 SB(14)

CALIFORNIA --  Juan Senreiso TEX (CF & leadoff) 1-4, homer, .343 ... Vincent Sinisi TEX 1-4, 5th homer, .327 ... Conor Jackson ARZ 3-5, .314 ... Bobby Livingston SEA 6.1 10 6 6 1 3 ... Michael Napoli ANA 4-4, double, .337 ... Jon Nelson SEA 2-4, 5th homer, 3 RBI

MIDWEST --  Chad Scarbery ARZ 5.0 5 1 1 3 4 (W, 7-3, 2.91) ... Miguel Montero (C) ARZ 5-7, double (.293) ... Danny Muegge ARZ 2.0 0 0 0 1 2 (rain; 2.83) ... the kid's hanging in Adam Jones SEA 1-4, BB, 2 K (.242) ... Brendan Ryan STL 2-5, double (.355) ... Daric Barton STL 1-2, 2 BB, K ... also rain-shortened Steven Bondurant OAK 2.1 2 1 1 0 3 (2.45) ... Lou Palmisano MIL 2-7 ... 19-year-old limited to 32 AB last year Josh Murray (SS) MIL 3-8, HR ... Joey Votto CIN 1-7, 3 K (.298) ... Chris Dickerson (OF) CIN 2-7, double, 2 BB, 2 K (.327) ... Hector Made (SS) NYA 2-4, 2nd HR (.275) ... Eric Duncan NYA 2-4, double ... Brian Dopirak CHN 12th HR ... rehabbing Ryan Dempster CHN 3.0 3 1 1 1 1 ... first 2 seasons in pro ball he hit .318 and .368 Howie Kendrick ANA 2-4 (.344) ... blecch Nic Touchstone ANA 4.0 7 9 9 2 4 (ERA doubles from 2.22 to 4.45)

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Brandon Moss BOS, 1-5, RBI, 3 strikeouts ... Lastings Milledge NYM, 1-4, homer (2), RBI ... Delmon Young TB, 1-4, double ... Wes Bankston TB, 1-3, 3 RBI ... Jason Hammel TB, 7.0 4 2 2 0 10 (W 3-3, 2.77) ... Chin-lung Hu LA, 1-4, homer (4), 2 RBI ... Andy LaRoche LA, 1-4, double ... Xavier Paul LA, 1-4, double ... Jon Benick PIT, 2-4, RBI ... Ryan Roberts TOR, 2-4, 2 homers (10,11), 3 RBI (the second sacker leads the league in OBA, .440, and is tied for 8th in SLG, .542, leads in walks, 37, and is tied for 4th in homers, age 23) ... Shaun Marcum TOR, 6.1 5 2 2 0 9 (W 6-2, 2.79) ... Ryan Goleski CLE, 1-3, homer (14), RBI, 2 runs ... Jake Blalock PHI, 1-2, run, walk ... Joe Wilson PHI, 4.0 2 1 1 1 8 ... Ian Stewart COL 1-4

    Troop movements ...  FLO -- recalled Ben Howard, placed Josh Beckett on the DL ... DET -- Chris Shelton DL, Dmitri Young activated from DL ... PIT -- Sean Burnett optioned back to AAA, Mark Corey recalled ... HOU -- placed pitcher Andy Pettitte on the DL, activated pitcher Chad Harville from the DL ... KC -- a blast from the past, Royals signed Jason Dickson (Atlantic League)  to a minor league contract ... TOR -- Josh Banks promoted to AA, from the FSL ...  SD -- Antonio Osuna activated from DL, Brian Sweeney optioned to AAA ...

    LA to give Edwin Jackson another shot as he moves temporarily into the rotation with Wilson Alvarez getting his wish to re-locate to the bullpen :

" ... Jackson gets the call-up even though he has been nearly as erratic with Las Vegas as he was this spring, when he lost the fifth starter's job to Alvarez. He is 5-2 with a 5.13 ERA. But it has been Tracy's desire to have Jackson as the fifth starter and not Alvarez since the offseason, when he said Jackson would have to pitch his way off the club to not be the fifth starter, which he did." (MLB.com)

    Zach Chalifour, The Roto Times, on John Danks TEX and Rickie Weeks MIL :

" ... After being drafted 9th overall out of high school in the 2003 draft, Danks has been viewed as the Rangers best pitching prospect, as well as arguably the best overall prospect in the organization ... Except for one below-average start this season, Danks has been virtually unhittable. In 38 innings compiled in 11 appearances, the 19-year old has allowed just six earned runs, 26 hits, and eight walks, good for a 1.42 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP. The Texan has already compiled 54 Ks as well, averaging nearly a 7-1 strikeout-walk ratio. It can be difficult to project high school pitchers, but Danks was one of the most polished hurlers available in the draft -- similar to Zack Greinke in 2002. Considering the quick rise of Greinke and Danks' current success, he could make it to Double-A this year and be in line for a major league promotion sometime in 2005."

" ... Thus far in 2004, Weeks has been average for Double-A Huntsville ... compiled an on-base percentage of .400, which is outstanding when considering his low batting average. Along with Devil Rays prospect B.J. Upton, Weekes will be among the next generation of All-Star caliber middle infielders and should be a mainstay in Milwaukee for years. He is considered one of the best collegiate hitters of all time and should make a significant impact in the major leagues as well. Weeks is almost a sure bet to be starting at second base on opening day next season for the Brewers, and, as preposterous as it may sound, with Weeks, Fielder and potentially J.J Hardy in the Milwaukee infield next season, the Brewers will not be far from fielding a competitive team in 2006, and maybe even in 2005 if a few things go right."

    Brian Pelowski, Baseball Notebook, on an up-n-comer for MIL and a PIT reclamation project :

" ... Ben Hendrickson ... nearly made the recent call-up section but because of a rainout on May 20th the Brewers were able to push their starters back a day eliminating the need to give Hendrickson a spot start ... off to a good start for Triple-A Indianapolis this season going 4-2 with a 2.12 ERA and a 34/12 K/BB in 46 2/3 innings. However, his minor league translation over his first seven starts is a 2-3 record with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP."

" ... Ruben Mateo, a former top prospect in the Texas Ranger system, has re-emerged in the majors again this year after getting off to a great start at Triple-A Nashville. Mateo was hitting .316 with 11 home runs, 25 RBI and a .391 on-base percentage through 35 games this season. He was added to the Pirates’ roster after Raul Mondesi ’s contract was terminated ...  worth a look in NL only leagues as a fourth or fifth outfielder and could end up being much more valuable if he gets a chance to break into Pittsburgh ’s starting lineup."

    Peter Gammons, ESPN.com, with some thoughts next Monday's draft :

" ... The Padres may now go for Florida State's Stephen Drew as Khalil Greene's eventual double-play partner, but if they should turn back to Jared Weaver, here is one man's opinion -- 15 years from now, Vanderbilt left-hander Jeremy Sowers will have more major-league victories than any of the high-ceiling righties, from Weaver to Old Dominion's Justin Verlander to Rice's Jeff Niemann and Phil Humber."

    One more Texas flame-thrower a likely Top 10 draft pick.  Alan Matthews, Baseball America, on high schooler  Homer Bailey :

" ... He offers a mid-90s fastball, solid secondary pitches, a slender, projectable build and an unflappable demeanor strong enough to withstand a Texas twister. It has made him the most sought-after high school player in the draft class of 2004 ... "Absolutely," a scouting director said when asked if Bailey had surpassed Nick Adenhart, who was the top prep pitching prospect coming into the season. "I think he's got a better body, the ball comes out of his hand easier, he has more projection to him, he throws harder and has a sharper breaking ball. "He's the epitome of a pure projection pitcher. He has plus stuff with a good breaking ball, and he even has a little change-piece now. And it comes out of his hand really easy." Bailey did not allow an earned run until his eighth outing and wrapped up the regular season 10-0, 0.23 with two saves. He allowed two earned runs, striking out 144 and walking seven in 61 innings. He threw a five-inning no-hitter with 13 strikeouts in a mercy-rule 10-0 win over Hardin-Jefferson High in the first round of the playoffs. Scouts said Bailey will add velocity as he fills out his spindly, 6-foot-4, 185-pound frame. He's pitched at 93 mph this season with plus command of all three of his pitches, including an 81-83 mph curveball with 11-to-5 break. "He's always been able to have more velocity than the average pitcher out there, so everyone knew that he had some arm strength," an area scout said. "But to develop the secondary pitches that he has is a credit to how hard he's worked."

31 May, 2004

    Game action ... INT -- Matt Diaz (TB, RF) 2-5, 4th HR, 2 R, RBI ... Jonny Gomes (TB, DH) 1-4, 10th HR, R, RBI, BB ... B.J. Upton (TB, SS) 2-4, R, RBI, BB, 1 error ... Marcus Thames (DET, RF) 3-5, 2B, 15th HR, R, 4 RBI ... rehab, Dmitri Young (DET, DH) 1-5 ... rehab, Brandon Larson (CIN, 3B) 1-4, 2B, R, RBI ... Brandon Claussen (CIN) 6.0 3 0 0 2 5 ... Jason Kubel (MIN, RF) 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI ... rehab, Joe Mauer (MIN, DH) 0-4, BB ... Tim Raines Jr (BAL, RF) 2-4 ... Kelly Shoppach (BOS, C) 2-3, 7th HR, R, 2 RBI, BB ... rehab, Nomar Garciaparra (BOS, SS) 0-3 ... Corey Hart (MIL, RF) 3-5, 2B, R ... Craig Brazell (NYN, 1B) 3-5, 2 R, 3 RBI ... Victor Diaz (NYN, RF) 3-3, 5th HR, 2 R, 5 RBI, 2 BB

PCL --  Mark Prior CHN, looks ready 5.1 3 2 2 1 10 ... on the other hand, Nick Regilio TEX 2.1 11 11 11 3 0 ... Marshall McDougall TEX (remember that 6-homer college game?) 1-3, homer (one of two off Prior), walk, .480 ... Michael Tejera FLO 8.0 7 2 2 1 4 ... John Buck HOU 2-4, double, .318 ... Jose Lopez SEA 2-3, 2 doubles ... Koyie Hill LA  2-3, walk, 8th homer, 3 RBI, .297 ... Josh Karp, once a prospect the equal of Prior, 2.2 4 4 1 6 1, 4.68 ... Todd Linden SF (at leadoff) 3-4, double, 4th homer ... Cody Ransom SF, on a roll, 3-3, 2 walks, .325 ... Clint Barmes COL SS 2-5, 6th homer, .340 ... Peter Bergeron MON 2-3 & 3-6 ... Tagg Bozied SD, just off the DL, 3-4, double, homer, 5 RBI ... Freddy Guzman SD 4-5, double ... Andy Green ARZ 2-6, 8th homer, .320 ... Craig Ansman ARZ 3-5, 6th homer, 3 RBI

EASTERN --  David Wright NYN 1-3, BB … Justin Huber NYN 1-3, BB … Prentice Redman NYN 0-4 … Aaron Hill TOR 0-3 … Dominic Rich TOR 0-4 … Dioner Navarro NYA 2-4, 3 RBI (20) … Val Majewski BAL 2-6 … Keith Reed BAL 1-6, 2B (11) … David Crouthers BAL 6.2 7 4 4 1 6, (3.21) … Franklin Gutierrez CLE 1-4, 3 K … Jeff Keppinger PIT 0-4 … Ryan Doumit PIT 2-4, 2B (11) … Michael Cervenak SF 1-5 … Wilfredo Ledezma DET 8.0 2 0 0 2 10, (2.18) … Gavin Floyd PHI 7.0 4 1 1 1 6, (2.21) … ... Walter Young BAL 2-5, 9th homer, 4 RBI, but just .198 ...  Ryan Howard PHI 1-4, 14th homer, .260

SOUTHERN --  Jason Stokes FLA 1B 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K ... Eric Reed FLA OF 2-2, 1 R, 1 RBI ... Chadd Blasko CHN 7.0 5 2 2 1 6, W 4-3, 5.51 ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 0-3, 1 BB, 1 K ... Rickie Weeks MIL 2B 1-4, 1 R, 1 K ... Brad Nelson MIL OF 2-4, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 K ... Chris Saenz MIL 7.0 4 0 0 1 6, W 4-2, 3.51 ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3B 0-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB ... Kelly Johnson ATL OF 1-3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 BB ... Andy Marte ATL 3B 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 K, 1 HR (10) ... James Loney LA 1B 2-3, 1 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 1 HR (1)

TEXAS --  Alberto Callaspo DH ANA 0-4 ... Tommy Murphy CF ANA 2-4, 2R, HR ... Dallas McPherson ANA, looks like one of those hot streaks in the making, 2-4, 10th homer, 2 RBI (14-32, double, triple, 6 homers, 15 RBI in his last 11 games) ... Jeff Mathis C ANA 1-4, HR ... Ruben Gotay 2B KC 0-2, 2R ... Tommy Whiteman SS HOU 3-5, 2R, 2B ...  Todd Self 1B HOU 1-3, 2R, RBI, BB ... Josh Kroeger RF ARI 2-4, 2B, 4RBI ... Sergio Santos SS ARI 1-4, R, 3B

CAROLINA --  (those are player ages after the names) ... Luke Scott (25) HOU 1-3, R, BB ... Mark Saccomanno (24) HOU 3-4, 3 R, 2 HR (10), 4 RBI (43), K, .309 ... Tony Blanco (22) CIN 1-4, R, 3 K, .303 ... Chris Denorfia (23) CIN 2-4, R, K, .312 ... Ryan Sweeney (19) CHA 1-4, double, RBI, K ... Brian Anderson (22) CHA 1-4, K, .327 ... Pedro Lopez (20) CHA 1-4 ... Michael Aubrey (22) CLE 1-4, .325 ... Ryan Garko (23) CLE 0-4, K, .341 ... Nathan Panther (22) CLE 1-4, RBI, BB, K ... Brian Slocum (23) CLE (W) 6 5 0 0 0 7 (5-2, 2.77) ... Doug Gredvig (24) BAL 1-5, RBI, 2 K ... Tripper Johnson (22) BAL 2-5, R, RBI ... Brad Eldred (23) PIT 1-3, 2 R, HR (11), RBI (43), BB, 2 K ... Rajai Davis (23) PIT 0-4, 2 K, .321 ... Donnie Murphy (21) KC 2-3, double, RBI, BB, .295 ... Mike Aviles (23) KC 0-4, .311 ... Shane Costa (22) KC 2-4 ... Jeff Francoeur (20) ATL 1-3, K ... Brian McCann (20) ATL 1-3, R, HR (4), RBI ... Matt Wright (22) ATL 5 4 0 0 4 6 (1.63)

FLORIDA STATE --  Cole Hamels (PHI) 4 4 1 1 3 3 … Chris Roberson (PHI,CF) 2-5 R RBI … Jeremy West (BOS, 1B) 2-3 … Felix Pie (CHI, CF) 3-5 R RBI - raising his average to .303 … Joel Guzman (LA, SS) 0-4 … Mike Megrew (LA) 7 4 1 1 2 3, 1.82 … Yorman Bazardo (FLA) 8.2 7 1 1 2 6 W(3-4 - 3.15) … Justin Pope (NYA) 6 9 3 3 0 6 … Raul Tablado (TOR, 3B) 3-4 2R 2RBI … Jesse Harper (TOR) 5 5 1 1 0 5 W(3-0 - 1.00) … Scott Erickson (NYN) rehab, 6 5 0 0 0 5 W(1-0)

CALIFORNIA --  Conor Jackson ARZ 1-3, 2 walks, 3 runs, 10th homer ... Carlos Quentin ARZ 3-5, 13th homer, 3 RBI ...  Mike Prochaska TB  6.0 4 1 1 2 6, 5-2, 1.72  ... Michael Napoli ANA C/1B 2-3, 2 walks, 14th & 15th homers, 4 RBI (leads all the minors with 58), .321 :

Napoli -- 17th round pick in the 2000 draft out of a FLO high school.  In his 4th season in the ANA system, little in the previous three years to suggest this kind of breakout season -- .267 last season in the California League, just 4 homers in 47 games.  Belted 10 games in 106 games in Low-A ball in 2002 (.251 average).

MIDWEST --  Eric Duncan NYA 2-3, double (.312) ... Mitch Maier KC 1-2, BB, 19th SB (.306) ... Jason Mackintosh SEA 7.0 6 2 2 0 8 (2.65) ... first hitless game Daric Barton (C) STL 0-3, BB, K, E, gunned down 3rd runner in 5 tries ... Brian Dopirak CHN 1-3, BB (.270) ... Carlos Marmol CHN 5.0 5 5 4 1 4 (3.13) ... Brandon Wood ANA 0-2, 2 BB (.283)

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Robert Valido CHW, 2-3, 2 RBI, run ... Brandon McCarthy CHW, 7.0 4 0 0 0 12 (W 5-4, 3.88) ... Nate Schierholtz SF, 1-4, double ... Jon Benick PIT, 1-4, double, RBI ... Nyjer Morgan PIT, 2-5, run, steal (24) ... Tom Gorzelanny PIT, 5.0 4 3 2 2 8 ... Nick Markakis BAL, 0-4, 2 strikeouts ... Angel Molina FLA, 2-3, 2 homers (7,8), 5 RBI ... Adam Bostick FLA, 5.0 3 1 0 2 5 (W 1-3, 1.84) ... Yusmeiro Petit NYN 5.1 5 2 2 1 6, 6-1, 2.15 ... Brandon Moss BOS 3-5, double, 3 RBI, .365 ... Ian Bladergroen NYN 1-3, 2 walks, 10th homer

    Troop movements ... ATL -- placed pitcher Horacio Ramirez on the DL, purchased the contract of pitcher Travis Smith from AAA ... CHA -- purchased the contract of infielder Kelly Dransfeldt from AAA, optioned Jon Rauch to AAA (see below) ... CIN -- recalled  pitcher Joe Valentine,  optioned pitcher Ryan Wagner to AAA ... PIT --  recalled pitcher Sean Burnett from AAA,  optioned pitcher Mike Gonzalez to AAA ...  MON -- Carl Everett back on the DL, Tony Armas Jr. activated from DL ... ARZ -- placed infielder Matt Kata on the DL, purchased the contract of infielder Tim Olson from Triple-A ... COL -- recalled second baseman Aaron Miles, optioned outfielder Brad Hawpe to Triple-A ... FLO -- Josh Beckett heading to DL, AJ Burnett to replace him ...

    WSox still on the lookout for a 5th starter, Jon Rauch gone, likely long gone :

" ...  the onetime most celebrated pitching prospect in the organization might not even be in the organization much longer. Rauch eliminated himself Saturday, not by his performance ...  but by his actions afterward. He left the clubhouse after his 3-2/3-inning outing, igniting the fury of general manager Ken Williams. ''He severely hampered his chances for ever pitching for the White Sox again,'' an angry Williams said in a statement after the game. ''If any team has any interest in Jon Rauch, they should contact me.'' Williams went to the Sox' clubhouse after the game to talk to Rauch and tell him he would be optioned back to Class AAA Charlotte. But instead, Williams learned the 25-year-old right-hander had left earlier, a taboo in the game. Rauch not only was optioned to Charlotte, he was fined an undisclosed amount and handed an uncertain future. Soon after the game, Rauch called ESPN Radio (1000-AM), the Sox' flagship station, when he learned of the controversy while driving home to his native Louisville, Ky. ''I just want to clear it up. The whole thing was a huge miscommunication,'' Rauch told the station, contending he believed his start was a one-time arrangement. ''It was a situation in place already to not be there much longer than one start. I just wanted to get out of there and be with my family. I want to apologize for any miscommunication. I want to apologize to my teammates. I'm not like that."  (Chicago Sun Times)

    Joe Mauer MIN could be back with the Twins this week :

" ... The rookie catcher went 2-for-4 with a double and caught a whole game Saturday for Triple-A Rochester, where he's on an injury rehabilitation assignment for his surgically repaired left knee. Mauer was the designated hitter Sunday and is expected to catch back-to-back games Monday and Tuesday. If all goes well, he is slated to be activated Wednesday. The 21-year-old Mauer, the overall No. 1 draft pick in 2001 and a St. Paul native, hasn't played since the second day of the season and missed 47 games after tearing knee cartilage trying to make a sliding catch." (MLB.com)

    Jeremy Deloney with lots of interesting stuff at  Baseball Miscellany.  News here on a couple of, so-far, generally unsung prospects :

" ... The Dodgers drafted infielder Andy LaRoche in the 39th round of last year's draft with the slim hopes that he would consider signing out of junior college as opposed to transferring to Rice ...  The 20 year-old LaRoche is a multi-talented ball player with several tools. His arm strength is beyond comparison and plays anywhere on the diamond. His approach to hitting was balanced and efficient and profiled to significant power in the future ...  currently at Low A Columbus in the South Atlantic League. He's hitting .265-10-29 with 12 doubles and 9 stolen bases. In addition, he's walked 16 times and struck out only 19 times. Because of his arm strength, LaRoche was moved to third base and he has been spectacular ...  could get challenged with a promotion to Vero Beach (High A) in the near future."

" ... As an undrafted senior, Matt DeSalvo signed with the Yankees as the all-time NCAA leader in strikeouts for tiny Marietta College. As a 6'0" 170-pound RHP, DeSalvo didn't have much projection nor the attention of scouts, especially after missing a collegiate season due to a knee injury. The 23 year-old is certainly turning heads now with Tampa in the High A Florida State League. DeSalvo is leading the FSL in ERA (1.26) and second in Ks (63). Overall he's 4-2 in his 10 starts and has allowed only a .172 batting average and 18 walks in his 57 innings ...  can hit the low to mid 90s with his fastball and spins a better curveball, but might profile best in the bullpen. Nevertheless, he's one to keep an eye on."

    Correspondents -- INTERNATIONAL (Herb Walters), EASTERN  (Ralph Marston), SOUTHERN (Ken Savage), TEXAS (Harry Almquist), FLORIDA STATE (Wayne Stevens), CAROLINA (Troy Salvior), MIDWEST (Bob Reed), SOUTH ATLANTIC (Brad Dowdy)

    
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2003 Minor League Stats 1 (Hitters, by OPS, by AAA, AA, A, Short Season, OBA, SLG, Walks, Ks, SBs, Errors)

2003 Minor League Stats 2 (Pitchers, by ERA, AAA, AA, A, Short Season, Ks & Hitters by position)