The Road to Las Vegas....

by IL Press Release
Published on August 6, 2000 under International League (IL1)

Six Teams Hold Comfortable Margins;

Two Playoff Spots Still Up For Grabs

With less than a month left in the season, Triple-A teams are usually battling for playoff positions and the chance to represent the International and Pacific Coast Leagues in the 2000 Las Vegas Triple-A World Series. But this season is a different story. Six of seven Division Leaders hold comfortable 6+ game advantages over their closest foes, with only two races still anybody's guess. In fact all four PCL Division Leaders (Albuquerque, Memphis, Sacramento, and Salt Lake) have at least an eleven-game cushion over the nearest second place club. In the IL, Buffalo and Durham hold comfortable advantages while it looks like Columbus, Indianapolis, and Louisville will battle down the stretch for the West Division Crown. As far as the IL's Wild Card position, a two-team race is brewing between North Division rivals Pawtucket and Scranton/WB, although one of the West Division clubs could sneak into contention.

Four teams will advance to each League's Championship, which will begin on September 6. Winning the League Championship earns the team a spot in the 3rd Annual Las Vegas Triple-A World Series. The 2000 event will feature the post-season champion from each Triple-A league in a best-of-five game series to begin Monday, September 18 from Cashman Field in Las Vegas, Nevada. All games will be televised on ESPN2.

The MGM Grand Selected as Host Hotel

Triple-A fans, players, and executives visiting Las Vegas for the 2000 Triple-A World Series will be housed in one of the most familiar landmarks on the Las Vegas strip, the $1 billion MGM Grand. It is rare to see any photo of the Las Vegas skyline without noticing the 115-acre site and its 45-foot tall, 100,000 pound bronze lion. Known as "The City of Entertainment", the MGM Grand is home to Las Vegas' finest in dining, shopping, accommodations and entertainment. The hotel offers a wide variety of dining choices, with 16 restaurants founded by world-renowned chefs such as Emeril Lagasse, Mark Miller, and Wolfgang Puck. For shopping enthusiasts, The MGM Grand features the Studio Walk, the Star Lane Shops, and the hotel's own retail store. Visitors will stay in one of MGM's 5,005 luxurious guest rooms all decorated in classic motifs with custom black-and-white marble bedrooms. With two afternoon games scheduled during this year's Series, fans will have no excuse not to visit some of the MGM Grand's fabulous entertainment options. The resort is known for it's $45 million music/special effects spectacular, "EFX", starring nine-time Tony Award winner Tommy Tune. Guests can also visit the MGM Grand Lion Habitat, the Studio 54 night club, or possibly see a performance by a notable musician or entertainer. Elton John, Billy Joel, Shania Twain, the Rolling Stones, 'N Sync, Rodney Dangerfield and Phil Collins are just some of the stars that have performed at the MGM Grand. For more info on the MGM Grand, visit www.mgmgrand.com. To make reservations, call the Las Vegas Stars at (702) 386-7200.

Buffalo, Durham Hold Six-Game Leads in IL North, South

Note: The IL playoff structure features a Wild Card Position along with the three Division Champions.

NORTH DIVISION: In the Division that features the three IL teams with the highest winning percentages, the Buffalo Bisons (Cleveland Indians) hold a six-game lead over the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons (Philadelphia Phillies) with the Pawtucket Red Sox (Boston) at 7½ back. The Bisons, the International League's representative in the inaugural 1998 Triple-A World Series, were an impressive 22-10 in July, moving from a half-game behind Pawtucket to their current advantage. Buffalo is led by slugging first baseman Danny Peoples (.287/18 HR/65 RBI) and speedy centerfielder Dave Roberts (an IL-leading 33 SB with 75 runs scored) and has veteran leadership in Jeff Manto and Mark Whiten. Closer Chris Nichting was the IL's Rolaids Relief Man in July after posting 11 saves in 11 opportunities. Veterans Chris Haney and Andrew Lorraine along with youngsters Jim Brower and Willie Martinez give the Bisons a solid starting rotation. In addition to trying to catch Buffalo, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Pawtucket are the leading contenders for the IL's Wild Card playoff spot. Scranton/WB, last year's North Division Champion, boasts the IL's top pitching staff with a 3.71 team ERA. Right-hander Evan Thomas, a Triple-A rookie, leads the way with a 10-8 record, 100 strikeouts, and a 3.55 ERA in 139.1 innings pitched while Mark Brownson is solid with a 9-6 record and a 4.55 ERA. Offensively, the Red Barons are paced by All-Star second baseman Marlon Anderson (.303/8/53/24 SB) and outfielder Reggie Taylor (.286/17 SB) but suffered a major hit yesterday when third baseman Tomas Perez (10 HR/56 RBI) was promoted. Pawtucket has been hit by the injury bug recently, losing two of their top starters, Paxton Crawford (5-2) and Jared Fernandez (10-4), and first baseman Juan Diaz to assorted ailments. The club's top remaining starter, All-Star Tomo Ohka, ranks among IL leaders in ERA (2.96), innings pitched (130.2) and complete games (3). At the plate, the PawSox feature third baseman/designated hitter Freddy Garcia (.275/19/57), outfielder James Chamblee (.254/16/50) and first baseman Dernell Stenson (.267/15/47).

SOUTH DIVISION: Thanks to a 20-8 mark in July, the Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Devil Rays) are on pace for their third consecutive South Division Crown with a six-game lead over last year's Triple-A World Series participant, the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox). The parent Devil Rays' flurry of moves at Monday's trade deadline had a dramatic effect on the Bulls as All-Star third baseman and Most Valuable Player candidate Aubrey Huff (.314/20/76), closer Bill Taylor (26 saves), and starter Mike Duvall (5-2) were promoted to fill out the Devil Rays' roster. But there is still plenty of talent in Durham, which boasts an IL-leading .287 team batting average. First baseman Ryan Jackson (.312/13/59/30 doubles) and outfielder Ozzie Timmons (.306/21/76) are a solid combination in the middle of Durham's order while outfielder Alex Sanchez (33 SB) provides speed at the top. The Bulls also were the beneficiaries of one of Tampa Bay's trades, receiving second baseman Brent Abernathy (.296/4/37) from Syracuse. With the loss of Taylor, unheralded middle reliever Tony Fiore (7-4, 2.30 ERA in 43 games) could become the key member of the bullpen. Starters Cory Lidle and Travis Harper (both 6-2) and Mickey Callaway (7-6) anchor the Bulls' rotation.

WEST DIVISION: In what is now the International League's best race, the Columbus Clippers (New York Yankees) lead the Indianapolis Indians (Milwaukee Brewers) by 1.5 games and the Louisville RiverBats (Cincinnati Reds) by 3.5. Columbus went 20-11 in July to move into first place from six games out. With only Kerry Robinson (29 SB) among IL offensive leaders, the Clippers feature a balanced line-up with veterans Mike Coolbaugh (.269/17/49), Randall Simon (.265/11/55) and Felix Jose (.328) as catalysts. On the mound, Columbus is paced Randy Keisler (6-0 since June 30) and Brandon Knight - the IL leader in strikeouts (112), innings pitched (146.1) and complete games (7). All-Star closer Jay Tessmer leads the circuit in games (48) and saves (27). Indianapolis' pitching staff has been hit hard in the past week as the club has seen starters Everett Stull (7-5) and Rafael Roque (9-4) and closer Bob Scanlan (26 saves) promoted to Milwaukee. The club will rely on veteran Horacio Estrada (9-4) and prospects Allen Levrault (4-5) and Ben Sheets (2-4) down the stretch. Catcher Creighton Gubanich (.275/14/57/29 doubles) leads the Tribe's offense. Louisville was just 9-20 in July but remains in playoff contention. The Bats have four active players with 10+ home runs, including third baseman Mike Bell (.281/16/59), first baseman D.T. Cromer (.280/14/59), and outfielder Brady Clark (.301/10/57). Shortstop Chris Sexton is third in the League with a .324 average. Justin Atchley (7-4) and Steve Soderstrom (9-7) lead the Louisville pitching staff which has been bolstered by the acquisition of left-hander Ed Yarnall, last season's IL Most Valuable Pitcher, who was acquired by Cincinnati in the Denny Neagle trade.

WILD CARD STANDINGS:

Scranton/WB 65 48 .575

Pawtucket 63 49 .563 1.5

Indianapolis 60 53 .531 5.0

Louisville 58 55 .513 7.0

SERIES TO WATCH (AUGUST 4-11)

August 5-6 - Scranton/WB @ Buffalo; August 10-11 - Buffalo @ Scranton/WB - With four games against the Division leader, Scranton/WB has a chance to close the six-game deficit.

August 7-9 - Indianapolis @ Louisville - Neither club wants to lose any more ground to Columbus!

August 8-9 - Buffalo @ Pawtucket - Like Scranton/WB, the PawSox hope these two games help them narrow the gap between themselves and the Bisons.

August 10-11 - Indianapolis @ Columbus - Probably the most important series of the week as the Clippers try to maintain their slight advantage over the Indians.

NOTE: Due to weather-related postponements, Pawtucket will only play 143 games. All other contending clubs will play the full 144-game schedule.

Pacific Coast Leaders Keep Distance Over Challengers

With less than five weeks to go in the 2000 season, all four division leaders are holding comfortable leads ... but will they last? Only one of the four clubs currently in first place was a division winner in 1999, and another is shooting for what could be its last in a long line of PCL championships.

PACIFIC CONFERENCE

NORTHERN DIVISION: Through games of August 3, the Salt Lake Buzz (Minnesota Twins) hold an 11½-game lead over the Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners). The Buzz has won eight of its last ten games, pulling away from the Edmonton Trappers (Anaheim Angels) and Calgary Cannons (Florida Marlins) who have fallen to 17 and 23 games behind, respectively. Salt Lake owns the top hitting club in the league with a .315 average and a league-best 803 runs scored. Buzz batters Mario Valdez (.366) and John Barnes (.355) are 1-3 in the batting race, but Valdez was traded to the Oakland A's last Monday, leaving a huge gap in the Buzz batting order. With starters Jason Ryan (7-0, 4.18) and Mike Lincoln (4-1, 3.87) in the majors, the starting responsibilities have been taken up by Dan Perkins (7-9, 7.75), Bryan Wolff (4-1 with Salt Lake, 6-4 overall), Mike Romano (4-3), Alan Mahaffey (4-2) and Matt Kinney (2-2). Gus Gandarillas (8-4, 6 saves), Brent Stentz (3-2, 9 saves) and Jack Cressend (2-4, 8 saves) is Phil Roof's bullpen triumvirate.

SOUTHERN DIVISION: The Sacramento River Cats (Oakland Athletics) have recently increased their lead over the Las Vegas Stars (San Diego Padres) to 12½ games as of August 3 with a ten-game winning streak. The Tucson Sidewinders (Arizona Diamondbacks) are 15 games back and the Fresno Grizzlies (San Francisco Giants) are 24½ out. Sacramento has been makin' hay at Raley Field, owning the best home record at 38-13. Bob Geren's club is fifth in batting (.288) and is tied for third in pitching (4.25). Hurler Barry Zito (8-5, 3.19) was recently promoted to Oakland, leaving the starting rotation in the able hands of Rich DeLucia (3-1, 3.96), Jon Ratliff (4-3, 3.26), Scott Sanders (3-5, 5.87), Marcus Jones (6-4, 4.35) and lefty knuckleballer Rich Sauveur (4-0, 3.96). Their bullpen-by-committee of Chad Harville (5-3, 8 saves), Bryan Corey (7-3, 4 saves), Scott Service (4-1, 8 saves), Luis Vizcaino (3-1, 4 saves) and Steve Gajkowski (3-3, 5 saves) allows for a great deal of flexibility. Triple-A All-Star Jose Ortiz, fifth in the league with a .348 average and leading the PCL with 143 hits, was called up this week by Oakland; stepping into these big shoes is Eric Martins (.253, 2 HR, 14 RBI in 57 games). Third baseman Mark Bellhorn is the only currently active River Cat with double-digit home run figures: he has 16. Bellhorn has also accomplished the rare quadruple-double, with ten or more doubles (11), triples (10), home runs (16) and stolen bases (11). Outfielder Eric Byrnes (.347 in 41 games) has the best batting average on the club with shortstop Jorge Velandia (.317) also above the .300 mark.

AMERICAN CONFERENCE

EASTERN DIVISION: The Memphis Redbirds (St. Louis Cardinals) saw their lead over the second-place Oklahoma Redhawks (Texas Rangers) shrink to 6 games as of July 27, but bolstered it to 11 games with a seven-game winning streak through Thursday, August 3rd. And neither the Nashville Sounds (Pittsburgh Pirates) nor the New Orleans Zephyrs (Houston Astros) can be counted out, with New Orleans 14½ back and Nashville 15½ out. The Redbirds boast the league's home run and RBI leader in Ernie Young (30 - 90), along with third baseman Lou Lucca, who has three home runs and 15 RBI in his last 14 games. The Redbirds have the #1 staff ERA at 3.98, led by Clint Weibl (7-3, 2.61), Britt Reames (4-2, 2.43), Jason Karnuth (4-2, 4.07) and Luther Hackman (5-5, 4.33). Mark Nussbeck (9-4, 3.96), the staff workhorse for most of the season and a Triple-A All-Star, has been traded to the Orioles and should see some action at the site of the All-Star Game, Rochester's Frontier Field. In the 'pen, the 'birds have one of the league's best in Gene Stechschulte (4-1, 2.68, 23 saves).

CENTRAL DIVISION: This is the last season for the Albuquerque Dukes (Los Angeles Dodgers) in the Duke City, as the franchise is being relocated to Portland, OR for 2001, so the team is looking to go out with a bang. The Dukes are looking to follow the lead of the Vancouver Canadians, who won the 1999 PCL title and Triple-A World Series before departing for Sacramento, CA. Thanks in part to a seven-game winning streak, Albuquerque holds an 11½-game lead over Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Colorado Rockies) with the Omaha Golden Spikes (Kansas City Royals) 15 games behind and the Iowa Cubs (Chicago Cubs) 25 back through games of August 3. The Dukes are tearin' it up at Albuquerque Sports Stadium - their 41-20 record there is the second-best home mark in the league. The club is third in the league in home runs (124) but they lead the league in steals (133). Without their slugging first baseman Chris Donnels since just after the All-Star break, Albuquerque is relying on a total team effort for run production. Catcher Angel Pena has hit three homers and driven in 15 in his last 14 games and Chris Ashby has scored 19 runs, registered 13 extra-base hits and driven in 15 in his last 21 outings. Outfielder Hiram Bocachica (.315, 13 HR, 59 RBI) continues to pound opposing pitching, and newly-acquired Curtis Pride has added six extra-base hits and seven RBI in his first 14 games as a Duke. In the pitching department, the Dukes are led by lefty starters Chris Michalak (8-1, 4.01), Heath Murray (6-7, 5.20) and Trever Miller (4-2, 3.21) righty starters Mike Judd (5-4, 4.84) and Robinson Checo (6-2, 2.60), multi-talented Ricky Stone (8-5, 4 saves in seven starts and 30 relief appearances) and stoppers Chad Ricketts (4-2, 7 saves) and Al Reyes (2-1, 4 saves).

SERIES TO WATCH (AUGUST 4-11)

(With every division leader ahead by at least ten games, is there really such a thing as a key series at this time?)

August 7-10 - Memphis @ Sacramento - A possible League Championship preview?

International League Stories from August 6, 2000

• The Road to Las Vegas.... - OSC Original by IL Press Release

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