IL1 International League

IL News & Notes

Published on May 1, 2003 under International League (IL1) News Release


BUFFALO BISONS

SALUTE TO THE ARMED FORCES: The Buffalo Bisons will host an Armed Forces Day at Dunn Tire Park on Sunday, May 4th before the Bisons-Louisville Bats 2:05 PM game. The pre-game ceremonies are scheduled to include a pre-game parade, a military presentation on the field, a sky-diving demonstration and a flyover by 3 F-14 Tom Cats. This will be the second time the Herd has honored the United States Armed Forces. On Opening Day the Bisons also showed their support for the Armed Forces by collecting personal items for the troops battling in Iraq.

HOME, SWEET HOME: The Buffalo Bisons almost completed a clean sweep at Dunn Tire Park in the month of April. The Herd dropped a 5-4 decision to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons on April 27th for their first home loss of the month. The Bisons trailed 5-1 in the bottom of the ninth. They rallied to make the score 5-4, but they couldn't complete the comeback. It would have been the first time in Dunn Tire Park history that the Bisons would have had an undefeated April

STRONG PITCHING KEYS STRONG START: The Buffalo Bisons are currently atop the International League's North Division and their start has been keyed by strong pitching. The Herd currently leads the IL with the lowest team ERA (3.10). They have allowed the fewest hits in the IL (174) and are tied for the fewest HRs allowed (10).

CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME: The Knights have really enjoyed playing in the cozy confines of Knights Stadium this year, compiling a 13-2 record thus far. Charlotte has won nine straight games at home, helping them to a 15-8 record, good for first place in the IL South Division. The Knights have hit 33 percentage points higher at home, batting at a .296 clip compared to .263 on the road (where the Knights are 2-6). The smaller dimensions of the park have helped the Knights hit 20 home runs at home compared to only 3 on the road, but they haven't affected the pitching staff in a negative manner, as the ERA at home is 3.73 compared to 4.13 away from Knights Stadium. The Knights are set to play their next eight games at home against the Rochester Red Wings and the Syracuse SkyChiefs.

STEPPIN UP TO THE MIKE: Mike Porzio, a 30-year-old left-hander from Norwalk, Connecticut, has been Charlotte's most effective starter this year, compiling a 4-0 record with a 1.55 ERA in five starts. Porzio's ERA is good for fourth in the league, and he is tied for the League lead in wins with teammate Brian Cooper. He also leads the Knights with 24 strikeouts. Porzio could have won his fifth game of the year Tuesday night against Durham, as he did not allow a run in seven innings of work, striking out six and walking one. A product of Villanova University, Porzio has appeared in 48 games in the major leagues, going 2-2 with a 5.77 ERA.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES: Charlotte is off to its best ever start as a Chicago White Sox affiliate, going 15-8 (.652) and one game up on second place Norfolk in the IL South Division. Through 23 games last year, the Knights were 7-16 (.304), and the best ever start after 23 games for any season was 11-12 (accomplished in 1999 and 2001). The Knights are currently second in the League in batting average (.284) and third in the League in home runs hit (23). The Knights' pitching staff leads in wins (15) and saves (11), thanks in part to Edwin Almonte's League leading 9 saves in 10 chances. Willie Harris leads the League in hitting with a .410 average and is tied for fourth in home runs (5), and Cliff Brumbaugh is fourth in the League in hitting (.384) and home runs (5). Infielder Tim Hummel has also helped the Knights to their great start, reaching base in all 20 of his starts this season.

COLUMBUS CLIPPERS

PITCHING HELP: The Clippers picked up two pitchers from the Yankees this week, as Jose Contreras and Jason Anderson joined the team. Contreras defected from Cuba last October, after posting a 117-50 record with a 2.82 ERA in seven years in Cuban League play. In his Clippers' debut in Toledo on Tuesday, Jose struck out 8 in five innings, allowing just three hits and no walks. Anderson appeared in 7 games out of the pen with the Yankees in April. Jason was 5-1 with a 3.15 ERA as the Clippers' closer last season.

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END: Juan Rivera's hitting streak ended at 19 games at Toledo on April 28. Rivera was 0-2 and was walked twice in the game. The Clippers' franchise record is a 24-game hitting streak by Brian Raabe in 1999.

DREW DRAFTED: The Houston Texans selected former Michigan quarterback and current Clippers' third baseman Drew Henson in the 6th round (192nd overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.

"It's an honor and it's nice that an organization would still think that after being away for a couple of years that I could still help them. But right now I haven't even looked at it as a career opportunity, and being that I'm in the middle of a baseball season right now, this really isn't the time to address all of that." Henson said. "This (baseball) is what I chose to do as my professional career, and my goal is still to get to the big leagues, and help whatever organization I'm with win. Things haven't changed, and right now I'm just trying to finish up April, get into May, and not look to far down the line." Drew continued.

SPECIAL THANKS: The Clippers got a nice letter from the 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard stationed at Rickenbacker ANGB (IAP). They are currently deployed to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom. They fly the KC-135R "Stratotanker" and perform aerial refueling support to all fighter and bomber jets in the area.

Along with the letter was a picture of the squad holding a huge banner with thousands of well wishes from Clippers' fans. The airmen were decked out in their flight gear and were wearing Clippers' caps in front of the Stratotanker. The banner was signed by Columbus fans during the opening homestand and was sent to the Middle East. The troops were also holding a large American flag. They will present Old Glory to the Clippers' fans upon their returns. "We can't thank you enough for your support," wrote Captain Joseph P. Sontino, USAF.

DURHAM BULLS

NO PLACE LIKE HOME: When last seen at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the Bulls were finishing a 5-1 home stand in which they outscored their opponents 48-15. The club sported a record of 10-7 and stood second in the IL's South Division, one game behind Charlotte. 11 days and one tough road trip later, the Bulls find themselves in the basement of the division, five games behind the Knights. A nine-game road trip that was later shortened to eight games due to rain in Norfolk saw the Bulls manage just one win. First-place Charlotte swept a pair of two-game series from the Bulls at Knights Stadium, winning the four games by a combined five runs. The Bulls lost three games on the trip in which they held the lead in the last two innings. Thankfully, the Bulls play 18 home games in the month of May.

STARS OF APRIL: With one month of the season complete, several Bulls' players have produced solid numbers. Scott Neuberger, who spent the last three seasons in Double-A Orlando, was expected to be no more than a back-up outfielder but, due to injuries and George Lombard's promotion to Tampa Bay has become the team's regular right fielder. He has taken advantage of the opportunity, hitting .305 with two home runs. Catcher Jorge Fabregas led the club with a .348 average. Lead-off man Jason Tyner also hit .348 with a .402 on-base percentage and an IL leading four triples. Shortstop Jason Smith hit .330 with three home runs and led the club with a .545 slugging percentage. Carlos Reyes has emerged as the staff ace. In five April starts, he went 2-1 with a 1.38 ERA and no walks in 26 innings. Lee Gardner became the Bulls' all-time saves leader on April 7 and has five saves on the season, giving him 37 in a Bulls' uniform. Todd Williams did not allow a run in April. The veteran right-hander pitched 12 1/3 scoreless innings as the Bulls' primary set-up man.

TRIPLE-A WORLD SERIES?: The Minnesota Twins' affiliate, the Rochester Red Wings, come to Durham for four games from May 5-8. Last season, while the Bulls were capturing the International League crown, the Twins' Triple-A affiliate, the Edmonton Trappers, won the Pacific Coast League title. A season later, all of the names might not be the same, and Rochester is a long way from Edmonton, but the two defending Triple-A championship organizations will square off. Bulls' 2B Jay Canizaro played for Edmonton last season. He hit .321 (9-for-28) with three home runs and eight RBI in the post-season.

INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS

SHORTHANDED: The Indians travel to Richmond today to begin an eight-game road trip with just 19 players on the roster. On Monday, pitcher Jamey Wright asked for his release while the Brewers called up pitcher Leo Estrella. On Wednesday, the Brewers came calling again, this time for pitcher Brooks Kieschnick. Additionally, Wednesday marked the final game for pitcher Mark Guerra and infielder Lee Stevens who both decided to retire. All eight games on the trip are against National League opponents meaning the pitchers will have to hit for themselves, and double-switches are likely. The Indians have just eight pitchers on the roster and three players on the bench. No word yet on any replacements headed the Tribe's way.

SMITH'S BAT STAYS HOT: Mark Smith continues to swing the Tribe's hottest bat. Smith was 2-for-4 Wednesday and has hit safely in 15 of his last 17 games (.361, 22-for-61). He leads the team with 11 RBI and six multi-hit games.

LOUISVILLE BATS

CRUZIN' ALONG: IF/OF Jacob Cruz has been on fire for the month of April leading the team in six categories: batting average (.375), home runs (5), RBI (22), slugging pct. (.653), and is tied for the team lead in runs (26) and walks (9) with IF/OF Felipe Crespo. He also ranks in the top 10 in the League in RBI (2nd), runs and HR (T-4th), slugging pct. (5th) and batting average (.8th).

BRANDON'S BACK: Third baseman Brandon Larson is back with the Bats after starting the season with Cincinnati. While struggling with the big club, Larson is finding his stroke again while in Triple-A. The Reds' 2002 Minor League Player of the Year is hitting .321 with two home runs and six RBI in only seven games. The 2002 Triple-A All-Star currently has a three-game hitting streak (4/27-4/30), batting .538 with two HR and five RBI. Larson moved into a tie with Jim Adduci and Ozzie Canseco for most two home run games in a career with five.

EDUCATION DAY #2: The Bats will host their second round of school kids at Slugger Field on May 6 at 11:15 a.m. The first Education Day of the season saw a crowd of 11,257. Children K-12 are invited from area Kentucky and Southern Indiana schools to participate in a fun day away from the classroom. The third and final Education Day will be May 12 at 11:15 a.m.

NORFOLK TIDES

STARTERS SAVING THE DAY?: Pat Strange missed his scheduled start when he was recalled last Thursday. He did not throw a pitch in New York and was optioned back the next day. Since the Tides were rained out Thursday and Friday, he was not scheduled to start until later this week. So in order to get some work, Strange came in the game Sunday in the 7th inning of the first game of a doubleheader. He picked up the save to become the second Tides' "starter" to earn a save this season. Jeremy Griffiths earned a save in the first game of a doubleheader on April 12th against Toledo.

COMEBACK KIDS STRIKE AGAIN...AND AGAIN: The 2003 Tides refuse to give up this season. They have come from behind in 7 of their 14 wins so far this year. Last Thursday's rebound from a 5-run deficit is the biggest comeback the Tides have made this season. Lyle Mouton's walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning was the first one since Mark Johnson did it on July 18th last year. Sunday's late inning heroics at the hands of Lyle Mouton (3-run homer in the bottom of the 6th) and Prentice Redman (RBI single in the bottom of the 11th) shows that the Tides are not to be counted out.

SIT DOWN IN YOUR SEAT: The Tides (15) and the Braves (14) pitchers combined to strike out 29 batters in the game on Tuesday evening. Braves' starter Andy Pratt led the way with 10 while Tides' starter Aaron Heilman recorded 7. In the two-game series on Monday and Tuesday the pitchers combined for 50 strikeout in 21 innings.

OTTAWA LYNX

LEAGUE LEADING LYNX: With their recent offensive success, many Lynx names are among the IL leaders. The Lynx team leads the IL in hitting (.289), hits (243), walks (93), and are second in runs (124). Carlos Mendez, fresh off a four-hit day, leads the IL in hits, with 36, doubles (9), and is second in extra-base hits (13). Leadoff man Brian Roberts is 4th in the IL in steals (9), and is second in runs scored (18). On the pitching side, reliever Mike Garcia is second in the IL in saves (6), while Travis Driskill (31.0) and Eric DuBose (30.0) are third, and fifth in the league in innings pitched. The suddenly hot Sean Douglass is third in the IL in walks with 14.

SIMPLY OFFENSIVE: The Lynx offence, simply stated, went crazy yesterday. The Cats belted out a franchise-record 24 hits en route to a 15-5 victory over Syracuse. An amazing 8 players had multi-hit games, including 4-hit efforts by Carlos Mendez and Luis Matos, and 3-hit days for Robert Machado and Joey Hammond. The Lynx set season highs in numerous categories, including: hits game (24), extra-base hits (8), home runs (3), runs (15), and runs in an inning (8). NEW KIDS IN TOWN: This Saturday, the Lynx are having "Kids Run the Park Day" at Lynx Stadium. 14 lucky grade 7 and 8 children will get to spend the day with various members of the Lynx staff, learning what happens behind the scenes of a Triple-A sports franchise. The children report for duty at 9:30 a.m. before the Lynx 1:05 p.m. game against the Toledo Mud Hens. UMPIRES ARE PEOPLE TOO: Sunday is Umpire Appreciation Day at Lynx Stadium. No, it's not a blatant attempt to curry the favor of the men in blue, but a chance for local umpires to participate in a clinic hosted by IL umps Darren Spagnardi, Bob Bainter and Dan Cricks. A group of around 100 local umpires will be in attendance. Certified umpires can purchase a ticket (which covers a game ticket and the clinic) for only $5.

PAWTUCKET RED SOX

NO COVER JINX HERE: It is every PR person's nightmare (one of many???) - choosing who to put on the cover of your team's publications. And then having that player traded, released, etc. The PawSox had RHP Josh Hancock among a trio of players selected to grace the cover of their 2003 Media Guide. Upon approval of that cover in December, Hancock was immediately traded to Philadelphia. Through the magic of computers, Hancock disappeared from the Red Sox organization and the PawSox Media Guide. That left pitcher Chris Elmore and infielder Freddy Sanchez as our cover boys. Sanchez, who was also chosen to pose solo for the popular PawSox Schedule Poster that is such a big hit with fans, has proven to be a most worthy choice. The publicity has certainly proven to be deserved. Through the first month of the season, the 24 year-old California native was 2nd in the International League in batting (.402 in 22 games) with 7 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, and 4 SB. Heading into play on Thursday (May 1) he led the League in hits (33), runs scored (24), and on-base pct. (.495) while splitting time at both shortstop and second base. Freddy, who made his Major League debut with Boston last September, led the entire Red Sox Minor League system in batting during each of the last two years hitting .334 between Single-A and Double-A in 2001 and .318 combined between Double-A and Triple-A in 2002.

WHO WANTS THE NEXT NO-NO: Last week in this space we proudly proclaimed that PawSox radio broadcaster Dave Flemming was about to spend the weekend of April 26 & 27 in Philadelphia as part of the San Francisco Giants radio broadcast team as a fill-in for nationally-renowned Jon Miller (of ESPN). Flemming, just 26-years-old, did indeed become the youngest broadcaster in the Major Leagues when he made his big league debut on April 26 during a 10-2 Phillies' win. But that was nothing compared to what would happen the very next day. Dave was behind the microphone for Kevin Millwood's no-hitter at Veterans Stadium on April 27 as the Phillies ace blanked the Giants, 1-0 before over 40,000 delirious fans. The historic no-hitter came at the expense of Dave's adopted Major League club, but needless to say it was quite a thrill for the third-year PawSox voice who witnessed his first no-hitter in person – from a Major League Press Box no less. And it reminded us of another PawSox radio broadcaster who had the great fortunate of calling a no-hitter in one of his first big league games. Don Orsillo, PawSox radio man from 1996-2000, took over as Boston Red Sox TV voice for the 2001 season. Orsillo's first broadcast on NESN was dramatic to say the least as Hideo Nomo of the visiting Red Sox no-hit the Baltimore Orioles on April 4, 2001.

PAW-PRINTS: The Pawtucket Red Sox – who posted their first winning month since August of 2000 when they finished 13-9 this April (their best April since 1997) – snapped their streak of 10 straight losing full months with their strong beginning to 2003. Last year after 22 games the PawSox were 7-15, so they have bettered that mark by 6-games to this point this season. The Sox have posted their fine start by winning 7 of 10 and 12 of their last 17 games. Currently at 13-9 on the season the PawSox are a season-high 4-games over .500 marking the first time they have reached that level since they ended the 2000 season with an 82-61 record. The PawSox have raced to a 9-4 road record (best in the league) - that is their best start on the road since the 1994 season when they went 11-2 to begin their road schedule. Individual stars in April included: INF Freddy Sanchez (.402), OF Lou Collier (.389 with league-leading 24 RBI), OF/1B Andy Abad (.377), 1B Julio Zuleta (20 RBI – 2nd in the IL), OF Adrian Brown (11 SB), RHP Bronson Arroyo (3-0, 3.18), RHP Ryan Rupe (2-1, 1.86), and closer Hector Almonte (2-0, 2.77 with 2 SV).

RICHMOND BRAVES

LUCKY 13: Richmond's pitching staff has limited opponents to three runs or less in 11 of the last 13 games, going 9-4 with a 2.12 ERA (110.3 IP, 83H, 29R, 26 ER, 38 BB, 101K). During that stretch, Braves' hurlers have tossed two shutouts and have lowered their team ERA from 5.02 to 3.49. Richmond enters tonight's meeting with Indianapolis with a team ERA of 3.49 which ranks 3rd in the International League.

MAKING WHOOPIE: The Richmond Braves will attempt to enter the record books Friday when mascot Reggy visits The Diamond during the Braves' game with the Indianapolis Indians. The Braves will hand out whoopie cushions to fans in attendance for usage during the seventh inning stretch. Led by Reggy, all fans will be encouraged to sit on their whoopie cushion simultaneously to create the world's largest and loudest "noise."

LATE IN THE EVENING: The Braves are 3-0 in extra inning games this season.

ROCHESTER RED WINGS

DOUBLE, DOUBLE, DOUBLE, DOUBLE, DOUBLE, DOUBLE PLAAAAY! The Red Wings' defense has turned at least one double play in 10 consecutive games. In those 10 games, the Wings have turned 18 double plays. Overall the Wings have turned 25 double plays while only hitting into 15 in the first 24 games of the season.

MORNEAU IS ADDED TO THE ROSTER: Minnesota Twins #2 prospect first baseman Justin Morneau was promoted to Rochester from New Britain Wednesday morning. Morneau takes the roster spot of first baseman Todd Sears who was promoted to the Minnesota Twins Tuesday. Morneau was batting .329 with a team-high six home runs and 13 RBI in 20 games in Double-A.

RESTOVICH NAMED TWINS MINOR LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Outfielder Michael Restovich was named the Twins' Minor League Player of the Week for the week ending April 26. Restovich was 10-for-23 (.435) for the week, with four doubles, a triple, two home runs, 10 RBI and 10 runs scored in eight games. Restovich had reached base in 18 straight games until an 0-for-4 day Sunday.

SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE RED BARONS

MAGEE OPTS FOR FREE AGENCY: When Wendell Magee was acquired from the Cleveland Indians at the end of spring training for Mike Fyhrie, he was given a May 1 opt out clause by the Phillies. If he wasn't in the big leagues by May 1 he could become a free agent. After hitting .333 with 1 HR and 12 RBI in 25 games and no promotion to the big leagues, he decided to exercise his option and test the free agent market. There is no word if he has another offer.

PUNTO BACK: Nick Punto will be rejoining the club today after spending the 1st month of the season in the big leagues with the Phillies. The speedy shortstop saw limited duty with the parent club going 1-12. His lone hit was a pinch single in his 1st at-bat April 3 vs. Florida. He is the reigning IL All-Star shortstop and all-time steal leader for the Red Barons with 55.

SYRACUSE SKYCHIEFS

HIT PARADE: The 24 hits allowed by SkyChiefs' pitchers to Ottawa Wednesday were a P&C Stadium record. The previous record of 22 hits allowed was set on August 10, 1997 in a 19-3 loss to Scranton/WB.

ANYONE WANT TO PITCH?: OF Mike Colangelo finished off Wednesday's game on the mound for Syracuse, allowing 2 hits and no runs in the 9th inning of a 15-5 loss. Colangelo allowed singles to the first two batters of the inning before inducing Mike Seestedt to ground into a double play. After hitting Pedro Swann, Colangelo then struck out Joey Hammond to end the inning. Colangelo's appearance marked the second time in a week that a position player had pitched in a game. INF Glenn Williams retired the only batter he faced to close out the second game of a doubleheader on April 24 vs. Rochester.

QUIET BATS: OF Reed Johnson is the only Syracuse player batting above .300 this season. Johnson is currently batting .320, but is hitless in his last three games after having his modest 7-game hitting streak snapped on Monday.

OUCH: Johnson has been hit by pitch four times already this season. Johnson was also plunked twice in his first major league start in Boston April 20. In 2000, Johnson led all of Class A with 25 hit by pitches.

BOWLING ‘EM OVER: Closer Brian Bowles has made the most of his opportunities this season. Bowles has converted 6 of his 7 save chances and has allowed only 1 earned run in 14 1/3 innings pitched (0.63 ERA). Last season, Bowles didn't record his 6th save until June 3, his 31st game of the year.

TOLEDO MUD HENS

THE MATERIAL BIRD MAKES DEBUT: The Toledo Mud Hens introduced a new mascot on Tuesday, April 29 in a game versus the Columbus Clippers. Mudonna came out and entertained the kids at the School Day Celebration along with Muddy the Mud Hen. They performed YMCA to the delight of the 10,300 in attendance. The female mascot will now be a staple at all Toledo home games at Fifth Third Field.

SCHOOL DAY SUCCESS: The first of three School Day Celebrations was a great success (except for the final score). A sold-out crowd of 10,300 school kids cheered as loud as they could on a perfect 70 degree sunshine filled day, but Columbus beat the Hens 7-1. The Hens will hold two more 10:30 AM games on May 13 and 14 at Fifth Third Field. Both games are already sold-out. Kids entering the game on Tuesday received a folder, compliments of Owens-Illinois.

TORRES HEADED NORTH ON I-75: The Detroit Tigers didn't overhaul their lineup on the heels of manager Alan Trammell's visit to Triple-A Toledo on Monday, but they certainly made a tweak. Add Andres Torres, subtract Craig Paquette. The speedy Torres earned the call Tuesday after his three-hit game Monday raised his average to .350 and his on-base percentage to .422. The veteran Paquette, hitting .152 this year after batting .194 in 2001, was given his unconditional release. Torres had 13 stolen bases with Toledo and was summoned to Detroit just minutes before the scheduled 10:30 AM start versus Columbus on Tuesday.

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International League Stories from May 1, 2003


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.


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