Angels Named Top Organization Of The Year
Published on September 17, 2003 under Texas League (TL1)
Arkansas Travelers News Release
Ray Winder Field, Little Rock, AR - The Anaheim Angels have been named the 2003 Minor League Organization of the Year by SportsTicker, the official statistician of Minor League Baseball. Although the big league Angels are suffering through a rough season, their minor leaguers put together some of the finest performances of the 2003 season. With strong prospects playing at every classification, the Angels farm system ranked ninth in organizational winning percentage (.510).
Although no Angels farm teams won a 2003 league championship, nine Angels farmhands were named to their league's post-season all star team, including Travs OF Jake Weber. Many members of the 2003 Travelers received billing as top minor league prospects.
RHP Bobby Jenks and RHP Ervin Santana both put forth dominating seasons on the mound combining to strike out 256 batters in 237.2 innings. Jenks (7-2, 2.17 ERA with Arkansas) also had a streak of 36.2 innings without allowing an earned run, while Santana went 10-2, 2.53 ERA in Class A and was named California League Pitcher of the Year. RHP Kevin Gregg began the season in Arkansas and made his Major League debut in July.
3B Dallas McPherson, C Jeff Mathis and OF Nick Gorneault joined the Travs in July after all star seasons in the Cal League. McPherson compiled the minor leagues' third-highest slugging percentage (.596) and the 15th highest on-base percentage (.410) along with 23 home runs. Mathis, cited as one of the top two catchers in the minor leagues by Baseball America, batted .315 with 13 home runs, 68 RBI and 93 runs scored. Gorneault hit 16 homers and led all Angels minor leaguers with 91 RBI. His 42 doubles and 64 extra-base hits rank in the minors' top six in both categories.
Ex-Travs INF Alfredo Amezaga and INF/OF Chone Figgins enjoyed success at Class AAA before sticking in Anaheim. RHP Derrick Turnbow and RHP Chris Bootcheck also reached the major leagues for September call ups.
Rancho Cucamonga 1B Casey Kotchman (.350 avg, 8 HR, 28 RBI) continues to impress when healthy and will probably start the 2004 season with the Travelers.
Cedar Rapids boasted two Midwest League All Stars in 2B Alberto Callaspo and SS Erick Aybar. Callaspo led the Midwest League with a .327 batting average, 86 runs scored, and 38 doubles. Aybar batted .308 with 30 doubles and 10 triples and both players were rated as the league's top fielders at their positions.
The rookie-level Provo Angels set a Pioneer League record with 54 wins, but lost in the league's championship series. Provo RHP Abel Moreno (10-0, 2.38 ERA) was named Pioneer League Pitcher of the Year before earning a promotion to Class A. OF Warner Madrigal, named the league's Star of Stars based on statistical excellence, hit .369 with a league-best 103 hits and 75 runs.
When the Travelers and Angels began their affiliation for the 2001 season, Baseball America ranked Anaheim's farm system as the weakest among the 30 Major League teams. The Travs and Angels are signed to a player development contract that runs through the 2004 season.
Please call 664-1555 or visit www.travs.com for game information.
Texas League Stories from September 17, 2003
- Where Are Your Favorite RoughRiders Heading? - Frisco RoughRiders
- Angels Named Top Organization Of The Year - Arkansas Travelers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
