IL News & Notes

Published on May 8, 2003 under International League (IL1) News Release

BUFFALO BISONS

PHILLIPS HONORED FOR APRIL: Jason Phillips was awarded the Buffalo Bisons-CSC Player of the Month Award for the month of April. Phillips was 4-0 with a 1.50 ERA for the Herd in the opening month. Phillips was chosen as the honoree through a poll of fans at the official web site of the Herd, Bisons.com. The Bisons Player of the Month Award is presented by CSC (Computer Science Corporation).

STRIKE OUT STROKE DAY AT DUNN TIRE PARK: The American Heart Association and the Buffalo Bisons teamed up to present Strike Out Stroke Day at Dunn Tire Park on Thursday, May 8th, 2003. The event featured free stroke screenings from Univera Health Care and a proclamation from the Erie County Medical Director, John R. Fudyma, MD. Michael Campbell, a stroke survivor threw out a ceremonial pitch before the Bisons-Toledo Mud Hens 1:05 PM game.

BISONS AMONG LEAGUE LEADERS: The Buffalo Bisons currently have several players among the IL leaders. Coco Crisp is tied for the league lead in triples (4) and he is fourth in on-base percentage (.437). Jason Stanford is third in the league in ERA (1.86), Jason Phillips leads the league in wins (5) and Brian Tallet leads the IL in strikeouts (36). Tallet is also second in the IL with 40.2 IP.

CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS

HOME SWEET HOME: The Knights recently finished a stretch in which they won ten consecutive games at home, setting a franchise Triple-A record. The Knights defeated Louisville 3-0 on April 16th, and did not lose a game at Knights Stadium until dropping a 16-6 decision to Rochester on May 2nd. The ten game home winning streak surpassed a seven game record set by the Knights during the 1995 season.

SOX PROMOTE HOT HITTING HARRIS: The Chicago White Sox optioned outfielder Aaron Rowand to Charlotte and promoted infielder/outfielder Willie Harris on Friday, May 2nd. Harris, 24, hit .420 (34-81) with five home runs and 12 RBI in 23 games for the Knights. The left-handed hitter led the IL in average and ranked among the league leaders in on-base percentage (2nd, .483), runs scored (T-2nd, 20), hits (3rd), slugging percentage (4th, .691), HR (T-4th) and extra-base hits (T-5th, 11) at the time of his promotion. Rowand joined the Knights after hitting .133 with 2 RBI in 23 games with the Sox, and is hitting .263 with 4 doubles in 5 games with the Knights thus far.

PLENTY OF KNIGHTLY TRANSACTIONS AT THE CASTLE: The Chicago White Sox have recalled Dan Wright from Charlotte, and optioned left-handed pitcher Josh Stewart from the parent club. With the addition of Stewart, relief pitcher Tetsu Yofu has been sent down to Double-A Birmingham.

Wright, who was in Charlotte on a major league rehab assignment, was 0-2 with a 3.38 ERA in four games started for the Knights. He led the White Sox in strikeouts (136) and finished second in wins (14) and IP (196.1) in 2002. The 25-year-old from Batesville, Arkansas held opponents to a .215 batting average in his time in Triple-A. Stewart, a 24-year-old lefty from Ledbetter, Kentucky, began the season with the Chicago White Sox, going 1-2 with a 5.96 ERA. He made five starts with the parent club, earning his first major league victory in an April 19th win over the Cleveland Indians. Stewart spent all of 2002 with the Double-A Birmingham Barons. Yofu made only two appearances in Charlotte after being promoted from Birmingham on April 24. The Fujisaw, Japan native struck out three in 3.1 innings of work.

COLUMBUS CLIPPERS

CUBAN COMET: Jose Contreras (1-0, 1.80) has struck out eight batters and pitched five innings in both of his starts this season. He is scheduled to start Friday in Rochester. Contreras, who signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the New York Yankees after defecting from Cuba, was optioned to Columbus on April 19.

CATCHING FIRE: The Clippers were off to their worst start in history before the team won five of six games vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Ottawa. Jorge DePaula threw the Clippers' first complete game shutout of the season Monday in Ottawa. The bats of Juan Rivera, Bobby Smith, Marcus Thames and Drew Henson heated up to carry the Clippers on their run. Shortstop Smith leads the club with 19 RBI.

HOG HEAVEN: Cooper Stadium was invaded by over 800 bikers May 4th for the game vs. the Red Barons. Motorcyclists from all over Ohio met in Columbus before touring the Statehouse, OSU and The Coop.

DURHAM BULLS

AMERICAN IDOL FINALIST TO PERFORM AT THE DBAP: Raleigh, NC native Clay Aiken returns home to sing the National Anthem and hold an autograph session this Thursday, May 8 at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Clay has been lifted into the national spotlight through the FOX TV hit American Idol. In addition to Clay, the May 8th game also marks the return of Reggy. The popular mascot will entertain fans between innings. Also, in conjunction with the Professional Bull Riders event in Raleigh, live bulls will be on the concourse in the DBAP's Diamond View section. Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman will be available to sign autographs. Hedeman was portrayed by Stephen Baldwin in the 1994 movie, 8 Seconds.

STAFF ACE: Carlos Reyes continues to baffle IL hitters through his first seven starts. The 34-year old right-hander is 4-1 with a league leading 0.92 ERA. Through 39 innings, Reyes has allowed just 24 hits and walked only one batter while fanning 25.

THE MIGHTY QUINN: Wednesday, May 7 marked the Durham debut of OF Mark Quinn. The former Kansas City Royals' slugger was signed to a minor league contract by the Devil Rays on the 6th and assigned to Durham. Quinn made a big splash in his big league debut on September 14, 1999 when he belted two home runs. In his full rookie season in 2000, he placed third in the AL Rookie of the Year balloting after leading all AL rookies in batting (.294), home runs (20), on-base percentage (.342) and slugging (.488). Quinn was released by the Royals in Spring Training this season and was signed by the San Diego Padres. He was assigned to the Padres' Triple-A affiliate in Portland. He was released by the Padres on April 23. In his first game for the Bulls, Quinn went 1-for-4 with a triple and a run scored in a 4-3 loss in 11 innings.

INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS

TRIBE LUMBER HEATS UP: After hitting a league-low .215 as a team in the month of April, the Indians have been swinging the bats better the first seven days of May. As a team, the Tribe is hitting at a .288 clip in the new month with six individuals batting better than .300. Keith Luuloa leads the squad with a .462 mark in the month. Bill Hall is hitting .393 and leads the team with 11 hits and seven runs. Jason Conti is batting .360 with a team-high two homers. Pete Zoccolillo is at .318 in May. He has a five-game hitting streak. Mark Smith paces the team with a nine-game hitting streak, and is hitting .316 for the month. Wilton Veras has posted a .308 mark in May.

‘KOLB' AS ICE: Opponents are hitting a frigid .175 against Tribe reliever Dan Kolb. Kolb has recorded a 0.54 ERA in 12 games allowing one earned run in 16.2 innings. Kolb has worked two innings in each of his last four appearances recording 13 strikeouts in the eight innings.

INDIANS ADD FIVE TELECASTS: The Indians are adding five telecasts, including three road games, to the broadcast schedule. This Friday's contest against Buffalo is the first game added to the now 12-game schedule. Other additions include June 3 at Toledo, June 6 vs. Toledo, August 6 at Toledo and August 21 at Columbus. All games can be seen in central Indiana on WHMB-TV 40.

‘DAD OF THE YEAR' CONTEST: The Indians are taking entries for the "Dad of the Year". Winning entrants will get tickets to the Tribe's game against Scranton/WB on Father's Day June 15. The selected fathers and sons will also be allowed to play catch on the field before the game. The grand prize winner will get an additional prize package as well as the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial pitch before the game.

LOUISVILLE BATS

BATS HITTER & PITCHER OF THE MONTH: OF Jacob Cruz and RHP Scott Randall are the Bats' Hitter and Pitcher of the Month for April. Currently, Cruz has a 13-game hitting streak dating back to April 22. During this time, he is batting .442 (23-52) with 16 RBI, 13 runs scored and five home runs. Cruz's .396 average and 26 RBI rank 2nd in the league and his 38 hits are T-4th in the IL. Randall is 3-0 with a 3.13 ERA in six games (3 starts). He has not lost a game since August 24, 2001 while with Colorado Springs in the Pacific Coast League. Through 23.0 innings this season, the 27-year-old has walked two while striking out 16.

BRANDON'S BOMBS TIE MARK: The career home run total of 46, set by Kevin Barker in 1997-98, has been tied this season by IF Brandon Larson. He has hit five dingers in 14 games so far, T-2nd on the team with OF Emil Brown. Larson is batting .333 with 11 RBI and 15 runs scored.

EDUCATION DAYS: The second of three Education Day games occurred on Monday, May 6 with approximately 3,200 local school-age kids watching the Bats' victory. The final Education Day game of the season is Monday, May 12 with 6,800 kids expected to watch the final game of the homestand.

SCOUTS NIGHT: Because of the Bats' rain-out on April 25, the Boy Scouts rescheduled their parade and camp-out for Friday, May 9. Head Groundskeeper Tom Nielsen has generously allowed 800 Boy Scouts to sleep in the Slugger Field outfield after watching movies on the video board. The Girl Scouts will have the same pre-game parade and camp-out on Saturday, May 10, with 500 campers sleeping in the outfield.

PLAY CATCH WITH MOM: In honor of Mother's Day on Sunday, May 11, the Bats are inviting all Moms and their kids to play catch on the field after the game. All women will also receive a free carnation when they come through the gates.

NORFOLK TIDES

VIDEO STREAMING: Along with Infinity Pro Sports, the Tides are now online with audio and video streaming. All games will be broadcast on the internet at norfolktides.com and home games will be online via video for $4.95 per game. The audio streaming is free.

AFTERNOON DELIGHT: The Tides are 6-3 so far this year in day games. Thursday is also the only day of the week that the Tides are undefeated this season. The Tides' last Business Special (4/24) was capped off by a 10th inning walk-off home run by Lyle Mouton. It was also the largest crowd (9,223) that Harbor Park has seen so far this season.

THE LYNX ARE COMING, THE LYNX ARE COMING: Ottawa comes to town tomorrow to start a 4-game series. If all goes well, it will be the first Friday game that the Tides play at home this season. Norfolk was rained out April 11th and 25th. Ottawa is the new Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Even more fitting for Jim Palmer (an ex-Oriole) to be making an appearance tomorrow with the Nexium "Pitching in for Community Health" Night at Harbor Park.

OTTAWA LYNX

500 REASONS TO GET HOT: The Lynx recent hot streak of 10 wins in 13 games brought them back to .500 on May 3rd, for the first time since April 13th. The Lynx went through the month of April without a postponement in Ottawa due to weather, the first time that has happened since the 1999 season.

MENDEZ MANIA: Carlos Mendez was named IL Batter-of-the-Week for this past week. Mendez, who hit .324 in Triple-A Sacramento (Oakland) last year, leads the Lynx in many offensive categories including hits (45), doubles (10), homers (3), RBI (25), and batting average (.349). Mendez 45 hits and 10 doubles also lead the IL.

ROSTER SHUFFLE: The Lynx roster has changed quite often this week, as the Lynx made 10 different transactions. Gone to Baltimore include RHP Travis Driskill and C Robert Machado, while LHP Eric DuBose went to Baltimore to make one start before being returned to Ottawa. New to the organization, RHP Jason Rakers was acquired from Cleveland on May 4th for a player-to-be-named later.

MEN WITH BROOMS: The Lynx 4-game sweep of Toledo in Ottawa this week was the first time in four years that the Lynx swept a four-game series at home. The last time the Lynx pulled such a feat was in June of 1999, when the Lynx took four games from those same Toledo Mud Hens.

PAWTUCKET RED SOX

A GAME FOR THE AGES: On a picture-perfect Saturday afternoon (May 3) at McCoy Stadium, the Norfolk Tides and the host Pawtucket Red Sox reminded all fans in attendance, as well as media and staff members on hand, why the game of baseball is simply the best. The game on May 3 was an instant classic, played at a crisp pace, as the teams matched zeros through the middle innings. PawSox starter Chris Elmore lasted five scoreless innings before departing. At about that time, fans began to notice that Norfolk starter Jeremy Griffiths had a perfect game going as the contest headed into the late innings. Griffiths, who had just returned to the team after attending his grandmother's funeral, maintained his perfect game through 8-innings. The only problem was the game was still scoreless going into the 9th. The Tides were set down in the top of the 9th setting the scene for the dramatic bottom of the 9th-inning. Griffiths retired the lead-off batter to make it 25 up and 25 down for 8.1 perfect innings. However, the next batter, PawSox catcher Bill Haselman, fought off a two-strike pitch to flare a single into centerfield to break up both the no-hitter and perfect game. After a standing ovation from the PawSox faithful, attention was now focused on the outcome of the game. After the second out and a key passed ball that moved Haselman to second base, Adrian Brown delivered the game's only run with a single up the middle to give the PawSox an amazing, 1-0 victory.

"I've managed ball in the States for 16 years," said PawSox manager Buddy Bailey after the thriller was over, "and today was a classic. The fans in attendance will remember that one for a long, long time."

MR. CONSISTENCY: PawSox RHP Bronson Arroyo, who has been outstanding thus far going 4-0 with a 2.60 ERA in his 6 starts, has incredibly posted the exact same pitching line in back-to-back starts on the current homestand. On May 1 vs. Norfolk, Arroyo went 6-innings and left with a 2-1 lead – 6/7/1/1/1/8. Unfortunately, the PawSox eventually lost that game, 7-2. Then, on May 6 vs. Richmond, Bronson again turned in a fine 6-inning effort with the same exact numbers as five days earlier – 6/7/1/1/1/8. Once again he left with a 2-1 lead but this time the Sox bullpen did the job in saving a 4-1 victory. The 26-year-old former Pittsburgh Pirate has teamed with fellow RHP Ryan Rupe (3-1, 2.05) to give the PawSox two aces in the rotation who are a combined 7-1 in 10 starts on the year. And they are one of the many reasons that Pawtucket has won 16 of their last 24 games and at 17-12 overall are 6-games better than they were after 29 games last year. VETERAN HELP FOR BOSTON: The PawSox added veteran reliever Rudy Seanez to their roster today. Seanez was signed by the Red Sox as a free agent after being released by Texas. Seanez, 34, has appeared in 275 major league games (all in relief) going 17-16 with a 4.49 ERA. The California native has pitched in the big leagues with Cleveland, San Diego (on two different occasions), Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Texas. His best seasons came in back-to-back years with Atlanta in 1998 (4-1, 2.75 with 2 SV in 34 RA) and in 1999 with the Braves (6-1, 3.35 with 3 SV in 56 RA). Rudy appeared in 33 games in relief for Texas last season going 1-3 with a 5.73 ERA (he did have 40 SO in 33 IP). However, he spent three months on the disabled list with shoulder and back problems. Reliever Robert Person joined the PawSox on April 29 in the continuation of his rehab assignment that began with Single-A Sarasota. Person has made three relief appearances on this current PawSox homestand. Last Friday night (May 2) he finished off the Sox 9-3 win over Norfolk – 1/0/0/0/1/1. On Sunday afternoon he worked the 8th-inning of the Sox 8-0 loss to the Tides – 1/1/1/1/2/0. And Tuesday night he worked a scoreless 8th-inning with the PawSox ahead of Richmond just 2-1 in a game the Sox eventually won, 4-1 – 1/1/0/0/1/1. He is expected to pitch again in relief this afternoon (Thursday) vs. Richmond. The former Phillies' ace has progressed well during his comeback from off-season arthroscopic surgery on both his right shoulder and right elbow. In parts of eight seasons in the Major Leagues with the Mets, Toronto, and Philadelphia, Person is 51-42 with a 4.60 ERA in 199 games (135 starts).

RICHMOND BRAVES

BIG NIGHT: Wilson Betemit's four hits Wednesday were a high for the infielder in a Richmond uniform. Betemit, who carries a season-best seven-game hitting streak (11-for-29) into Thursday's meeting with Pawtucket, has raised his average from .224 to .263 since May 1.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES: Travis Wilson is batting .375-1-9 with 4 2B, 2 3B, and 6R on the road and just .216-0-1 with 2 2B, 3B, and 3R at The Diamond.

LEFT OUT: Reliever Bobby Jones has yet to allow a hit to a left-handed batter in 15 match-ups. Jones, who recorded his third save of the year in Wednesday's 6-4 victory over Pawtucket, is 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in 15 appearances with Richmond.

AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED: The Braves have tapped Donzell McDonald and Bobby Jones as their player and pitcher of the month for April. McDonald, who is hitting a team-best .330 entering today's game, batted .316-0-2 with 2 2B, 7 SB, and 11R during April while Jones finished the month 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA and two saves.

ROCHESTER RED WINGS

OH WHAT A RELIEF! The Red Wings' bullpen has done a great job the last nine games, going 3-1 with three saves and a 0.95 ERA. In 28.1 innings of work, the relievers have allowed five runs (three earned) on 22 hits while walking five and striking out 30.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL: With last night's win (5/7) in Durham, Rochester is one game over .500 with a 16-15 record. Rochester has not been over .500 this late in the season since May 11, 1998 when the Wings were 15-14.

WAK'IN UP WITH THE WINGS: The Red Wings will try a new innovative idea this upcoming homestand when they play a 9:05 a.m. game vs. Durham Thursday, May 15th. The Frontier Field concession stands will serve "breakfast-style" food, including bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, donuts, French toast fingers, and much more. In addition, the Red Wings will set up a "mall walking" course on the warning track for those wishing to get in a morning walk.

CONTRERAS WILL BATTLE WINGS: The New York Yankees' $32 million man is coming to Rochester. RHP Jose Contreras, who was the top pitcher on Cuba's national team until defecting in October during a tournament in Mexico, will make a start for Columbus Friday when the Clippers visit Frontier Field. Contreras, 31, who has a fastball that's been clocked at 98 mph in international competition, will be making his third minor league start since being sent down by the Yankees two weeks ago.

SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE RED BARONS

DUCKWORTH OPTIONED: The Phillies have announced former International League Pitcher of the Year Brandon Duckworth has been optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Duckworth has struggled since missing the start of the season with a sore elbow. In 4 games (3 starts) he is just 2-1 with a 6.46 ERA. In 2001 he dominated the IL going an impressive 13-2 with a 2.63 ERA and 150 strikeouts. He pitched all of last season in Philadelphia going 8-9 with a 5.41 ERA in 29 starts. He is expected to make his debut Sunday against the Richmond Braves and will be asked to throw 90 pitches. If all goes well there is a chance he could rejoin the Phillies for a May 17 start in Houston. Replacing Duckworth on the Phillies' roster will be Eric Junge. With off days the next three Mondays Junge will work out of the bullpen.

CHAPMAN ADJUSTING WELL TO TRIPLE-A: In the off-season the Detroit Tigers thought so much of Travis Chapman they selected him in the major league portion of the Rule V draft. When he didn't make the Tigers the Phillies were more than happy to take him back and give him a full season at Triple-A and the early results have been positive. In 30 games he is batting a solid .286 and leads the team in doubles (9), HR (4) and RBI (20). At his current pace he would finish the season with nearly 90 RBI. In addition, he is hitting .321 with runners in scoring position and .364 with runners in scoring position and 2 outs.

SYRACUSE SKYCHIEFS

BURNHAM'S BACK: 1B Gary Burnham homered in his first at bat of the season Saturday in Durham. Burnham had been rehabbing his knee at extended spring training after undergoing off-season surgery. Burnham has hit safely in each of his five games since joining the team, collecting 7 hits in 19 at bats.

TRIPLE DOUBLE: Yesterday's doubleheader against Charlotte was the third twin bill of the season for Syracuse. The SkyChiefs have now been swept (April 24 vs. Rochester), split (April 25 at Rochester), and swept an opponent (yesterday). The last time the SkyChiefs swept a doubleheader was July 5, 2002 vs. Rochester.

JUMP STARTS: The SkyChiefs scored at least one first inning run in five consecutive games from Friday through the first game of yesterday's doubleheader. Charlotte starter Jon Rauch snapped the streak in the nightcap yesterday. All five games were on the road, meaning the Syracuse starter took a lead with him to the mound in the first inning.

BULLPEN SHUFFLE: RHP Brian Bowles was recalled by Toronto on Monday. Also Monday, LHP Jason Kershner accepted his outright assignment from Toronto and joined the SkyChiefs. Tuesday, RHP Jarrod Kingrey was called up to Syracuse from Double-A New Haven. Kingrey, who appeared in 26 games for Syracuse last season, had been at extended spring training.

TOLEDO MUD HENS

HALL-OF-FAMER JIM PALMER COMING TO TOLEDO: On Thursday, May 15, Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer will make his way to Toledo. The former Baltimore Oriole is speaking before the game and will be signing autographs during the contest between the Hens and the Buffalo Bisons. Palmer is appearing on Pitching in for Community Health Night sponsored by Nexium. In addition to Palmer, fans will be given purple Thunderstix as they enter the game.

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION: Better late than never...the Hens will celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 9 versus the Charlotte Knights. A number of on-field events will be held to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (even if it is a few days late) including a Jumpin' Bean and a tortilla eating contest. Coupons for Tia Rosa Bakery will be handed out after the game.

OH MAMA: The Hens will celebrate Mother's Day at Fifth Third Field this Sunday with several activities planned with moms in mind. Applebee's Kids (and Moms) Run the Bases, giving young Mud Hens fans and their mothers the chance to sprint around the base paths at Fifth Third Field just like their favorite players, will be held. Randomly selected moms will be able to stand with the Hens players for the national anthem before the game. The first 500 moms through the gate on Sunday will receive complimentary flowers.

WITT RECEIVES SOME HARDWARE: Mud Hens' infielder Kevin Witt was named as the Detroit Minor League Player of the Month for April. Witt batted .359 (28-78) with six doubles, eight home runs and 19 RBI for the month. He led the International League with eight home runs and a .744 slugging percentage during April. He also tied for the league lead with 14 extra-base hits. Witt finished the month with nine multi-hit games and six multi-RBI games during April. The 27-year-old is in his 10th professional season and first with Toledo. Witt has knocked in 681 runs during his career to go along with 199 career home runs.

International League Stories from May 8, 2003

• Bulls Beat Red Wings in Front of Sellout Crowd - Durham Bulls
• Lynx Finish Homestand Strong, Beat Columbus 5-1 - Ottawa Lynx
• IL News & Notes - IL1
• Haynes to Start Tonight - Louisville Bats
• Hens Head Home - Toledo Mud Hens

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