MassBrew

Stars still in slump as they start over Cleared record won't matter if pitching not better By MARK McCARTER Huntsville Times Sports Staff markcolumn@aol.com A fresh start? Not that simple. An 0-0 record. Nice ... but there's still the matter of the 4-15 hangover from the first half. The Huntsville Stars begin the second half of Southern League play tonight, hosting the first-half East Division champion Tennessee Smokies at 7:05. The Stars finished the first half at 32-38, fourth in the five-team East Division with 15 losses in the final 19 games. The ever-changing Huntsville roster has a familiar name returning as the half begins. Veteran pitcher Paul Stewart is being sent down from Triple-A Indianapolis. If there is a demotion that isn't entirely painful, it is this. Stewart's wife Meredith gave birth to the couple's first child, a daughter named Reagan, here two weeks ago. To make room for Stewart, reliever Reggie Rivard has been sent to Single-A High Desert. Ah, that experience could be gained as instantly throughout the roster, or by individual players, as quickly as one of these transactions. The Stars may be immensely talented, at least according to the scouts and seamheads who rate prospects. However, their youth and inexperience has left them more exposed than a centerfold. "The offense is going to be up and down,'' said manager Frank Kremblas. "It's always been up and down with young teams. In the second half, I think it'll be less up and down. We'll be more consistent.'' Kremblas has danced the fine line between (sometimes) patiently relying on the players to learn from their own mistakes and harping on them about their mistakes. Any comparison between that and raising a teenager is more than coincidental. Sometimes that entails tough love. That's the way he's becoming with the Stars' pitching staff. "The biggest thing that helps us is getting our butts kicked the last three weeks of the first half,'' Kremblas said. "We were getting our butts kicked by other teams just beating our pitchers up. That was important. If you don't have pitching, you're not going to win. "It was good for the pitchers to get their butts kicked. They were doing well early in the year. They were getting things done, but I knew then it wasn't good enough.'' At the Double-A level, it's time to evolve from a thrower into a pitcher, said Kremblas, to rely as much on guile and control as 90 mph fastballs. Experienced hitters in this league recognize a pitcher's inability to, say, throw a breaking pitch for a strike. So they patiently wait for a juicy fastball and pound it. "We're going to have a talk about approach to the game in the second half,'' Kremblas said. "If you're going to be a big league pitcher, you better act like one between starts, take things more seriously. I don't think they do that. I don't see any intensity. It's like they're going through the motions.'' As far as the every-day lineup, which has only two players with as much as a full season in Double-A ball. Kremblas sees some signs of life. "I think the good part (of the first half), they got some experience. Now they kind of figured out 'I can do it here. I can handle this.' "Sometimes," Kremblas continued, "they come in with expectations that aren't realistic. You have to realize the pitching is good enough, you're going to get out. They're going to make you look bad sometimes. If you're under control and pay attention and learn through experiences, you're going to be a better hitter.'' If the Stars are to salvage anything in this second half, the pitching will need to follow suit. "It was good for the pitchers to get their butts kicked." Taken in context, it makes perfect sense. Out of context, that's a signature waiting to happen -- MB.

Mark McCarter of the Huntsville Times reports that RHP Reggie Rivard has been dropped to High Desert from Huntsville to make room for Paul Stewart's arrival.

Daily Press High Desert Game Story: Miscues continue to plague Mavs High Desert commits seven errors in last two games By TIM HARAN/Staff Writer RANCHO CUCAMONGA ? For David Bradley, who hadn't received much help from his teammates in his previous three starts, it appeared that the hard-luck right-hander would again throw well only to leave without a win. Through four innings on Tuesday, Bradley sparkled on the mound and weathered a pair of High Desert errors. He allowed no runs on just a pair of hits. But then the High Desert Mavericks unraveled. The Quakes erupted for five runs in the fifth ? capitalizing on a throwing error by Bradley ? and trounced the Mavs 8-1 at The Epicenter. Plagued by errors in the series opener, the Mavs were once again hampered by flawed fielding. After Reggie Willits singled to center to lead off the fifth, Bradley fielded a B.J. Weed bunt in front of the mound. He fired a throw toward first that skipped to the bag and allowed the runners to advance into scoring position. It was the team's third error of the night and seventh in the past two games. "I just screwed up," Bradley said. "If I hadn't made the error, they would have only scored one (run in the inning)." To add insult, home plate umpire Jeremy Sparling heard a Mavs player yell something from the bench after the fifth inning and chose to eject Bradley, though he wasn't the culprit, said High Desert manager Mel Queen. It was the third High Desert player to be ejected in as many games. While the defense failed to shine, coaches weren't enthused about the team's offensive performance, either. "We didn't exactly crush the ball tonight," Queen said. "Bradley didn't help himself by throwing the ball away. That really opened the gates. He was pitching great until then." A sacrifice and a single padded the Quakes lead before designated hitter Michael Napoli capped the fifth inning scoring spree by smacking a two-run homer over the right-center field wall. It was Napoli's California League-leading 19th home run of the year. The Mavs made Quakes' starter Jean Toledo (2-5) labor early, knocking a pair of singles in the first inning to place runners on the corners with nobody out. But Rancho Cucamonga gunned down Callix Crabbe at the plate, forced another fielder's choice and struck out John Vanden Berg to escape the inning without allowing a run. Travis Hinton put the Mavs out in front in the fourth inning, launching a solo home run deep over the right field wall. It was the all-star first baseman's team-leading 12th home run of the year. The Quakes scored two more runs in the sixth and one in the seventh off Mavs' reliever David Nolasco. Rancho Cucamonga's Toledo would gladly arrange his schedule for the opportunity to pitch against High Desert every time out. In two previous starts against the Mavs, he was 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA. Against the rest of the league the right-hander was 0-4 with a dismal 10.38 ERA. He allowed one run on four hits Tuesday and picked up the victory. Bradley (3-4) had allowed just one earned run in each of his previous five appearances ? two starts and three in relief ? against the Quakes. In his last start vs. Rancho Cucamonga on June 17, he gave up an earned run on five hits in a no-decision. Bradley, who didn't allow a ball to escape the infield until the fifth inning, finished the night allowing five runs ? one earned ? on six hits. He struck out five. NOTES: Mario Mendez extended his hit streak to eight games with a single in the second inning. ... Outfielder Kennard Bibbs missed his sixth straight game Tuesday. He's listed as day to day with a strained hamstring. ... Quakes' shortstop Erick Aybar left the game in the fifth inning with a stinger after stealing second and colliding with High Desert's Crabbe.

Wednesday's Daily Menu: All times Central, unless otherwise noted; pitchers subject to change; pre-game audio begins approx. 15 minutes prior to game time listed... INDIANAPOLIS: IDLE (and licking their wounds) HUNTSVILLE: RHP Chris Saenz at home vs. Tennessee (Cardinals), 7:05 PM; new life for the Stars as they begin the second half Audio link: www.espn1450.com/ HIGH DESERT: RHP Bo Hall at Rancho Cucamonga (Angels), 9:15 PM Audio link: www.hdmavs.com/listen_live.htm BELOIT: IDLE HELENA: RHP Alvaro Martinez at home vs. Missoula (Diamondbacks), 8:05 PM Audio link (Ospreys' feed): www.1340kylt.com/ ARIZONA: TBD at home vs. Oakland, 10:30 AM locally in Maryvale

Helena Box Score: None available -- I'm probably mistaken, but I believe we learned last season that it's up to the home team to supply needed paperwork to a league office or such. If that's the case, let's get with it. If not the case, my apologies... Helena Independent Republic Game Story: Cardiac Brewers pull through in extra frame By KEVIN SHIVELY - IR Sports Writer - 06/23/04 The Helena Brewers stayed errorless through 10 innings of baseball Tuesday, beating the Missoula Osprey 7-6 at Kindrick Legion Field. The two teams were tied at 6-66 going into the bottom of the 10th inning, but Alcides Escobar singled to center and Charlie Fermaint was walked. Second baseman Steve Sollman ended the game with a line drive to left-center, scoring Escobar from second. Sollman was 2-for-4 at the plate. The Helena club had trailed 5-1 midway through the game, but an explosive fifth inning put the Brewers right back in the mix. They started the inning with three singles off the bats of Dallas Bates, Escobar and Fermaint, loading the bases with no outs. Missoula pitcher Salvador Valdez then walked in the Brewers' second run of the game and kept the bases loaded. Tony Festa and Grant Richardson batted in Bates and Escobar before new pitcher Donald Julio could collect the third out. Bates came through again in the sixth, giving Helena the lead on a two-run homer over the right-field wall. Bates was 2-for-4 for the night. Osprey shortstop Juan Olivares also had a home run in the game. He sent one out of the park in the third to give Missoula a 3-0 lead. Getting the win on the mound was Robbie Wooley, who came in to replace starter Jared Theodorakos in the fourth. Wooley struck out one and gave up five hits in his four innings on the mound. Ryan Marion got the save, striking out four in the last three innings. Photo by Jon Ebelt IR Staff - Helena Brewers second baseman Steven Sollman leaps to make the catch Tuesday in Pioneer League action against Missoula at Kindrick Legion Field. http://www.helenair.com/content/articles/2004/06/23/sports/b01062304_02.jpg

In progress: Rancho Cucamonga (Angels) 7, High Desert 1, after six innings

Final: Helena 7, Missoula (Diamondbacks) 6, ten innings Steve Sollman drives in Alcides Escobar for the winning run, but perhaps at a price. The 17-year-old Escobar was carried off the field after crashing into the catcher while scoring the game-winner; Ryan Marion pitched out of a man-on-third, one-out situation in the top of the 10th...

Vinny Rottino was one of five HR derby entrants (among eight) who were kept in the park (shut out).

Adam McCalvy of MLB.com indicated that the Arizona Brewers begin play Wednesday night. Update: Helena 6, Missoula (Diamondbacks) 6, after eight innings Dallas Bates homered earlier for the H-Brewers...

In progress: Helena 6, Missoula (Diamondbacks) 5, after seven innings Brewers waste a bases-loaded opportunity just now in the 7th; listen in to the tight finish! Jared Theodorakos: 3 IP, 6 H, 3 R Robbie Wooley: 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R Ryan Marion on now...

For you out-of-towners, any problems pulling up the MLB.com package tonight?

Did we ever figure out how Indy has 24 players? Bork, I'm with you -- what'd we miss here? Roster limit is 23 between May 5 to August 9. Helms and Ford don't count -- rehab assignments. Bowles, Krynzel and Hardy on the DL don't count. Pitchers (12): Childers, de la Rosa, Erdos, Farnsworth, Giron, Hendrickson, Hernandez, Liriano, Michalak, Phelps, Reichert, Weibl Catchers (3): Coste, Delgado, Johnson Infielders: (5): Durrington, Erickson, Figueroa, Gemoll, Scarborough Outfielders: (4): Bergeron, Hart, Magruder, Nunnally brewcru1, what are we missing?

The Helena Brewers have updated their site with a 2004 roster, although it needs to add non-drafted free agents Brandon Murray and Jake Serfass. www.helenabrewers.net/htm...rewers.php

While Manny Parra and Corey Hart deserved consideration, there is once again no Brewer love from Baseball America's Prospect Hot Sheet this week: www.baseballamerica.com/t...t2004.html

Final: Buffalo (Indians) 12, Indianapolis 11 Indianapolis Post-Game Notes: Indianapolis lost a seven run lead for the second consecutive game Wednesday afternoon as Buffalo knocked off the Tribe, 12-11 on Chris Clapinski?s three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth off Tribe reliever Todd Erdos. The Tribe outhit the Bisons 15-14 and held its biggest lead, 9-2, after four innings. The Bisons chipped away at the lead with five runs in the fifth inning, before Indianapolis added its final tallies in the sixth and the eighth innings. Buffalo rallied for single runs in the seventh and eighth before adding three runs in the ninth to boost its record to 38-34, dropping the Tribe to 34-36. QUOTES: Chris Lapinski on his game winning home run: "A lot of guys are feeling real confident," said Clapinski. "Once we get rolling, things just seem to go our way. We?re just trying to stay positive all the time. We didn?t dwell at all today on the deficit. Early on in the year, being down might have taken the wind out of our sails. We try to be real positive and keep our heads up. Each win is better than the night before. We?re really playing well as a team." NOTES: Indianapolis finished the road trip at 4-8. During the month of June, the Tribe has posted a 6-15 record and 6.28 ERA. Peter Bergeron hit his first homer as an Indian Wednesday. Bergeron and Chris Magruder each had three hits to lead the Indians offensive attack. Matt Erickson extended his hitting streak to 12 games. He is now 19 for 43 during this stretch (.442). Indianapolis returns to Victory Field for an eight-day, eight game homestand starting Thursday.

In progress: Indianapolis 9, Buffalo (Indians) 7, after five innings Bisons' feed is working...

Beloit Daily News Game Preview: Snappy 'Stars Improved Pena joins four teammates in MWL Classic By Charlie Corr Daily News staff writer Last season it was pretty typical for Beloit Snappers right-hander Luis Pena to give up a huge first or second inning. He generally seemed to settle down, but those early barrages by the opposing teams left Pena with only a 2-6 record, despite a respectable 3.90 earned run average. Now Pena is getting hitters out right off the bat, and keeping it that way later in the game. ``I was thinking a lot at my home about this year,'' said Pena, who resides in La Victoria, Venezuela. ``I wanted to have a good year this year, and I've been working hard.'' Pena and four other Snappers will be heading to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for today's 40th annual Midwest League All-Star Game at Veterans Memorial Stadium (7 p.m. start). One year has made quite a difference for Pena. He is tied for third-best in the league in winning percentage (.750) with a 6-2 record. His ERA has dropped to 3.30 and he has struck out 63 batters in 71 innings. ``I've worked every day with my pitching coach Rich Sauveur,'' Pena said. ``Every time in the bullpen, he's showing me what to do in the game, and I do it. It's just a matter of location.'' ``He has more command in his pitches, and Rich has worked very well with him,'' Snappers manager Don Money said. ``Every now and then you'll see him drop his head a little bit because he missed with his fastball. But he's matured a lot from last year to this year.'' His control has been much improved as well. Pena has yet to hit a batter, while last year he hit seven. He has also given up only five home runs. Also joining Pena from the Snappers pitching staff is left-hander Dana Eveland. Eveland's role as both a starter and late reliever have been impressive under the staff's piggy-backing system. He is 5-2 with a 3.10 ERA. Eveland has started eight of his 13 games, posting two saves and striking out 66 in just 61 innings. The Snappers will have two men starting for the Western Division squad -- outfielder Terry Trofholz and designated hitter Vinny Rottino. Rottino has clearly been Beloit's Mr. Versatility this year on the field, playing some outfield, catching and infield in addition to his designated hitter duties. So far he has made just three errors in 69 games. He is also among the league leaders in batting. Rottino is fourth in the league in total bases (124), third in at-bats (262) and is tied for fifth with Lansing's Kevin Collins in RBIs (50). Rottino and Trofholz are tied with each other for fourth in hits (77). Trofholz is third in the league in stolen bases (24) and is sixth in batting average (.308). When it comes to the glove, Trofholz is the top dog on the Snappers. He has yet to commit an error in the outfield. Coming off the Western Division bench will be catcher Lou Palmisano. Last year's third-round draft pick by the Milwaukee Brewers has lived up to his billing. Palmisano is just ahead of Trofholz with the fifth-best batting average in the league at .30837. He is also sixth in on-base percentage (.388). Palmisano has done a little of everything. He is tied with Rottino for second on the team in runs scored (38) and is third in RBIs (38). He is third on the squad in hits (70) and third in slugging percentage (.419). NOTES: The Snappers are off until Thursday when they host the Kane County Cougars for a four-game set, beginning at 7 p.m. The Cougars took first place in the Western Division for the first half of the season, earning an automatic playoff berth.

LHP Jared Theodorakos, the draft-and-follow signee out of Baylor, is starting for Helena tonight.

More from the Daily Press: Attitudes upbeat for second half Mavericks look forward to starting fresh By TIM HARAN/Staff Writer RANCHO CUCAMONGA ? The High Desert Mavericks are aware that a new season has started. With the California League campaign broken into two halves, each team began Monday with identical 0-0 records. The Mavs, which finished the first half in last place in the South Division (25-45), are already determined to improve on that mark in the second. "It's got to be a little lift to them," High Desert manager Mel Queen said of starting fresh. "You look there and see 25 and 45 ... that's a little bit discouraging." The Mavericks are confident they can win more games in the second half, considering the team's recent performances. "The last two or three weeks we've been playing pretty good baseball," Mavs' catcher John Vanden Berg said. "Our starters have been giving us good outings, giving us six (innings) every time. If they can keep doing that we're going to be in ballgames as long as we score a few runs." The Mavs finished the half winning four of seven, due in large part to the efforts posted by their starting pitchers. "The main thing is that our pitching came around," Queen said. "That's what really hurt us in the first half, especially early in the season. The starters were going three or four innings and wearing out the bullpen. Pretty soon (the bullpen was) worn out and that's just not a good mix." Now with the pitching and the hitting coming together at the same time, the Mavs are anxious about getting the second half under way. "Everybody's playing with a little more confidence right now," Vanden Berg said. "Our pitchers are keeping us in it, which is a big key. They're pitching well right now and I think that fires everyone up." ? HOME RUN FRENZY: The Mavericks' six home runs Sunday against San Jose was the most the team had hit in any single game this season. The team missed setting a franchise record by one. High Desert blasted seven homers on May 6, 2002. The California League record is eight, done twice on back-to-back days in 1999 by Modesto (against San Jose) and by Lancaster (against Lake Elsinore). ? CANDELARIA'S EJECTION: High Desert third baseman Scott Candelaria, who was ejected from Sunday's game against San Jose, is prepared to appeal any punishment the California League may hand down. Queen hadn't heard from league officials before Monday's game and a message left by the Daily Press wasn't returned as of press time.

Daily Press High Desert Game Story: Mavs shaky in loss to Quakes Four errors hurt High Desert in second-half opener By TIM HARAN/Staff Writer RANCHO CUCAMONGA ? The High Desert Mavericks were anxious to start the second half of the season, hoping to improve on the team's two-game win streak. Winning three in a row for the first time this year wasn't out of the question, especially with Jesse Harper taking the mound for the Mavs against Rancho Cucamonga. In his two previous starts this season, the right-hander had posted a 2.61 ERA and last week against the Quakes he picked up the win, allowing just one earned run. But Harper struggled from the outset Monday, though he received little help from his defense, as Rancho Cucamonga hammered the Mavericks 10-2 at The Epicenter. "He really wasn't that wild," High Desert manager Mel Queen said of Harper. "It wasn't exactly a stellar defensive performance behind him. Not only the errors, but some things don't go as errors but should go as outs." Rancho Cucamonga (1-0), which was hitting just .170 this season with the bases loaded, capitalized on its second bases-full opportunity of the night. With two outs in the sixth, Michael Napoli, who is leading the California League in slugging percentage, cleared the bases with a three-run double to deep center. The Quakes scored five times in the inning, but just one run was earned after third baseman Scott Candelaria bobbled a grounder and left fielder Pete Rasmusen dropped a seemingly routine fly ball. Rancho Cucamonga took early advantage of Harper's control problems, scoring a run in the first on a double and a pair of walks. Harper, who had only issued two walks this season for the Mavericks, walked five Quakes in 3 2-3 innings. After scoring on an error in the second, the Quakes loaded the bases for the first of three times. While Rancho Cucamonga couldn't muster a hit the rest of the inning, it did manage to add another run when Harper walked Ransel Melgarejo. The Mavs (0-1) filled the bases themselves in the following frame but scored just once. Candelaria grounded into a fielder's choice to drive in Mario Mendez who had doubled to lead off the inning. The Mavs recorded their other run of the night when Mendez scored after leading off the fifth with a triple. Rancho Cucamonga's Napoli singled to lead off the Quakes' half of the third. With Budde at the plate, Napoli stole second and advanced to third on an errant Froilan Villanueva throw. The catcher and Queen each thought Budde had interfered on the play but the umpires conferred and ruled otherwise. "It's called incidental contact where (the bat hit the catcher) on the back swing," Queen said. "There's no penalty, the runner goes back to first. But the umpire didn't see it and his partner didn't see it. Villa felt it because it hurt." Budde on the next pitch launched a two-run homer over the left field wall. Eric Henderson, who pitched 4 1-3 innings in relief for the Mavs, allowed one earned run and struck out a season-high six. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the eighth by striking out David Gates and forcing Budde to fly out to center. For the Quakes, Micah Posey allowed two runs in seven innings while striking out eight. Enrique Cruz was tossed out of the game in the seventh after questioning a third strike call. It was the second ejection of a Mavericks player in as many days. NOTES: The Mavs, which won 2-of-3 games against San Jose to end the first half, won a series for the first time since May 18-20 against Lake Elsinore. ... The Mavs committed four errors Monday after playing their last three games without a miscue. ... Mendez and Jeremy Frost extended their hit streaks to seven games.

By the way, here's a reminder to the Helena Brewers management team: "You have a website!"Pretty embarassing when you've had nine months to tinker with, improve, and update your team's website, and it still has Opening Day rosters from 2003, not to mention no updates of any kind in months. We're so easy to get along with here at Brewerfan, but unanswered email inquiries during the offseason have left us puzzled. Here's hoping you folks have a great season up there, but we are thankful that the local newspaper coverage is timely and thorough, otherwise the fan base would know about as much as we currently know about the Arizona Rookie League.

Tuesday's Daily Menu: All times Central; pitchers subject to change; pre-game audio begins approx. 15 minutes prior to game time listed... INDIANAPOLIS: RHP Clint Weibl at Buffalo (Indians), 12:05 PM; if any of you office folks are interested, by the way, old friend Jeff D'Amico pitching for the Bisons... Audio link: www.newstalk1430.com/ Alternate audio link (Bisons' feed): www.sportsjuice.com/provi...e=bbisons/ HUNTSVILLE: IDLE -- day two of a rare two-day break in the schedule not related to the All-Star Game... HIGH DESERT: RHP David Bradley at Rancho Cucamonga (Angels), 9:15 PM Audio link: www.hdmavs.com/listen_live.htm BELOIT: IDLE; Midwest League All-Star Game is tonight, 7:00 PM -- see the All-Star thread on this forum for further details... HELENA: TBD at home vs. Missoula (Diamondbacks), 8:05 PM; fortunately, Missoula's another Pioneer League club with online audio... Audio link (Ospreys' feed): www.1340kylt.com/ ARIZONA: For the first time since Brewerfan's been around, we have no official roster to report (although our Player Index will give you a good idea), no official schedule, no well, nothing. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/ohwell.gif We're guessing it's hot, that there's no audio (never is), and that we'll hopefully know more tomorrow, as we believe it's Opening Day for the Baby Brewers.

It's Trofholz and Rottino starting, with Palmisano, Eveland, and Pena in town for Tuesday's Midwest League All-Star Game in Cedar Rapids. While I haven't seen it officially announced, I would think the game would be broadcast on the Cedar Rapids' flagship here, but perhaps not: www.kernels.com/radio.html Vinny Rottino's also in the home-run derby; we'll keep updates here as opposed to the daily Link Report.

In order to make sure Huntsville has 648 pitchers on their roster (or close to it), RHP Paul Stewart has been transferred to the AA Stars' roster from Indianapolis, according to an Indianapolis press release. There must be a correpsonding room of some sort, as the Stars' roster now appears to have the same ten position players (badly in need of an 11th all season long, but to no avail), and these 14 pitchers. The active roster limit is 23 for this point of the season in the Southern League. Active pitching staff, Huntsville: LHP Brian Adams LHP Ryan Costello LHP Matt Ford LHP Jeff Housman RHP Mike Jones RHP John Novinsky RHP Fernando Rijo RHP Reggie Rivard RHP Saul Rivera RHP Chris Saenz RHP Dennis Sarfate RHP Jason Shelley RHP Paul Stewart RHP Glenn Woolard

Indianapolis Post-Game Notes: Indianapolis jumped on Buffalo early for a 7-0 lead Monday night, but collapsed late in the game, dropping an 8-7 contest to the Bisons. The Tribe held a 7-1 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh inning before the Bisons began chipping away. The home club scored two in the seventh and one in the eighth before they ripped four consecutive hits off Tribe closer Matt Childers, including a leadoff homer from Mark Little. The Bisons ultimately scored four runs in the inning to steal the win behind Ernie Young?s two-run single. Indianapolis falls to 34-35, Buffalo improves to 37-34. Childers (2-2) was pinned with the loss, retiring just one Bisons hitter. QUOTES: Ernie Young on his game winning hit: ?Earlier in the year, we came back to beat Norfolk,? Young said. ?This victory is more special. It was just a great team effort to come back and win.? Young on Cecil Cooper?s decision to intentionally walk Russell Branyan to load the bases in the bottom of the ninth: ?You have to play the percentages,? said Young. ?I am a right-handed hitter and they had a right-hander pitching. This is baseball, anything can happen.? NOTES: Wes Helms joined the Indians Monday on a Major League rehab assignment. He will receive starting assignments at third base for the Indians. Jorge De La Rosa was activated from the disabled list Monday and received the starting nod for Cecil Cooper, his first start since May 21. Matt Erickson extended his hitting streak to 11 games. During this period, Erickson has gone 17 for 38. The Indians are 4-7 on the 12-game roadtrip. The Tribe finishes the series with Buffalo Tuesday with a 12:05 p.m. start. Indianapolis will begin an eight-day, eight game homestand on Thursday, June 24, hosting the Syracuse SkyChiefs.