IL news & notes

by IL Press Release
February 23, 2002 - International League (IL1)

BUFFALO BISONS

LET'S PLAY TWO: Eric Wedge returns as the Bisons' manager for the 2002 season. Last season Wedge and his staff guided the Herd to a 91-51 record, a North Division Championship and the best record in the International League. Wedge was named International League Manager of the Year and was ranked by Baseball America as the Best Managerial Prospect in the International League. Returning with Wedge for the 2002 season will be pitching coach Carl Willis, hitting coach Jack Mull and trainer Rick Jameyson.

ALL-STAR JOINS COACHING STAFF: Former Bisons player and major league veteran Carlos Garcia will join the Herd as a player/coach for the 2002 season. Garcia played for the Bisons during the 1990-1992 seasons. He is among the Buffalo Bisons Modern Day Hitting Leaders in several categories including hits, 2B, 3B, RBIs and SB. In Garcia's 10-year major league career, he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, Anaheim Angels and San Diego Padres. He represented the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1994 Major League All-Star Game.

FAMILY OPEN HOUSE AT DUNN TIRE PARK: The Bisons Annual Family Day Open House was a success again this year as Bisons' season ticket holders and fans attended a kick-off event on February 3, 2002 to get ready for another exciting season. Fans were treated to a ballpark tour, mascot autographs, the Bisons Hot Stove Radio Show, music from children's performer Glenn Colton, face painters, a merchandise sale, free Russer hot dogs and Pepsi, the Bisons History Museum, and kids games. Eric Wedge was on-hand to sign autographs and discuss baseball during scheduled chat sessions. Fans were able to relive the excitement from the 2001 season with 2 separate highlight videos, Wire to Wire and What It Means to Be A Bison.

AL CENTRAL CHAMPS TAKE ON NORTH DIVISION CHAMPS: The Cleveland Indians will play the Buffalo Bisons in an exhibition game at Dunn Tire Park on Monday, July 1, 2002. The game, which will feature a number of pre-game activities, will get under way at 7:05 PM. The Bisons have been the affiliate of the Indians since 1995. A number of current Indians played for the Bisons on their way up to the Big Leagues, including Bartolo Colon, Einar Diaz, Jolbert Cabrera, Russell Branyan, Karim Garcia, Tim Laker, Jake Westbrook, John McDonald, David Riske and Paul Shuey. The gates for the Bisons-Cleveland Indians game will open at 4:30 so fans can watch both the Bisons and Indians batting practice.

CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS

KNIGHTS NEWWWs: The Charlotte Knights launched a new website this month. www.charlotteknights.com includes a new web site logo, improved online souvenir shopping and KNIGHTVISION. Fans are encouraged to log on to read about 2002 promotions, request a pocket schedule, learn Knights team history, read about Charlotte's favorite mascot in Homer's Dragon Lair, play "Free Ticket" trivia, sign up for email newsletters and more. Player information and online ticket sales will be available beginning April 5. The Knights will also broadcast their games online with Matt Swierad and Tommy John calling all the action.

TEAM TO BEAT....AGAIN? In 2001, Baseball America tabbed the Charlotte Knights as the "team to beat." However, due to injuries in Chicago, the Knights were depleted of their "prospect-filled" team and finished fourth in the IL South. Entering the 2002 season, the Knights look to be the "team to beat" again as eight of BA's White Sox Top 10 Prospects should wear a Charlotte uniform to start the season. Number one prospect and 2001 three-team All-Star, MLB Futures Game player and Team USA World Cup Silver Medallist outfielder Joe Borchard tops this list. Borchard hit .295 for Double-A Birmingham last season with 27 doubles, 27 home runs and a league-leading 98 RBI. The 6-5, 220-pound switch-hitter is a former quarterback at Stanford University where he participated in both the 1999 College World Series and 2000 Rose Bowl. Other Knights 2002 hopefuls include: RHP Jon Rauch (2000 Minor League Player of the Year), LHP Corwin Malone (34 saves in AA in 2001), RHP Matt Guerrier (7-1 for Charlotte in 2001), 3B Joe Crede (2001 IL All-Star), 2B/SS Tim Hummel, C Miguel Olivo (caught 111 games in 2001 for B-ham), and OF Aaron Rowand (2001 IL All-Star). The team will be managed by former Knight Nick Capra, who spent the past two seasons as skipper in Birmingham. The former IL All-Star guided his last three teams to the playoffs, including a second half Western Division title in 2001 for the Barons.

WINTER BLUES? NOT HERE: This fall and winter was not a resting time for some of the Knights. Charlotte LHP Mike Porzio pitched for last year's manager Nick Leyva in the Venezuelan League, where he tied the League lead with seven wins and ranked ninth with a 4.01 ERA. OF Aaron Rowand played for the Caguas in the Puerto Rican League where he batted .274 with 17 RBI and 5 HR. OF Jeff Inglin, who played for Ponce, batted .246 and 25 RBIs. INF Danny Bravo and OF Julio Ramirez also played in the Venezuelan and Dominican Leagues, respectively. Future Knights were not to be outdone as RHP Edwin Almonte, who played in the Dominican League, threw 21 strikeouts in 15 games with a 2.89 ERA. C Humberto Quintero, played for Zulia of the Venezuelan League and batted .256. While some guys were playing winter ball, others were playing in the Arizona Fall League. RHP Matt Guerrier struck out 21 in 20 innings of work for the Solar Sox. OF Mario Valenzuela collected five doubles while hitting .293. His slugging percentage (.583) topped the Solar Sox and would have been third best in the AFL had he met the minimum plate appearance requirements. Also playing for the Solar Sox were OF Joe Borchard and 2B Tim Hummel. Borchard hit .204 with 5 RBI in 16 games before leaving to represent the US in the World Cup while Hummel batted .250 with 13 RBI and 22 runs scored. C Miguel Olivo and RHP Kyle Kane also played in the Arizona Fall League.

COLUMBUS CLIPPERS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!: 2002 will be the 110th Anniversary of professional baseball in Columbus. Each month this season, the Clippers will wear a different home uniform, representing past clubs that played in the city. In April, the club will wear a Buckeyes uniform (from the pre-1900's era), a Senators (1901-1930) uniform in May, Red Birds jerseys (1931-1954) in June, and a Columbus Jets (1955-1970) uniform in the month of July. Finally, in August, the team will return to familiar Clippers pinstripes.

BOBBLES ARE BACK: This season the Clippers will once again be giving away Bobblehead dolls during every Sunday home game, as well as July 3 and August 30 and 31, the last home games of the season. The Line-up will feature current Clippers, former Clippers, current Yankees, and the leader of the Free World... President George W. Bush! The line-up is as follows:

April 14 – Drew Henson
May 5 – Nick Johnson
May 19 – Alfonso Soriano
June 2 – Jorge Posada
June 30 – Roger Clemens
July 3 – President George W. Bush
July 14 – Bernie Williams
July 28 – Paul O'Neill
August 18 – Jason Giambi
August 30 – Don Mattingly
August 31 – Derek Jeter

NEW (OLD) FACES: The Clippers will have new faces on their coaching staff, although Clippers fans with good memories may recognize these faces. Brian Butterfield will manage the Clippers this season, after playing for the team in 1982. Butterfield spent last season as a manager for the Tampa Yankees in the Florida State League. Tom Filer will be the pitching coach this season, and also pitched for the Clippers in 1981. Filer was at Double-A Norwich in 2001. Joining Filer in moving up from Double-A is hitting coach Dan Radison. Radison will be a new face for Clippers fans this season. Two faces remain from 2001, First base coach Howard "Hop" Cassady. Hop has been on the Clippers staff for 11 seasons. Trainer Darren London also returns for his 10th season in Columbus.

DURHAM BULLS

EVERS RETURNS TO MANAGE BULLS: The big news in Durham is that Manager Bill Evers will be returning for his fifth season as skipper of the team. Evers, the only manager the Bulls have had at the Triple-A level, won his 318th game on the second of the last day of the season last year. That is the most wins ever for a Bulls manager.

100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Along with Evers' return, the Bulls will be celebrating their 100th anniversary this season. The team first took the field in 1902 as the Durham Tobacconists as a member of the North Carolina League. In the last century, the Bulls have played in five leagues, at five levels, and with 11 different affiliates. Every Friday night the Bulls will celebrate their affiliations with special team jerseys and patches commemorating their affiliations with teams beginning with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1932 until the current partnership with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

PROSPECTS TO DOT BULLS LINEUP: With 23 of last season's Bulls now in the major leagues, Durham will likely see a larger number of veteran players take the field. A few of the notable prospects that should play in the Bull City include RHP Jason Standridge, LHP Bobby Seay, and OF Carl Crawford. Standridge and Seay both spent the final months of 2001 with the D-Rays, and Crawford had an outstanding fall playing for Team USA.

INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS

ROMERO NAMED TRIBE'S NEW SKIPPER: Ed Romero has been named the manager of the Indianapolis Indians for the 2002 season. Romero has managed seven seasons at the Class A and Double-A levels. He led Double-A Huntsville to a share of the Southern League championship last season. Romero played 12 seasons in the major leagues for Milwaukee, Boston, Atlanta and Detroit. He was in the 1982 World Series with the Brewers (DNP), and in the 1986 World Series with the Red Sox. This is his sixth season as a coach in the Brewers' organization.

TRIBE OUTFIELD HAS SOME POP: The potential outfield for the Indians this season features a crop of veteran sluggers that could keep the ball flying out of IL ballparks. Leading the group is reigning IL home run champion Izzy Alcantara. The 28-year-old Dominican was an IL All-Star last season as he blasted 36 home runs. He ranked second in the league with 90 runs batted in, and seventh with a .297 average. Venezuelan Robert Perez will also compete for playing time. He hit 10 long balls between Columbus and Indianapolis in just 56 games last season. Ryan Thompson, who makes his off-season home in Indianapolis, had 19 home runs for Calgary by the All-Star break last season. Midre Cummings, who hit .331 for Tucson last season, and Alex Sanchez, who hit .313 and swiped 27 bases for the Tribe, are also in the outfield mix.

MATINEE OPENER: For the first time in 28 years, the Indianapolis Indians' home opener will be a matinee affair. Opening "Day" is slated for Thursday, April 4 when the Indians will host the Columbus Clippers at 2:00 at Victory Field. The Tribe's last home opener played in the afternoon was a 10-5 win over Omaha in 1974. Hoping to capitalize on some warm April afternoons, the Tribe will play four of its first five games at 2:00. The team has also scheduled three afternoon games for its second homestand of the season, April 15-21.

LOUISVILLE BATS

SEEING RED: The Reds Caravan made its annual stop in Louisville January 21 and was greeted by 1,800 fans at Louisville Slugger Museum. Among the attendees were Hall of Fame Broadcaster Marty Brennaman, Adam Dunn, top prospect Austin Kearns, and Reds manager Bob Boone. Fans had the opportunity to collect autographs and take pictures with their favorite Reds players and staff.

MORE MILE(Y)STONES? Dave Miley, who collected his 500th Triple-A victory last season en route to the Governors' Cup Title, will return to manage Louisville in 2002. The Florida native is only 26 wins away from 1,000 in his managerial career which has spanned 12 seasons thus far.

EXHIBITION COMES TO FRUITION: The Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles will square off in an exhibition game Saturday, March 30 at Louisville Slugger Field. It marks the first time since 1994 a major league team will play in Louisville.

RESTAURANTS ON TRACK: Construction on two new restaurants are nearing completion at Louisville Slugger Field. Browning's Brew Pub and Wellinghurst Steak House should be open and fully functional in March. Browning's will feature a 30-feet tall brewing tower covering three levels and offer their own special brews in a sports motif. Wellinghurst, offering the finest steaks, will provide a white tablecloth setting.

STILL IN BLACK: This offseason, Louisville changed their name from the RiverBats to simply the Bats. The logo changed as well, offering a sharp purple and black outline of a bat. Accompanying all the changes will be the uniform donned by the team. The home uniforms will be white with pinstripes with "BATS" in block letters across the front. The away uniforms will read "LOUISVILLE" with the player's number on the front. Both types of uniform will be sleeveless.

WELCOME BACK: Also returning to Louisville is hitting coach Brook Jacoby. Last season, Jacoby helped guide Louisville to a league best .277 average, 728 runs scored, and 1380 hits. John Young will also return to the Falls City, resuming his duties as trainer for Louisville.

...AND WELCOME MACK: The pitching coach for the 2002 Bats will be Mack Jenkins. After spending six seasons as pitching coach for Double-A Chattanooga, Jenkins earned a promotion to Louisville. He has spent twelve seasons instructing young hurlers in the Reds organization after spending three years in Cincinnati's minor league system as a player.

PLUS THE REST OF THE PACK: Among the players who could return to Louisville from last season's championship team are Chris Sexton, Raul Gonzalez and Jared Fernandez. A key player for Louisville last season, Sexton's importance can be illustrated by the team's record when he was on the active roster, 75-43. Gonzalez could return to Louisville after he appeared in 142 games for the ‘Bats last season, hit .299, and was a mid-season IL All-Star. Fernandez could bring his knuckleball back to Louisville after going 10-9 in 33 games and pitching 196.1 innings last season for the ‘Bats before joining Cincinnati in September. Among the players who could join Louisville for the first time after signing minor league contracts are Kevin Witt, Anthony Sanders and Mike Caruso. Witt has belted 100 home runs the past four seasons at Triple-A while playing first base and outfield. Sanders appeared in nine games for the Mariners last season before playing in Japan but belted 20 home runs while driving in 80 two years ago at Tacoma. Caruso, who spent two full seasons as the starting shortstop for the Chicago White Sox, hit .292 in the 2001 campaign with Durham.

NORFOLK TIDES

THERE'S A NEW MAN IN TOWN: Bobby Floyd has been named the 20th Triple-A manager of the Norfolk Tides franchise. He succeeds John Gibbons who held the post for three seasons. Floyd is beginning his 28th season in professional baseball and his 16th in the New York Mets' organization. He spent the 2001 season as the Mets' infield coach. Prior to this past season, Floyd served as the Mets' Minor League Field Coordinator for 12 seasons. In that role, Floyd was responsible for on-field instruction, spring training, and the Winter Instructional League in Florida.

Floyd's managerial experience spans two organizations including 4 seasons for the Seattle Mariners Triple-A affiliate from 1982-1985. He managed in the Mariners' organization from 1977-1985. Floyd also managed in the Mets' system from 1986 to 1988 and was named the 1988 Appalachian League Manager of the Year after leading Kingsport to the League Championship. Floyd's playing career began in 1964 when he was signed by the Baltimore Orioles. He spent 7 seasons in the Orioles' organization making his Major League debut during the 1968 season. He spent the entire 1969 season with Orioles when they won the American League Championship but lost to the New York Mets in the World Series. As an infielder, he played in the Major Leagues for seven years with a batting average of .219 in a total of 214 games.

COACHES RETURN: Pitching Coach Rick Waits will return for his third season with the Tides and Hitting Coach, Al LeBoeuf will return for his second season with the Tides. Norfolk will have a new trainer this year as Brian Chicklo takes over. Brian spent the last month of the season with the Tides in 2001.

EVENTFUL WINTER FOR THE METS: As the Mets look to improve their team in New York, the Tides took a few hits over the off season. In the deal that brought Roberto Alomar to New York, the Tides lost 4 players who finished the 2001 season and were expected to begin the 2002 season in Tides' uniforms. The highly touted but yet unproven Alex Escobar, first baseman Earl Snyder, 2000 first round pick Billy Traber, and top prospect Jerrod Riggan will likely be seen in Harbor Park this season but will appear in Bisons uniforms. The swap will most likely bring former Bisons 1B/OF Danny Peoples and LHP Mike Bascik to Norfolk.

THE ANNUAL IL MUSICAL TEAMS: Provided that they are assigned to their respective Triple-A teams the following will be seen at Harbor Park disguised as the "enemy"...

Oscar Henriquez has signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers. While he has a chance to make the Tigers bullpen, Henriquez could spend some time with the Mud Hens this season. Henriquez who has played in Norfolk since 1999 had his contract sold to the Korean League on July 18, 2001.

Long-time Tide, Matt Franco has signed a Minor League contract with the Atlanta Braves and could spend some time in the northern region of the Virginia Commonwealth this season with Richmond.

Doug Linton who also had his contract sold to the Korean League late in the 2001 season has also signed a contract with the Braves. He could see time with Richmond as well.

Rick Croushore will attempt to rebound from right shoulder surgery that he had in May of 2001. He started the season with the Mets and came to the Tides on ML rehab on the 14th and went on the Norfolk disabled list on May 19th. He has signed a Double-A contract with the Devil Rays but could see some time in Durham if he is healthy.

Tom Martin began the 2001 season with the Tides and joined the Mets on April 26th. He returned to the Tides on July 30th on ML rehab and was activated from the DL and optioned to the Tides on August 16th. He was among the September call-ups on September 1st but has signed a minor league contract with the Devil Rays for the 2001 season.

Although the next two will not be seen in the IL, they have a good chance of being seen in the PCL this season. Ray Montgomery who signed with the Mets before the 2001 season and was released after leading the team in hitting for much of the season has returned to the Pittsburgh Pirate ranks. Montgomery had back troubles which lead to his release. The Tides' back-up catcher for part of the 2001 season, Mike Figga, will join Montgomery in the Pirates' ranks this season.

OTTAWA LYNX

OFF-SEASON OF UPHEAVAL: Contraction, the major story of the winter months in Major League Baseball, was the main concern for minor league affiliates of the Montreal Expos, one of the teams pegged for elimination. Management of the Ottawa Lynx utilized a "business as usual" approach after Major League Baseball announced that the Montreal Expos and Minnesota Twins were the teams targeted for contraction. The Lynx serve as the Triple-A club of the Expos.

The media and public in Ottawa concluded that the Lynx (and other Montreal affiliates) would disappear if the Expos were to fold. The day the story of contraction broke, Lynx owner Ray Pecor of Burlington, VT (who also owns the Expos' short-season Class-A affiliate Vermont Expos of the New York-Penn League) affirmed his commitment to keep the Lynx in Ottawa. Under the first full season of management under Pecor, the Lynx increased attendance. Pecor and IL President Randy Mobley participated in a telephone press conference to clarify issues surrounding the Lynx and contraction. Mobley indicated that Major League Baseball is contractually obligated to fill all minor-league rosters until the end of the 2007, although the major leagues can renegotiate the contract after 2003.

"Things have not changed in Ottawa despite everything that is swirling around," said Mobley.

Pecor said, "We made great progress last year, when attendance increased from about 130,000 to 210,000. I want to play in Ottawa next year, and the year after that."

LEIPER MANAGES TO STAY HOME: For the first time in Lynx franchise history, the team's field manager lives in the city year-round. Tim Leiper, a 35-year-old native of the Los Angeles area, became Ottawa's eighth manager in Lynx history when he was hired to replace Stan Hough. Leiper worked with the Lynx as hitting instructor during the 1999 season, and met an Ottawa woman, Randa, during that year. "In my business, it's very seldom you get a chance to live in the city you work in," said Leiper who managed the Class A Jupiter Hammerheads of the Florida State League during the 2001 season. "It's going to be nice to go home at night and lead a normal life." The Leipers have a 20-month-old daughter, Eleni-Anna, who was born in Ottawa.

LORIA OF FLORIDA: When Jeffrey Loria bought the Florida Marlins and sold the Montreal Expos to Major League Baseball, he offered jobs in the Marlins' chain to all members of the Montreal minor-league coaching staff. Many members of the Montreal staff accepted the offer, including Matt Stark who was hired as Ottawa's hitting coach, and Lynx trainer Sean Bearer. But Leiper and pitching coach Randy St. Claire stayed. St. Claire will begin his fourth season with Ottawa in April.

SOON TO BE EX-EXPOS?: Despite contraction, the Expos signed a handful of free agents to minor-league contracts, including veteran outfielder Jose Canseco in February. Some other significant signings: RHP Scott Winchester, LHP Ed Vosberg, C Alex Andreopoulis, C Toby Rumfield, INF Joe Vitiello, OF Glen Barker and OF Lyle Mouton.

MOVING TO TEXAS: Kevin Whalen, Lynx director of baseball operations, departs for a new job in March. The 31-year-old native of Providence, RI accepted a position as assistant athletic director at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. Whalen began working for the Lynx in January of 1999.

PAWTUCKET RED SOX

BUDDY'S BACK: Proving the theory that you can indeed go home again, the PawSox introduced, or shall we say reintroduced, Buddy Bailey as their new manager for the 2002 season. Buddy now becomes the first former Pawtucket manager to come back as PawSox skipper when he returns to the helm in 2002.

Much has happened since Buddy was promoted from Pawtucket to Boston following the 1996 season after a fine four-year stint as PawSox skipper. For one thing, he will manage his first-ever game at the New McCoy Stadium this April 4th vs. Buffalo when he begins his fifth year as PawSox manager (but first since 1996) when the PawSox play their 2002 opener vs. the Bisons.

Bailey, now 44, was originally named as the ninth (and youngest) manager in PawSox history on January 7, 1993 at the age of 35. During January of 1993, a number of other historical events occurred besides Buddy's first press conference inside the old McCoy clubhouse. For instance, President Bill Clinton took office for his first term, Apartheid ended in South Africa, the Waco/Branch Davidian standoff began, the Dallas Cowboys beat Buffalo (for the first time) in Super Bowl XXVII, and the top movie was A Few Good Men. Now, nearly nine years later, those events are a part of history, but Buddy is back in Pawtucket.

"The first thing I said when I walked into the front office (the day before the press conference) was ‘Daddy, I'm home'", Bailey remarked to the large gathering at McCoy during the news conference announcing his return. "When I was here (PawSox executives) Mike Tamburro and Lou Schwechheimer were like my brothers and (owner) Ben Mondor was like my daddy. It was a great situation when I was here, and I'm lucky to have the opportunity to come back."

SEE YOU IN A FEW YEARS: The Pawtucket Red Sox will host the 17th Annual Triple-A All-Star Game in 2004 at McCoy Stadium. The 2002 All-Star Game will be played in Oklahoma City this July and the 2003 Game will take place in Memphis before the 2004 Game comes to Pawtucket. Nearly 50 players have appeared in both the Triple-A and Major League All-Star Games during their career since the Triple-A event began in 1988.

"The PawSox are excited about the opportunity to host the 2004 Triple-A All-Star Game," said PawSox President Mike Tamburro. "Our outstanding fans deserve this marquee event and we are delighted to showcase McCoy Stadium to players and fans throughout the US & Canada and to a nationally-televised audience. We thank Triple-A Baseball for this wonderful opportunity."

Pawtucket last hosted an All-Star Game in 1977 when the Boston Red Sox came to McCoy Stadium on August 9 and lost a 1-0 thriller to the International League All-Stars.

"With the outstanding media and fan support the PawSox receive, the Triple-A Marketing Committee thought Pawtucket was a great choice for the 2004 Triple-A All-Star Game," remarked International League President Randy Mobley. "PawSox baseball has a long tradition of excellence and the level of enthusiasm demonstrated by the PawSox organization promoting and selling Triple-A Baseball is second to none. With the teams track record the IL is pleased to select Pawtucket and we can't wait to see what is ahead for the All-Star Game in 2004."

RICHMOND BRAVES

READY FREDI: The Richmond Braves welcome a new manager to The Diamond this spring for the second consecutive year. Fredi Gonzalez will replace Carlos Tosca, joining holdovers Mark Meleski and Guy Hansen in the Richmond dugout. Gonzalez, 38, makes his way to the Braves from the Florida Marlins organization, where he served as the third base coach from 1999-2001. A native of Havana, Cuba, Gonzalez brings a 533-529 (.502) minor league managerial record to Richmond, leading his clubs to three first place finishes in nine seasons. He most recently managed the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate in Charlotte during the 1998 season, guiding the Knights to a 70-73 mark before earning a promotion to the major leagues in 1999. While in Florida, he went 6-8 as interim manager during the 1999 and 2000 seasons. Tosca left the R-Braves to become the Toronto Blue Jays' third base coach.

NEW RADIO HOME: WXGI AM 950 will serve as the R-Braves' new radio home for the 2002 season. On the air since 1947, WXGI AM 950 will broadcast each of the Richmond Braves' 144 games, the post-season should Richmond advance, and the Triple-A All-Star Game. Robert Fish will broadcast the Braves' games on WXGI AM 950. In addition to WXGI, the Braves' games will also be broadcast over the internet through a link on www.rbraves.com or at www.wxgi.com.

NEW RADIO HOME, II: Richmond's first and only Hispanic radio station, La Primera AM 1320, will air all 12 Sunday games at The Diamond. Juan Ruiz will call the action for La Primera beginning with the April 7 match-up versus the Charlotte Knights.

ROCHESTER RED WINGS

GARABITO SHINES IN DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE: Infielder Eddy Garabito, who is expected to be with the Red Wings again this season, was named Rookie of the Year in the Dominican Winter League.

ORIOLES SIGN SEVERAL MINOR LEAGUE FREE AGENTS: RHP Travis Driskell, RHP Lee Marshall, LHP Shawn Runyan, RHP Chris Brock, INF Howie Clark, INF Domingo Martinez, OF Ryan McGuire, OF Luis Garcia, C Izzy Molina and OF Darryl Brinkley have all signed minor league contracts with the Orioles and will be fighting for spot on this season's Red Wings roster.

RED WINGS LOOK TO HAVE STRONG PITCHING STAFF: The Red Wings will again have a strong pitching staff with LHP John Bale, RHP Rick Bauer, RHP Sean Douglass, RHP Kris Foster, RHP Jorge Julio, LHP John Parrish, RHP Rodrigo Lopez, RHP Jay Spurgeon, RHP Travis Driskill, RHP Chris Brock and Jim Palmer Award Winner John Stephens all candidates to make the club.

GRANT JACKSON MAKES THE MOVE EAST: 2001 Louisville Bats pitching coach Grant Jackson has joined the Orioles' organization and will be the new pitching coach for the Red Wings this season replacing Larry McCall.

SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE RED BARONS

For the first time in a number of years, the off-season has been rather quiet for the Red Barons. Thanks to a thriving farm system, the Philadelphia Phillies will be relying primarily on talent already in the system instead of six-year free agents at the Triple-A level. The only players signed from outside the organization are pitchers Jimmy Hamilton (Orioles), Allen McDill (Red Sox), & Ken Pumphrey (Twins) and infielder David Doster (Japan). Dave Hollins (Indians) and John Mabry (Cardinals) also signed Triple-A contracts but have a strong chance of making the ML club. Returning free agents will be all-time club HR king Gene Schall and 2001 Red Barons MVP P.J. Forbes. On the coaching side, Marc Bombard returns for his 6th season with the Red Barons, by far the longest tenure of any SWB skipper. Jerry Martin returns as hitting coach but Bombard will have another new pitching guru. Former Texas Ranger Mike Mason joins the organization after an 11-year coaching career in the Royals' system. Mason was originally targeted for Class A Clearwater with Gorman Heimueller on the Triple-A staff. The departure of Minor League Pitching Coordinator Gary Ruby to Pittsburgh resulted in Heimueller replacing Ruby and Mason replacing Heimueller. Mason will be Bombard's 5th different pitching coach and 6th different change (Gregson served two separate years) in six seasons.

SYRACUSE SKYCHIEFS

NEW FACES: The parent-Toronto Blue Jays may not have been active in the major league free agent market this off-season under new GM JP Ricciardi, but Ricciardi's player development background has certainly come front and center with several key minor league free agent signings this winter. Several players who signed minor league deals with invitations to major league spring training camp could end up in Syracuse when the season starts. INF David Berg was recently signed to a minor league deal. Berg has spent parts of the last four seasons in Florida with the Marlins. Veteran catcher Ken Huckaby, formerly of the Diamondbacks could provide much needed back-up to catching prospects Josh Phelps and Jayson Werth behind the plate this season. Fleet-footed OF Kenny James was signed as a free agent. James has had six minor league seasons with the Expos of stealing at least 31 bases. INF Brian Lesher (Indy-2001) will compete with newly acquired Eric Hinske (from Oakland) for the Blue Jays 3B job. Lesher had 63 RBI in just 93 games this past season for Indianapolis. Pitcher Chris Peters, a veteran of 6 major league seasons (19-25, 4.81), could provide valuable left-handed pitching for Toronto, if not with the Blue Jays, he will certainly add veteran pitching to a young SkyChiefs pitching staff. OF Pedro Swann just agreed to a minor league contract with the Blue Jays last week. Swann is a .291 lifetime hitter in 1201 career minor league games.

THE RETURN OF AN MVP: OF Chad Mottola, who won the 2000 IL MVP playing for the SkyChiefs, was signed this off-season as a free agent. Mottola, who batted .309 with 33 HR and 102 RBI and 30 SB for the SkyChiefs, played in Calgary this past season, batting .295 in 119 games with 15 HR and 66 RBI. Mottola will challenge for a spot on the Blue Jays opening day roster as an extra outfielder.

SKYCHIEFS STAFF: The Syracuse SkyChiefs coaching staff will remain intact for a 2nd year. Manager Omar Malave returns to skipper the SkyChiefs, hoping to improve on his 71-73 finish a year ago – his first losing season as a minor league manager in 10 years of managing. Rick Langford returns as pitching coach and Ken Landreaux will again serve as the team's hitting coach. The 2002 season will mark trainer Jon Woodworth's 7th consecutive season and 11th overall with Syracuse.

UNCLEAR RADIO FREQUENCY: The SkyChiefs 10-year radio relationship with SportsRadio 620 WHEN has ended. Management at WHEN informed the SkyChiefs in mid-February of their decision to end the relationship, leaving the SkyChiefs just 7 weeks to find a radio partner. SkyChiefs management is in negotiations with several radio stations to carry the SkyChiefs in 2002.

HUDSON GRABS TOP USA HONOR: INF Orlando Hudson was named USA Baseball's Athlete of the Year in December. Hudson, the starting 2B on the 2001 silver medal winning USA World Cup Team, batted .429 and led Team USA in six offensive categories during the World Cup in Taiwan. Hudson was also named to the Arizona Fall League's All-Prospect team along with the Blue Jays' top minor league prospect, catcher Josh Phelps.

TOLEDO MUD HENS

FORMER GM AND BOARD MEMBER GENE COOK REMEMBERED BY THE HENS: Gene Cook died on Friday, February 15 at the age of 70. Cook had served as the Mud Hens general manager, executive vice president and as a board member in more than 20 years of involvement with the organization. Gene instituted many marketing innovations and oversaw many improvements to Ned Skeldon Stadium, including the addition of the Diamond Club and Press Box. He was named the International League's Co-executive of the year in 1980. Gene was also instrumental in planning the Mud Hens' new home, Fifth Third Field. In addition to being involved with the Hens, Cook was a fixture in Toledo politics as a member of Toledo City Council from 1967-1997. During his 30-year tenure, he was vice mayor of Toledo for 13 years and president of council for three years. Those who knew Gene knew him as a selfless and humble person who used his positions to help others, not himself. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marion and their three children, John, Gary and Shelley, his brother Bill and his sister Betty Webb. The Gene Cook Youth Athletic Fund has been established in his honor to carry on work that was always close to Gene's heart. The family will administer the fund, and the proceeds will be used to advance youth athletics in Toledo in numerous ways. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the fund. Contributions can be sent to the Gene Cook Youth Athletic Fund in care of Hart Associates, 1915 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, OH 43537.

FIFTH THIRD FIELD NEARLY DONE: The Mud Hens' new home is beginning to take shape. Recent additions include a Trans Lux LED Display Video Board. The video board compliments the new 67'x 47' scoreboard and scrolling message center in the left field power alley. Also the installation of 8,500 fixed seats is near completion. Capacity at the ballpark will be 10,000, which includes terraced outfield picnic seating. The completion date of the ballpark has been set for March 8 with individual game tickets to go on sale to fans sometime in mid-March. Fans can track the progress of the new ballpark via live webcam at www.mudhens.com.

NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES: The Mud Hens' roster will have a new look this season. Free agent pickups Oscar Henriquez, Craig Wilson, Adam Riggs, Jacob Cruz and Chad Alexander are expected to compliment several returning players and advancing youngsters moving up through the system. Some of the players in the Tigers' system expected to see time with the Hens this season include Eric Munson, Omar Infante, Andres Torres, Mike Rivera, Kenny Baugh, Brian Rios, Chris Wakeland, and many others.

BIG HENS RETURN FOR ANOTHER SEASON: The Mud Hens welcome back the coaching staff from the 2001 season. Bruce Fields will be the manager, supported by Leon "Bull" Durham as the hitting coach and Jeff Jones, pitching coach.

International League Stories from February 23, 2002

• IL news & notes - OSC Original by IL Press Release

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