PCL1 Nashville Sounds

Former Sounds Scattered Among MLB Playoff Teams

Published on October 4, 2004 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Nashville Sounds News Release


Twelve former members of the Nashville Sounds completed their 2004 seasons as members of the eight playoff teams in Major League Baseball and several of them will continue on to see postseason action with their respective clubs in the coming days

Seven of the eight playoff teams had former Sounds on their final rosters, led by the Los Angeles Dodgers with three.

Here is a breakdown of what former Nashville players will see postseason action in pursuit of a World Series title this fall (years of Sounds service in parentheses):

BOSTON RED SOX (3)

P Bronson Arroyo (1999-2002) – One year after being named Class AAA International League Pitcher of the Year, the right-hander (shown above left) has been a key member of Boston's starting rotation throughout the 2004 campaign. He finished 10-9 with a 4.03 ERA (80er/178.2ip) in 32 games (29 starts) for the BoSox, fanning 142 while walking only 47 batters. Postseason Prognosis: He will start Game Three of the American League Division Series against the Anaheim Angels on Friday evening at Fenway Park.

OF Adam Hyzdu (1999, 2001-03) – Went 3-for-10 in 17 games for the BoSox after a stellar season with Triple-A Pawtucket, where he was tabbed an International League post-season All-Star (.300, 29 HR, 77 RBI in 128G). Postseason Prognosis: Was not on major-league roster on August 31; ineligible for postseason, barring injury need.

C Sandy Martinez (honorable mention) – Broke 2004 spring training as a member of the Sounds and was at Greer Stadium for media day this April; traded to Cleveland prior to Opening Day and went hitless in six at-bats over four ML games split between the Indians and Red Sox. Postseason Prognosis: Unlikely to be added to the Boston postseason roster.

ANAHEIM ANGELS (1)

OF Curtis Pride (2002) – After opening the year in the independent leagues, Pride signed a minor-league deal with the Angels and tore up PCL pitching at a .431 clip in 19 games before receiving a call-up to Anaheim in late July. He has batted .250 (10-for-40) with three RBI in 35 games for the Angels. Postseason Prognosis: Unlikely to be added to the Anaheim postseason roster.

MINNESOTA TWINS (1)

P Matt Guerrier (2002-03) – The two-year Sounds right-hander spent the bulk of the 2004 campaign with Class AAA Rochester (5-10, 3.19 ERA in 24G) but also logged the first big-league time of his pro career during three stints with Minnesota. While he failed to garner his first ML win, he finished 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA (12er/19.0ip) in nine games (two starts). Postseason Prognosis: Unlikely to be added to the Minnesota postseason roster.

NEW YORK YANKEES (1)

INF Enrique Wilson (2000) – Utility player batted .213 (51-for-240) with six home runs and 31 RBI in 93 games. Postseason Prognosis: Will serve as a bench player for New York during the postseason.

ATLANTA BRAVES (0)

The closest playoff team to Music City is the lone playoff club without a former Sounds player on its season-ending roster. Left-hander Sam McConnell, who was Nashville's Opening Day starter in 2001, made his major-league debut as a member of the Braves bullpen this summer before returning to Triple-A Richmond.

HOUSTON ASTROS (1)

C Chris Tremie (1995-96, '99) – Veteran backstop spent entire 2004 season with the New Orleans Zephyrs in the PCL (.241 in 69G) before a September call-up to Houston. His lone appearance for the Astros came on September 21 against San Francisco, when he caught one inning in Houston's 9-2 loss. Postseason Prognosis: Was not on major-league roster on August 31; ineligible for postseason, barring injury need.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (2)

P Mike Lincoln (2001-03) – The right-hander joined the Cardinals in 2004 after spending three seasons in the Pittsburgh organization and opened the year as a member of the St. Louis bullpen. Went 3-2 with a 5.19 ERA (10er/17.1ip) in 13 games before being lost for the season in early May after undergoing arm surgery to repair a torn ligament. Postseason Prognosis: On D.L., will not appear in postseason.

P Al Reyes (2002) – Tabbed as the PCL's top reliever after pacing the circuit with 23 saves despite not joining the circuit until June (spent first two months in Devil Rays system), the right-hander posted solid numbers for the Cardinals, allowing only one run in 12 appearances (0.75 ERA in 12.0 IP), including a pair of spot starts. Postseason Prognosis: Was not on major-league roster on August 31; ineligible for postseason, barring injury need.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS (3)

P Elmer Dessens (1998) – Acquired by Los Angeles from the Diamondbacks via trade in mid-August after clearing waivers, the right-hander has posted a 2-6 record two saves, and a 4.46 ERA (52er/105.0ip) in 50 games (10 starts) this season. Postseason Prognosis: He will likely be a member of the Dodgers bullpen during the postseason.

P Duaner Sanchez (2002-03) – The young fireballer has lived up to expectations of a bright future this summer for the Dodgers. The 24-year-old right-hander has posted a 3-1 record and 3.38 ERA (30er/80.0ip) in 67 relief outings for Los Angeles. Postseason Prognosis: He will be counted upon as a key member of the Los Angeles relief corps in the postseason.

INF Olmedo Saenz (1994-96) – The veteran infielder returned to the diamond after missing 2003 due to injury and batted .279 (31-for-111) with eight homers and 22 RBI in 77 games for the Dodgers. Postseason Prognosis: Will serve as a bench player for Los Angeles during the postseason.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from October 4, 2004


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