Rookies 2004

05 September 2004    Pitching line = IP H R ER BB SO

    Thanks for surfin' in ... folks from more than 60 countries checking in during August -- Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia (Hrvatska), Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea (South), Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela.

    Game action ... INT --  Jonny Gomes (TB, LF) 1-4, 24th HR, 2 R, RBI, HBP, SB ... Stephen Smitherman (CIN, LF) 2-4, RBI ... Jose Capellan (ATL) 5.0 7 7 6 3 4 ... Seung Lee (PHI) 4.0 6 1 1 0 2 ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, LF) 1-5, 2B, R ... Boof Bonser (MIN) 7.0 5 1 1 1 7 ... Darnell McDonald (BAL, CF) 1-4, 7th HR, R, RBI ... Michael Vento (NYA, DH) 2-3, BB ... Victor Diaz (NYN, RF) 2-3, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB ... Pat Strange (NYN) 6.0 4 2 2 4 6

PCL --  Kameron Loe TEX 7.0 5 1 1 1 7, 3.27 ... Adrian Gonzalez TEX 3-4, 28th double, 12th homer, .310 ... Joe Dillon FLO 37th homer overall ... ooops, things had been going very well, Chris George KC 4.0 9 8 8 2 3 ... Jason Dubois CHN 3-5, 30th & 31st homers, 4 RBI (99) ... Brad Hawpe COL 3-4, 30th homer, 3 RBI, .320 ... Jesse Foppert SF 4.0 4 3 1 1 2 ... much better in a starting role, Derrick Turnbow ANA 5.0 3 1 1 1 4 ... Luis Garcia LA 32nd homer ... Dallas McPherson ANA 0-2, 2 walks ...  Dan Johnson OAK 2-2, 29th homer, 2 walks, 3 RBI

EASTERN --  Mitch Jones NYA 38th homer, 96th RBI ... Ryan Raburn DET 2-5, double, .306 ... Sean Henn NYA  7.0 5 2 1 1 6 ... Bobby Bradley PIT 4.2 7 3 3 1 3

SOUTHERN --  Skip Schumaker STL 2-4, double, triple, .318 ... Chad Billingsley LA 4.2 4 3 2 4 6 ... Bobby Brownlie CHN  6.0 4 1 1 1 6 ... JK Ryu CHN 2.0 1 0 0 0 4 ... Dana Eveland MIL 5.0 6 2 2 2 3, 2.28 ... Prince Fielder MIL 2-5, 23rd homer, .271 ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3-5, 35th double, .285

TEXAS --  Jason Botts TEX 24th homer ... Luke Scott HOU 4-6, 2 homers, 7 RBI ... Shin-soo Choo SEA 3-5, 15th homer, 4 RBI, .314 ... Matt Chico ARZ  3.0 9 7 5 1 3, 5.78 ... OF Steve Stanley OAK 6-6, triple, 4 RBI ... SS Omar Quintanilla OAK 3-5, double, 3 RBI ... Keoni DeRenne ARZ 4-6, 2 doubles

CAROLINA --  Pat Osborn CLE 1-2, BB & 3-4, R, 3 RBI … Brad Snyder CLE 0-3, 2 K … Brian McCann ATL 1-3 & 1-1, double (35), RBI (66), 2 BB, SB (2)… Gregor Blanco ATL 1-3, R, HR, RBI (8) & 1-3, R, BB, K, SB (24) … JD Martin CLE (L) 6 6 2 2 1 7 (11-10, 4.39) … Blaine Boyer ATL (W) 5 2 0 0 3 4 (10-10, 2.98) … Adam Miller CLE (W) 6 4 1 1 3 8 (3-2, 2.08) … Tripper Johnson BAL 1-3, BB … Donnie Murphy KC 0-4, BB … Shane Costa KC 2-5, R, RBI … Mike Aviles KC 1-4, R … Kahi Kaanoi KC 5 3 0 0 0 3 (1.37) … Mark Saccomanno HOU 0-2, BB … Josh Anderson HOU 2-5, RBI, SB (30) … Jason Hirsh HOU (W) 5 5 2 2 2 5 (11-7, 4.01) … Josh Fields CHA 1-4, BB, 2 K … Ryan Sweeney CHA 1-3, R, HR (7), 2 RBI, K … Casey Rogowski CHA 2-4, 2 R, HR (18), 4 RBI (90), BB, K … Kevin Howard CIN 1-3, R, BB

FLORIDA STATE --  All games cancelled.

CALIFORNIA --  Jason Perry OAK 2-3, 24th homer, .347 ... Rett Johnson SEA 3.1 11 9 8 3 2 ... Michael Napoli ANA 2-6, 29th double, 3 RBI (117) ... Jon Nelson SEA 2-5, 18th & 19th homers, .305 ... Reggie Abercrombie ARZ 2-4, double, homer, .330 ... Elijah Dukes TB 3-4, double, homer, 4 RBI, .328

MIDWEST --  Kevin Collins CHN 2-4, 33rd homer, 4 RBI ... Brian Dopirak CHN 0-2, 3 walks ... Howard Kendrick ANA 2-4, double, 10th homer, 4 RBI, .364 ... Sean Thompson SD 7.0 4 2 2 0 6, 3.10 ... Glen Perkins MIN 5.0 2 0 0 3 6, 1.30

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Ryan Goleski CLE, 2-5, homer (28), 3 RBI ... Daniel Core TOR, 5.0 2 1 1 3 5 (3.32) ... Ian Stewart COL, 1-4 ... Xavier Paul LA, 1-3 ... Michael Bourn 2-6, RBI, steal (58) ... Jake Blalock PHI, 0-3, 2 BB, 2 runs ... Nate Cabrera PHI, 9.0 2 0 0 3 5 (W 6-4, 2.82) ... Chuck James ATL, 6.0 5 3 3 2 10 (L 10-5, 2.24) ... Jeff Fiorentino BAL, 4-5, 2 RBI ... Antonin Gray CHW, 4-5, 2 RBI, steal (10) ... Mitch Talbot HOU, 7.0 6 1 0 0 10 (W 10-10, 3.83) ... Lastings Milledge NYM, 3-3, homer (13), double, RBI, 5 runs, 3 walks, 2 steals (23) ... Jamar Hill NYM, 3-6, homer (26), double, 3 RBI ... Blake Whealey 3-5, homer (23), 5 RBI ... Delmon Young TB, 1-5, double, 2 RBI ... Jason Pridie TB, 3-4, RBI, steal (17) ... Reid Brignac TB, 2-5, double, 2 RBI

NEW YORK-PENN --  Christopher Gimenez 3B CLE 3-5, 23rd double, 10th homer, 2 RBI, .300 ... Neil Walker PIT 3-5, .303 ... John Jaso TB 2-4, triple, homer, 3 RBI

NORTHWEST --  Garret Gentry COL 3-4, 2 doubles, homer, .415 ... Seth Smith COL 1-2, homer ... Kevin Mahar TEX 4-5, double, .322 ... Michael Nickeas TEX 2-4, double, 3 RBI ... 2B Erik Schindewolf ARZ 4-5, triple, 3 RBI, .305 ... OAK C Kurt Suzuki 3-5, double, .304 ... Matt Bush SD 2-4, double, .316 ... Matthew Tuiasosopo SEA 2-4, .250

PIONEER --  Brian McFall KC 3-3, double, .386 ... Sean Rodriguez ANA 2-3, .342

    Troop movements ...  ARZ -- recalled outfielder Doug DeVore ... CIN --recalled catcher Corky Miller  ... ANA -- activated Jarrod Washburn from the DL ... NYN -- purchased the contract of LHP Vic Darensbourg  ... MIL -- purchased the contract of RHP Gary Glover  ... NYA -- recalled RHP Bret Prinz ... CLE -- recalled RHP Jason Davis ... ATL -- activated RHP Tim Drew from the DL ... PHI -- activated Billy Wagner from the DL ... SF -- recalled RHP Kevin Correia ...

    A week or so back, Chris Kline at Baseball America, had a feature on KC's Kahi Kaanoi :

" ... Scouts might not especially like his size, but there is something intriguing about Class A Wilmington righthander Kahi Kaanoi ...  Royals' seventh-round pick in 2000 ...  "He pitches like a lefthander in a lot of ways, just out there getting a lot of ground balls," an American League scout said after Kaanoi left a game against the Warthogs after 6 1/3 innings. "He doesn't blow you away with his stuff. He doesn't have the kind of body that you can project, but to me, he reminds me of a smaller version of a Scott Erickson. He won't strike out a ton of guys, but he gets you to roll it over in most situations." At 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, Kaanoi doesn't have a perfect pitcher's body. His demeanor on the mound and the way he attacks hitters are textbook, however. "Early in my career, I wouldn't come inside at all and I paid for it," the Hawaii native said ... The turnaround could also be directly related to a change in his arsenal. Kaanoi scrapped his changeup before spring training because he struggled to throw it consistently for strikes. He now throws a repertoire of a fastball that sits in the 89-91 mph range, touching 93, as well as a slider and splitter. "I just figured out that I was much more consistent with my splitter and my changeup just wasn't working," Kaanoi said ... Kaanoi is known by his first name, which is Jason, but prefers to go by part of his middle name--Keuiikahi. "I want to go by Kahi, because it's what all my friends and family call me," Kaanoi said. "And some people might think Keuiikahi is too hard to say, so it's a shortened version."

    Jeremy Deloney, Baseball Miscellany, on Brandon League TOR :

" ... Whether it be as a starter or as a reliever, Blue Jays RHP Brandon League could be a solid contributor to the pitching staff in just a few years. Though he started the season in the pen, League is now in the rotation with Double A New Hampshire and isn’t looking back. Converted to the bullpen during Spring Training to harness his high-90s fastball, League, 21, improved his command enough that the Blue Jays slowly moved him back to a starter in late July to work on his secondary offerings ... The 6’3” 190 pounder has an electric arm and easily hits 98-99 on the gun. He pitches most comfortably in the 93-96 range, but has the tendency to lose that velocity deeper into games. If League can learn to hone the command of his secondary pitches and become more efficient with his pitches, he could be a stud at the front of the rotation ... Despite his electric fastball, he doesn't miss enough bats. At best, they’ll have a top-of-the-line starter in 2-3 years. At worst, they’ll have a late-innings reliever capable of shutting the door on even the best of offenses."

    Jamey Newberg, Texas Rangers Minor League Report, on lefty Clint Brannon :

" ...  Brannon: good grief. On Wednesday the 34th-rounder from Arkansas pitched his longest outing since being drafted, spinning seven scoreless innings on three hits and no walks, punching out six Yakima Bears. His absurd numbers for the year: 3-2, 0.62 with a save in nine starts and five relief appearances, 14 walks and 56 strikeouts in 57.2 innings, an opponents' average of .153, and zero home runs allowed. There were 1,010 players chosen in June before Grady Fuson popped Brannon, whose Razorback ERA in three seasons was 3.86."

    Seth Trachtman, sportsblurb.com, on a couple of the callups :

" ... Wilson Betemit- Talk about a bust. I never saw what all these people saw in Betemit that made him a “great prospect”. It was like calling an apple seed an apple tree. He never showed any of that ability beyond a couple months. This is a scouting blunder if there ever was one."

" ... Arnie Munoz- Munoz was a mediocre minor league reliever that was converted to starting with great results in Double-A this season. The lefty’s curveball is compared to Barry Zito, and the velocity on his fastball is about the same as well. He seems to have worn down late this season, but if he comes in fresh next season this is a player that can provide a big lift for the White Sox next season."

04 September 2004

    Game action ... INT --  Greg Norton (DET, 3B) 2-4 ... Ryan Langerhans (ATL, CF) 1-2, 3 R, RBI, 4 BB ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, LF) 0-3, Sac ... Cam Reimers (TOR) 7.0 7 1 1 1 4 ... Darnell McDonald (BAL, CF) 4-5, 2B, R, 2 RBI ... Jack Cust (BAL, LF) 2-3, 2B, R, 2 RBI, 2 BB ... Matt Riley (BAL) 2.0 2 0 0 2 3 ... Ryan Garko, another promotion, (CLE, 1B) 2-4, 2B, RBI ... Kyle Denney (CLE) 4.1 11 7 6 2 2 ... Pedro Astacio (BOS) 5.0 1 1 1 1 4 ... Chien-Ming Wang (NYA) 9.0 7 0 0 2 8 ... Victor Diaz (NYN, RF) 2-3, Sac ... Prentice Redman (NYN, LF) 2-3, 2B, Sac, SB

PCL --  Ryan Snare TEX 6.0 8 5 5 2 1, 4.72 ... Renyel Pinto CHN 5.0 5 2 1 3 4 ... Freddy Sanchez PIT 2-4, 4 RBI, .278 ... Brad Hawpe COL 2-5, double, .315 ... Garrett Atkins COL 3-5, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, .364 ... Ryan Ketchner LA, looking good in AAA, 7.0 5 1 1 0 4 ... Dallas McPherson ANA homer (40th overall), 5th SB, error ... what ever happened?, Tim Redding HOU 4.0 8 6 6 2 3 ... Jeremy Reed SEA 2-5, double, homer, .304 ... ho hum, Xavier Nady SD 22nd homer, 3 RBI

EASTERN --  Ian Snell PIT, not resting on his laurels, CG 7.0 5 0 0 0 10, 11-7, 3.16 ... likewise, Gustavo Chacin TOR 5.0 5 1 1 3 6, 16-2, 2.92 ... Hanley Ramirez BOS 1-3, double, .315 ... Nate McLouth PIT 2-4 & 2-4, 2 triples, 3 RBI, .320 ...  Brad Eldred PIT 0-3 & 1-3, 16th homer, 56th RBI ... Matthew Cain SF 4.0 7 9 5 3 0, 3.35 ... Larry Broadway MON 22nd homer, 4 RBI ... Franklin Gutierrez CLE 1-3, double ... Michael Aubrey CLE 2-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBI ... Kyle Sleeth DET 6.0 8 3 3 0 6

SOUTHERN --  CF Jeff Francoeur ATL 2-5, double, homer, 4 RBI ... Andy Marte ATL 3-5, double, homer, walk, 4 RBI ... Kelly Johnson ATL 4-6, double, homer, 3 RBI ... Brad Thompson STL, bouncing back from a pounding, 5.0 0 0 0 0 7 ... Manny Parra MIL, looks like he might be healthy, 3.0 1 0 0 0 6 ... Prince Fielder MIL 3-4, double

TEXAS --  Jayson Nix COL 2-5, double (11 hits, last 18 ABs) ... Willy Taveras HOU 5-5, walk, 2 doubles, 2 SBs (55), .339 ... Brooks Conrad HOU 4-5, double, walk ... Shin-soo Choo 3-5, double, .311 ... Drew Meyer TEX, at SS, back in AA, 2-4 ... Steven Bondurant OAK, another pounding, 4.2 9 7 7 1 3, 6.39

CAROLINA --  Pat Osborn CLE 1-3, R, BB … Brad Snyder CLE 2-5, R, double, RBI, K … Josh Fields CHA 1-4, R, BB, K … Ryan Sweeney CHA 3-5, 2 R, 2 RBI … Casey Rogowski CHA 1-5, R … Shane Costa KC 2-4, double, RBI … Mike Aviles KC 1-3, BB, K … Mark Saccomanno HOU 1-4 … Josh Anderson HOU 1-3, R, K, SB (29) … Kevin Howard CIN 2-3, RBI (79) … Brian McCann ATL 2-4, 2 R, 2 doubles (34), 3 RBI (65), K … Gregor Blanco ATL 1-3, R, BB, K … Rajai Davis PIT 1-4, double, K … Tripper Johnson BAL 1-4, R, BB

FLORIDA STATE --  All games cancelled (or, if you prefer, canceled).

CALIFORNIA --  Brian Burres SF 6.2 7 1 1 1 6, 12-1, 2.84 ... Eddy Martinez-Esteve SF 3-4, double, triple, .433 ... Travis Hinton MIL 3-5, 22nd homer

MIDWEST --  Howard Kendrick ANA 3-3, double, 15th SB, .362 ... where did this come from?, Brad Knox OAK 2.2 11 8 8 1 3 ... Billy Petrick CHN  6.0 2 0 0 1 6, 13-7, 3.50 ... Brian Dopirak 3 RBI (118), 2-4, 37th double, 39th homer ... interesting line, Danny Muegge ARZ 9.0 5 0 0 0 0, 14-4, 3.12 ... Chris Carter ARZ 3-4, homer, 3 RBI ... Christopher Lubanski KC 2-4, 2 doubles ... Chris Lambert STL 5.0 5 1 1 3 7 ... Hernan Iribarren MIL 3-3, 2 walks, triple, 2 RBI, .396 ... Travis Chick SD 6.0 4 1 1 0 10, 5-0, 2.13

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Matt Esquivel ATL, 2-4, homer (16), 2 RBI ... Jermy Acey TOR, 2-5, homer (5), 3 RBI ... Thomas Mastny TOR, 5.0 4 1 1 2 7 (W 10-3, 2.17) ... Ryan Goleski CLE, 1-5, double, 2 RBI ... Kevin Kouzmanoff CLE, 2-5, homer (16), RBI, 3 runs ... Aaron Hornostaj SF, 3-5, double ... Jason Columbus SF, 2-4, RBI ... Lastings Milledge NYM, 1-4 ... Jamar Hill NYM, 4-5, homer (25), double, 2 RBI ... Blake Whealy NYM, 3-4, homer (22), double, 4 RBI ... Francisco Leandro TB, 3-4, homer (2), double, 4 RBI, 4 runs, steal (7) ... Delmon Young TB, 1-5, RBI ... Jon Benick PIT, 1-3, RBI ... Brad Rea PIT, 3-4, double, RBI ... Leo Nunez PIT, 6.1 7 1 1 1 5 (W 10-4, 3.13) ... Joshua Muecke HOU, 6.2 6 3 3 1 4 (L 9-1, 3.94) ... Reid Brignac SS TB, up a level, 3-5, 2 RBI in his SAL debut

NEW YORK-PENN --  Gabriel Hernandez NYN, success continues up a level, 3.0 2 0 0 0 6 (3-3, 1.09 in the Gulf Coast) ... Aaron Laffey CLE  6.0 3 0 0 2 6, 3-1, 1.24 ... James Happ PHI 5.0 1 0 0 2 3, 2.02 ... SS Jonathan Fulton FLO 4-4, double, 10th & 11th homers & 1-4  ... Mitch Einertson HOU, up a level, same result, 1-3, homer

NORTHWEST --  Kyle Boyer CHN 4-4, triple, homer, 3 RBI ... Ryan Norwood CHN 4-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBI ... Garret Gentry COL 2-5, 2 doubles, .388 ... Seth Smith COL 2-4, double ... Javier Herrera OAK 2-4, 12th homer ... Richard Robnett OAK 2-3, homer, 5 RBI ... Colt Morton SD 17th homer

PIONEER --  Chris Kelly CHA 2-4, double, 10th homer, 3 RBI ... Tom Collaro CHA 18th homer

    Troop movements ... CIN -- activated Danny Graves, Mike Matthews from the DL, claimed RHP Juan Padilla off waivers from NYA ... OAK -- purchased the contract of outfielder Nick Swisher from Triple-A ... BOS -- claimed Tim Hummel off waivers from CIN, purchased the contract of outfielder Adam Hyzdu from AAA, designated pitcher Brandon Puffer and catcher Andy Dominique for assignment ... CHA -- purchased the contract of pitcher Jeff Bajenaru from AAA ...  KC -- activated Dee Brown from the DL ... LA -- recalled Mike Venafro from AAA ... MIL -- activated Brooks Kieschnick from the DL, recalled pitcher Jorge De La Rosa from AAA, acquired pitcher Andy Pratt from CHN  to complete the Ben Grieve trade ... PHI -- activated Pat Burrell, Ryan Madson and Brian Powell from the DL, purchased the contract of RHP Gavin Floyd from AAA  ... STL -- activated pitcher Kiko Calero from the DL, purchased the contract of pitcher Carmen Cali from AAA ... TB -- recalled RHP Franklin Nunez from Triple-A ... SD -- announced the retirement of LHP Sterling Hitchcock ...

    John Sickels, ESPN.com, on Yusmeiro Petit NYN :

" ... I compared him to Nelson Figueroa in my book this year, which looks like an underestimate of his potential right now. Petit began this year with the Capital City Bombers in the Sally League, going 9-2 in 15 starts with a 2.39 ERA and 122/22 K/BB in 83 innings. Promoted to St. Lucie in the Florida State League, he posted a 1.22 ERA and 62/14 K/BB in 44 innings, with just 27 hits allowed. He just moved up to Double-A, and the early returns there are still strong: seven innings in his first start, no runs allowed, four hits, no walks, 10 strikeouts. Generously listed at 6-0, Petit is a short guy and as such draws skepticism from many scouts. His fastball is decent in the 88-92 range, not a gunburner but just fine if his other pitches are solid. His changeup and curveball have improved this year, and he's shown a remarkable ability to hit spots with all three of his offerings. His control is superb, he keeps the ball down, and shows a good feel for his craft. His statistical ratios are all excellent, particularly his K/BB and K/IP marks. Double-A separates the wheat from the chaff, and if Petit's first start there is any indicator, the Mets certainly have another "real deal" prospect. He's headed for a Grade B+ grade in the 2005 book, maybe A- depending on how things play out. He should see the Show sometime next year at this rate."

    Matthew Pouliot, RotoWorld.com, on a few of the infield callups :

" ... Russ Adams ... has a future in the majors, but he hasn’t fulfilled expectations since being drafted 14th overall in 2002. He’s not a great hitter (.284/.348/.403 for Syracuse this year) and he’s probably more of a second baseman than a shortstop. He might end up as a utilityman. The Jays will give him several starts at shortstop this month, and if he does well, he’ll be considered for the starting job next year. It’s far more likely that he’ll spend a second season in Triple-A in 2005."

" ... Clint Barmes ...  a lock to take over as Colorado’s shortstop next year, but the team isn’t going to just hand him the job now. I don’t think Barmes is going to be much of a hitter. He is solid with the glove, though, and that will make him an asset while he’s earning around $300,000 per year."

" ... Wilson Betemit ...  just finished up his third year in Triple-A and still hasn’t had a real breakthrough, so many have given up on him. However, he’s still just 22 and he did hit a respectable .278/.336/.466 this season. The big concern now is that he’s going to be out of options next spring and it looks like he really could use one more year in Triple-A. The Braves will probably keep him as a bench player in 2005."

" ... Chris Burke ... the PCL’s Rookie of the Year after batting .315/.396/.507 and stealing 37 bases in 51 attempts for Triple-A New Orleans. The Astros are nearly certain to make him their second baseman next season, as Jeff Kent isn’t expected to have his option picked up."

    Denny Bautista, a likely yes, Mark Teahen a no :

" ... The call-ups, whenever they arrive, probably won't include third baseman Mark Teahen, obtained June 24 from Oakland in the three-team trade that sent outfielder Carlos Beltran to Houston. Teahen is expected to finish the season at Class AAA Omaha, Neb., then get some time off before playing in the Arizona Fall League, which begins in early October."

" ...  But the Royals clearly want to take a look at Bautista, the 23-year-old acquired June 21 from Baltimore for veteran reliever Jason Grimsley. Club officials already view Bautista as a strong candidate for the 2005 rotation. “The thing that is different with him,” Baird said, “is usually, when you get a guy with a power arm, he might throw a pretty good breaking ball but he doesn't have a change-up. He's got a change-up, a good change-up, and he likes to throw it.” Bautista is 4-3 with a 2.53 ERA in 12 starts at Class AA Wichita with 73 strikeouts and 32 walks in 81 2/3 innings. He has also added nearly 10 pounds since joining the organization and now carries 188 on his slender 6-foot-5 frame. “We changed his diet,” Baird said. “I had him meet with a nutritionist. He's been on a lot of protein shakes, a lot of supplements.” (Kansas City Star)

    Oh oh, some worry about Adam Loewen BAL :

" ... Loewen ... missed his final start of the season for Single-A Frederick last night with a left shoulder injury, saying he hopes it's nothing serious. Loewen, 20, left his previous start on Saturday after feeling a pinch on the front of his pitching shoulder ... the plan is to have him see Orioles physician Dr. Charles Silberstein next week in Baltimore, where he'll likely undergo a magnetic resonance imaging exam. "I guess I'm a little worried, but I really believe it's nothing major," Loewen said last night in Frederick. "It felt like a pulled hamstring." Loewen went 4-5 with a 4.11 ERA at Single-A Delmarva before getting promoted to Frederick last month. He tossed five shutout innings for Frederick in his first start but left the second one after tweaking the shoulder and giving up six runs in three innings. "It came out of nowhere," Loewen said. "My shoulder and arm felt great all year." Frederick's players underwent season-ending physical exams this week, and despite the injury, Loewen showed no signs of lost strength in the shoulder, Orioles minor league director Doc Rodgers said. In recent starts, Loewen's fastball was clocked from 92 to 95 mph ... The Orioles were planning to send Loewen to the Arizona Fall League, but that will depend on how the shoulder recovers. (Baltimore Sun)

    John Manuel, in the BA chatroom ... best lefty prospect ?

" ... I'm of two minds here. Part of me wants to say, don't forget about Greg Miller and Cole Hamels. Neither had surgery, they just weren't right all year and their organizations were very carful with them. The safe choice would be Mike Hinckley with the Expos--Double-A resume, good stuff, injury free to this point, still young. But for pure upside, the pick would be Scott Olsen becuase he's got the big fastball in the 89-94 mph range (touching 96 at times) and the potential for a second plus-plus pitch in his curveball. Olsen's feel for his offspeed stuff hasn't come together yet, but when he's on, there's no lefthander quite as dominant elsewhere in the minors."

No.1 BOS prospect ? Hanley Ramirez or Brandon Moss :

" ... Ramirez has made enough strides this year to still be the No. 1 guy, but managers and scouts in the SAL are pretty impressed with Moss, who seems to grade out as at least average across the board with an above-average ability to make consistent hard contact. The fact he's hitting .422 in the FSL doesn't hurt either, but I think Hanley is the No. 1 guy with a shot at being in Boston next year, if they have to spend money elsewhere (i.e., Varitek, Pedro Martinez, et al)."

Adam Miller CLE ?

" ... The ceiling on him is significant; he's one of the guys in the minors who could be a No. 1. If he maxes out, he's Kevin Brown without the surly attitude, which may or may not be a bad thing.

    Oh they're easy to confuse.  That was Scott Mathieson PHI Thursday night in the SAL, 8.0 3 0 0 0 11 ... he's the Canadian kid ...  but, there's also Scott Michinson, an Australian, pitching in the Gulf Coast for the Phils (he's the one with the unreal BB/K ratio)

Scott Mathieson PHI Canadian   8-9, 4.32, 131 1/3 130 50 112
Scott Mitchinson PHI Australian  7-0, 1.75    61 2/3  40  1  60

03 September 2004

    Game action ... INT --  Jonny Gomes (TB, LF) 2-3, 2B, 4 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB ... Dane Sardinha (CIN, C) 2-4, R, BB ... Dustin Moseley (CIN) 5.1 7 3 3 2 4 ... Kyle Davies (ATL) 5.0 5 5 5 3 5 ... Jason Bartlett (MIN, SS) 2-5, R ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, LF) 1-2, 2B, 2 R, 2 BB ... JD Durbin (MIN) 6.0 7 2 1 2 5 ... Grady Sizemore (CLE, CF) 2-5, 8th HR, R, 2 RBI, BB, SB ... Kelly Shoppach (BOS, C) 2-4, 2B, R ... rehab, Trot Nixon (BOS, RF) 0-3 ... Brad Halsey (NYA) 6.0 1 1 0 4 7 ... Jeff Housman (MIL) 4.0 6 1 1 3 2 ... Aaron Heilman (NYN) 4.1 6 7 7 7 6

PCL --  John Hudgins TEX 5.0 5 1 1 5 5 ... Marshall McDougall TEX 3-4, double ... Jason Dubois CHN 2-4, 29th homer, 2 RBI ... Dallas McPherson ANA 2-3, homer (39th overall), 2 RBI (125 overall) ... up in the leadoff spot, Jeremy Reed SEA 2-4, .302 ... ho hum, Xavier Nady SD 2-6, 21st homer, 3 RBI, 2 walks, .334 ... Michael Cervenak SF 3-7, 2 homers ... Tim Stauffer SD 6.0 3 3 3 3 3

EASTERN --  Ramon Ramirez NYA 7.0 7 2 2 1 7, 4.58 ... Bryan Bullington PIT 5.2 6 2 2 2 4, 4.10 ... in a groove, Francisco Rosario TOR 7.0 6 1 0 1 8 (following a seven-inning, no-hit masterpiece) ... Abe Alvarez BOS 5.0 3 2 2 3 6 ... a little step back, Yusmeiro Petit NYN 5.0 6 4 4 5 6 ... Hanley Ramirez BOS 2-5, .315 ... Kurt Airoso DET 4-5, double, 31st & 32nd homers, 4 RBI ... Pat Burrell PHI, rehab, 1-4, homer, .200 ... Michael Aubrey CLE 2-3, homer, .241

SOUTHERN --  Jeff Francoeur ATL OF 3-5, R, HR (2), RBI, K ... Daniel Curtis ATL 6.1 4 2 0 1 8 ... Willy Aybar LA 2B 2-5, 3 RBI, K ... ouch, TJ Nall LA 5.0 9 7 7 1 4 ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3B 3-5, R ... Richard Gardner CIN 7.0 7 3 2 1 5, W 5-2, 2.56 ... Chris Duncan STL 1B 1-3, 2 R, HR (15), RBI, 2 BB, K, SB ... still playing 1B, Josh Willingham FLA 1B 0-1, R, 4 BB ... Chip Ambres FLA OF 2-3, R, RBI, 2 BB ... Carmen Pignatiello CHN 6.0 6 2 2 0 5, W 9-7 ... broken record for MIL Fielder and Nelson combined 0-12, 6 K ... Rickie Weeks MIL 3-6, 2B ... Joe Connolly CHN 6.0 4 1 1 1 8, W 1-0, 1.50

TEXAS --  Jayson Nix COL 2-5 (9 for his last 13) ... Joe Saunders ANA 3.0 8 5 5 1 3 ... Juan DominguezTEX 4.0 3 0 0 0 4 ... Ian Kinsler TEX, moved to the leadoff spot, 3-5, double (51st), walk, 3 RBI, .305 ... Shin-soo Choo SEA 2-4, 14th homer, 39th SB, .308 ... ARZ kids slowing down a bit, Conor Jackson 1-5, .301 and Carlos Quentin 0-4, .357

CAROLINA --  Pat Osborn CLE 1-4, RBI … Brad Snyder CLE 1-3, R, double, BB, K … Josh Fields CHA 3-5, R, double, RBI (39), K … Ryan Sweeney CHA 3-4, 2 R, HR (6), 2 RBI … Casey Rogowski CHA 2-2, 3 R, double (28), RBI (86), 2 BB … Sean Tracey CHA (W) 6 1 1 1 2 6 (9-8, 2.73) … Dusty Hughes KC 5 3 0 0 0 3 (2.41) … Brian McCann ATL 4-5, double (32), K … Rajai Davis PIT 1-5, R, 2 SB (55) … Tripper Johnson BAL 1-4, R, HR, 2 RBI (74), 2 K

FLORIDA STATE --  Ismael Ramirez TOR, selected as the FSL's Pitcher of the Year, 5.0 7 1 1 1 2, 15-6, 2.72 ... Vito Chiaravalloti (TOR, 1B) 2-3 Double 2R RBI … Miguel Negron (TOR, CF) 2-4 Double Triple R RBI … Scott Moore (DET, 3B) 2-4 R

CALIFORNIA --  AJ Shappi ARZ, nice CAL debut, 5.0 5 2 2 1 6 ... Bobby Livingston SEA 5.0 9 8 7 1 3 ... Jon Zeringue ARZ 3-5, double, homer, 3 RBI, .332 ... Reggie Abercrombie ARZ 2-4, double, .337 ...

MIDWEST --  oh, the life of Brian, Brian Dopriak CHN 2-4, 38th homer, 2 RBI (115), .308 ... Adam Jones SEA 3-5, double, 3 RBI ... Hector Made SS NYA 3-5, .285 ... Javon Moran CF CIN 3-4, walk, 3 RBI, .398 ...

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Ian Stewart COL 1-4, 101st RBI ... TOR catcher Robinson Diaz 2-5, double, .281 ... PIT 1B Jon Benick 3-4, 31st homer, 3 RBI (99) ... Adam Boeve PIT DH 3-4, 25th double, 27th homer, 3 RBI (91) ... Lastings Milledge NYN 1-4 ... Kory Casto MON 2-2, walk &1-4 ... Kevin Kouzmanoff CLE 4-5, 2 doubles ... Scott Mathieson PHI 8.0 3 0 0 0 11

NEW YORK-PENN --  SS Ben Zobrist HOU 2-3, double, 3 RBI, .348 ... catcher Salomon Manriquez MON (moving down the ladder, from AA to A+ to Low-A) 3-3, 2 doubles, homer, 4 RBI, .429 ... Jarrad Lavergne TB 7.1 6 3 1 1 6, 1.64

APPALACHIAN --  Mitch Einertson HOU, continuing to excel in the playoffs, 2-3, double, homer

NORTHWEST --  Jud Thigpen COL 4-5, 5th triple, 10th homer, walk, .316 ... Garret Gentry COL 2-4, double, .386 ... Seth Smith COL 2-4, homer, 2 RBI ... 1B Lachlan Dale SD 2-4, 17th double, 15th homer, .245 ... Michael Nickeas TEX 3-5, double, 6 RBI ... Matthew Tuiasosopo SEA, in a funk, 0-3, error, .240

PIONEER --  Cory Dunlap LA 3-4, .358 ... Brian McFall KC 2-4, 13th homer, .3 RBI, .359 ... 2B Eddie Solis KC 3-4, double, walk, .364 ... Chris Nelson COL SS 4-5, triple, 3 RBI, .350 ... Sean Rodriguez ANA 2-3, double, walk, 2 RBI, .341 (breaking a 4-43 skid during which his average dipped from .398)

    Troop movements ...  HOU -- recalled infielder Chris Burke from Triple-A ... BOS -- recalled RHP Brandon Puffer from AAA ... ANA -- purchased the contract of RHP Scott Dunn from AAA ...  ARZ -- recalled outfielder Josh Kroeger from AAA ... TOR -- purchased the contract of shortstop Russ Adams, RHP Ryan Glynn, 1B Eric Crozier from AAA, recalled catcher Guillermo Quiroz from Triple-A ...SF -- acquired RHP Dave Burba from the Brewers for LHP Josh Habel ...

    COL kids carry off the MVP hardware as the Texas League announces its 2004 standouts.  Jeff Francis was named the Pitcher of the Year while first baseman Ryan Shealy was selected as Player of the Year.  Dallas McPherson ANA, at 3B, and OF Shin-soo Choo SEA were among the All-Star picks. (The full list of post-season all-stars below).

    Dan Johnson OAK capped an outstanding PCL campaign with his selection as the loop's MVP :

" ...  ranks among the Pacific Coast League's top 10 in four different offensive categories including RBI, where Johnson is second in the League with 108 ... fourth in the PCL with 158 hits, and seventh in runs scored with 93 in addition to a .303 batting average. This season, Johnson got hot with the weather, batting .314 with seven home runs and 31 RBI in June, tied for the most runs driven in by any PCL batter for the month, and adding a July in which he hit .343 with six homers and 25 RBI. Johnson was drafted by the Oakland A's in 2001 ...  In 2003, the first baseman led the Double-A Texas League in homers and RBI while a member of the Midland RockHounds." (Pacific Coast League)

    Cubs' slugger Brandon Sing and Jay's starter Ismael Ramirez took the top prizes in the Florida State League.

" ...  Sing came within inches of matching the Florida State League's record for most home runs in a season Wednesday night. However, a gusting wind pushed a would-be home run against the Palm Beach Cardinals to the wrong side of the left-field foul pole and Sing had to settle for the 32 homers he hit this season ... Sing didn't get the record. But he did get a handsome consolation prize -- the league's most valuable player award that officially will be announced today. "I didn't get the 33 (home runs) but I did get the MVP," Sing said. "I'll take that, especially after what I went through last year. The 33 was almost there. If it came, it came. Now the hurricane's coming." Sing finished the year leading the league in five offensive categories, including homers (32, RBIs (94) and runs (86)." (Daytona Beach News-Journal)

Among other prominent names on the All-Star squad -- Joel Guzman LA, Jon Papelbon BOS, Felix Pie CHN, Jonathan Broxton LA.  Full list below.

    LA phenom Chuck Tiffany is the poster boy in Thursday's feature at Baseball America.  And John Manuel is in the BA chatroom Friday, likely with lots of questions about his ranking of the top shortstop prospects.

    Jeremy Deloney, Baseball Miscellany, on CF Juan Senreiso TEX :

" ...  23 year old Senreiso has played for three Rangers affiliates this season and is currently with Double A Frisco in the Texas League ... Two weeks ago, Senreiso moved to Frisco and is hitting .348 with 2 HR in 46 at bats. To say that this season’s performance is a surprise would be a drastic understatement ...Senreiso is a 6’0” 200 pound righthanded hitter who was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2000. The Rangers saw five-tool potential in the youngster, but were dumbfounded as to his slow development ...  Perhaps the biggest improvement in Senreiso’s game is his overall approach with the bat. He once was a free-swinging, inconsistent wannabe slugger. Now he’s more mature and has learned to lay off pitches out of the strike zone. He still has a ways to go, but he has taken large steps this season ...  best existing tools are his speed and his arm. He has the ability to steal 40+ bases in the big leagues and covers enough ground in the outfield to play centerfield ... has the potential to be a .280-25-80 leadoff hitter in the big leagues."

   Tidbits from the HQ of the International League :

" ...  Almost to a man, the Columbus Clippers credit their Division Championship to reliever Colter Bean. It is hard to believe that a 6"6" and 270 lb. right-hander could be invisible. The Auburn alumnus has gone almost unnoticed outside Ohio’s capital city. Bean is 9-3 with a 2.34 ERA in 80.2 innings with 106 strikeouts and just 59 hits and 23 base on balls. In 31 of his 51 games this season, Colter has pitched more than one inning. In 38 games, he did not give up an earned run. These figures are typical of his career. Yet his unique delivery makes him overlooked by all but his teammates."

" ... Kelly Shoppach, who is in just his third year as a pro and his first at the Triple-A level, has been a steady presence behind the plate for the PawSox this season. He has belted 21 HR on the year (20 as a catcher and 1 as the DH) to tie Gary Allenson for most HR by a PawSox catcher in a season (Allenson had 20 homers as a catcher in 1978). Shoppach, who turned 24 back in April, is hitting .231 in 108 games on the year but has 23 2B, 21 HR, and 63 RBI. He has also been very impressive defensively and has thrown out approximately 30% of runners attempting to steal."

   ARZ phenom, AJ Shappi, makes the late season jump to the California League :

" ... the Diamondbacks drafted him in the ninth round of the 2004 draft out of U.C. Riverside. With a fastball that tops out at 94 mph and an effective slider and changeup, Shappi mowed through the competition to earn a place for himself on the Northwest League All-Star Team. He struck out 65 and walked eight in 67 innings, while going 4-1 with a 1.75 ERA and holding opponents to a .253 average." (Antelope Valley Press)

   Matt Bush SD, legal problems behind him :

" ...  Bush has settled his legal problems in Peoria, Ariz. Darrell Soll, Bush's attorney, told The San Diego Union-Tribune that Bush pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor charges stemming from an incident June 20 at a nightclub near the San Diego Padres' training base in Peoria. Bush paid a $1,000 fine and was put on unsupervised probation for a year after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, and underage possession or consumption of alcohol. The maximum penalty was a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. "Matt has taken full responsibility for what he did and doesn't take any responsibility for what he didn't do," Soll told the Union-Tribune. "He was going to fight any other charges." At one time, Arizona officials threatened to prosecute Bush on up to eight charges, the most serious of which was a felony assault charge, but that charge was dropped. Bush, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the June draft, began his career at rookie-level Peoria before being promoted to Eugene last week." (Eugene Register-Guard)

   The post-season All-Stars (as selected by league managers & the media).

       International             Pacific Coast
    C  Shoppach Kelly         C  Rose Mike
   1B  Morneau Justin        1B  Johnson Dan
   2B  Orr Pete              2B  Burke Chris
   3B  Snyder Earl           3B  Atkins Garrett
   SS  Peralta Jhonny        SS  Barmes Clint
   OF  Diaz Matt             OF  Allen Chad
   OF  Hyzdu Adam            OF  Church Ryan
   OF  Kubel Jason           OF  Riggs Adam
   DH  Young Ernie           DH  Pickering Calvin
    U  Cantu Jorge
   SP  Hendrickson Ben       RHP Sweeney Brian
                             LHP Downs Scott
   RP  Whiteside Matt        RP  Reyes Al
   MVP Peralta Jhonny        MVP Johnson Dan
   PIT Hendrickson Ben       PIT Downs Scott

       Eastern                   Southern                  Texas
    C  Paulino Ronny          C  Willingham Josh        C  Shealy Ryan
   1B  Howard Ryan           1B  Gutierrez Jesse       1B  Gotay Ruben
   2B  Keppinger Jeff        2B  Lewis Richard         2B  McPherson Dallas
   3B  Cervenak Mike         3B  Encarnacion Edwin     3B  Snyder Chris
   SS  Hill Aaron            SS  Wilson Josh           SS  Sandoval Danny
   OF  Granderson Curtis     OF  Schumaker Skip        OF  Choo Shin-soo
   OF  Majewski Val          OF  Stern Adam            OF  Gorneault Nick
   OF  West Kevin            OF  Calzado Napoleon      OF  Taveras Willy
                             OF  Nelson Brad           OF  Botts Jason
   DH  Jones Mitch           DH  Sain Greg             DH  Conrad Brooks
    U  Castellano John        U  Bergolla William       U  Astacio Ezequiel
   RHP Snell Ian             RHP Rose Brian             P  Bazzell Shane
   LHP Chacin Gustavo        LHP Pinto Renyel           P  Francis Jeff
   RP  Korecky Bobby         RP  Baker Brad             P  Houlton DJ
                                                        P  Loe Kameron
                                                        P  Ramirez Santiago
                                                        P  Speier Ryan
                             MVP Lewis Richard         MVP Shealy Ryan
                             MVP Baker Brad            MVP Francis Jeff

       California                Carolina                  Florida State
    C                         C  McCann Brian           C  Alfonzo Eliezer
                                                        C  Martin Russell
   1B                        1B  Eldred Brad           1B  Sing Brandon
   2B                        2B  Howard Kevin          2B  Young Delwyn
   3B                        3B  Johnson Tripper       3B  Baldiris Aarom
   SS                        SS  Aviles Mike           SS  Guzman Joel
    U                         U  Torres Eider           U  Cota Carlo
   OF                        OF  Davis Rajai           OF  Murton Matt
   OF                        OF  Francoeur Jeff        OF  Pie Felix
   OF                        OF  Costa Shane           OF  Davenport Ron
    U                         U  Sweeney Ryan           U  Roberson Chris
   DH                        DH  Garko Ryan            DH  West Jeremy
   SP                        SP  Duke Zach              P  Connolly Jon
   RP                        RP  Pollok Dwayne          P  Broxton Jonathan
                                                        P  Papelbon Jon
                                                        P  Ramirez Ismael
                                                       RP  Buzachero Edward
                                                       RP  Sierra Edwardo
   MVP                       MVP Eldred Brad           MVP Sing Brandon
   MVP                       MVP Duke Zach             MVP Ramirez Ismael

       Midwest                   South Atlantic
    C  Barton Daric           C  Diaz Robinson
                              C  Simmons Colt
   1B  Dopirak Brian         1B  Benick Jon
   2B  Kendrick Howie        2B  Prado Martin
   3B  Duncan Eric           SS  Hu Chin-lung
   SS  Kinsler Ian           3B  Stewart Ian
                              U  Kouzmanoff Kevin
   OF  Collins Kevin         OF  Moss Brandon
   OF  Dickerson Chris       OF  Young Delmon
   OF  Frazier Alex          OF  Anderson Josh
                              U  Goleski Ryan
   DH  Rottino Vinny         DH  Harvey Ryan
                             DH  Hearod Beau
   RHP Knox Brad             RHP Mastny Thomas
   LHP Bondurant Steve       LHP James Chuck
   RP  Zimmermann Bob
   RP  Rapada Clay
   MVP Dopirak Brian         MVP Moss Brandon
                             MVP James Chuck

       New York Penn             Northwest
                              C  Nickeas Mike
                             1B  Dale Lachlan
                             2B  Dean Erik
                             3B  Macri Matt
                             SS  Cabrera Asdrubal
                             OF  Herrera Javier
                             OF  Montanez Luis
                             OF  Horwitz Brian
                             DH  Carter Chris
                             RHP Shappi A.J.
                             LHP Nottingham Shawn
                             RP  Blevins Jerry
                             RP  Miller Jim
                             MVP Herrera Javier

       Appalachian               Pioneer
    C  Armstrong Cole         C  Tatum Craig
   1B  Finan Ryan            1B  Dunlap Cory
   2B  Holt JC               2B  Solis Eddie
   3B  Granadillo Tony       3B  Butler Billy
   SS  Lucena Juan           SS  Rodriguez Sean
    U  DeLosSantos Jose
   OF  Burns Deacon          OF  McFall Brian
   OF  Rodriquez Yuber       OF  Smith Seth
   OF  Einertson Mitch       OF  Centeno Jaen
    U  Loadenthal Carl
   DH  Pietsch Seth          DH  Toussaint Andrew
   RHP McCrory Robert        RHP Deduno Samuel
   LHP Santos Reid           LHP Pelland Tyler
   RP  Soto Enyelbert        RP  Arnold Mitchell
   MVP Einertson Mitch       
   PIT Santos Reid
   PIT Duguay Steven

02 September 2004

    Game action ... INT --  Ryan Langerhans ATL 3-4, homer & 2-3, homer ... Jonny Gomes TB 23rd homer ... Pete LaForest TB 2-3, 2 doubles ... Victor Diaz NYN 3-4, double

PCL --  Sam Narron TEX 7.0 10 4 4 2 2 ... Chris Burke HOU 2-4, 16th homer, .315 ... Mark Teahen KC 3-3, double, .278 ... Nick Gorneault, nice AAA debut, 2-5, homer, 3 RBI ... Dallas McPherson ANA 0-5, 3 Ks (18 walks, 87 Ks in 62 games) ... Craig Ansman ARZ 2-4, 18th & 19th homers, 4 RBI ... ho hum, Xavier Nady SD, 3-4, .335 ... Joe Blanton OAK 7.0 6 2 2 0 10, 4.19 ... Dan Johnson OAK 3-4, 27th & 28th homers, 3 RBI (108) ... Nick Swisher OAK 2-5, double, 3 RBI (92)

EASTERN --  Francisco Liriano MIN 8.0 3 0 0 1 7, 2.06 ... Michael Hinckley MON 7.0 3 1 1 1 2, 2.63 ... Zach Duke PIT 5.0 6 1 1 1 3, 5-1, 1.58 ... Brad Eldred PIT 15th homer, 3 RBI ... Hanley Ramirez BOS 3-6, triple, homer ... Jason Arnold TOR 6.2 3 1 1 1 7 ... Andrew Brown CLE 7.0 2 1 1 1 3 ... Michael Aubrey CLE 0-3, .230 ... Franklin Gutierrez CLE, back in the lineup, 1-3 ... Kurt Airoso DET 29th & 30th homers

SOUTHERN --  Ray Aguilar ATL 7.0 2 1 1 1 4, 2.79 ... Andy Marte ATL 3B 1-4, R, RBI ... Joel Guzman LA SS 0-4, RBI ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3B 2-4, R, 2B, RBI, K ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 2-4, 2 RBI, K ... Brian Whitaker SD 9.0 4 1 1 1 3, W 8-9 ... Jason Cromer TB 8.0 5 3 3 2 4, L 8-11 ... Skip Schumaker STL OF 1-4, R, BB, K ... Chris Duncan STL 1B 3-3, 2 R, HR (14), 2 RBI, 2 BB ... Anthony Reyes TL 6.0 6 3 2 0 8, 3.03 ... Chip Ambres FLA OF 2-4, 2 R, HR (20), RBI, K

TEXAS --  Omar Quintanilla OAK 2-5, 2 doubles, .342 ... DJ Houlton HOU 9.0 3 0 0 1 5, 12-5, 2.94 ... Jayson Nix COL, trying to salvage something for the season, 4-5, double (3-4, double, Tues) ... Josh Rupe TEX 5.1 6 2 2 4 2

CAROLINA --  Pat Osborn CLE 2-5, R, HR (10), 4 RBI, .339 … Brad Snyder CLE 1-3, 2 BB, K … Josh Fields CHA 0-4, 2 K … Ryan Sweeney CHA 0-3, BB, K … Casey Rogowski CHA 0-4, R, K … Donnie Murphy KC 2-4, R, double (31), HR (10), 3 RBI (72), BB … Mike Aviles KC 1-4, R, BB, K … Mark Saccomanno HOU 1-4, double (25), RBI (79), K … Josh Anderson HOU 0-4, RBI, BB … Brian McCann ATL 2-2, R, double, RBI, 2 BB … Anthony Lerew ATL 6 2 0 0 2 2 (3.76) … Rajai Davis PIT 1-3, R, double (25), 2 BB, SB (53) … Tripper Johnson BAL 2-3, R, double, RBI (72), BB

FLORIDA STATE --  Scott Olson (FLA) 7 3 0 0 0 10 W(7-6, 2.97) … Brandon Moss (BOS, RF) 2-4 Double R RBI … Dustin Pedroia (BOS, SS) 2-4 Triple 2R … Eric Abreu (NYA) 6 3 1 1 1 2 7 W(2-0, 1.06) … Andrew Sisco (CHN) 5 5 1 1 1 4 ND - 4.21 ERA … Alex Romero (MIN, DH) 1-4 HR(6) 3RBI

CALIFORNIA --  Nate Schierholtz SF OF 2-4, 2 doubles, .291 ... 1B Travis Ishikawa SF 1-3, 1st homer since promotion, but just .231 ... Bradley Sullivan OAK 7.0 5 2 2 0 7 ... Erick Aybar 2-4, .335 ... Jason Hammel TB 6.2 6 1 1 2 7, 2.10

MIDWEST --  Brian Dopirak CHN 2-4, .307 ... Michael Parisi STL 6.0 5 2 0 0 4, 3.28 ... Adam Jones SEA 3-4, double, .260 ... Christopher Lubanski KC 2-4, walk, .269 ... Erold Andrus CF NYA 3-5, double ... Javon Moran CF CIN 2-4, double, .380 ... Thomas Diamond TEX 4.0 6 3 2 2 6 ... Matt Moses MIN 2-5

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Ian Stewart COL 2-4, 30th double, 30th homer, 100th RBI ... Jacob Stevens ATL 5.0 7 3 3 4 5, 2.32 ... Michael Bourn CF PHI 2-3, triple, walk, .318 ... Delmon Young TB 0-2, 2 walks ... 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff CLE, back from a fill-in role in AA, 3-4, .325 ... Chuck Tiffany LA 5.1 0 1 1 5 13 (including 8 consecutive Ks)  ... Wes Bankston TB 1-4, 100th RBI

NEW YORK-PENN --  Ronnie Martinez HOU 5.0 1 0 0 0 3, 11-2, 1.96 ... first pro win one for the scrapbook, Jays' first-rounder David Purcey  6.0 0 0 0 0 5 ... Derran Watts NYN 5-5, double, triple

NORTHWEST --  Matt Bush SD 1-2, walk, .308 ...  Garret Gentry COL 2-3, walk, .375 ... Ryan Harvey CHN 1-3, 14th homer, .284 ... Clint Brannon TEX 7.0 3 0 0 0 6, 0.62

PIONEER --  Philip Gentry CIN 3-4, 19th & 20th doubles, .333 ... 1B Chris Kelly CHA 3-5, triple ... Tom Collaro CHA 17th homer, 3 RBI ... Sean Rodriguez ANA 0-4, 4 Ks ... 2B Travis Denker LA 2-6, double, homer, .327 ... 3B Blake DeWitt LA 2-4, 12th homer, 3 RBI ... Billy Butler KC 2-4, .374 ... Brian McFall KC 3-5, 22nd double, 12th homer, .356

    Troop movements ... SF -- recalled Brian Dallimore, Tony Torcato, Jason Ellison  from AAA ... SD -- activated Antonio Osuna and Miguel Ojeda from the DL, purchased the contract of outfielder Kerry Robinson from AAA ...COL -- activated Todd Greene from the DL ...LA -- activated Hideo Nomo from the DL, purchased the contract of Tom Wilson from AAA.  transferred Darren Dreifort to the 60-day disabled list ... CIN -- activated Brandon Larson and pitcher Paul Wilson from the DL ... ATL -- recalled pitcher Travis Smith and infielder Wilson Betemit from AAA ... MON -- recalled outfielder Valentino Pascucci from AAA ... PHI -- recalled first baseman Ryan Howard from AAA, purchased the contract of catcher A.J. Hinch from AAA ...STL -- activated Rick Ankiel from the DL ...CHN -- purchased the contract of Neifi Perez from AAA

SEA -- claimed pitcher Masao Kida off waivers from LA ...BOS -- activated Kevin Youkilis and David McCarty from the DL, purchased the contract of catcher Sandy Martinez from AAA, designated pitcher Joe Nelson for assignment ... BAL --activated Larry Bigbie & David Segui from the DL, recalled catcher Geronimo Gil from AAA ...MIN -- recalled Aaron Fultz and Matt Guerrier and infielder Terry Tiffee from AAA, recalled Jesse Crain from A-Ball, added Pat Borders to the active roster; optioned Rob Bowen to AA ... NYA -- activated Steve Karsay from the DL, purchased the contract of Dioner Navarro from AAA, recalled Felix Heredia from AA, designated Mike Vento and Juan Padilla for assignment ... TEX -- activated Herbert Perry, Jeff Nelson, Erasmo Ramirez from the DL, purchased the contracts of infielder Andy Fox, catcher Ken Huckaby from AAA ... OAK -- recalled Esteban German from AAA ... CLE -- activated Lou Merloni from the DL, recalled Josh Bard and pitcher Cliff Bartosh fromAAA ... DET -- activated pitcher Lino Urdaneta from the DL, recalled pitcher John Ennis from AAA ... ANA --recalled Casey Kotchman from AAA, purchased the contract of Andres Galarraga from AAA, purchased the contract of Shane Halter from AAA, designated RHP Ben Weber for assignment, sent RHP Steve Green outright to AAA, sent outfielder Barry Wesson outright to AAA ... CHA -- recalled Arnie Munoz from AAA, activated Sandy Alomar Jr. from the DL ... TB -- activated Rocco Baldelli from the DL, recalled Chad Gaudin from AAA, purchased the contract of outfielder Matt Diaz from AAA, transferred infielder Eduardo Perez to the 60-day disabled list ...

    PIT kids voted the best in the Carolina League. 

" ... Despite both being called up to Double-A in July, first baseman Brad Eldred and lefty Zach Duke ... voted Most Valuable Player and Pitcher of the Year respectively ...  Even though he missed the last six weeks in the CL, through Monday Eldred’s .310 average was tied for third in the league. He was tied for second in home runs and third in RBI. Duke has been gone for seven weeks and doesn’t have enough innings to qualify for the ERA lead, but his 10 wins are good for a third place tie and his strikeout total was good for a tie for sixth."

Among the All-Star picks -- ATL's Brian McCann as catcher, Eldred at 1B, Tripper Johnson BAL 3B, OFs Rajai Davis PIT, Jeff Francoeur ATL, Shane Costa KC, Ryan Sweeney CHA and Ryan Garko CLE as DH.

    Jim Callis, Baseball America, on Michael Hinckley MON and Ryan Raburn DET :

" ... Before the season, we ranked Hinckley 60th overall on our Top 100 Prospects list, and sixth among lefthanders. At 21, Hinckley already has mastered Double-A. He has a low-90s fastball and an improved curveball that is becoming a plus pitch on a more consistent basis. He has put together a 32-12, 2.77 pro record with 354 strikeouts in 416 innings. He may be flying under the radar somewhat, but that should change when he reaches the majors in the near future."

" ... Raburn (.307/.392/.549, 16 homers, 63 RBIs in 93 games) has made a nice comeback after nearly ruining his career by dislocating a hip in an all-terrain vehicle accident after the 2001 season. But Eastern League observers say playing Raburn at second base is a stretch, so he may have to move to third base (where he hasn't wowed anyone in the past) or the outfield (where he played some in college)."

    Rick Ankiel ... here's hoping it works out this time :

" ... all eyes are on Ankiel. Watching him - and watching out for him. "This kid is a different kid than he was three years ago," Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty said. "He's more mature. He knows how to handle himself. ... Basically we want him to come up here and continue what he's been doing." ...  Ankiel, who is a little more than 13 months removed from elbow surgery, will have the chance to pitch his way into postseason consideration, manager Tony La Russa said. In most answers, the manager linked the two young pitchers, Haren and Ankiel, and said both could do that. In three minor-league stops, Ankiel pitched 23 2/3 innings, striking out 23 and walking just two. He allowed nine hits and two earned runs. First off, for Ankiel, is "just a pat on the back for getting healthy," La Russa said. "He's here because we're going to try and wrap this thing up. We'll see if there's a bullpen spot that makes sense (for him). Is there a spot start? ... "What you've got here is a bonus for him - and for us." (STL Post-Disptach)

    Jays' kids with an opportunity :

" ... The local fans will finally get a look at shortstop Russ Adams, the first player picked by J.P. Ricciardi in his tenure as the Blue Jays general manager. Then there's catcher Guillermo Quiroz who has a better than excellent chance of being one of the regular backstops next year and, finally, first baseman Eric Crozier, obtained from the Cleveland Indians in the Josh Phelps trade. "It's not so much seeing them up here because I don't think you can judge a lot by seeing a guy over a month," Ricciardi said of what he's going to be looking for. "We'd like to get some guys up here and have them work with some of our (coaches that can help them Brian Butterfield and Joe Breeden). "It's also good to just get some guys up here and get that big-league aura (think of Alex Rios in his first two weeks as he played like the proverbial deer in the headlights) out of their system." ...  "We need to find out about our future because we've seen the other guys play for five months, we know what we have in those guys. "You've got to remove yourself from the instant gratification world that we live in and try to see the long-range plan and does he fit." (Toronto Sun)

    Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, on Ryan Garko CLE :

" ... Garko's primary position? The batter's box. This is probably going to be the issue for him, not that he's been terrible defensively. He was drafted out of Stanford because of his bat, not because of his catching ability. He's already up at Double-A in his first full season. He made the Carolina League look easy, hitting .328 with an OPS of 1.026 over 65 games. He moved up to Akron, where he's hit .337 with a .933 OPS in 42 games. So he's hit at every level so far. He's also caught fairly effectively and played first base. Maybe first base is where he'll play ...  My guess is Garko could catch a little, play first a little, or DH a bunch. DH might be his best position. Eventually, he may develop into a decent enough catcher, but he's not catching full-time. He's going to go to the Arizona Fall League, so we'll have to see where he plays. My guess is he'll be working on his catching. It's a nice problem to have, too many catching prospects -- every other organization doesn't have enough."

01 September 2004

    Game action ... INT --  rehab, Brandon Larson (CIN, 3B) 0-4 ... Jason Bartlett (MIN, SS) 3-3, 2 R, RBI, BB, HBP ... Michael Restovich (MIN, RF) 2-5 ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, LF) 2-4, R, SB ... Mike Fontenot (BAL, 2B) 2-3, R, 2 BB ... Darnell McDonald (BAL, CF) 3-4, 2B, 6th HR, 2 R, RBI ... Jack Cust (BAL, LF) 1-3, 17th HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB ... John Maine (BAL) 5.0 4 0 0 2 5 ... Francisco Cruceta (CLE) 7.0 9 2 0 3 2 ... Kelly Shoppach (BOS, C) 2-4, 21st HR, R, 2 RBI ... Robinson Cano (NYA, 2B) 3-4, 2B, 3 RBI ... Ryan Langerhans ATL 19th homer

PCL --  Brad Hawpe COL 2-4, 29th homer, 4 RBI ... Marshall McDougall TEX (at 3B), quietly having a solid campaign, 2-5, 21st double, 19th homer, .280 ... Josh Kroeger ARZ 3-4, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, .330 ... Casey Kotchman ANA 3-5, .372 ...  after such high hopes, a lost season, Edwin Jackson LA 4.0 4 6 6 5 2, but perhaps a future as a hitter, 2-2, 2 homers, 3 RBI, .381 ... Antonio Perez LA 3-6, 21st & 22nd homers, .293 ... Luis Garcia LA 3-5, 29th double, 31st homer ... Nick Swisher OAK 2-4, 27th double, .267 ... Justin Germano SD 7.0 4 1 1 1 6, 3.46 ... ho hum, Xavier Nady SD 2-5, 20th homer

EASTERN --  Darrell Rasner MON 5.2 3 0 0 3 1, 1.46 ... Larry Broadway MON 20th double, 21st homer, .275 ... Merkin Valdez SF 7.2 6 2 2 1 7 ... Brandon League TOR 7.0 6 1 1 3 5 ... Aaron Hill TOR 3-4, 11th homer, .285 ... Brad Eldred PIT 3-4, 14th homer, 4 RBI (52), .301 (all this in 32 games)  ... Hanley Ramirez BOS (still at leadoff) 2-5, 2 doubles, .301 ... Ryan Raburn DTE 2-6, 28th double, .307 ...

SOUTHERN --  Skip Schumaker STL OF 3-7, 2B ... Nic Ungs FLA 6.0 5 1 1 3 4, W 11-8 ... Josh Willingham FLA C 1-5, R, HR (23), RBI, BB, K ... Chip Ambres FLA OF 2-4, 3 R, HR (19), 2 RBI, 2 BB, still only batting .236 ... Mike McNutt FLA 6.0 2 0 0 3 3, W 3-1 ... Jake Meyer CIN 5.0 5 1 1 1 2, 2.40 ... Ryan Meaux CHA 6.0 4 2 2 4 3, W 7-8 ... Andy Marte ATL 3B 0-3, 3 BB, K ... Jeff Francoeur ATL OF 2-6, 2B, RBI ... Joel Guzman LA SS 3-5, 2 R, 2 HR (8 & 9), 4 RBI, K ... Eric Hull LA 5.1 2 1 1 3 3, W 4-3 ... Ben Johnson SD OF 2-7, R, 3B, HR (21), 3 RBI, BB, K ... Mike Thompson SD 5.0 5 2 0 2 0, W 9-2 ... Chris Seddon TB 6.0 5 3 1 3 1, L 8-10 ... Clayton Hamilton SD 5.0 5 2 1 2 6, W 1-0, 1.80 ... Dwaine Bacon CHN OF 1-5, R, K, 3 SB (56, 57 & 58) ... Prince Fielder MIL 1B 0-4, RBI, 2 K ... Brad Nelson MIL OF 0-3, 2 BB, 2 K ... Rickie Weeks MIL 2B 1-4, triple

TEXAS --  Felix Hernandez SEA 5.0 3 1 1 2 8, 5-1, 3.30 ... Jayson Nix COL 3-4, double ... Shin-soo Choo SEA 2-2, 13th homer, 3 RBI, 38th SB, .309 ... Shane Bazzell OAK 5.0 5 4 3 4 2, 14-3, 2.97 ... SS Omar Quintanilla OAK homer, 4 RBI, .338 ... Nick Gorneault ANA 3-5, 21st homer, 3 RBI ... Denny Bautista KC 6.2 11 3 3 1 2, 2.53 ... Fernando Nieve HOU 7.0 4 1 1 2 8, 2.19 ... Ben Kozlowski TEX  6.0 3 2 2 3 8

CAROLINA --  Wesley Whisler CHA 7.0 2 0 0 2 4, 3.80 ... hard-luck loser, Nick Pesco 5.0 6 3 0 1 4, 0.00 (10 innings) ... Mark Saccomanno HOU 22nd homer ... Rajai Davis PIT 2-5, homer ... Larry Bigbie BAL, rehab,  2-5, 2 homers

FLORIDA STATE --  Ron Davenport (TOR, RF) 2-5 Double 3RBI … Matt Merricks (LA) 5 2 1 1 4 5 W(2-2, 3.12) … Delwyn Young (LA, 2B) 2-4 RBI … Andy Laroche (LA, 3B) 2-4 … Brandon Moss (BOS, RF) 2-4 R … Dave Murphy (BOS, CF) 3-4 HR(4) 4RBI … Ryan Barthelemy (PHI, 1B) 2-4 HR(14) … Bill Bray (MON) 0.2 2 2 2 0 0 L(0-2, 4.91) … Yorman Bazardo (FLA) 7 5 1 0 2 2 ND - 3.27 ERA … No box out of Palm Beach but Justin Pals (STL) works 5.1 innings giving up 9 hits and 3 runs to get the win.  Omar Pena (STL) goes 2-4 in his first FSL game. 

CALIFORNIA --  3B Jesus Guzman SEA 4-5, 2 doubles, .306 ... Wladamir Balentien SEA 2-4, double ... Steven Shell ANA 5.2 7 6 2 2 6, 3.44 ... SF 2nd rounder Eddy Martinez-Esteve OF 3-4, .420 =

MIDWEST --  Vern Sterry SD 7.0 5 0 0 1 3, 1.82 ... Stuart Pomeranz 7.0 3 0 0 1 10, 11-4, 3.72 ... NYA CF Erold Andrus 3-6, 33rd double, 12th homer

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Ian Stewart COL 1-3, walk, .318 ... CF Jordan Czarniecki COL 2-5, triple, 16th homer, .310 ... Ryan Goleski CLE 2-3, 26th & 27th homers ... Delmon Young TB 1-2, walk, 2 RBI (112), .325 .

NEW YORK-PENN --  Anibal Sanchez BOS 6.0 1 0 0 1 7, 1.77 ... Zachary Jackson TOR 4.0 5 3 3 4 5 ... Michael Devaney NYN 6.0 5 2 2 0 7, 5-0, 1.95

APPALACHIAN --  opening playoff action, Mitch Einertson HOU 1-3, homer, walk ... ATL OF Brandon Jones 2-4, 2 homers, 5 RBI

NORTHWEST --  Ryan Norwood CHN 3-4, double, homer, 3 RBI ... Javier Herrera OAK 2-4, double, 2 RBI ... Eric Hurley TEX 2.0 5 4 4 2 1

PIONEER --  Travis Denker 2B LA 3-5, double, .327 ... 3B Blake DeWitt LA 2-3, triple, 2 walks ... KC 3B Billy Butler 2-4, double, .372 ... Brian McFall OF KC 2-4, double, .351

    Troop movements ... ATL -- recalled  Dewayne Wise from AAA,  optioned pitcher Roman Colon to Double-A ...CHN -- acquired  Mike DiFelice from DET for a player to be named; acquired Ben Grieve from MIL for for a player to be named and cash. ... CLE -- recalled Ryan Ludwick from AAA, optioned outfielder Grady Sizemore to AAA ... MIL -- recalled outfielder Dave Krynzel from AAA ... PHI -- placed Randy Wolf on the DL, recalled Shawn Wooten from AAA ... SD -- purchased the contract of Robert Fick and recalled Ramon Vazquez from AAA, optioned catcher Humberto Quintero and pitcher Marty McLeary to AAA ... SEA -- acquired outfielder B.J. Garbe from MIN for catcher Pat Borders ... ARZ -- claimed pitcher Chad Durbin off waivers from the Cleveland Indians ... FLO -- recalled pitcher Ben Howard and catcher Matt Treanor from AAA ...STL -- recalled Danny Haren from AAA, sent outright pitcher Al Reyes to A+  ... PIT -- activated LHP Dave Williams from the DL, optioned RHP Mark Corey to AAA ... MIN -- recalled Jason Kubel, Terry Tiffee, Matt Guerrier from AAA, recalled RHP Jesse Crain from Rookie Elizabethton, optioned catcher Rob Bowen to AAA ... NYN -- recalled Craig Brazell, Tyler Yates, Matt Ginter from AAA ...

    Delmon Young zooms to the top of Kevin Goldstein's Prospect Hot Sheet at Baseball America :

" ...  In 34 games since going hitless in a July 23 doubleheader, Young has scored 35 runs and driven in 36 while hitting .426 with a .760 slugging along with much improved patience (21 walks) and a little speed (eight stolen bases). If there's a flaw in his game right now, we don't see it."

Kevin went with the Mets' phenom Yusmeiro Petit as the runnerup and Casey Kotchman ANA at No. 3. And, some other interesting picks :

" ... 10. Chuck Tiffany, lhp, Dodgers (Low Class A Columbus) Another rarity: 19-year-old lefties who throw in the low 90s and already have a major league-ready change. Tiffany has been a roll of late, striking out 33 of the 58 batters he faced over just 16 innings in his last three starts."

" ... 14. Ryan Raburn, 2b, Tigers (Double-A Erie) Finally healthy after nearly three seasons of injury woes, Raburn has hit .307-16-62 in 97 games for Erie, including a eye-popping .487-4-21 during his still active 19-game hitting streak, which ties him for the longest such streak in the Eastern League this season."

    First setback for Foppert, another for Stokes :

" ... Grizzlies right-hander Jesse Foppert will be sidelined at least two or three more days after experiencing soreness in his surgically repaired elbow." (Fresno Bee)

" ... First baseman Jason Stokes was in good position to break the Mudcats' season home run mark until he reinjured his left wrist. Stokes has tied the mark with 23 but has missed the past four games and is not expected to finish the season." (Raleigh News and Observer)

    The record-setting Jhonny Peralta CLE has been named the MVP of the International League.

" ... Peralta has put together one of the best offensive seasons in the history of the Bisons’ franchise ... Peralta, 22, has already set Modern Day franchise records with an IL-leading 178 base hits and 44 doubles (2nd in the IL). In addition, he paces the team with a .333 average (2nd in the League), 108 runs scored (1st ), 271 total bases and 61 extra-base hits (T-5th ) and has set career-highs with 15 HR and 85 RBI (6th in the loop) ... Jhonny, who was also selected as the All-Star shortstop, is on pace for 186 hits (which would be the most in the IL since 1963). The native of the Dominican Republic has posted 55 multi-hit games this season."

" ... Most Valuable Pitcher Ben Hendrickson has been a bright spot in what has been an otherwise dismal season for Indianapolis. The 23-year-old right-hander has posted a miniscule 2.02 ERA in 21 starts for the Tribe ...  In addition, Hendrickson has collected 11 victories to go along with 93 strikeouts (with just 26 walks, he has nearly a 4:1 K/BB ratio) ...Ben, who started the 2004 Triple-A All-Star Game for the IL squad, was also selected as the Starting Pitcher on the post-season All-Star Team." (International League)

Jason Kubel MIN was named Rookie of the Year.   Along with Kubel, Peralta and Hendickson the All-Stars include BOS catcher Kelly Shoppach, OF Matt Diaz TB, UTIL Jorge Cantu TB, and 1B Justin Morneau MIN.

    Peralta, Brandon Phillips to chase IL flag rather than sit in MLB :

" ... it appears they will leave standout Herd infielders Jhonny Peralta and Brandon Phillips in Triple-A until Buffalo's postseason run ends. "As much as a lot of these guys are looking to get to the big leagues, I think they're really excited about the opportunity at hand," manager Marty Brown said ...  "If they go up, that's icing on the cake." "Initially, we will only bring up guys that would have a definitive impact on our winning and losing games," Cleveland General Manager Mark Shapiro said last week in Jacobs Field. "After Buffalo is done in the playoffs, we would call up a few guys who we feel could benefit from the experience." The Indians took Buffalo outfielder Ryan Ludwick (.281, eight homers, 44 RBIs) in place of Sizemore. Other than him, they seem most interested in bolstering their pitching staff. Jason Davis, who struck out 10 in 51/3 innings Monday, is expected to start Saturday against Anaheim."

    D'Backs & Drew may, or may not, be closer to a deal :

" ... Top Arizona draft pick Stephen Drew decided Tuesday to withdraw from classes at Florida State and continue contract negotiations with the Diamondbacks. Drew, who was selected with the 15th pick in June's amateur draft, signed up for classes last week but wasn't scheduled to attend until Tuesday. The Diamondbacks would have lost their rights to Drew if he attended a class before agreeing to a contract. "Stephen Drew and his family feel the two sides can agree on a deal that satisfies both parties," Florida State coach Mike Martin said. "Our hope is always for our young men to be happy, and I do sincerely feel that Stephen Drew will be happy." (Associated Press)

    HOU's Chris Burke, the Rookie of the Year in the PCL :

" ... Burke ... has been invaluable at the top of the Zephyrs’ lineup all season, ranking in the PCL’s top 10 in hits (149) and runs (91). His 37 stolen bases on the year are not only the third most in the League, but also four shy of the New Orleans franchise record of 41. The fleet-footed second baseman, who was also named to the All-PCL Team, has additionally shown the ability to hit for power. Currently Burke is third on the Zephyrs with 14 homers to go along with his 50 runs batted in and .313 batting average." (Pacific Coast League)

    Randy Miller, phillyburbs.com, on Gavin Floyd and Cole Hamels :

" ... don't look for Floyd to pitch much due to his 1-3 record and 4.99 ERA in five Triple-A starts. "If Gavin comes up and a final decision hasn't been made yet, he'll probably end up doing what we did with [Ryan] Madson last year," Phillies assistant GM Mike Arbuckle said. "I would rather let him throw bullpens and get in shape for the Arizona [Fall] League." ..."He's running out of gas and going through an adjustment period of moving up a level," Arbuckle said ... " ... now his velocity is down from 93-94 [mph] to 90, so I don't think it would do Gavin any good to get innings in the big leagues the way he's throwing now."

" ... Even though LHP Cole Hamels' season was ruined by a nagging arm injury, there seems to be a contention that this super prospect still can move through the system quickly. "If Cole is healthy, I think he'd win 12 games in the big leagues next year and have an ERA around 3.50 to 4.00," Threshers pitching coach Steve Schrenk said. "That's my opinion, and I've played or coached this game for 17 years. If he can stay healthy, he'll definitely be great. His changeup and fastball, you can't tell the difference. And he's confident. He has that aura about him." Now if the Phils can only get Hamels healthy. He's pitched only 16 innings this year due to recurring elbow soreness that finally may be gone for good. "He's soft-tossing now and penciled in for the [Florida] Instructional League," Arbuckle said. "Hopefully, we'll get him going there."

    Notes from the Eastern League's HQ (dated Aug 30) :

" ... With two games left in the month of August, 1B Brad Eldred had an amazing 44 RBI along with 13 home runs. It is not known what the Minor League record for most RBI in a month is, but the Major League record of 53 is shared by Joe Dimaggio and Hack Wilson." (Eldred up to 50 August RBI with a pair Mon & 4 Tues.)

" ... C Ryan Garko hit .333 (7-for-21) with two doubles, one home run, three runs scored, five RBI, and a .571 slugging percentage in five games last week."

" ... After hitting six home runs and driving in 19 runs two weeks ago, OF Mitch Jones did not have a home run or RBI last week. Jones has established a new franchise record for homers in a month (10) and is three RBI shy of the Trenton record for RBI in a month (31)."

" ... Francisco Rosario, a right-handed pitcher for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, has been named the Eastern League's Pitcher of the Week for the week ending August 29th. The 6'0", 195 lb. hurler ... struck out eight batters and walked only two while pitching seven innings of no-hit ball ... The 23-year old was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as a non-drafted free agent on January 11, 1999."

    Chris George KC, first pro shutout Monday and renewed confidence about another MLB opportunity :

" ...  the first shutout in George's seven-year professional career. The left-hander allowed only six singles and two walks Monday ...  How well is George (8-5) throwing? Try victories in seven straight starts, during which he has compiled an ERA of 1.86. His overall ERA is down to 2.84, which would lead the league if he had pitched another nine innings to qualify. "I've never been on a streak like this," George said. "Maybe in 'A' ball. Maybe." ...  Pitching with renewed confidence, George has looked sharper than he ever has while spending parts of the past five years in Omaha. He also had some fun while pursuing his shutout. "He threw some good curveballs early, then he tried to bring it back late in the game when he didn't need it," LaRoche [pitching coach Dave LaRoche] said. "I knew he was confident, because I told him that goofing around with that curveball was going to cost him a complete game. Before the ninth I told him he had 11 pitches left. He said, 'Yeah, 11 straight curveballs.'"

    Mets' kid drawing some rave reviews ... and cautions too :

" ... Ambiorex Concepcion continues to fuel a great debate in the short-season New York-Penn league. The Brooklyn outfielder collected three more hits and two more stolen bases [Monday] night against Batavia, giving him a .321 average (third in the league), 76 hits (tied for fourth), 28 stolen bases (tied for first), and 46 RBIs (third). Concepcion also has eight home runs and a cannon for an arm, drawing comparisons to Vladimir Guerrero from two league managers. "Absolutely dripping with tools," New Jersey manager Tom Shields said of Concepcion. But there are other league managers who don't think Concepcion is the best outfield prospect on his own team--a couple would give that title to the less athletic but more polished Dante Brinkley. The knock on Concepcion is that his swing is too long and has too many holes, and that he lacks strike-zone recognition. But if he continues to put up the kind of numbers he has been, Concepcion will make it very difficult to ignore his five-tool potential. He is still just 20 years old, though a couple league managers privately question his age." (Baseball America)

31 August 2004

    Game action ... INT --  Joey Gathright (TB, CF) 1-3, BB & 2-4, 2B, R ... rehab, Brandon Larson (CIN, 3B) 2-4, 2B, 9th HR, 2 R, 2 RBI ... Matt Belisle (CIN) 6.0 4 4 4 1 2 ... Ryan Langerhans (ATL, LF & CF) 2-4, 17th HR, R, 3 RBI & 0-3, R ... Jose Capellan (ATL) 7.0 5 3 3 4 4 ... rehab, Horacio Ramirez (ATL) 5.0 7 3 3 1 1 ... Jason Bartlett (MIN, SS) 5-6, 2 2B, 4 R, 2 RBI ... Terry Tiffee (MIN, 3B) 4-6, 2B, 3B, 2 R, 5 RBI ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, LF) 3-6, 3 R, 2 RBI ... Russ Adams (TOR, SS) 3-6, 2 R, 2 RBI ... overmatched, Jamie Brown (BOS) 2.2 10 11 10 1 2 ... Josh Stewart (CHA) 2.0 5 3 3 2 0 ... Robinson Cano (NYA, 2B) 1-4, 6th HR, R, 3 RBI ... Corey Hart (MIL, DH) 3-5, RBI, BB ... Craig Brazell (NYN, 1B) 1-4, 23rd HR, R, RBI, HBP ... Victor Diaz (NYN, RF) 2-4, 24th HR, R, 5 RBI, BB ... Pat Strange (NYN) 6.0 9 6 6 4 4

PCL --  Brad Hawpe COL 2-4, 28th homer ... Danny Haren STL 6.0 4 4 4 1 9 & 1-3, 4th homer ... Kiko Calero STL, rehab, 2.0 0 0 0 0 5 ... Kevin Witt STL 3-4, 36th homer ... Chris Burke HOU 2-5, 2 doubles (33) ... Chris George KC  9.0 6 0 0 2 6, 2.84 ... Freddy Sanchez PIT 3-4 ... Casey Kotchman ANA 2-4, .366 ... Luis Garcia 1B LA 3-3, triple, 30th homer, 2 walks ... Brad Baker SD, 4th Save 1.0 0 0 0 1 2 (5 games, 5 innings, no runs, 1 walk, 11 Ks) ... Xavier Nady SD 2-3, triple, homer, 4 RBI, .327 ... Todd Linden SF 20th homer ... Nick Swisher OAK 2-4, 26th double, 29th homer, 4 RBI (89)

EASTERN --  Bobby Bradley PIT, back strong from arm woes, 7.0 2 1 1 0 5, 2.98 ... on the other hand, Sean Henn NYA 2.2 7 7 7 4 3 ... Brad Eldred PIT 3-5, double, 2 RBI ... Hanley Ramirez BOS 2-4, double, .296 ... Boof Bonser MIN 5.0 5 3 0 4 3, 12-9, 4.37 ... MIN 2B Luis Maza 3-5, 10th homer, .312 ... Garrett Jones MIN 4-4, double ... Kevin Kouzmanoff CLE 2-3, double, triple ... Ryan Madson PHI, rehab, 1.0 1 1 1 1 0

SOUTHERN --  Andy Marte ATL 3B 1-2, R, 2B, RBI, 2 BB ... Joel Guzman LA SS 2-4, R, HR (7), 3 RBI, K ... Chad Billingsley LA 5.0 4 2 1 5 9, 2.87 ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3B 2-2, R, 2B, 2 BB ... Elizardo Ramirez CIN 9.0 3 0 0 3 5, W 1-0, 3.24 ... Dennis Ulacia CHA 7.0 6 1 1 4 6, L 8-8 ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 2-5, R, RBI ... Roger Deago SD 7.0 5 2 1 3 5, W 3-2, 1.71 ... Ryan O'Malley STL 6.0 2 0 0 2 2, W 2-2 ... Not a good night for Hunstville (MIL) as Gwynn, Weeks, Fielder and Nelson combine to go 0-13, 2 BB, 3 K ... Dana Eveland MIL 5.0 7 4 2 1 5, L 0-2, 1.93

TEXAS --  Nick Gorneault ANA 2-4, 20th homer ... Ezequiel Astacio HOU 7.0 3 0 0 2 6, 12-10, 3.80 ... Jeff Nelson TEX, rehab, 2.0 0 0 0 0 1

CAROLINA --  Donnie Murphy KC 1-3, R, BB, K & 0-1, K … Shane Costa KC 2-4, R, double, 2 RBI & 1-3, K … Mike Aviles KC 2-3, double (37), 2 RBI & 1-3, double (38) … Pat Osborn CLE 0-3, BB & 1-2, 2 R, BB … Brad Snyder CLE 1-4, 3 K & 1-3, 2 K … Kahi Kaanoi KC (W) 5 1 0 0 2 1 (4-0, 1.54) … Adam Miller CLE (L) 4 4 2 2 0 4 (2-2, 2.17) … Mark Saccomanno HOU 0-2, RBI (77), K … Josh Anderson HOU 1-4, R, 2 K … Ryan Sweeney CHA 0-2, 2 BB, K … Casey Rogowski CHA 0-2, 2 BB … Pedro Lopez CHA 2-4, R, HR (4), RBI, K, SB (12) … Jason Hirsh HOU (W) 6 3 1 1 4 10 (10-7, 4.02) … Kevin Howard CIN 1-3, 2 RBI (78), K … Rajai Davis PIT 1-4, R, double (24), BB, SB (52) … Brian McCann ATL 3-6, 3 R, 2 HR (16), 4 RBI … Gregor Blanco ATL 2-5, 2 R, double, BB, K, SB (23) … Tripper Johnson BAL 0-4, 2 K … Blaine Boyer ATL 5 8 7 6 1 7 (3.08) …

FLORIDA STATE --  Dave Murphy (BOS, CF) 3-3 HR(3) Double 2R … Dustin Pedroia (BOS, SS) 1-2 HR(2) 2RBI CS & 2-3 … Another hard-luck loss, Jon Papelbon (BOS) 6 3 1 1 2 4 L(12-7, 2.64) … Allen Davis (PHI) 7 4 0 0 0 7 W(1-0, 0.00) … Brent Clevlen (DET, RF) 2-3 HR(6) 2R 2RBI … Tony Abreu (LA, SS) 3-4 R … Delwyn Young (LA, 2B) 2-4 Triple R RBI SB(11) … Kevin Deaton (NYN) 6 5 2 2 2 2 ND - 2.99 ERA … rehab, Scott Strickland (NYN) 1.1 3 2 2 0 1 L(0-1, 9.45) … Robert Andino (FLA, SS) 3-5 R RBI … Jeremy Hermida (FLA, RF) 2-3 CS

CALIFORNIA --  Brian Stavisky OAK 3-4, 19th homer, 80th RBI, .348 ...

MIDWEST --  2B Hernan Iribarren MIL 2-4, double, triple, walk, .361 ... Brian Dopirak CHN 3-5, 36th double, 2 RBI (113) ... SS Hector Made NYA 3-5, 30th double, 5th homer, 3 RBI ... CF Javon Moran CIN 3-5, .389 ... Glen Perkins MIN 5.0 2 2 1 0 6, 1.45

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Jon Benick PIT 2-4, 29th & 30th homers, 3 RBI (96) ... 2B Antoin Gray CHA 3-4, double, .293

Mets' OF star & FLO lefty cop top weekly awards in the SAL :

" ... Jason Vargas ...  21-year old southpaw Vargas delivered a 2-0 record in his first starts with the Bats, allowing just three hits and one earned run in 15 innings of work. He held opponents to a .065 ERA, striking out 14 and walking but two and combined on a no-hitter to cap his week ... Vargas pitched the first seven innings, striking out 10 and walking two."

" ... Lastings Milledge ...  19-year old Milledge batted .481 with two homers and a league-leading 12 RBI last week. He tied for the league lead in hits with 13 and a whopping .741 slugging percentage. In addition, he had a rather impressive on-base-percentage of .559 and was among leaders in runs scored with eight ... Milledge is batting a robust .342 this season, cracking 12 home runs and driving in 52 runs." (South Atlantic League)

NEW YORK-PENN --  Ambiorix Concepcion CF NYN 3-4, .321 ... Kevin Youkilis BOS, rehab, 2-3, triple ... Taylor Tankersley FLO 4.2 10 9 7 2 7

APPALACHIAN --  Chi Hung Cheng TOR 5.0 3 0 0 1 8, 4-1, 2.82 ... Deacon Burns MIN 2-5, triple, homer, 3 RBI, .314

NORTHWEST --  catcher Michael Nickeas TEX 2-5, 10th homer ... Shawn Nottingham SEA 6.2 2 3 3 4 6, 9-3, 3.22 ... Javier Herrera OAK 1-3, triple ... Matt Bush SD 2-4, error

PIONEER --  OF Philip Gentry CIN 3-5, double, .326 ... Sean Rodriguez ANA 0-2, 2 walks, 2 runs ... JP Howell KC's supplemental first rounder, 6.0 1 0 0 0 11, 3-1, 2.77 (38 Ks in 26 IP, but 12 walks, 9 WPs), Chad Blackwell finished off the one-hitter, 3.0 0 0 0 1 3 ... Shane Dove ARZ 7.0 4 2 0 0 13 ... Scott Elbert LA 5.0 2 2 2 3 4 ... 2B Travis Denker LA 2-4, double, .320

    Troop movements ... CLE -- optioned outfielder Grady Sizemore to AAA ... NYN -- activated Mike Piazza from the DL, placed Mike DeJean on the DL, recalled pitcher Heath Bell from AAA, designated Brian Buchanan for assignment ... CHA -- released Mike Jackson; recalled pitcher Felix Diaz from AAA ... MIL -- optioned RHP Travis Phelps to Triple-A, recalled Ben Hendrickson ... 

    Jeremy Deloney, Baseball Miscellany keeps pumpin' 'em out ... notes on an LA flamethrower & yet another of ANA's standout middle infielders :

" ... Jonathan Broxton, 20, is a power pitcher with frontline stuff ...  with high A Vero Beach in the Florida State League, Broxton is 11-6 with a 3.23 ERA in 23 starts. He's walked 44 and struck out 144 in 128.1 innings while holding the opposition to a .237 average. Broxton fits the power pitcher profile - he stands 6'4" and weighs 240+ pounds. He's exhibited massive weight fluctuations in the past and that is of some concern in the Dodgers organization ... utilizes a 90-94 mph fastball with outstanding sink. It induces plenty of groundballs if hitters even make contact with it. He complements his heavy fastball with a low-to-mid-80s slider ... he'll need to show more improvement to become a top prospect. His changeup, too, needs some refinement ...  If he can keep his weight in check (like he has this season) in addition to improving the command of his slider and changeup, "The Bull" could see some time with the Dodgers in 2006. If starting doesn't work out, he would make an excellent late-innings reliever."

" ...  21 year old Howie Kendrick ... had a fantastic season last year with Provo when he hit .368/.434/.517 in 234 at bats. He smacked 20 doubles, 3 triples and 3 HR while stealing 8 bases. This year with low A Cedar Rapids, his batting average is still unbelievably lofty. He's hitting .362/.394/.574 in 282 at bats. Kendrick has hit 21 doubles, 6 triples and 9 HR and has also stolen 13 bases ... he certainly has the tools necessary to vault his way up the prospect chart, even in a deep Angels system. Kendrick's best tool is his bat speed. Rarely does he swing and miss and almost always makes hard contact. He hasn't walked enough to satisfy the "stat hounds", but he does have patience at the plate. With his quick wrists and bat speed, he can hit just about any pitch thrown anywhere near the strike zone ...  At 5'10" 180 pounds, the righthanded hitting Kendrick has the body and strength to hit the long ball. However, hitting for more power would sacrifice some of his batting average and that might not be a wise move for a potential leadoff hitter ...  skills and tools make Kendrick comparable to a young Ray Durham. Durham may have a little bit more oomph in his bat, but Kendrick profiles to be better defensively."

    It's been a long wait, but MLB beckons :

" ... Outfield prospect Jason Kubel, one of the top minor leaguers in baseball this season, will join the Twins at the Metrodome for Tuesday's opener of a six-game homestand ... Kubel, hitting .343 with 16 home runs in 89 games at Class AAA Rochester after opening the season in Class AA (.377, six home runs), was promoted in time to be eligible for the playoffs. His first game will be his major league debut. To make room for Kubel, the Twins optioned pitcher Jesse Crain to the minors, but Crain will stay with the team so he can return to the Twins' bullpen Wednesday when major league rosters expand." (Pioneer Press)

    More salt in BAL's wound :

" ... The Royals seem certain to call up right-hander Denny Bautista because club officials are already penciling him into next season's rotation. Bautista, 23, is 4-3 with a 2.40 ERA in 11 starts at Class AA Wichita since the Royals acquired him in a June 21 deal that sent veteran reliever Jason Grimsley to Baltimore. But Bautista has already pitched more innings this summer than in any of his previous four professional seasons. That makes it unlikely he will get more than a couple of September starts. The Royals already have two rookie starters they want to protect — right-handers Zack Greinke and Mike Wood. “That's the real benefit of using six guys,” manager Tony Peña said. “We can give an extra day of rest to some of those kids who are not used to pitching this late in the season.”  (Kansas City Star)

    An OAK OF is the choice as MVP of the Northwest League.  Javier Herrera has hit .343 (with a 396 OBA and 568 SLUG) with 20 SBs in 57 games. Among the All-Stars picks -- 3B Matt Macri COL, SS Asdrubal Cabrera SEA, Catcher Mike Nickeas TEX, LHP Shawn Nottingham SEA, RHP AJ Shappi ARZ.

    The Pacific Coast League has announced its All-Star aggregation (as selected by managers and the media) :

" ... Anchoring the left side of the All-PCL infield is a pair of Sky Sox, as the Pacific Coast League’s hits leader with 175, Clint Barmes, was selected at shortstop to join third baseman Garrett Atkins, who is second in the League with a .365 batting average. New Orleans second baseman Chris Burke earns a selection to the squad after ranking third in the PCL with 37 stolen bases, while Sacramento’s Dan Johnson, who has powered the River Cats by driving in 105 runs is at first base. Johnson is joined by his River Cats teammate Mike Rose, who is the All-PCL catcher with an on-base percentage of .420, sixth best in the PCL. The outfielders are led by Oklahoma’s Chad Allen, who has helped the RedHawks clinch a spot in the Pacific Coast League playoffs by batting .362, third highest in the League, and Salt Lake’s Adam Riggs, who is second in the League with 104 runs scored to go along with a .331 batting average. Edmonton’s Ryan Church also earns selection to the outfield after batting .346 and driving in 79 runs. Omaha slugger Calvin Pickering, who is tied for the League lead with 35 homers, makes the team at designated hitter." (Pacific Coast League)

    Cubs' 2B prospect, via ATL,  and SD reliever, via BOS, picked as the best of the Southern League :

" ...  Richard Lewis was named the 2004 Southern League Most Valuable Player ...The honor comes almost a month after the Chicago Cubs promoted him to AAA Iowa. Lewis ranks among the Southern League leaders in several categories, including batting average (second, .329), triples (second, 10), and slugging percentage (second, .532). He was the starting second baseman for the Western Division squad in the 2004 Southern League All-Star Game. Lewis, originally a first round pick (40th overall) of the Atlanta Braves in 2001, was acquired by the Cubs via a trade before the start of the 2004 season."

" ...  Brad Baker was named the 2004 Southern League Most Outstanding Pitcher ... The honor comes just a week after the San Diego Padres promoted him to AAA Portland. During his time in the Southern League, Baker established himself as one of Minor League Baseball’s most dominant relievers. In addition to leading the Southern League with 30 saves, he struck out 68 batters and allowed just 37 hits in 57.1 innings of work. Baker posted an impressive 1.57 earned run average in leading the BayBears to the First Half Championship in the Southern League Western Division. Baker, originally a first round pick (40th overall) of the Boston Red Sox in 1999, was acquired by the Padres via trade in June 2002." (Southern League)

    Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, on a few likely candidates as September callups :

" ... Gavin Floyd, RHP, Phillies Despite struggling a bit since his promotion to Doulble-A Reading, the Phillies not only plan on bringing Floyd up, but he's scheduled to start in place of the injured Randy Wolf on Friday."

" ...  Rick Ankiel, LHP, Cardinals Remember him? The former phenom is healthy and throwing strikes. In a total of 23 2/3 innings pitched across three levels, Ankiel has 23 strikeouts and just two walks, including a six-inning gem on Sunday for Triple-A Memphis. And he's just 25. He could even sneak onto the playoff roster if there's a need."

" ...  Russ Adams, SS, Blue Jays Consider this a true test of the J.P. Ricciardi regime. Adams was the Jays GM's first draft pick, in 2002. He'll get plenty of playing time at shortstop in the final month."

" ...  Brendan Harris/Mark Teahen, 3B, Expos/Royals Call this the "traded third base prospect category." Both Harris (acquired in the deal that landed Nomar Garciaparra with the Cubs) and Teahen (part of the Carlos Beltran trade to the Astros) should get every chance to be the everyday third baseman for their respective clubs. Fans should get a sneak preview of both in September."

    John Sickels, ESPN.com, on Curtis Granderson DET :

" ...  hasn't received a lot of attention yet, but he is one of the better hitters in the minor leagues ...  has hit for average in both college and pro ball, due to his short swing. He controls the strike zone very well, seldom swinging at bad pitches ... has no major weaknesses as a hitter, and can hit fastballs or breaking balls. His power was mainly to the gaps before this year, but in '04 he's driven the ball over the fences more often ... Granderson's range is good enough for center field in my opinion, but others disagree. His arm is accurate, though only average in strength, making him best suited for left in the long run ... plays better than his pure tools due to a strong work ethic, intelligence, and a smart approach ... Even if he backslides a bit, he should be a .270-.285 hitter with double-digit home run and steal production, enough to hold a job as a fourth outfielder certainly."

30 August 2004

    Game action ... INT --  Jonny Gomes (TB, LF) 2-3, 2B, 2 R, BB, HBP ... rehab, Brandon Larson (CIN, 3B) 0-4 ... Jorge Padilla (PHI, RF) 2-5 ... driving the ball, Ryan Howard (PHI, 1B) 3-4, 2 2B, 9th HR, 3 R, 3 RBI, BB (on the season, 30 doubles, 46 homers, 131 RBI) ... Michael Restovich (MIN, RF) 2-4, 2B, R ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, LF) 1-3, R, RBI, BB ... Russ Adams (TOR, SS) 2-3, R, BB ... Cam Reimers (TOR) 6.0 8 7 4 4 1 ... Josh Bard (CLE, C) 3-4, R, RBI, BB ... Jason Cooper (CLE, LF) 1-4, 2nd HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB ... Kyle Denney (CLE) 6.0 5 3 3 1 3 ... Kelly Shoppach (BOS, C) 2-3, 2B, 2 R, RBI, HBP ... in relief, Brad Halsey (NYA) 2.0 0 0 0 1 2 ... Chien-Ming Wang (NYA) 6.0 3 1 1 2 6 ... Jorge De La Rosa (MIL) 8.0 7 3 3 1 4

PCL --  3B Michael Cervenak SF, in just his 2nd game up in AAA, 2-5, 2 homers, 5 RBI ... Casey Kotchman ANA 2-4, double ... Dallas McPherson ANA 2-4 ...  Kameron Loe TEX 7.0 8 5 5 0 7 ...  vet Kevin Witt STL 3-4, 35th homer ...  welcome to AAA, Renyel Pinto CHN 4.1 4 7 7 5 5 ... Jason Dubois CHN 2-5, triple, 28th homer ... Tim Redding HOU 6.0 3 1 1 4 7 ... seems too good to be true, Rick Ankiel STL 6.0 1 1 0 0 5, 53 pitches, 44 for strikes, hit a batter :

" ...  Ankiel's long journey back to the majors may be nearing its completion. More that three years since he threw his last pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals, Ankiel gave up one unearned run and one hit in six innings Sunday for Triple-A Memphis in what could be his final start in the minors. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has said the team would consider calling up Ankiel when rosters expand for September. Ankiel said he hasn't heard anything about his possible call-up, but thinks he would be ready if it happened. "I'll deal with it if it comes," Ankiel said. "Right now, I've got to just worry about what I'm doing day in and day out, and that's it." ...  On Sunday, he began the game with 15 straight strikes and threw only 53 pitches -- 44 strikes -- in six efficient innings. In seven starts at three different minor league levels, Ankiel is 2-1 with a 0.79 ERA, 23 strikeouts, two walks and one hit batsman in 22 2-3 innings. He hasn't thrown a wild pitch." (Associated Press)

EASTERN --  a struggle to get back in a groove, Michael Aubrey CLE 1-3, double, .231 ... a refreshing change, Kyle Sleeth DET 7.0 4 2 2 3 3 ... Aaron Hill TOR 2-4, double, 2 RBI, .283 ... unusual line, Sheldon Fulse BOS 5-8, 3 triples

SOUTHERN --  Ouch, Brad Thompson STL (yep same guy who tossed 49 consecutive scoreless games earlier in the season) 1.0 7 6 6 0 0, L 7-2, ERA still 2.54 ... Steve Kelly CIN 7.0 4 2 2 2 1, W 12-6 ... Trevor Hutchinson FLA 6.0 6 1 1 0 3, W 10-7 ... Rickie Weeks MIL 2B 2-4, R ... Bobby Brownlie CHN 5.0 4 1 0 1 2 ... Joel Guzman LA SS 1-4, R, 3B, K ... Eduardo Villacis CHA 6.1 3 1 1 2 10, W 6-4, 2.99 ... Clay Hensley SD 7.0 6 2 2 1 7, L 11-9

TEXAS --  having quite a challenge in AA, Steven Bondurant OAK 5.1 5 3 3 3 5, 540 ... Alberto Callaspo ANA 2-4, 2 doubles, .287 ... back from the Olympics and more success, Chris Oxspring SD  6.0 7 0 0 2 5 ... Juan Dominguez TEX 2.0 1 0 0 0 3 ... Carlos Quentin ARZ 1-3, homer, walk, .372 ... Jason Botts TEX 0-1, 3 walks ... Jared Gothreaux HOU 7.2 6 2 2 2 3. 3.71

CAROLINA --  Mark Saccomanno HOU 1-2, R, 3 BB … Josh Anderson HOU 3-5, R, SB (27) … Josh Fields CHA 1-4, R, RBI, BB, 2 K … Ryan Sweeney CHA 3-4, 2 R, double, RBI, BB … Casey Rogowski CHA 2-4, 2 R, RBI (83), BB, K, SB (15) … Pedro Lopez CHA 1-5, R, RBI … Brian McCann ATL 2-4, RBI, K … Gregor Blanco ATL 2-3, R, 2 doubles, RBI, BB, K … Tripper Johnson BAL 2-4, R … Rajai Davis PIT 2-4, R, 2 doubles (23), SB (51)

FLORIDA STATE --  Mike Megrew (LA) 2 2 3 2 1 3 L(7-6, 3.41) ... Jeremy Hermida (FLA, RF) 2-4 HR(10) 3RBI

CALIFORNIA --  CF Elijah Dukes TB 2-4, double, homer, .326 ... and, yet another TB OF, Luis Mateo 2-5, 17th & 18th homers, 4 RBI ... Xavier Nady SD 2-5, 19th double, 18th homer, 3 RBI, .323 ... Jeremy Reed SEA 2-4, triple, .308 ... Jarrod Washburn ANA, rehab, 4.0 4 1 1 3 5 ... Erick Aybar ANA 2-5, triple ... Fred Lewis SF 3-5, homer, 5 RBI ... Eddy Martinez-Esteve SF 4-6, double, .391 ... Wladamir Balentien SEA, moved up a level, 2-4 ... Brian Stavisky OAK 2-4, 18th homer, 3 RBI ... Jason Perry OAK 2-4, 23rd homer, 3 RBI ... John Suomi OAK 4-5, 3 doubles, 3 RBI

MIDWEST --  Brian Dopirak CHN 2-4, double, 4 RBI (111) & 1-4, .303 ... Travis Chick SD 7.0 5 0 0 1 7, 4-0, 2.23 ... Justin Jones MIN  4.2 3 2 2 4, 6.23 ... Chris Lambert STL 4.0 3 1 1 5 3 ... Matt Moses MIN, finally back in the lineup, 0-3 & 1-4 ... Brad Knox OAK 6.0 2 0 0 1 7, 14-4, 2.17 ... Ronnie Ray ANA 4.0 3 1 1 1 2, 0.64 ... Howard Kendrick ANA 2-4, triple & 0-3, .360 ... Christopher Lubanski KC 2-3, double & 0-1

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Delmon Young TB 2-4, double, RBI & 1-2, 2 walks, 25th homer, RBI (110), .324 ... Wes Bankston TB 2-4, 30th double, 23rd homer, 2 RBI (97) & 2-4, .293 ... Thomas Mastny TOR 5.0 1 0 0 1 4, 9-3, 2.19 ... Ryan Goleski CLE 2-4, 20th double, 25th homer, 3 RBI (93), .296

NEW YORK-PENN --  Matt Van Der Bosch BOS 2-4, triple, 2 RBI ... Neil Walker PIT 2-5, 3 RBI

APPALACHIAN --   OF Mark Jurich ATL 3-4, double, walk, .280 ... Deacon Burns MIN 3-6, 11th homer ... SS Reid Brignac TB 2-5, double ... Mitch Einertson HOU 1-4, double

NORTHWEST --  Matthew Tuiasosopo SEA, the going gets tougher, 0-3, .267 ... Ryan Harvey CHN 3-4, .286  ... Matt Bush SD 1-4, double, 2 RBI, error, in his NWL debut

PIONEER --  2B Travis Denker LA 2-5, double ... 2B Steven Sollmann MIL 3-4, walk, .351 ... 3B Tony Festa MIL 3-3, double, walk, 4 RBI, .317 ...  KC's top draft pick (14th overall) 3B Billy Butler outstanding so far, 2-4, 9th homer, 4 RBI, .376

ARIZONA --  (Sat)  Matt Bush SD 2-4, 2 RBI, .181, but nonetheless won a promotion to the Northwest League.

GULF COAST --  Regular season completed ... a pair of starters among the emerging prospects -- Gabriel Hernandez NYN,  3-3, 1.09 in 50 innings, 12 walks, 58 Ks & Scott Mitchinson PHI 7-0, 1.75, 62 innings, ONE walk, 60 Ks.

    Troop movements ... NYA -- recalled Bubba Crosby from AAA, optioned Scott Proctor to AA ... TOR -- recalled Bob File from AAA, designated pitcher Dave Maurer for assignment ... KC -- recalled Jimmy Gobble from AAA, placed Scott Sullivan on the DL ... ANA -- placed Tim Salmon on the DL, designated outfielder Barry Wesson for assignment, optioned Matt Hensley to AAA, purchased the contract of infielder-outfielder Adam Riggs from AAA, activated Troy Glaus from the DL ...

    Toby Harrmann, Brewerfan.net, with an update on his MIL prospect list :

" ... 1 Prince Fielder AA 1B Considering his pace from earlier in the season, it'll be amazing if Prince manages not to strike out 100 times this year."

" ... 2 Rickie Weeks AA 2B Good to see that the Brewers won't be playing him in Milwaukee this year, but rather in the AFL, where he may actually learn something."

" ... 10 Dave Krynzel AAA CF Going into the season, I gave Dave almost no shot at becoming the Brewers' CF as long as Podsednik was in the organization, but Dave's decent season combined with Po's bad season have seen the odds shift more in Krynzel's favor."

" ... 11 Dana Eveland AA SP Not missing a step in the transition from Beloit to Huntsville."

    More on lefthander Eveland from Jeremy Deloney, Baseball Miscellany :

" ...  16th round draft pick by the Brewers in the 2002 draft ...  6'1" 220-pound Eveland is now with his second Brewers' affiliate this season after a surprisingly strong full-season debut with low A Beloit. While with the Snappers, Eveland went 9-6 with a 2.84 ERA in 22 games (16 starts). He walked 24 and struck out 119 in 117.1 innings. Despite Beloit's title run in the Midwest League, the Brewers decided not only to promote him, but to bypass high A High Desert en route to Double A Huntsville. In 2 starts with the Stars, he's 0-1 with a 1.32 ERA. Eveland effectively commands his fastball which can sometimes hit 95 on the gun but usually works in the 89-92 range ... can efficiently change speeds by offering up two quality breaking pitches: a sharp slider and slow curve ... Due to the myriad of injuries in the Brewers system this season, the opportunity has arisen for Eveland to move quickly ...  has the potential to add some velocity to his fastball, though his delivery may be better suited for long relief at the major league level. Because of his ability to battle lefties, Eveland would make an excellent lefty specialist. Of course, at 20 years old and already at Double A, the Brewers will give Eveland every opportunity in the world to remain as a starter."

   Kudos for another of those "forgotten" prospects :

" ... The Sacramento River Cats announced ...  first baseman Dan Johnson is their “Most Valuable Player” for the 2004 season ...  Johnson, 25, entered [Sunday's] game batting .303 (152-for-502) with 26 HR and 104 RBI in 133 games. He is among the Pacific Coast League’s leaders with 104 RBI (second), 152 H (third), 90 R (sixth) and 57 XBH (eighth) ...  Selected by the A’s in the seventh round of the 2001 Draft out of the University of Nebraska, Johnson is playing his fourth season in professional baseball." ( Sacramento River Cats)

    Correspondents -- INTERNATIONAL (Herb Walters), EASTERN  (Ralph Marston), SOUTHERN (Ken Savage), TEXAS (Aman Reaka), FLORIDA STATE (Wayne Stevens), CAROLINA (Troy Salvior), MIDWEST (Bob Reed), SOUTH ATLANTIC (Brad Dowdy), NEW YORK-PENN (Chris Carlson), APPALACHIAN (Scott Howes)

    
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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)