IL1 Columbus Clippers

Hot Stove Update

Published on January 29, 2004 under International League (IL1)
Columbus Clippers News Release


It was nice to see so many of you at the Clipper of the Year Party last week. I had a great time! I'm going to miss Fernando. He is going to play for Trey Hillman in Nippon this season.

Well, let me catch you up on what's going on in Clippertown this week.

Homer Bush is official now. Infielder Tyler Houston and outfielder Darren Bragg have agreed to minor league contracts with the New York Yankees.

Houston, 33, hit .278 with two homers and 14 RBIs last year with Philadelphia. He would get a $900,000, one-year contract if he is added to New York's roster. If he isn't added to the roster by April 1 and asks to be released, New York must grant his request. He has played with the Braves, Cubs, Indians, Brewers, Dodgers and Phillies.

Bragg, 34, is a former Clipper and is a ten year major league veteran outfielder. He has played for the Mariners, Red Sox, Cardinals, Rockies, Mets, Yankees and the Braves. Last season with the Atlanta, Bragg hit .241 in 104 games.

The Yankees also signed to a minor league contract eleven year veteran Todd Betts. The southpaw swinging first baseman hit .287 with 15 home runs in 112 games last season in Japan. The year before, he hit .291 with 14 home runs in 121 games with Pawtucket.

Outfielder Mike Kelly has played professional baseball for fourteen years. He hit .296 with 14 home runs and 65 RBI in 100 games with Omaha last season. He has five years of major league experience with the Braves, Reds and Rockies.

A pair of 24 year-old infielders also signed. Jose Cosme played for the Cardinal's Double-A Tennessee last year, hitting 273. He is an eight year veteran. Felix Escalona is also an eight year vet with major league time with Tampa Bay and Baltimore.

The Yankees are looking to sign a few more free agents for the Clippers before spring training.

Now to Drew...

Like everybody else in the country, I have to say, "What was Boone thinking!" Gary Sheffield has volunteered to play third base. Then you throw Houston, Almonte and Henson in the mix. Rumors are that Drew is working out for NFL scouts. He is signed for this year and the Yankees are expecting him in spring training. It will be an interesting spring!

Look for this season's bobblehead lineup to be announced soon.

If you will permit me a personal moment. Next month, I am going in for a radical prostatectomy. I am very lucky they found the cancer early. I will be working from home for six weeks while I recover. I will do my best to keep you updated with all the breaking news.

To cover my cost of the operation, I am going to print 500 copies of my manuscript "Grazing Through Columbus Baseball". It has taken me 40 years to research. It is over 400 pages and includes the statistics of every player who ever played for Columbus from the first game on April 6, 1866 through last year. I have included hundreds of photos, many rare and never before published. The manuscript also has numerous funny and amazing Columbus baseball antidotes.

If you would like to purchase a copy. Please send a check or money order for $40.00 to:

Joe Santry
5634 Bonaventure Dr.
Columbus, Ohio 43228

Please include the name and address you would like me to send your book. I will send them out by April 1st. Just in time for the season. Thanks.

Stay warm!

Joe
Historian
The Columbus Clippers

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International League Stories from January 29, 2004


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