IL1 International League

International League News & Notes

Published on April 8, 2010 under International League (IL1) News Release


BUFFALO BISONS www.Bisons.com

BISONS UNBEATEN IN SPRING: If Buffalo is looking to avoid the 2-16 start that doomed them in 2009, they got off to a great start this spring. Buffalo completed their 10-game spring exhibition schedule with an unbeaten record of 7-0-2 (one rainout). The Herd faced the Memphis Redbirds (St. Louis) and New Orleans Zephyrs (Florida) in their spring season and averaged 6.1 runs per game. The Bisons hit just .197 last April to start the 2009 campaign.

TOP PROSPECTS HIGHLIGHT BISONS OPENING DAY ROSTER: Three of the Mets' Top 10 prospects (Baseball America) will start the season with the Herd. The list includes OF Fernando Martinez (No. 3), INF Ike Davis (No. 4) and C Josh Thole (No. 8). Martinez led the IL in extra-base hits with the Herd in 2009 before a June promotion to New York while Davis hit 20 home runs between Single-A St. Lucie and Double-A Binghamton a season ago. Thole hit .328 in Binghamton before averaging .321 in 17 games with the Mets in 2009. Twenty-five year old RHP Tobi Stoner and 23-year old RHP Dillon Gee have made the Herd's five-man rotation.

STONER GETS THE BALL ROLLIN' ON OPENING DAY: Bisons manager Ken Oberkfell gives the ball to RHP Tobi Stoner on Opening Day. The 25-year old had a breakout campaign in 2009, advancing from Double-A to the Major Leagues in just his fourth season of professional baseball. Stoner first joined the Bisons on June 15 and finished 7-7 with a 3.96 ERA in 16 starts. He went 4-0 with a 1.91 ERA over his final five starts of the season, earning him his first big league promotion. In his second camp with the Mets, Stoner went 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA in three appearances for New York this spring (5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 K).

CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS www.CharlotteKnights.com

OPENING DAY: For the second consecutive season the Knights will take on the Gwinnett Braves on Opening Day. They lost to Gwinnett 7-1 in the 2009 opener. The Knights also finished last season in Gwinnett. The Knights were 11-10 against the Braves in 2009, their best against any International League South Division opponent. Since the Knights first season in 1990, they are 8-12 on Opening Day.

HARRELL NAMED OPENING DAY STARTER: RHP Lucas Harrell has been named the Knights Opening Day starting pitcher. It will be his second career Opening Day start, having earned a win pitching 5.0 shutout innings in 2008 with Birmingham. Harrell went 4-1 in 11 starts for the Knights last season. He went a combined 12-4 with a 3.27 ERA (53 ER/146.0 IP) between Charlotte and Birmingham, and was tied for the Southern League lead in wins with 8 at the time of his promotion. He pitched in two Cactus League games this season, including one start, going 0-0 with a 7.50 ERA (5 ER/6.0 IP).

ROTATION SHUFFLE: The Knights will have some pitchers in different spots than they were in the past. RHP Justin Cassel and LHP Wes Whisler will begin the season in the Knights bullpen after spending their careers as starters. 2009 IL All-Star Carlos Torres will begin the season as the No. 2 pitcher in the Knights rotation; he was the No. 5 starter to begin last season. The Knights probable rotation will be Harrell, Torres, RHP Jeff Marquez, RHP Matt Zaleski and RHP Daniel Hudson. The Knights will not have a left-handed pitcher in their starting rotation.

TOP PROSPECTS: Five of the White Sox top 10 prospects according to Baseball America will begin the 2010 season with the Knights. No. 2 prospect C Tyler Flowers, no. 3 prospect RHP Daniel Hudson, no. 5 OF Jordan Danks, no. 7 1B Dayan Viciedo and no. 9 RHP Clevelan Santeliz are all on the Knights roster. For Danks, Viciedo and Santeliz, they will be making their Triple-A debuts.

COLUMBUS CLIPPERS www.ClippersBaseball.com

RIVERA, DUNCAN ON SECOND GO-ROUNDS: Saul Rivera is headed to Columbus after he didn't make the cut out of spring training.  The 32-year old reliever pitched in one game for the Clippers in 2007, as a member of the Washington Nationals organization.  Outfielder Shelley Duncan, who played in 12 games for the Clippers in 2006 as a Yankee farmhand, will be joining Rivera in Columbus.  Since ending their affiliation with the Yankees after the 2006 season, the Clippers have seen 11 players wear a Columbus uniform with two different organizations.

CONSTRUCTION CREW: Columbus opens the season with four winners of Baseball America's 2009 "Best Tools."  Manager Mike Sarbaugh was recognized as the Eastern League's Best Managerial Prospect after guiding the Akron Aeros to their fifth straight EL Championship Series and winning the league for the first time since 2005.  Carlos Santana, Cleveland's #1 prospect, was rated as having the Best Strike Zone Judgment in the EL.  Jose Constanza was named the Fastest Baserunner in the EL, pacing the circuit with a career high 49 steals.  In the Pacific Coast League, Jess Todd was selected as the Best Reliever Prospect.  Michael Brantley and Torey Lovullo won Best Strike Zone Judgment and Best Managerial Prospect, respectively, last year for Columbus.

ALREADY STREAKING: Wes Hodges will have a leg up on the majority of the International League in the on-base streak department as he heads into tonight's opener.  Hodges put together a 13-game streak to close out last season, hitting .327 (17-52) with an OBP of .352 over the stretch.  He is currently 10 games short of his personal best, having achieved a 23-game on base streak twice in his career (last time 6/3-6/25/08).

OPENING FACTS: The Clippers are 20-13 (.606) all-time on opening day, having won four of the last five (two game winning streak).  They are 12-5 (.706) when opening the season in Columbus and tonight will be the first ever season opener at 2009's Ballpark of the Year, Huntington Park.  The largest margin of victory for Columbus in the season's opening game was 12 runs in a 13-1 victory vs. Scranton/WB in 2006, while the most lopsided loss came at Richmond in 1992 (10-1). The Richmond Braves have opposed the Clippers the most times on opening day (eight), with tonight's opponent, Indianapolis coming in second (four).

DURHAM BULLS www.DurhamBulls.com

SPRING TRAINING SHOWDOWN: Many of the 2010 Bulls have been in Durham since Saturday, when the Tampa Bay Rays played an exhibition game against their Triple-A affiliate.  It was the first exhibition game in Durham since 2002, and drew a sellout crowd of 10,374.  The Rays won the game 9-6, thanks in large part to a six-run second inning against Durham's opening night starter Jeremy Hellickson.  Dan Johnson hit a two-run homer off Rays pitcher Jeff Niemann in the first inning to put the Bulls up early and Ryan Shealy later added a two-run double.

MANAGING UNDER MONTOYO: Durham manager Charlie Montoyo tonight begins his fourth season managing the Rays' Triple-A affiliate.  It's also his fourth season in Durham with pitching coach Xavier Hernandez.  Each year Montoyo has managed the Bulls, the team has at least been in the finals of the Governors' Cup.  Dave Myers returns for a second season after the club last year led the league in runs, homers and walks drawn.  Rodger Fleming, the trainer last year, returns for a second year also. 

CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE: Tonight marks Durham's first regular-season game since last year's Triple-A National title.  A total of ten players: Joe Dillon, Rashad Eldridge, John Jaso, Elliot Johnson, Justin Ruggiano as well as pitchers Winston Abreu, Joe Bateman, Jeremy Hellickson, Carlos Hernandez, and Heath Rollins were with Durham for at least part of the playoffs and begin 2010 with Durham.  In addition, Jeff Bennett, Fernando Perez, Chris Richard, and Dale Thayer spent part of 2009 with the Bulls and start 2010 with the Bulls. 

GWINNETT BRAVES www.GwinnettBraves.com

TOO COOL: The Gwinnett Braves opener versus the Charlotte Knights marks the first game played at the home of the Gwinnett Braves since it was renamed Coolray Field on February 17. The G-Braves lost their first-ever home game on April 17, 2009 to Norfolk by a 7-4 margin at the opening of Gwinnett Stadium (the park's former name).

LAST TIME AROUND: The G-Braves beat Charlotte twice in a row to end the regular season at home in 2009, winning by a combined score of 11-5 in their victories on September 6-7. The Knights downed the Braves in the series opener, though, 10-1. Jonny Venters, who is scheduled to relieve starter James Parr tonight, was the winning pitcher in the regular seasonal finale over Charlotte last season in the 7-4 victory.

KNIGHT RIDERS: Braves infielder J.C. Holt and reliever Mariano Gomez shined against the Knights in 2009. Holt finished 2009 with 30 RBI and 27 BB - he had

5 RBI and 4 BB against Charlotte alone. Gomez was 1-0 with a 1.74 ERA versus the Knights in '09 with 4 K in 10.1 IP, allowing just 2 R/ER during that span.

HE'S JONES-ING: The 2009 Triple-A home run leader will take the field in a Gwinnett uniform this season. Mitch Jones, who clubbed 35 HR at Albuquerque (Pacific Coast League) last year, signed as a free agent with the Braves on November 19. Jones looks to pick up where he left off in 2009, ending the season on a nine-game hitting streak. During that span, Jones hit .470 with 4 HR and 14 RBI.

INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS www.IndyIndians.com

OPENING DAY HISTORY: The Indians kick-off the 2010 season at division rival Columbus in search of their first opening day victory since they defeated the Clippers 6-1 at Victory Field to begin the 2007 season. Overall the Tribe is 9-5 on Opening Day during the Victory Field era, including a streak of eight consecutive Opening Day victories from 1998 to 2005. Indianapolis is 3-0 overall against Columbus on Opening Day during the Victory Field era, with two victories coming at home (6-1 in 2007 and 4-1 in 2002) and one on the road (8-2 in 2003). Opening Days during the Victory Field era have also seen the Tribe narrowly outscore opponents 64 to 62, post a 2-2 record in one-run games, a 4-2 record in games decided by two runs or less and a 7-3 record in games decided by three runs or less.

VICTORY FIELD VETERANS: The Opening Day contest in Columbus will feature three players that have played in a combined 784 games for the Indians. Two of the players, OF/1B Steve Pearce and utilityman Neil Walker begin the 2010 season in a Tribe uniform, while INF Brian Bixler will face-off against his former squad now as a member of the Clippers. This trio of players have been three of the most prolific offensive talents on the Tribe during the Victory Field era as they each rank among the team's top 10 in hits, runs and RBI, the top 12 in games and the top 16 in home runs. Bixler, who was the club's 2007 MVP, finished his career in Indianapolis ranked first in runs (192), second in games (323) and hits (331), fifth in RBI (130) and 16th in home runs (21) during the Victory Field era. Walker, who was awarded the Indians' MVP in 2008, ranks second in RBI (149), fourth in games (247), sixth in home runs (30), seventh in hits (229) and eighth in runs (114). Pearce, who was named the 2007 Minor League Player of the Year by MiLB.com, ranks tied for third in home runs (31), fourth in RBI (131), eighth in hits (214), 10th in runs (102) and 12th in games (214).

ALWAYS ON BASE: Tribe outfielder Brian Myrow enters the 2010 season in search of his fourth consecutive league on-base title. Since 2007, Myrow has led the league where he has spent the most time in on-base percentage, including two titles in the PCL with a .440 and .451 percentage with Portland in 2007 and 2008 and an International League-best .419 on-base percentage last season. Though he joined the Tribe on June 24 and played in only 62 contests, the Indians' outfielder finished the season as the team's leader in batting average (.330), on-base percentage (.448), slugging percentage (.515), and walks (43).

ROTATION READY: Indianapolis will begin the 2010 campaign with three right-handers and two left-handers in their starting rotation.  Right-hander Kevin Hart, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs last season as part of the Tom Gorzelanny/John Grabow trade, will be the Tribe's Opening Day starter. Following Hart will be Pirates' top pitching prospect right-hander Brad Lincoln and then lefty Donnie Veal, who is making the jump from the bullpen to the starting rotation. Rounding out the Indians' rotation are two veterans in righty Chris Jakubauskas, who went 6-7 in 35 games with Seattle in 2009, and southpaw Brian Burres, who has posted a 13-20 record over 81 games with Baltimore and Toronto.

LEHIGH VALLEY IRONPIGS www.IronPigsBaseball.com

TAKE III?: The IronPigs will look for a much better start in Year 3 of their history. LHV started 0-11 in 2008 -- the worst start in recorded IL history -- and 0-4 in 2009 (their first win of '09 was their first game versus Syracuse). The IronPigs are just 12-35 in the month of April. Looking back further, the Phils' top affiliate started 0-3 in'07 (Ottawa); 0-2 in '06 (SWB).

FORTUNE .500?: With a win in the season-opener on Thursday at Syracuse, the 'Pigs will get above .500 for the first time in team history (289 games) and for the first time by a Phils' Triple-A affiliate since Ottawa was 22-21 on May 24, 2007 -- a span of 339 games. The 'Pigs have only been at .500 for two days in franchise history (38-38 on June 28, 2009; 47-47 on July 19, 2009.

WHO'S HOT: OF John Mayberry hit .409-0-9 (9-22) in 6 G after a respectable stat line in ML Spring Training of 282-1-6 in 21 G... INF Wilson Valdez spent the entire camp in with the Phillies and hit .313-1-6 (10-32) in 21 G... RHP Scott Mathieson was nearly perfect, going 1-0, 0.00 in 8 G (10 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 11 K)... RHP Nate Bump finished 1-1, 2.08 in 3 G, 2 GS (13 IP, 14 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 4 K)... RHP Brandon Duckworth went 1-1, 2.25 in 3 G, 2 GS (12 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 11 K)...

RHP Jason Anderson went 1-0, 2.25, SV in 6 G (8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K).

OPENING DAY WOES: The Phillies' Triple-A affiliate has lost 10 consecutive season openers. The last Opening Day win came in 1999 -- a 7-0 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre win over Pawtucket at then Lackawanna County Stadium behind Randy Wolf. SWB was 5-13 in openers with the Phils; Ottawa was 0-1; Lehigh Valley is 0-2 for a record of

5-16 in the last 21 years.

LOUISVILLE BATS www.BatsBaseball.com

OPENING DAY: The Bats open the 2010 season on the road Thursday night with a matchup against the Toledo Mud Hens.  The two teams have combined to win the last five IL West Division Championships, with the Bats taking top honors in 2008 and 2009, while Toledo captured three consecutive titles from 2005 to 2007.  RHP Sam LeCure (10-8, 4.46 ERA in 2009) for Louisville and RHP Ruddy Lugo (13-9, 4.07 ERA) for Toledo are the Opening Day starters.

CHAPMAN TO START SUNDAY: Highly touted LHP Aroldis Chapman, who signed with the Cincinnati Reds on January 11, is scheduled to make his United States professional debut on Sunday at Toledo.  During Spring Training, Chapman appeared in five games, allowed a 1.69 ERA, and struck out 15 in 12.2 innings.  He also reached 100 mph on the radar gun on multiple occasions. 

   

BATS ON TV: The Bats reached a deal with the Wazoo Sports Network that will have the network broadcast all 72 home games in 2010.  55 of the games will be aired live on the network, while the remaining games will be shown delayed.  In addition, Wazoo will broadcast a replay of the previous night's home game at 4:00 p.m.  The network currently spans over 600,000 households in Kentucky.

NATIONAL HEADLINES: Louisville Slugger Field was listed among the "10 great places for a baseball pilgrimage" in the Monday, April 5 edition of USA Today.  Reporter Tim Smight looked for 10 distinctive Minor League venues.  In the article, he highlighted the site's history, proximity to the Ohio River, and the view of the downtown skyline.

NORFOLK TIDES www.NorfolkTides.com

GOING PROSPECTING: The Tides opening roster has five of the top eight prospects in the Orioles system according to Baseball America, and that list does not include 21-year-old Chris Tillman, who does not qualify as a rookie anymore after going 2-5 with a 5.40 ERA in 12 starts for Baltimore last year. Tillman, who went 8-6 with a

2.70 ERA in 18 starts for the Tides last year, will make the start for Norfolk tonight. #2 on Baseball America's list is switch-hitting third baseman Josh Bell, who came to the Orioles system in a 2009 deadline deal that sent reliever George Sherrill to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bell combined for 20 homers, 35 doubles and 76 RBI between Double-A Chattanooga and Double-A Bowie last season. # 4 on the O's list is starting pitcher Jake Arrieta, who led all Orioles minor leaguers with 148 strikeouts while tying for first in the system with 11 victories between Bowie and Norfolk last season. Arrieta also ranked 7th in the system with a 3.40 ERA and was named by Baseball America as the 11th-best prospect to play in the IL in 2009. First baseman Brandon Snyder enters 2010 as the #6 prospect in the O's system after he ranked among Orioles minor leaguers in RBI (2nd, 88), home runs (T-2nd, 12) and average (.289) last season. Snyder also enjoyed a strong season in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .354

(23-65) with three home runs and 18 RBI in 17 games. #7 on the list is Brandon Erbe, a 22-year-old right-hander who opens the year in Norfolk's starting rotation. Erbe (who was born and raised in Baltimore) allowed just 44 hits while striking out 62 in 73.0 innings for Bowie a year ago. #8 on the list is Kam Mickolio, a 6'9" right-hander who posted a 2.63 ERA in 11 relief outings with the Orioles last year and struck out 52 in 43.2 innings with Norfolk last year.

YOUNG GUNS: The average age of Norfolk's starting rotation is 23.8 (Chris Tillman - 21, Brandon Erbe - 22, Jake Arrieta - 24, Troy Patton - 24, Alfredo Simon - 28). Tillman will get the nod on opening night and will hope to duplicate his only previous appearance against the Durham Bulls. Tillman earned his first career Triple-A victory in that contest as he allowed three hits and a walk while striking out six in 6.0 innings of work in an 8-2 Tides win on April 24, 2009.

UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY: The Tides open the season with five players (Michael Aubrey, Josh Bell, Rhyne Hughes, Scott Moore and Brandon Snyder) who played primarily corner infield positions last season. Both Aubrey (four career games in the OF) and Hughes (0 career games in the outfield) are expected to get some playing time in the outfield this season, while Moore is expected to play defensively at shortstop, where he's played seven games since 2003.

PAWTUCKET RED SOX www.PawSox.com

PAWSOX ROSTER RECAP: The Pawtucket Red Sox Opening Night Roster is highlighted by 14 newcomers who did not play for the PawSox last season along with a new manager (Torey Lovullo) and a new hitting coach (Gerald Perry). Of the 14 new players - 11 come from outside the Red Sox organization while three others are coming from Double-A. Those from other organizations include: RHP Boof Bonser (Twins) on rehab from a right groin strain suffered on March 22, LHP Fabio Castro (Blue Jays), LHP Alan Embree (a former Red Sox reliever who was with Colorado last season), RHP Robert Manuel (Reds), RHP Joe Nelson (another former Red Sox reliever who was with Tampa Bay last season), RHP Chad Paronto (a Massachusetts native who was with the Astros), RHP Ramon A. Ramirez (a former Red who is no relation to the current Red Sox reliever by the same name), 3B Kevin Frandsen (San Francisco), INF Tug Hulett (Kansas City), SS Angel Sanchez (Blue Jays), and OF Darnell McDonald (a former member of several IL clubs who was with Cincinnati last season). The three new faces who have been promoted from within (Double-A Portland) are 1B/3B Jorge Jimenez, INF Ryan Khoury, and OF Daniel Nava. Only four players remain from the 2009 PawSox Opening Day Roster - RHP Michael Bowden,

RHP Fernando Cabrera, LHP Kris Johnson, and C Dusty Brown - as 7 others on the current roster joined the PawSox at one point or another last season for varying amounts of time - RHP Randor Bierd, RHP Adam Mills, LHP Dustin Richardson, C Mark Wagner, 1B Aaron Bates, OF Bubba Bell, and OF Josh Reddick. One of those who made a cameo with the PawSox late last season was OF Josh Reddick who spent the bulk of last year with Double-A Portland but also spent time in Boston. He is coming off a big spring training with the Red Sox and is rated as the #3 prospect in the organization according to Baseball America.

PITCHING AND CATCHING: The PawSox starting staff consists of Opening Night starter RHP Boof Bonser along with righties Mills, Bowden, Bierd, and lefty Castro. (The PawSox will also add RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka on an injury rehab assignment from the Red Sox - he was placed on Boston's DL on April 3 with a neck strain - as Dice-K will start for the PawSox this Saturday afternoon vs. Rochester at McCoy). The bullpen features closer Cabrera (22-for-22 in save opportunities last season) along with impressive lefty Richardson. Catchers are Brown and Wagner along while veteran catcher Gustavo Molina begins the year on the DL along with reliever T.J. Large. Three players start the season on the disabled list due to injuries suffered in spring training or before - OF Zach Daeges, RHP Miguel Gonzalez, and INF Gil Velazquez.

FIELD STAFF: Manager Torey Lovullo (the former Columbus and Buffalo skipper) replaces five-year PawSox manager Ron Johnson who is now Boston's 1B coach. Pitching coach Rich Sauveur returns for his third season while hitting coach Gerald Perry comes over from the Chicago Cubs in a return of sorts (he was the PawSox pitching coach back in 1998). New trainer Jon Jochim comes from Portland, joined by new strength and conditioning coach Mike Roose to round out the PawSox staff.

ROCHESTER RED WINGS www.RedWingsBaseball.com

THE POWER BALL NUMBER IS 18: The Red Wings will open the 2010 season in Pawtucket for the first time since 1992 (18 years ago).  Rochester hopes it'll be as successful as the 1992 opener was when Rochester defeated Pawtucket 18-1 at McCoy Stadium.  DH Scott Meadows and outfielder Ed Yacopino each had four hits in the Red Wings' 22-hit attack while starter LHP Arthur Rhodes pitched 6.0 scoreless innings of two hit ball.

LEAD US TO THE PROMISE LAND: Rochester manager Tom Nieto will make his Triple-A managerial debut tonight in Pawtucket.  With a win, Tom would join Red Wings managers Johnny Oates, Greg Biagini, Jerry Narron, Bob Miscik, Marv Foley, Andy Etchebarren, and Stan Cliburn to win their first game as manager of the Red Wings.  In the last 23 years (nine managers) only Dave Machemer and Phil Roof have lost their opening game as Red Wings skipper.

RED WINGS ROSTER: Of the 24 players on the Opening Day roster, 19 of the players started their careers as Twins draft picks or signees.  Only RHP Yoslan Herrera (Pittsburgh), LHP Jose Lugo (Oakland), LHP Mike Maroth (Boston), outfielder Dustin Martin (NY Mets), and outfielder Jason Repko (LA Dodgers) are the only players to start their baseball careers in other organizations. The Red Wings feature a young team to open the 2010 season.  Of the 24 players, 19 are 27 years or younger including 10 of the 12 position players.  However, 19 of the 24 roster members have at least some Triple-A experience.  RHP Matt Fox, RHP Kyle Waldrop, catcher Wilson Ramos, infielder Erik Lis, and outfielder Brian Dinkelman have never played above Doube-A.

APRIL WINS BRING SEPTEMBER PLAYOFF GAMES...MOST OF THE TIME: The Red Wings look to get off to a fast start in April.  Since 2006 Rochester has a

47-35 record in the month of April.  The last seven times Rochester has had a winning April record the Red Wings have made the playoffs in four of those years (2006, 1997, 1996, and 1993 all four years Wings made it to the Governors' Cup Finals).  The exceptions are 2007, 2002, and 1994.

SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE YANKEES www.SWBYankees.com

THREE PEAT AND ONE FOR THE THUMB: The SWB Yankees are in search of their third consecutive opening day win when the club opens the 2010 season against the Buffalo Bisons tonight at PNC Field.  While Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has had recent success as of late in the first game of the season, the franchise has still lost more than it has won to begin the campaign.  In 21 previous season-opening affairs Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is 7-14.  The Yankees stopped a Minor League-high eight-game opening day losing streak (2000-2007) with 2008's win over Lehigh Valley.  As a franchise, Scranton Wilkes-Barre will look for its fifth consecutive IL North Division title, which has never been accomplished in League history.

RED HOT APRILS: The Yankees used a professional baseball best 17-3 record in the month of April to win its third consecutive IL North Division crown in 2009 and advance to the Governors' Cup Finals for the second straight season.  Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has used quick starts over each of the last two seasons to force the rest of the North Division to play catch up.  The Yankees got off to an 18-9 start in April of 2008 and have posted a 35-12 (.745) record during the season's first month.

SUPER NOVA: Ivan Nova will get the opening night start for the Yankees tonight against Buffalo in the season opener at PNC Field.  The Yankees hope Nova reverts back to his '09 playoff form for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre when he takes the bump for the first time in 2010.  The right-hander, who began 2009 in San Diego Padres Spring Training as a Rule 5 draft choice, was lights out for SWB in the Governors' Cup Playoffs posting a 1-0 record in two starts with a 1.93 ERA, 10 K, and 3 BB in 10.0 IP.  It was a much different Nova from what the IL saw in the regular season after he was promoted from Double-A Trenton.  In 12 regular season starts for the Yankees, Nova went 1-4 with a 5.10 ERA, 43 K and 28 BB in 67.0 innings pitched.

SYRACUSE CHIEFS www.SyracuseChiefs.com

SWINE AND ROSES: The Chiefs won the season series with the IronPigs in 2009 by the count of 10-6. The teams combined for 107 runs in the set, an average of 6.69 per game. Each team posted an ERA under 3.00 for the 16 games (Syracuse 2.98, Lehigh Valley 2.75).

OPENING DAYS: The Chiefs play their 72nd home opener since 1934 this afternoon against the IronPigs. The Chiefs have compiled a 7-6 mark in Alliance Bank Stadium lid-lifters and a 29-42 overall record in home openers. Syracuse has won 7 of its last 12 home openers.

MEMORIES: The Chiefs' 24-man active roster features 14 players who have spent time in Syracuse previously. Of that group, only Kevin Mench has been a Chiefs player under a parent club other than Washington (Toronto, 2008).

RETURN TRIP: Syracuse manager Trent Jewett re-enters the International League after spending 2008 with Potomac of the Advanced-A Carolina League. Jewett guided Indianapolis of the IL from 2005 to 2008. He was a Triple-A manager for the Pirates for 11 seasons.

TOLEDO MUD HENS www.MudHens.com

OPENING DAY AT FIFTH THIRD FIELD: Since moving to Fifth Third Field in 2002, the Mud Hens are 5-3 in home openers.  Ruddy Lugo will get the nod for Toledo against defending International League West Division champion Louisville this year. On Opening Day 2009, the visiting Hens outscored their opponent by 11 runs, defeating Indianapolis 16-5.  Leadoff man Will Rhymes led the attack, contributing three hits, three runs scored, and five RBI.  Rhymes returns to Toledo for the 2010 season.

MILESTONE VICTORIES: Manager Larry Parrish, who returns for his seventh season with the Hens, is one victory shy of his 500th win with the club. Parrish has guided Toledo to a 499-478 (.511) record since 2003, including Governors' Cup titles in 2005 and 2006. He currently ranks 2nd in Toledo history in total wins, 41 shy of Cal Ermer's 540. He also owns the fourth-highest winning percentage.

POWER SURGE: Highly touted OF Brennan Boesch, a third round pick of the Tigers in 2006, will make his Hens debut on Opening Day vs. Louisville. Monroe and St. Clair Street could see some action from the power hitting lefty. Last season, Boesch led the Eastern League with 28 HR and 269 total bases. He also had 93 RBI. Boesch can do more than just make noise at the plate, though. He led the Eastern League in outfield assists, throwing out 15 base runners.

SUPERB SPRING: Several Mud Hens were in Lakeland, Florida this spring as members of the Detroit Tigers camp. OF Clete Thomas, OF Casper Wells, 2B Brent Dlugach and 1B Jeff Larish all had productive springs, with each batting at least .300. Thomas and Wells also had fielding percentages of 1.000. At the plate, Thomas hit .389 with three RBI and two doubles. He also drew seven walks. Wells had a .385 average with five RBI and three doubles. Along with his solid fielding (one error), Dlugach was stellar at the plate, hitting .353 with eight RBI, four doubles and two HR. Larish had a .988 fielding percentage and drove in eight runs to go along with his .340 average. He also had two home runs and two doubles.

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International League Stories from April 8, 2010


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