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SL1 Southern League

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April 29, 2003 - Southern League (SL1) News Release


Where Are They Now?

By: Jason Testa

Over the years the Southern League has seen a number of young stars pass through its ballparks. For some, their major league futures are still too early to predict, while others might be running out of time to establish themselves. Last year's MVP, Aaron Miles (Birmingham), and Outstanding Pitcher, Vinnie Chulk (Tennessee), have both opened the 2003 season with the Triple-A affiliates of their respective organizations. Their futures are still to be determined, but what has happened to other Southern League stars of the recent past?

Josh Phelps, Tennessee Smokies (2000 & 2001): With the Smokies in 2001, Phelps hit .292 with 36 doubles, 31 home runs, and 97 RBI's on his way to winning a variety of postseason awards as a catcher. Following his 2001 MVP year, Phelps earned a spot on the Toronto roster during the 2002 season and did not disappoint. In his rookie season, he compiled a .309 average, 20 doubles, 15 home runs, and 58 RBI's in just a half-season. The first half was spent in Triple-A Syracuse where he pounded out another 20 doubles, 24 home runs, and 64 RBI's. That's 40 doubles, 39 home runs, and over 120 runs batted in for the year. He has started the 2003 season off a bit slow for the Blue Jays, but figures to pick it up again once he adjusts to his role as a full-time DH. If all goes as planned he will one day be the successor to Carlos Delgado's throne at first base while another former Smokies' catcher, Kevin Cash, fills the slot behind the plate. Phelps is part of a young nucleus of talent that includes Vernon Wells, Eric Hinske, and Orlando Hudson in which the organization is relying on to return Toronto back to its prominence.

Joe Crede, Birmingham Barons (1999 & 2000): The long awaited arrival of Joe Crede to the Chicago White Sox lineup finally arrived during the last few months of the 2002 season. After an SL MVP season in 2000 in which he hit .306 with 21 home runs and 94 RBI's, Crede was a disappointment in his first couple of stints with the White Sox. When he was given a long look last season he proved he belonged by hitting .285 with 12 home runs in just 200 at-bats. He earned a spot on the 2003 Opening Day roster in the hopes that he will finally close the revolving door at third base that Chicago has had since the departure of Robin Ventura following the 1998 season. His ability to make contact should help stabilize a lineup featuring sluggers Frank Thomas, Magglio Ordonez, Paul Konerko, and Carlos Lee. The White Sox are hoping that the two-time Southern League All-Star will team up with staff ace and 2000 Southern League Outstanding Pitcher, Mark Buerhle to help lead a group of veterans into the playoffs this season.

Francisco Cordero, Jacksonville Suns (1998 & 1999): After posting a 4-1 record with 27 saves, 58 strikeouts and just eight earned runs in 52-1/3 innings of work during the 1999 season, Cordero was shipped off to the Rangers with 1998 Southern League MVP, Gabe Kapler (featured later). In a deal that was supposed to turn the Tigers into contenders and bring a great young crop of players to Texas, Cordero has turned into the prize of that trade. He spent 2002 establishing himself by posting a minuscule 1.79 ERA and holding opponents to a .204 batting average in an attempt to stabilize a very weak pitching staff for the Rangers. He also went 2-0 and collected 10 saves in 45 innings. The 2003 season figures to feature Cordero as an emerging setup man in the league before handing games off to the new Texas closer, Ugueth Urbina.

Brady Clark, Chattanooga Lookouts (1998 & 1999): Not all former stars have fared so well. Since leading the Southern League with a .326 average, winning the MVP award and being named the Topps Minor League Player of the Year for the Southern League in 1999, Clark has yet to see regular playing time in the majors. He was sent between Louisville and Cincinnati for much of 2000 through 2002 before being part of a trade package to the Mets that brought Shawn Estes to the Reds last August. He saw limited action for the Mets in a September call-up before being claimed on waivers by the Brewers in January. He has recently been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to replace Jeffrey Hammonds, who is currently on the 15-day disabled list. When Hammonds returns it is unknown where Clark will fit, but at age 30 he is just looking to stick on a major league roster.

Gabe Kapler, Jacksonville Suns (1998): During the 1998 season, Kapler posted unheard of numbers en route to winning the MVP award as well as being named Minor League Player of the Year by USA Today's Baseball Weekly, The Sporting News, and USA Today. He smacked 28 homers, 47 doubles, and 6 triples on his way to knocking in 146 runs while maintaining a .322 batting average. He earned himself a roster spot on the Detroit Tigers for most of 1999 where he hit 18 home runs but batted just .245 his rookie season. After the season he was supposed to be the cornerstone of the deal that sent him, Cordero, and others to the Rangers for Juan Gonzalez, Greg Zaun, and Danny Patterson. His first season with the Rangers proved to be a stepping-stone towards his tremendous potential when he hit .302 with 14 homers and 66 RBI's. Then in 2001 his progress seemed to stall when he saw his average drop to .267 despite hitting 17 home runs. Finally, last season, the Rangers saw his average drop to .260 with no home runs in 196 at-bats. Their patience wore thin and they shipped him to Colorado mid-season where he was able to hit .311 while being used in a platoon role and playing in the thin air at Coors Field. Unfortunately for Kapler, 2003 does not offer much hope as he is stuck behind the likes of Larry Walker, Preston Wilson, and Jay Payton in a crowded Rockies' outfield. Once looked at as a sure thing as far as prospects go, Kapler now finds his career at a crossroads.

Austin Kearns, Chattanooga Lookouts (2001 & 2002): Kearns made an immediate impact on the Cincinnati Reds when he arrived last April. In his rookie season he hit .315 with 13 home runs in 107 games while showing the potential to be a future superstar. He teams up with former Lookouts' teammate Adam Dunn to brighten the outlook of the Reds' future. When Ken Griffey, Jr. is healthy they form one of the best outfields in the game. The 23-year-old has tried to carry a struggling Reds' team through the first month of the season by posting a league-leading nine home runs through the first three weeks of the season, just four off his total from all of last season.

Southern League Personalities

Jeff Parker, General Manager
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx

Jeff Parker was named General Manager of the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx on October 1, 2002. Jeff spent the previous two seasons as the GM with the Altoona Curve, the Pittsburgh Pirates AA affiliate in the Eastern League. Prior to his move to Altoona, Jeff spent ten seasons in the Scouting and Player Development office with the Anaheim Angels, including the prestigious job of Director of Player Development. Jeff is a 1988 graduate of Villa Park HS and attended California State University in Fullerton, California. He is also a graduate of Major League Baseball's Scout School.

How did you get your start in professional baseball?

Started in 1986 for the then California Angels and Mr. Autry as a batboy and clubhouse attendant. We won the Western Division that year and I thought every year would be like that. Went from there to the front office in 1990 as the Assistant Director of Player Development.

What do you enjoy most about working in baseball?

It is America's pastime and a huge part of American history, anyone who is lucky enough to be a part of it should count his or her blessings. It is a people business and if you enjoy people, it is the place to be. I also really enjoyed the player development and scouting side and felt there was so much more to learn from the veterans of the baseball world than I had time to absorb.

What are some of the toughest challenges you face in your job?

Finding good help. Staffing concessions and day-of-game positions with people that want to work and are willing to get dirty. I think just about every business these days is having trouble finding people that want to earn an honest day's wage.

Does having a background in player development affect how you approach your job as a minor league GM in any way?

Absolutely! Without a doubt, during my tenure as a farm director, I totally underestimated the scope of responsibility a minor league GM has. Man, do I have a newfound respect for the position now. The time spent in player development and the countless nights in minor league stadiums across the nation helped me develop an understanding of what a minor league team can mean to a community. It also helps to know what the major league club is looking for with regard to the development of its players, what their needs are as far as the facility, the clubhouse, travel etc. It also helps in fortifying the relationship with the players and the coaching staff. You know what their expectations are and they appreciate the fact that you have been on that side of the fence. This undoubtedly helps with getting the players and coaching staff out in the community and helps to fortify the relationship between the players and our fans.

Who are some of the players you have enjoyed watching the most during your baseball career?

As a batboy and clubhouse kid, I enjoyed watching Reggie Jackson play. I don't know if it was his presence on the field or the fact that he took me to lunch in the Big Apple and I saw first hand the impact he had on a nation of baseball fans. Loved to watch Chuck Finley, Bo Jackson and Carney Lansford as well. All three were fierce competitors and they had a burning desire to do whatever it took to win. I had the great fortune of hiring Carney Lansford to manage for the Angels triple A club in Vancouver with hopes that he would rub off on some of the younger players in the system. Boy, you could really see the drastic difference between many of the players of today and those of yesterday when we put them together as manager and player.

You have been in the game for well over a decade. How has Minor League Baseball changed during that time?

I would have to say the overall conditions of the facilities and how the players are treated has come a long way. The new ballparks and communities that support these kids, it's unbelievable. If you would have told me ten years ago that we would have some of the facilities in some of the markets that we have today, I would have said you were nuts. The improvements all around have certainly helped in all areas of player development and fan comfort.

What should West Tenn fans expect out of the Diamond Jaxx in 2003?

Affordable, Family Entertainment! We are going after the kids; they will dictate our current and future successes here in Jackson, Tennessee. The Lozinak family has contributed 1.5 million dollars in ballpark improvements that you notice as soon as you enter Pringles Park. A new state-of-the-art scoreboard, a new infield, a new picnic pavilion that seats close to 600 fans and new box seats that have replaced several of the tired old aluminum bleachers. They can also expect a huge commitment to the community and partnership that promises to get better with age.

How has your first season in the Southern League been so far?

Well, lets' just say I'm glad we're represented on the scheduling committee for next season. Wow, maybe it was too easy for us in Altoona, but Sundays, Wednesdays, April, it is a different world here. We certainly have our work cut out for us, but a new and fresh approach has certainly helped the community find it in their hearts to give baseball another chance here.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Don't get frustrated, just keep hustling and eventually it will all work out. Baseball can take everyone involved on unpredictable paths, be prepared, someone is always paying attention to what you are doing and word travels fast in this business. I can say that if you hustle and put in the time, you can overcome a lot of mistakes, we're all going to make them, but with the right attitude and work ethic the magnitude of your mistakes will be overshadowed by your tenacity and your desire to make a difference. Good Luck, and remember, it beats working for a living!

Southern League News and Notes

The Carolina Mudcats got out to an incredibly quick start in the Eastern Division. Their 15-2 start was the best in franchise history. The Mudcats are the new AA affiliate for the Florida Marlins.

Nicole Lambert and Jason Strickland went on their first date to a Greenville Braves' game so it was only fitting they also got married at Greenville Municipal Stadium. Prior to the G-Braves' April 19 game the couple was married in a pre-game ceremony that included the players forming an arch with their bats for the couple to walk under.

Orlando Rays' infielder Felix Escalona was promoted to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on April 24. Escalona played in 59 games with Tampa in 2002, hitting .217 with nine RBI and seven stolen bases.

Beginning Sunday May 4 and continuing all season prior to all 2003 Greenville Braves' Sunday home games, the G-Braves will have several players step off the field and into the stands for a 30-minute autograph session with fans. The autograph sessions will begin 1 hour prior to game time.

Former number one draft pick Josh Hamilton is expected to join the Orlando Rays sometime this week. Hamilton, who opened spring training with the big league club, left March 26 for what Devil Rays' officials called "personal reasons."

Hall-of-Famer Bob Feller will be at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile on Memorial Day, May 26, to speak at a fund-raiser for the USS Alabama, on which he served during World War II. Feller will also throw out the first pitch before the BayBears' game that night against the Birmingham Barons.

Clubhouse Chatter

BIRMINGHAM BARONS

LHP NEAL COTTS fanned 10 hitters over five scoreless innings to lead the Barons to a 4-1 triumph over Carolina on April 11. Cotts, who struck out the side in the second, allowed two hits and three walks. On April 16, Cotts, struck out nine batters over five innings to lead the Barons past Mobile, 4-2. Cotts, who was drafted in the second round by the Oakland Athletics in 2001 and then traded to the Chicago White Sox on December 16, 2002, scattered four hits and earned his third straight win despite surrendering his first two runs of the season. The 6-2 southpaw, who had held opponents scoreless in 12 consecutive innings to start the season, struck out six straight batters between the first and third innings and is now tied for the league lead with 25 strikeouts...3B RYAN HANKINS hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to help the Barons edge Mobile, 3-2, on April 14.

LHP NEAL COTTS, who retired 12 straight batters at one point, scattered four hits and struck out five in a 2-0 win against Huntsville on April 21 to win his fourth straight start. He had allowed two runs in his first 21 innings...OF CHAD DURHAM walked and scored the winning run on a sacrifice fly by C JON ACEVES in the ninth inning in a 5-4 win over Orlando on April 22...2B GUILLERMO REYES and OF SCOTT BIKOWSKI each hit an RBI single in the bottom of the 11th inning to lift the Barons to a 5-4 victory over Orlando on April 23.

CAROLINA MUDCATS

C RYAN JORGENSEN drove in five runs with a pair of doubles and a single to help the Mudcats edge Chattanooga, 14-12, on April 16. 2B WILSON VALDEZ had four hits and 3B MIGUEL CABRERA homered and drove in three runs. Cabrera's 14 RBI lead the league through April 16...Pinch hitter MATT PADGETT and 1B DREW NILES had consecutive RBI singles in the ninth inning to highlight a four-run rally and lead the Mudcats over Chattanooga, 7-5, on April 14...LHP DONTRELLE WILLIS pitched six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts in a no-decision at Birmingham on April 13 and was winless despite allowing a run in 12 innings this season...LHP SEAN FESH was leading the minor leagues with five wins in his first six outings through April 16. He had 10 scoreless innings and as many or more wins than three of the other nine clubs in the league.

3B MIGUEL CABRERA delivered an RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning to help the Mudcats extend their winning streak to nine games with a 4-3 victory over Jacksonville, April 20. The streak ended the next night in a 10-4 loss to the Suns...OF CHRIS AGULIA had four hits and two homers and Cabrera went 3-for-5 with three RBI in a 20-4 win against Greenville on April 23. LHP DONTRELLE WILLIS allowed a run in five innings to improve to 2-0. Agulia also homered April 17 & 18 against Chattanooga and was leading the league with seven homers through April 23...2B WILSON VALDEZ hit safely in 11 straight games (21-51, 1 2B, 1 3B, 5 RBI, 7 SB) April 12-23, raising his average from .217 to .351.

CHATTANOOGA LOOKOUTS

Making his first start of the season after going 0-for-9 as a pinch-hitter, OF GUYE SENJEM hit two homers and drove in six runs in a 14-12 loss to Carolina on April 16. He hit a grand slam during a five-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning...LHP BRIAN SHACKELFORD was 0-2 with a 17.36 ERA in his first five outings, allowing 12 runs, 14 hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings...RHP DAVE GIL threw seven scoreless innings (3 H, 0 BB, 4 SO) in a 7-2 win against West Tenn on April 11.

LHP JOHN KORONKA hurled eight scoreless innings to blank West Tenn, 1-0, on April 19. Koronka, who retired eight straight batters to start the game, yielded just four hits and fanned seven en route to his first win. 1B CHRIS HAAS singled home the lone run in the fifth...RHP DUSTIN MOSELEY was 1-0, 2.52 ERA in his first four starts.

GREENVILLE BRAVES

RHP ADAM WAINWRIGHT had lasted just a total of 9 2/3 innings in his first three starts, going 0-1, 5.59 ERA...RHP MATT BELISLE was tagged for eight runs -- six earned -- and eight hits over 3 2/3 innings in an 11-9 loss at West Tenn on April 15...1B ADAM LAROCHE hit safely in his first 11 games (15-41) with four homers, including blasts on April 15 & 16 against West Tenn...RHP KENNY NELSON, who led the minors last season with a 1.66 ERA, had pitched 10 scoreless innings over two games through April 16.

RHP ROMAN COLON tossed six hitless innings in a 2-0 triumph over Tennessee, on April 19. Colon, who retired eight of the first nine hitters he faced, struck out four, walked one and hit a batter...1B ADAM LAROCHE hit safely in 12 straight games (16-45, 3 2B, 5 HR, 8 RBI, 1 SB) April 3-17. He homered in three straight contests from April 15-17 and his six home runs ranked second in the league through April 23...RHP ADAM WAINWRIGHT allowed an unearned run and five hits over five innings to record his first win in a 4-3 win against Carolina on April 22...RHP BUBBA NELSON was shelled for eight runs -- five earned -- and five hits with five walks in 2 2/3 innings in a 20-4 loss to Greenville on April 23. Nelson had allowed just two runs in his first 16 innings.

HUNTSVILLE STARS

LHP LUIS MARTINEZ struck out nine over six scoreless innings to help the Stars edge the Jacksonville Suns, 1-0, on April 11. Martinez, who fanned four straight batters between the second and the third, allowed two hits and a pair of walks for his first win of the season. On April 16, he recorded another scoreless outing, hurling six strong innings in the Stars' 1-0 triumph over Orlando. Martinez yielded three hits and two walks, striking out five and hitting a pair of batters to improve to 2-0. In his 17 innings this season, the southpaw has allowed just five hits and recorded 25 strikeouts without being scored upon...RHP MIKE JONES pitched six scoreless innings (2 H, 2 BB, 4 SO) in a 7-0 win at Jacksonville April 12 and LHP DEREK LEE pitched six scoreless innings (4 H, 1 BB, 1 SO) in a 9-0 win at Orlando April 15.

SS J.J HARDY launched a pair of homers as the Stars downed Birmingham, 6-1, on April 18. Hardy, a second-round selection in 2001, hit a solo shot in the first inning and added a two-run blast in the sixth to give Huntsville a 4-0 lead...LHP LUIS MARTINEZ struck out eight batters, allowed two hits and was charged with his first run -- an unearned run -- in 23 innings this season to suffer his first loss in a 2-0 defeat against Birmingham on April 21...3B COREY HART had three hits, including a grand slam, and five RBI in a 6-3 win over Mobile on April 22. He homered and drove in three runs and RHP BEN DIGGINS scattered four hits and a walk with eight strikeouts over seven scoreless innings in a 6-1 win against Birmingham on April 19...OF CHRIS COSBEY stroked a game-winning single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat Birmingham, 7-6, on April 20.

JACKSONVILLE SUNS

RHP HEATH TOTTEN, who allowed a run and four hits and fanned seven over eight innings, lost 1-0 to Huntsville on April 11...RHP JOEL HANRAHAN, who won his first two starts with 11 scoreless innings, allowed a run and three hits over six innings with eight strikeouts in a no-decision against Tennessee on April 14...The Suns won seven of their first 13 despite a .210 team average. The team ERA was a 2.50 ERA .

RHP ERIC STULTS pitched six scoreless innings and OF TARRICK BROCK drove in both runs in a 2-1 triumph over Chattanooga on April 23...2B VICTOR DIAZ had three RBI and four hits on April 19 in a 10-6 loss at Carolina. Diaz, who hit .350 in 91 games for South Georgia last season but just .211 in 42 games with the Suns, was batting .215 in his first 17 games.

MOBILE BAYBEARS

RHP CHRIS ROJAS threw six scoreless innings (4 H, 2 BB, 6 SO) in a no-decision against Greenville on April 12...Doubleplay combination SS KHALIL GREENE and 2B JAKE GAUTREAU, the organization's top picks the last two years, combined to go 11-for-21 with two doubles and three homers in three games from April 13-15.

1B JON KNOTT hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning to erase a 3-1 deficit and OF ALEX FERNANDEZ followed with his first home run as the BayBears beat Orlando, 5-3, on April 20. Fernandez went 4-for-4...2B JAKE GAUTREAU (.224, 3 HR, 8 RBI) was placed on the disabled list with ulceraitive colitis. He suffered the same affliction last season...LHP RUSTY TUCKER picked up saves in five straight games from April 13-23.

ORLANDO RAYS

OF J.J. GOMES hit a pair of home runs, including the game-winner leading off the bottom of the 15th inning, as the Rays outlasted Huntsville, 4-3. The 22-year-old, who led the California League in both runs (102) and extra-base hits (63) last season, is showing no ill-effects from the sudden heart attack he suffered last Christmas Eve. He has four homers and nine RBI in his first 12 games with 11 walks and 14 strikeouts...1B FRANK MOORE tied the game with an RBI single in the eighth and OF MATT DIAZ drove home the winner with a single in the ninth to beat Tennessee, 3-2, on April 12. Diaz led the league with 21 hits and a .412 average through April 16.

OF MATT DIAZ hit safely in 11 straight games (20-47, 5 2B, 4 RBI, 4 SB) April 8-19. Through April 23, he was leading the league in hits (30) and was second in batting (.390)...SS JACE BREWER snapped a 3-for-29 skid by going 3-for-5 on April 17 in a 13-4 win against Huntsville...RHP BRIAN STOKES lost three straight starts from April 11-21 despite allowing six runs in 16 innings.

TENNESSEE SMOKIES

RHP NICK STOCKS threw six scoreless innings (8 H, 0 BB, 3 SO) in a no-decision at Orlando on April 12...1B BUCKY JACOBSEN went 4-for-5 with a double, homer and two RBI on April 13 in an 8-1 win at Orlando...RHP DANNY HAREN allowed a run and five hits over seven innings in a 4-1 win at Orlando on April 11...LHP RICK ANKIEL had allowed four runs -- two earned -- four hits and three walks in his first 3 1/3 innings.

SS JOHN NELSON singled in the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning to help the Diamond Jaxx edge Greenville, 4-2, on April 20. OF JEREMY DODSON doubled home a run earlier in the inning to snap a 2-2 tie. Nelson entered the game in an 0-for-19 skid...RHP DAN HAREN improved to 3-0 with eight strong innings in the Smokies' 3-2 triumph over West Tenn on April 22. Haren allowed two runs -- one earned -- and four hits, striking out six and walking none. A product of Pepperdine University, Haren has yielded just one earned run in each of four starts this season for an ERA of 1.38...RHP MIKE LYONS notched saves in six straight appearances from April 14-22, allowing an unearned run in 6 1/3 innings.

WEST TENN DIAMOND JAXX

OF RAY SADLER singled home the game-winner with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat Greenville, 5-4, on April 16...RHP TODD WELLEMEYER struck out 10 batters (5 IP, 8 H, 6 R) in an 11-9 win against Greenville on April 15...RHP ERIC BROWN picked up wins in three consecutive relief appearances from April 8-16 by pitching 6 2/3 scoreless innings...OF JASON DUBOIS hit three doubles on April 11 in a 7-2 loss at Chattanooga. Through April 16, Dubois was leading the league in doubles (7) and on-base percentage (.510) and was second in batting (.410).

RHP TODD WELLEMEYER struck out 10 batters over seven innings but the Diamond Jaxx fell to Chattanooga, 5-3, April 20. Wellemeyer, who also struck out 10 batters in a win over Greenville on April 15, allowed just two hits and a run, but did not figure in the decision. The 24-year-old allowed a run-scoring single in the first inning and then retired 19 of the next 20 batters he faced. He was promoted to Iowa...OF JASON DUBOIS was 3-for-3 with three solo home runs to help the Diamond Jaxx edge Chattanooga, 4-3, on April 21. The 6-4, Virginia native became the first player to hit three home runs in a Southern League contest since Peter Zoccolillo of Huntsville hit three against Carolina on August 23, 2002 and just the second to accomplish this feat in the National Association this season. RHP ANGEL GUZMAN struck out 12 batters over seven innings but did not figure in the decision for the Diamond Jaxx...3B BRENDAN HARRIS hit a two-run double to cap a three-run eighth inning in a 3-1 win against Jacksonville on April 23.

SL BC Powder Hitter/Pitcher of the Week

Hitter of the Week (April 11-17)
Jason Dubois – West Tenn Diamond Jaxx

West Tenn Diamond Jaxx outfielder Jason Dubois was named the BC Powder Southern League Hitter of the Week for his offensive exploits. Dubois hit .412 (7-for-17), drove in four runs and scored four runs. Dubois smacked five doubles and walked five times. For the week, the 24-year-old had a .705 slugging percentage and a .520 on-base percentage. The Chicago Cubs selected Dubois in the 14th round of the June 2000 draft out of Virginia Commonwealth University. He resides in Virginia Beach, VA.

Pitcher of the Week (April 11-17)
Luis Martinez – Huntsville Stars

Huntsville Stars' pitcher Luis Martinez was honored as the BC Powder Southern League Pitcher of the Week after two impressive outings. The lefthander beat the Jacksonville Suns on April 11 after surrendering no runs on two hits in six innings of work. Martinez followed that up with an April 16 victory over the Orlando Rays pitching six innings, giving up no runs on three hits. For the week, the 23-year-old pitched 12 innings, gave up no runs on five hits and struck out 14 while only walking four. A member of the Milwaukee Brewers' 40-man roster, Martinez signed as a non-drafted free agent in 1996. He resides in Boca Chica, DR.

Hitter of the Week (April 18-24)
Miguel Cabrera – Carolina Mudcats

Carolina Mudcats' infielder Miguel Cabrera was named the BC Powder Southern League Hitter of the Week after tearing up Southern League pitching. Cabrera hit .517 (15-for-29), drove in 11 runs and scored seven times. Cabrera smacked eight extra-base hits with seven doubles and a triple. For the week, the 20-year-old had a .828 slugging percentage and a .576 on-base percentage. The third baseman, who is ranked by Baseball America as the best prospect in the Florida Marlins' organization and the 12th best prospect in all of baseball, has led the Mudcats to a league best 16-5 record. The Florida Marlins signed Cabrera as a non-drafted free agent in 1999. He resides in Maracay, Venezuela.

Pitcher of the Week (April 18-24)
John Fesh – Carolina Mudcats

For the second time this season, Carolina Mudcats' lefthander Sean Fesh was named the BC Powder Southern League Pitcher of the Week. The relief pitcher appeared in three games this week picking up the win against the Jacksonville Suns on April 19. For the week, Fesh pitched six innings, surrendering no runs on one hit while striking out seven. Fesh has had an outstanding year out of the bullpen for the Mudcats so far this season. The 29-year-old is 6-0 with a 0.00 ERA and has held opposing batters to a .102 average. Fesh has struck out 18 batters in 18 innings while walking only four. His six wins are the most in all of Minor League Baseball. The Houston Astros originally selected Fesh in the 61st round of the June 1991 draft. He was signed by the Florida Marlins as a free agent in 2002. Fesh resides in Bethel, CT.

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Southern League Stories from April 29, 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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