MassBrew

Final: Durham (Devil Rays) 8, Indianapolis 2 Did a lot of you have the feeling Indy was kind of winning with mirrors during their early season success? This roster just looks pretty weak now... Indianapolis Box Score: Thank goodness the stud-to-be B.J. Upton will play for the Devil Dogs, and not an NL Central competitor... GAME DATE: 6/15/04 IND at DUR INDIANAPOLIS 2 AT DURHAM 8 YTD YTD INDIANAPOLIS AB R H BI AVG DURHAM AB R H BI AVG P.Bergeron CF 4 0 0 1 .194 J.Gathright CF 5 1 1 0 .310 C.Magruder LF 4 0 1 0 .260 B.Upton SS 5 2 4 2 .303 C.Hart RF 4 0 1 0 .281 J.Cantu 3B 4 2 2 2 .294 J.Nunnally DH 2 0 0 0 .236 M.Cummings DH 4 1 1 2 .317 C.Coste PH 1 0 0 0 .294 J.Gomes LF 4 0 0 0 .269 M.Johnson CAT 3 0 0 0 .273 M.Diaz RF 3 0 1 1 .313 T.Durrington 3B 4 0 0 0 .100 J.Sandberg 1B 4 0 3 0 .219 B.Gemoll 1B 3 0 0 0 .236 B.Badeaux 2B 4 1 2 0 .200 A.Delgado PH 1 0 0 0 .164 D.Massiatte CAT 4 1 1 1 .141 M.Erickson 2B 2 1 1 0 .241 J.Magrane PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 S.Scarbrough SS 3 1 1 1 .216 B.Seay PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 A.Hernandez PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 T.Phelps PIT 0 0 0 0 .333 C.Michalak PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 TOTALS 31 2 4 2 TOTALS 37 8 15 8 INDIANAPOLIS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0- 2 4 0 DURHAM 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 2 X- 8 15 1 E--J.Magrane. DP--INDIANAPOLIS 1, DURHAM 1. LOB--INDIANAPOLIS 5, DURHAM 7. 2B--C.Hart (14), M.Diaz (17), J.Sandberg (8), D.Massiatte (4). 3B--S.Scarbrough (2). HR--B.Upton (7), M.Cummings (10). SB--J.Gathright (13), B.Upton 2 (7). CS--M.Diaz. HBP--M.Diaz. YTD IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA INDIANAPOLIS A.Hernandez (L,0-4) 6.0 8 3 3 1 8 2 7.11 T.Phelps 0.0 3 3 3 0 0 0 5.94 C.Michalak 2.0 4 2 2 0 2 0 6.03 DURHAM J.Magrane (W,4-1) 7.2 3 2 2 3 3 0 3.42 B.Seay 1.1 1 0 0 0 2 0 1.30 HB--A.Hernandez. SO--P.Bergeron, C.Coste, M.Johnson, B.Gemoll 2, J.Gathright 2, M.Cummings 2, J.Gomes 2, M.Diaz, B.Badeaux, D.Massiatte 2. BB--J.Nunnally, M.Johnson, M.Erickson, J.Cantu. T--2:35. A--5923Indianapolis Game Log: Tribe had only one hit through eight innings... www.sportsnetwork.com/mer...meID=14175

Been about a month since a Brewer prospect appeared on BA's Hot Sheet -- although Brad Nelson's exclusion, even as an honorable mention, during this time, seems silly. www.baseballamerica.com/t...t2004.html

Final: Tennessee (Cardinals) 7, Huntsville 5 Huntsville Box Score: GAME DATE: 6/15/04 HVL at TEN HUNTSVILLE 5 AT TENNESSEE 7 YTD YTD HUNTSVILLE AB R H BI AVG TENNESSEE AB R H BI AVG R.Weeks 2B 4 1 1 0 .249 S.Schumaker CF 5 0 1 0 .285 A.Gwynn CF 5 0 2 2 .242 P.Bolivar LF 4 1 1 0 .296 P.Fielder 1B 3 1 1 0 .269 D.Moylan CAT 5 1 3 1 .294 B.Nelson RF 4 0 1 2 .286 D.Haynes RF 3 0 0 0 .167 R.Knox LF 5 0 2 0 .286 C.Duncan 1B 2 2 1 0 .287 J.Raburn 3B 3 0 0 0 .243 G.Johnson 3B 3 1 0 0 .273 K.Johnson CAT 5 1 2 0 .233 J.Colina 2B 4 1 3 5 .234 O.Chavez SS 4 0 0 0 .207 C.Erickson SS 3 1 1 1 .204 C.Saenz PIT 3 1 2 1 .391 J.Cook PIT 2 0 0 0 .125 J.Housman PH 0 1 0 0 .308 J.Kinney PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 J.Shelley PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 T.Johnson PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 J.Novinsky PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 J.Hamilton PH 1 0 0 0 .262 N.Stocks PIT 0 0 0 0 .500 N.Espy PH 1 0 1 0 .282 C.Cali PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 TOTALS 36 5 11 5 TOTALS 33 7 11 7 HUNTSVILLE 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 0- 5 11 1 TENNESSEE 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 4 X- 7 11 1 E--O.Chavez, T.Johnson. DP--HUNTSVILLE 2, TENNESSEE 1. LOB--HUNTSVILLE 11, TENNESSEE 8. 2B--R.Weeks (12), P.Fielder (13), K.Johnson (8), C.Saenz (2), P.Bolivar (11). HR--J.Colina (5), C.Erickson (10). SB--P.Fielder (4), J.Raburn (10), P.Bolivar (16), C.Duncan (5), J.Colina (3). HBP-- D.Haynes. SF--B.Nelson. YTD IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA HUNTSVILLE C.Saenz 7.0 7 3 3 4 6 0 4.35 J.Shelley (L,1-2) 0.1 4 4 4 1 0 2 4.41 J.Novinsky 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.56 TENNESSEE J.Cook 4.0 7 3 3 1 3 0 3.60 J.Kinney 1.1 2 1 1 2 0 0 9.00 T.Johnson 1.2 1 0 0 1 1 0 8.27 N.Stocks (W,1-0) 1.0 1 1 1 2 0 0 2.70 C.Cali (S,6) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.70 HB--J.Shelley. SO--B.Nelson 2, O.Chavez, C.Saenz, P.Bolivar, D.Moylan, D.Haynes, C.Erickson 2, J.Cook, J.Hamilton. BB--R.Weeks, P.Fielder 2, J.Raburn 2, J.Housman, P.Bolivar, C.Duncan 2, G.Johnson, C.Erickson. T--3:01. A--3254Huntsville Game Log: www.sportsnetwork.com/mer...MEID=16479

With Huntsville having only ten position players and Chris Barnwell suspended (see Transactions thread), Prince Fielder has been forced to stay in a game hobbled after fouling a ball off his foot. We've talked about it for a month now -- that situation in Huntsville, in terms of roster makeup, is absolutely inexcusable. Pitchers hitting for themselves where they normally would not, now this, ridiculous.

I'm just guessing that the Brewers would prefer that the local newspaper scribes didn't print the contract terms -- or more to the point, that we didn't find the local articles http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

Stars 3B Chris Barnwell has been suspended by the team for two games for undisclosed reasons, according to the Huntsville broadcast today.

Nice signing here; this was potentially one to get away... Link while active: www.tribstar.com/articles...orts01.txt Joining the pro ranks West Vigo's Lenny Leclercq signs with Milwaukee Brewers Viking shortstop optimistic about reaching big leagues By Craig Pearson/Tribune-Star June 15, 2004 Lenny Leclercq's remarkable high school baseball career ended with West Vigo's loss coming just one game shy of the state championship game, making the star shortstop ready to become a professional with the signing of a contract. After being selected in the 11th round of last week's Major League Baseball draft, the 18-year-old signed a $172,000 contract Monday with the Milwaukee Brewers, and he leaves Friday for Phoenix, Ariz., to join the Brewers' rookie league team. His contract includes a $100,000 signing bonus, while the remainder of the contract is to pay for Leclercq's college education. Leclercq donned the Brewers' cap while signing his contract at Coach Steve DeGroote's home in West Terre Haute -- a house filled with family, friends and former teammates. A small percentage of baseball players achieve their Major League dreams, yet Leclercq is optimistic. "Hopefully, I have a good season down there [at Phoenix], and work my way up to the big leagues some day," Leclercq said. "It's going to be a few years. I'm going to work hard at it. I think they wouldn't have picked me if they didn't think I could make it to the big leagues." After seeing Leclercq's work ethic first hand produce record-breaking results, DeGroote is confident Leclercq can go a long way in baseball. DeGroote said he didn't do anything for Leclercq that he doesn't do for all his players. "I was just there to open the door for him every day at 6 a.m.," DeGroote said. Besides leading the Vikings to the semistate championship game Saturday, Leclercq compiled staggering statistics. He tied the school record of 13 home runs. His 56 RBI's shattered Casey DeGroote and Kevin Egli's previous record of 48. He batted .441 (41-of-93) with 35 runs scored, seven doubles, three triples and 30 stolen bases. Leclercq's parents, Lenny and Connie, were proud to see their son achieve his goal of being a professional baseball player, while Mom added she was sad he'll travel so far away. "It didn't come easy for him," Connie Leclercq said. "He was [at the school] at 6 a.m. every day. His work ethic was unbelievable." Ability aside, a man's character and ability to fail allows for success, DeGroote said. "They're going to put a wooden bat in his hands and guys will be throwing 90, 95, 100 miles an hour, and they'll say go hit it," DeGroote said. "He's going to fail. I've heard Leclercq compared to [former ISU shortstop] Clint Barmes. Barmes is a tough kid. He could handle failure." Barmes is excelling at the AAA level of the Colorado Rockies organization. Another key is staying healthy, DeGroote said. The last West Vigo graduate to be drafted was DeGroote's son Casey, who went in the 11th round to the Yankees. Injuries had a toll on Casey DeGroote, who now plays independent ball at Kalamazoo, Mich. Milwaukee Brewers area scout Mike Farrell -- a former Indiana State player -- was at the DeGroote's home to offer Leclercq his contract. "As an organization, we feel [Leclercq] fits into what we feel like we've been looking for in quality individuals," Farrell said. "He's a higher end talent that has a character for us to be excited." After signing a national-letter-of-intent to play for Indiana University, Leclercq put a lot of thought into his decision. DeGroote helped the young man with that decision, Leclercq said. "He just told me 'I know you can negotiate dollars, but let your heart tell you what to do. If your hearts in it you gotta go. No money can make a difference if it's what you want to do.'" Leclercq's decision allows him to devote all his energy to baseball. "I watched kids trying to juggle both [school and baseball]," DeGroote said. "When you go play a four-game weekend series and have to come back for a Physics test, it's tough. He can concentrate on one thing. He can always go back to school." BIG DREAMS: West Vigo graduate Lenny Leclercq (center), surrounded by his father Lenny, mother Connie, Brewers' area scout Mike Farrell and Coach Steve DeGroote, smiles after signing a contract to play professional baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers. (Tribune-Star/Craig Pearson) http://www.tribstar.com/content/articles/2004/06/15/sports/sports01.jpg

Tennessee Smokies catcher Dan Moylan tags out Huntsville?s Ryan Knox as he attempts to score in Monday night?s game. CATHY CLARKE KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL http://mas.scripps.com/KNS/2004/06/14/0615smoke1e_e.jpg

Beloit Daily News Game Story: Quotes, etc... www.beloitdailynews.com/604/snap15.htm

The word is out via local radio here on the indecision about starting Rogers. Nothing to do with the Brewers' wishes, simply that Mark's dad (and coach) had promised their # 2 pitcher that he'd get the start. The young man eventually went to his coach and told him that it was OK with him if Rogers got the start instead.

The Brewers love to take a chance on independent league power arms, and have signed another in RHP Jeff Garner, who made his professional debut in the Frontier League with Kalamazoo this spring. This will be Garner's first affiliated contract. He just turned 24 in April. From the Kalamazoo Gazette: Jeff Garner was signed to a minor league contract by the Milwaukee Brewers, and he will report to their Arizona League affiliate on Monday. Garner, without a decision in 7 2/3 innings pitched, has given up three hits, struck out five and walked three. He is consistently throwing in the nineties after coming off of Tommy John surgery. Ah yes, power arms are rarely available if they're not on the road back from injury (see Tim Bausher). Nice to see the Brewers remain among the most active organizations in mining for talent among the independent ranks. You'd have to think that Garner, at age 24, will be in either Beloit or High Desert soon. Garner's 2002/2003 numbers at Central Michigan University: www.sports-wired.com/play...Name=CIHHF Garner's 2004 numbers at Kalamazoo: www.baseballamerica.com/c...rner%2C+je Garner's College Bio: cmuchippewas.collegesport...eff00.html

Tuesday's Daily Menu includes a late breakfast! All times Central; pitchers subject to change; pre-game audio begins approx. 15 minutes prior to game time listed... INDIANAPOLIS: RHP Adrian Hernandez at Durham (Devil Rays), 6:00 PM Audio link: www.newstalk1430.com/ Alternate audio link (Bulls' feed): www.sportsjuice.com/provi...ame=dbulls HUNTSVILLE: RHP Chris Saenz at Tennessee (Cardinals), 11:00 AM Audio link: www.espn1450.com/ HIGH DESERT: RHP Khalid Ballouli at Rancho Cucamonga (Angels), 9:15 PM Audio link: www.hdmavs.com/listen_live.htm BELOIT: RHP Luis Pena at home vs. Clinton (Rangers), 7:00 PM No audio for this series http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/frown.gif EDIT: Fixed time.

Deering would break it open with three in the fifth when Rogers, who strained his back in the fourth, was lifted. Oh yeah, that's great to read....

If matchup`s special, fans come in droves By JENN MENENDEZ, Staff Writer Copyright © 2004 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc. They came to see the kid with the arm from Orr´s Island. They wanted to witness the best Deering team in years. In the twilight of a mid-June evening, Maine high school baseball was never bigger than it was Monday night. Deering beat Mt. Ararat 6-1 for the state title in front of a sellout at Hadlock Field - the biggest high school baseball crowd in Maine history. The win completed Deering´s season at a perfect 18-0. And the game marked the end of high school baseball for Mark Rogers, the Mt. Ararat pitcher picked in the first round of Major League Baseball´s amateur draft a week earlier. For the 7,000-plus fans at Hadlock, it was clear something historic was happening - no matter who won. "It´s pretty special," said David Eldridge, 66, a Naples resident with no ties to any players, no allegiance to either school. "You won´t see anything like this, not in the near future anyway." Eldridge, Dean Bundy, 61, and Charlie Knight, 64, all took a ride into town from Naples on Monday afternoon. The three played baseball in their younger days, a couple into their 50s. They made sure to buy tickets Saturday afternoon. Games like Monday´s, they said, don´t come around often. "It´s a one-shot deal, and it´s why we´re here," said Bundy, nodding toward the crowd. "You´ll never see this crowd in Maine for high school baseball." The game was originally scheduled to be played Saturday afternoon at Gorham High School. But the Maine Principals Association moved the game to Monday at Hadlock because the anticipated large crowd would have created parking and viewing problems at Gorham High. On Monday, fans waited in line for hours, stood three-deep in the stairwells to the concourse, and packed the overflow seats and the picnic area in right field. Rogers, a hard-throwing right-hander, was a big draw because he is the highest-drafted high school player in Maine history. He was selected fifth overall by the Milwaukee Brewers, attracting attention not seen since Billy Swift, a University of Maine pitcher from South Portland, was drafted second in 1984. Rogers´ fastball has been clocked at 98 mph, and his curveball and change-up are considered major-league quality. "All the hype about this Mark Rogers kid, I had to come," said David Walsh, 56, of Westbrook. "I expected a real good game. I´m glad he pitched." Rogers threw his first pitch at 6:14 p.m. Lincoln Sanborn, a 12-year-old from Standish, clocked it at 94 mph on his radar gun. His father lent it to him. Rogers went on to give up five runs on four hits as Deering, the perennially strong team from Portland, broke the game open. "I think it´s the best Deering team to ever be put on the field," said Steve Gribbin, a 1977 Deering graduate. "Coach Mike D´Andrea is a big reason. He´s got a bunch of talented players, but he has brought together a top team." Deering second baseman Neil Esposito had played in front of 10,000 during football season. But this was baseball. He knows it´s different. "It was pretty exciting," said Esposito. "Our team is solid." Rogers was surrounded by cameras, microphones and scribbling writers after both teams got their awards. He had left the mound in the fifth inning to a standing ovation. "This (game) was something no team is going to forget," said Rogers. "That (ovation) showed respect for not only myself, but for my team. I was very thankful for that."

It´s the end of one season but the start of another By PAUL BETIT Staff Writer Copyright © 2004 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc. Negotiations are expected to start as early as today between the Milwaukee Brewers and Mount Ararat pitcher Mark Rogers. A week ago, Rogers, a hard-throwing right-hander from Orrs Island, became the first Maine high school player selected in the first round of baseball´s amateur draft when the Brewers made him the fifth overall pick. But Milwaukee has had to wait until the end of the high school season before they could start negotiating with him. "We can´t sign him until he´s done," Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin said in a telephone interview Monday. "When they´re done playing, I guess we´ll start negotiations." The Mt. Ararat baseball season ended Monday night before a sellout crowd at Hadlock Field as Deering rolled to a 6-1 win in the Class A state championship game. "It was a high school baseball game," Rogers said, "I think it got made out to be a little bit more than that. (But) it was a great environment." The Maine Principals´ Association moved the game, originally scheduled for Saturday at Gorham High School, to the home of the Portland Sea Dogs because of the interest in it. Last Tuesday, a record crowd of 3,500 fans showed up at Mansfield Stadium in Bangor to watch Rogers pitched a two-hitter in a 4-1 win against Brewer in the Eastern final. For a time, it appeared Rogers wasn´t going to pitch in Monday night´s game. During the weekend, Mt. Ararat Coach Craig Rogers, his father, said he did not plan to start Mark against the Rams. But Rogers got the word Monday he would start on the mound against the Rams. "I didn´t know for sure until (Monday) morning," he said. "When I got the word, I was excited. I tried to prepare myself for the game." Craig Rogers didn´t give a reason for the change. "I had a conversation with some people and we changed our minds," he said. No reason was given for the reluctance to start Rogers against Deering. "I don´t want to talk about that," Mark Rogers said. It didn´t seem to make any difference to the Brewers whether their top draft pick pitched Monday night or not. "It was Craig´s call," said Tony Blengino, Milwaukee´s area scout. "Whatever decision he made was fine with us. It was perfectly cool to see him pitch tonight. If he didn´t pitch, that would have been fine, too." The indications were Monday night that negotiations between the Brewers and Rogers wouldn´t take long. "I think my time in Maine is limited," Rogers said. "We´ve had every expectation all along that he wants to go out and play," said Blengino, who will handle negotiations for the Brewers. "We think it will be a fairly quick process. Once (Rogers) gets out to rookie ball, he´ll determine his own timetable." After Rogers signs a contract with Milwaukee, he will be signed to its team in the Arizona Rookie League. "We´d would like to get him out there as soon as possible to work with our instructors," said Jack Zduriencik, Milwaukee´s director of scouting. "We like to do that with all the players we draft. But nothing can happen until he signs."

He wouldn´t, he would, he did, and it was special By Steve Solloway, Staff Writer Copyright © 2004 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc. When it came time, Mark Rogers did what everyone hoped he would do. He pitched. Maybe not with the efficiency he had displayed all season. Maybe not by dominating opposing batters as he had throughout much of his high school career. But he pitched, starting the final game of a remarkable high school career on the very last day of the season. He pitched, ending a mini-drama or mini-farce, depending on your perspective. The day before Monday´s game for the state Class A championship, Mount Ararat Coach Craig Rogers said his son would not pitch. The coach wouldn´t explain himself then and didn´t really explain his change of thinking after Deering won the game and the title. Today, none of that matters. Craig Rogers made the right decision. His son pitched. Thousands of Maine baseball fans stood in line for hours Saturday and Monday to buy the tickets. They waited so they could see Rogers pitch before he signs a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers and leaves for another life. Thousands came. You asked a ticket seller how many thousands she thought had passed by her and she sighed. "Too many," she said. But who was going to turn them away? Every seat was taken. Nearly every inch of standing room was occupied by a pair of feet. The Portland Sea Dogs give away bobbleheads to draw such numbers. They have Slugger to entertain the kids and future Red Sox to entertain their parents. Monday night simply had Mark Rogers and his teammates trying to wrestle the state title away from Deering. You spotted Margaret Veazie, the field hockey coach from Dexter High, standing in line for tickets. And Kip DeVoll, the wrestling coach from Noble. "Hey, I´ve got other interests," DeVoll laughed. "What do you mean asking me why am I here?" You stood in line Saturday with Paul Cavaretta from York. His son was York High´s catcher and for a graduation present, dad planned a trip to Baltimore and Camden Yards this past weekend to see San Francisco and Barry Bonds play the Orioles. Thanks, Ben Cavaretta told his dad. But the son would rather see Rogers pitch against Deering. You sat behind the Jerome family from Topsham, Dauren and Ross and their five children, ages 5 to 12. Until Monday night, they had never watched Mt. Ararat play baseball. Until Monday night, they had never been to Hadlock Field. Rogers brought them here. He filled Hadlock Field, which is a tribute to one talented teenager playing a team sport. Maine has been blessed with superior high school athletes, this year extraordinarly so. Ralph Mims of Brunswick High wowed us all with his basketball skills. Like Rogers, Mims guided his teammates to a state championship showdown with Portland High. The fact is, both superior individuals ran into great teams. Deering High got the job done. It was a night for baseball. Only baseball. Ed Flaherty, the University of Southern Maine´s successful baseball coach and father of Ryan, the Deering shortstop, looked at the huge crowd and wondered if this could be the start of something. High school football and basketball can draw crowds like this for state championship games. Why not baseball? That was Flaherty´s heart talking. His head knew. This was a special night for a special kid. Before the end, Rogers was relieved. His time was done. The crowd rose to give him a standing ovation. Five seconds stretched to 10. Deering fans stood with Mt. Ararat fans, who stood with the many more fans who wore no allegiance on their head or sleeve. The noise of hands clapping was the sign of respect, of appreciation. Rogers pitched. Staff photo by John Patriquin Mt. Ararat starter Mark Rogers, drafted fifth overall by the Milwaukee Brewers last week, gave up four hits, walked three, hit a batter and struck out eight Monday night. http://sports.mainetoday.com/highschool/photos/240708040615gamerogers.jpg

WEST DIVISION W L PCT GB COLUMBUS CLIPPERS (NEW YORK YANKEES) 33 29 .532 TOLEDO MUD HENS (DETROIT) 34 31 .523 .5 [b]INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS (MILWAUKEE) 32 30 .516 1.0[/b] LOUISVILLE BATS (CINCINNATI) 31 33 .484 3.0 WEST DIVISION W L PCT GB MOBILE BAY BEARS (SAN DIEGO) 37 28 .569 WEST TENN DIAMOND JAXX (CHICAGO CUBS) 36 29 .554 1.0 BIRMINGHAM BARONS (CHICAGO WHITE SOX) 33 32 .508 4.0 [b]HUNTSVILLE STARS (MILWAUKEE) 30 35 .462 7.0[/b] MONTGOMERY BISCUITS (TAMPA BAY) 27 38 .415 10.0 SOUTH DIVISION W L PCT GB LANCASTER JETHAWKS (ARIZONA) 41 23 .641 INLAND EMPIRE 66ERS (SEATTLE) 36 28 .563 5.0 LAKE ELSINORE STORM (SAN DIEGO) 32 32 .500 9.0 RANCHO CUCAMONGA QUAKES (ANAHEIM) 29 35 .453 12.0 [b]HIGH DESERT MAVERICKS (MILWAUKEE) 22 42 .344 19.0[/b] WESTERN DIVISION W L PCT GB KANE COUNTY COUGARS (OAKLAND) 39 24 .619 CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS (ANAHEIM) 38 25 .603 1.0 PEORIA CHIEFS (ST.LOUIS) 37 26 .587 2.0 CLINTON LUMBER KINGS (TEXAS) 33 29 .532 5.5 [b]BELOIT SNAPPERS (MILWAUKEE) 34 30 .531 5.5[/b] QUAD CITY RIVER BANDITS (MINNESOTA) 28 31 .475 9.0 WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS (SEATTLE) 28 35 .444 11.0 BURLINGTON BEES (KANSAS CITY) 21 43 .328 18.5

David Weiser's www.starsboxscore.com Huntsville update: FACED WITH LEMONS, YOU MAKE LEMONADEMike Jones vs. Luis Martinez...... Looks like a Huntsville Stars all-time Fantasy League match-up, especially when you add Matt Parker in relief........ This was real, though, and there were certain realities....... Martinez was recalled from Memphis where he was supposed to have made a spot start Saturday against Omaha, but the game was rained out, then the Smokies, needing a spot starter after scheduled starter Josh Axelson had pitched in relief that same day, called him back........ Jones, in his 2nd start coming back from the DL, was given a 45-pitch limit. The Stars lost their 6th straight game, their longest losing streak since August 13-18 of 2002, but at this point, you don't look to this half anymore, you look to the future and there are some positives to draw before the Stars begin the second half of the season........ First, Jones looked great and unaffected by the elbow problems rising from his delivery, mechanical problems Jones and pitching coach Fred Dabney and Brewers roving instructor Jim Rooney have been working with. Additionally, Matt Ford, who has had two starts already under his belt after his DL time ended, should be ready to give the Stars much-needed rotation support, and with luck, there's no reason a rotation starting with Jones, Ford, and Jeff Housman, and whoever the Stars come up with, can bring the Stars a shot at the second half title. Reversing a trend, the pitching on both ends looked a lot better....... Unfortunately, the offense wasn't there, as it had been the past week, and the rain coming down for most of the game, turning into a deluge in the 7th, cheated the Stars out of two innings, and Chris Barnwell out of an at-bat. His hitting streak ended at ten games tonight......... Jones looked sharp, retiring eight of the first nine he faced tonight, serving up an inning-ending double play. He came out in the 4th, not because he walked Skip Schumaker and gave up a single to Papo Bolivar, but because he was at 39 pitches, and close to his limit. Housman allowed both of Jones' runners to score --- a single to Dan Moylan, scoring Schumaker, and a wild pitch scoring Papo Bolivar, who moved up after Nick Espy's fly ball to right......... Moylan eventually scored on another Housman wild pitch, but after a rocky start, Housman retired eight of the last nine to face him, striking out five....... His slider was right and his breaking ball had several hitters walking back to the dugout....... Housman pitched around a bunt single and an error, but stranded two in the 5th inning, which is far as the Smokies got for the rest of the game. The Stars had several chances to rally........ Their best chance came in the 1st inning, after a 39-minute rain delay, when Rickie Weeks led off with his 11th double of the season, smashing a 3-2 pitch against the wall in left. He reached 3rd on a sac by Tony Gwynn, Jr., but Prince Fielder's fly ball to center wasn't deep enough on Schumaker's arm to allow Weeks to try to score, and Brad Nelson hit a weak grounder to 2nd end the inning........ In the 3rd, the Stars put runners on 1st and 2nd with two out, but Fielder hit into a force.......... In the 4th, Ryan Knox reached on a fielder's choice, advanced to second on Luis Martinez's balk, and stole third (taking advantage of Luis' weakness in holding runners due to his high leg kick), but was thrown out at home on Barnwell's grounder to short........ The Stars had their best chance in the 7th since the start of the game........ Ozzie Chavez ripped one to right field, the ball getting stuck in the bullpen area, either behind a chair or wedged somehow between a ball bag and the fence. Umpire Brian Kennedy held Chavez to second........ After Joel Alvarado struck out (his 23rd in 79 ABs), Housman drew a base on balls, bringing Tennessee pitching coach Blaise Ilsley, a former Southern League pitcher himself, out....... Matt Parker took over and walked Weeks on five pitches (Frank Kremblas gave him the green light on 3-and-0)....... That loaded the bases........ Flamethrowing lefty Tyler Johnson, owner of a mid-90s fastball, was called in........ Gwynn lifted a 1-0 fastball to left, again not deep enough to get Chavez in........ Johnson then threw three pitches at Fielder to end the inning, a heater at the belt, the second one, fouled off, and the third, a breaking ball to end the inning........ After Housman retired the Smokies in order with the rain coming down in buckets, the game was called off for good......... Luis Martinez picked up his second win of the year over the Stars. Tuesday's game pitting Chris Saenz (4-4, 4.41) and Jeremy Cook (2-1, 3.33) is an 11:00 AM Central start time, not 7:15 EDT as shown on sportsnetwork.com......... Rickie Weeks is 11-for-33 in his last nine games with six runs scored, as many as his his previous 14 games........ His fielding is still a work in progress, but he did the pivot really well tonight on a 6-4-3 double play in the 2nd........ As I've probably already mentioned, Weeks has pulled that left foot off the plate, which was producing all those HBPs, but more importantly, giving his quick wrists more time to come around. It may have already been paying dividends, but we should wait till the end of the season, when we have a better barometer........ The latest news on Ryan Miller is not good. He may be out for the year. An MRI revealed a bone spur with several bone chips in his elbow that have to be removed. Despite the news, he blew off a little steam before the game with some tarp slides before the game.

Huntsville Site Game Summary: Despite dropping their season-high sixth straight game, a rain-shortened, seven-inning, 3-0 loss to Tennessee (35-30) on Monday night at Smokies Park, Huntsville (30-35) saw encouraging signs for the second half. With the pitching staff struggling through the first two weeks of June, Mike Jones and Jeff Housman gave reason to hope the second half could follow a different path. Jones, making his second start after six weeks of rehabbing his sore right elbow, retired eight of the first nine batters he faced, fanning two. Jones required the minimum nine hitters to finish three innings, erasing an infield single with a double-play ground ball. Jones allowed his only walk and a bloop single to lead off the fourth. He exited after throwing 39 pitches, just shy of his designated 45-pitch limit. After struggling in his previous two appearances, Housman entered with runners at first and third and none out in the fourth. He surrendered a run-scoring single to his first batter, Dan Moylan, then Housman?s two wild pitches helped the Smokies to two more runs. Trailing 3-0, Housman turned nasty, fanning seven over his final three frames and retiring eight of the last nine hitters he faced. Housman permitted just four hits and one run through four innings before rainfall terminated the game after seven innings. Former Star Luis Martinez (5-6) picked up his second win against Huntsville and fifth of the year, shutting out the Stars over 6 1/3 innings, fanning four while allowing five hits and four walks. Jones suffered his fourth loss, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk with two strikeouts in three innings. Tyler Johnson picked up his second save, retiring both batters he faced in the seventh, fanning one. Housman gave up just one run on four hits and one walk with seven strikeouts in four frames of relief. Huntsville righty Chris Saenz (4-4, 4.41) faces Smokies right-hander Jeremy Cook (2-1, 3.33) in the series finale on Tuesday at Smokies Park. Game time is 11:00 a.m. CT. The FPH Financial Services Pre-game Show starts at 10:45 a.m.

Indianapolis Post-Game Notes: The Charlotte Knights erupted for 15 runs in the first game of a doubleheader and tagged Tribe starter Jeff Farnsworth for 9 runs in 2 innings to cruise to a 15-6 victory. The first game featured eight home runs, three by the Indians. Corey Hart started the barrage with his ninth home run in the first inning, Brandon Gemoll tagged a two-run homer in the second, and Steve Scarborough belted his first four-bagger of the year, a two-run home run, in the third. For Charlotte, Bobby Smith led the scoring, hitting a three-run home run in the second inning and a grand slam in the third, finishing the first game 2-4 with 7 RBI. Trent Durrington, sent down from Milwaukee this weekend, played his first games at third base, finishing the first game 1-3 with a strikeout and a stolen base. In the second game, Mario Valenzuela tallied the first RBI with an infield single. The Indians answered with a Peter Bergeron triple in the sixth and scoring on a sacrifice fly by Jon Nunnally. Mark Johnson walked to lead off the seventh, stole second, advance to third on a ground ball to the right side, but could not reach home as pinch-hitter Chris Magruder flied out to deep center field to end the game. After the game, Bobby Smith, who powered the Knights in the first game (2-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 7 RBI) and recorded the final out on Magruder?s long fly ball, said ?I have to go get [the ball]. We?ve been struggling a bit and I have to make that catch.? When asked about his offensive explosion, Smith responded, ?I?ve been struggling a little bit, but I found some good pitches to hit, and hopefully I can stay there and keep swinging.? Pedro Liriano, the Indians? starter for the second game, recorded the Tribe?s first complete game this season, going the distance (six innings), yielding two runs on six hits, walking two and striking out five. The losses drop the Indians to 32-30, one game away from first place. They continue their road trip tomorrow as they send right-hander Adrian Hernandez to the mound to take on the Southern Division-leading Durham Bulls Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Rogers pitched after all: Rams again top Eagles for state title By MIKE LOWE Staff Writer Copyright © 2004 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc. Curveball. Curveball. Curve- ball. In the days preceding Monday night´s Class A baseball state championship game between Deering High of Portland and Mount Ararat of Topsham, Rams Coach Mike D´Andrea preached hitting the curveball. In the bottom of the third inning, Neil Esposito - who didn´t have a starting job when the season began back in April - waited on a curveball from Eagles´ phenom Mark Rogers and delivered the biggest hit of his career. Esposito lined a two-run single into the gap in right-center field, spurring Deering to the championship with a 6-1 victory over the Eagles before a crowd in excess of 7,000 at Hadlock Field. It was Deering´s second consecutive state title - both over Mt. Ararat - and fifth in six years. "I think what a lot of people are forgetting is that we beat them last year, and we beat (Rogers) last year," said Mike D´Andrea, coach of the Rams. "He´s definitely improved, and he´s definitely a great baseball player. But we sure feel like we play pretty good baseball down here too." The victory completed an undefeated season for the Rams - 18-0 in Maine Principals´ Association games, 24-0 overall. Mt. Ararat finished 18-2. The matchup between the Rams - ranked 25th nationally - and Rogers - the fifth pick of the recent Major League Baseball amateur draft by the Milwaukee Brewers - was the reason fans filled every seat at Hadlock and stood three-deep in the aisle. It´s believed to be the biggest crowd to ever watch a baseball game in Maine. Rogers pitched well - his curveball snapping and his fastball moving - but Mt. Ararat trailed 4-0 when his father and coach, Craig Rogers, removed him with one out in the fifth after throwing 92 pitches. Looking back, Mark Rogers - who gave up four hits, walked three, hit a batter and struck out eight - wished he only had one pitch back - the curve that Esposito hit. Deering led 1-0 - an unearned run in the second aided by two errors, one by Rogers - when the Rams put two runners on with no outs in the third. A wild pitch moved them up to second and third, but Rogers got two strikeouts. He went to a 2-2 count on Esposito, who fouled a pitch off. Rogers then threw him a curve and Esposito, who got his starting job at third when Andrew Dvilinsky was injured, lined it into the outfield, scoring Andrew Giobbi (who had singled) and winning pitcher Ryan Reid (who had walked). "I hung a curveball," said Rogers. "That´s the one pitch of the game I wish I had back. I threw a bad pitch that caught way too much of the plate. Maybe I should have come in with something a little harder. It was definitely the big hit of the game." Esposito, who had two hits and three RBI, said he was simply looking to put the ball in play. "I was trying to put the pressure on them," he said. "Coach (D´Andrea) had preached the curveball all week. He said the fastball was not the pitch to hit." "That (the curve) was our focus with him," said D´Andrea. "When you´re throwing hard, 95-96, you´re almost doing the guys favors by throwing breaking balls. That thing´s coming in at 80." Deering would break it open with three in the fifth when Rogers, who strained his back in the fourth, was lifted. Jeff Skillin, Esposito and Mike D´Andrea each had RBI singles. That was more than enough for Reid, who allowed five hits, walked one and struck out seven. "If Mark Rogers isn´t in this state, Ryan Reid gets a lot more attention," said Coach D´Andrea. Reid used his fastball well, moving it around the plate. "He was unbelievable," said Giobbi, his catcher. "He impresses me more and more every time he goes out there." Reid also made two big defensive plays. The first came in the third, when Brandon Galarneau doubled with one out. Reid quickly picked off Galarneau - one of two Mt. Ararat runners picked off in the game. "Those are big swings of momentum," said Galarneau, who thought he was safe. "Our team seemed to drop our heads." Deering came up with two runs in the bottom of the inning. In the fifth, the Eagles had two runners on with two outs when Reid knocked down a hard grounder by James Ouellette and got the out at first. "We all stepped it up and we did what we had to do," said Reid. And celebrated - quietly - once again. "We´re kind of expected (to win) now," said Giobbi. "And we´ll probably be going for the same thing next year."

Final: Beloit 8, Clinton (Rangers) 6 Beloit Site Game Summary and Player of the Game Info: Thanks for expanding this a bit, Beloit management... www.snappersbaseball.com/...me_id=1322 Coming into the game, 3B Adam Heether had 25 extra-base knocks among his 53 base hits; he was slugging a sweet .463 prior to tonight's HR... Beloit Box Score: GAME DATE: 6/14/04 CLN at BLT CLINTON 6 AT BELOIT 8 YTD YTD CLINTON AB R H BI AVG BELOIT AB R H BI AVG A.Bourassa CF 3 0 1 0 .248 T.Trofholz RF 5 0 1 0 .310 J.Hatcher CAT 4 0 0 0 .333 S.Moss CF 4 1 1 1 .213 M.Furtado 2B 4 2 2 1 .386 D.Anderson LF 3 1 2 0 .266 J.Fransz DH 2 1 0 0 .303 L.Palmisano CAT 4 0 1 0 .307 D.Bubela RF 4 0 1 0 .282 V.Rottino DH 3 3 1 0 .299 J.Kreuzer 1B 4 2 2 1 .241 A.Heether 3B 4 2 2 2 .263 A.Wishy LF 3 1 2 4 .247 C.Corporan 1B 4 1 2 2 .271 A.Sandoval SS 4 0 0 0 .165 W.Lewis 2B 2 0 1 2 .385 C.Benjamin 3B 4 0 0 0 .182 G.Acosta SS 4 0 1 1 .168 M.Farnum PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 C.Villanueva PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 J.Watts PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 T.Taubenheim PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 T.Dillard PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 TOTALS 32 6 8 6 TOTALS 33 8 12 8 CLINTON 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 0- 6 8 0 BELOIT 0 2 0 1 3 0 2 0 X- 8 12 1 E--L.Palmisano. DP--CLINTON 1, BELOIT 3. LOB--CLINTON 3, BELOIT 6. 2B--C.Corporan (3), W.Lewis (2). 3B--C.Corporan (1). HR--M.Furtado (2), A.Wishy (7), S.Moss (3), A.Heether (9). SB--M.Furtado (3), T.Trofholz (21). CS--A.Bourassa, W.Lewis. HBP--J.Fransz. SF--A.Wishy. YTD IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA CLINTON M.Farnum 5.0 9 6 6 4 2 2 3.15 J.Watts (L,3-1) 3.0 3 2 2 1 2 0 6.39 BELOIT C.Villanueva 5.1 6 6 5 1 6 2 4.87 T.Taubenheim (W,2-1) 2.2 1 0 0 1 1 0 3.58 T.Dillard (S,6) 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 4.10 HB--C.Villanueva. WP--C.Villanueva. SO--J.Hatcher 2, D.Bubela, J.Kreuzer, A.Sandoval, C.Benjamin 3, T.Trofholz, S.Moss, L.Palmisano, G.Acosta. BB--A.Bourassa, J.Fransz, S.Moss, D.Anderson, V.Rottino, W.Lewis 2. T--2:27. A--1492Beloit Game Log: www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/,,,GAMEID=12492

Final: Tennessee (Cardinals) 3, Huntsville 0, seven innings, shortened due to rain Huntsville Box Score: Stars can't take advantage of nine baserunners in 6.1 IP against former teammate Luis Martinez... GAME DATE: 6/14/04 HVL at TEN HUNTSVILLE 0 AT TENNESSEE 3 YTD YTD HUNTSVILLE AB R H BI AVG TENNESSEE AB R H BI AVG R.Weeks 2B 3 0 1 0 .249 S.Schumaker CF 3 1 1 0 .287 A.Gwynn CF 3 0 1 0 .239 P.Bolivar LF 4 1 1 0 .297 P.Fielder 1B 4 0 0 0 .268 D.Moylan CAT 3 1 1 1 .284 B.Nelson RF 3 0 2 0 .287 N.Espy 1B 3 0 0 0 .276 R.Knox LF 2 0 0 0 .279 C.Duncan RF 3 0 1 0 .285 C.Barnwell 3B 3 0 0 0 .251 G.Johnson 3B 2 0 0 0 .277 O.Chavez SS 3 0 1 0 .218 J.Colina 2B 3 0 2 0 .222 J.Alvarado CAT 2 0 0 0 .139 C.Erickson SS 3 0 0 0 .201 M.Jones PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 T.Johnson PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 J.Housman PIT 0 0 0 0 .308 L.Martinez PIT 2 0 0 0 .050 M.Parker PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 M.Jaramillo SS 1 0 0 0 .189 TOTALS 23 0 5 0 TOTALS 27 3 6 1 HUNTSVILLE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0- 0 5 2 TENNESSEE 0 0 0 3 0 0 0- 3 6 0 E--R.Weeks, B.Nelson. DP--HUNTSVILLE 1, TENNESSEE 0. LOB--HUNTSVILLE 9, TENNESSEE 5. 2B--R.Weeks (11), O.Chavez (5). SB--R.Knox (5). CS-- R.Knox. SH--A.Gwynn, J.Housman. YTD IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA HUNTSVILLE M.Jones (L,0-4) 3.0 2 2 2 1 2 0 4.82 J.Housman 4.0 4 1 1 1 7 0 3.68 TENNESSEE L.Martinez (W,5-6) 6.1 5 0 0 4 4 0 4.54 M.Parker 0.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4.45 T.Johnson (S,2) 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0 9.00 WP--J.Housman 2. BALKS--L.Martinez. SO--P.Fielder, O.Chavez 2, J.Alvarado 2, S.Schumaker, P.Bolivar, D.Moylan, N.Espy, C.Duncan, G.Johnson, C.Erickson, L.Martinez 2. BB--R.Weeks, R.Knox, J.Alvarado, M.Jones, J.Housman, S.Schumaker, G.Johnson. T--2:17. A--2662Huntsville Game Log: Mike Jones allowed to begin the 4th inning, two reached; control issues for Jeff Housman upon his entrance... www.sportsnetwork.com/mer...MEID=16478

Final, Game Two: Charlotte (White Sox) 2, Indianapolis 1 Tribe strands tying run at third in final inning as pinch-hitter Chris Magruder flies out deep to the wall to end it -- ugh Indianapolis Game Two Box Score: Best Pedro Liriano outing in some time... GAME DATE: 6/14/04 IND at CHR INDIANAPOLIS 1 AT CHARLOTTE 2 DH GAME #2 G2 YTD YTD INDIANAPOLIS AB R H BI AVG CHARLOTTE AB R H BI AVG P.Bergeron CF 2 1 1 0 .222 A.Torres LF 2 1 1 0 .312 T.Durrington 3B 3 0 0 0 .167 J.Reed CF 3 0 0 0 .274 C.Hart RF 2 0 0 0 .281 B.Nelson 2B 3 0 1 1 .317 J.Nunnally LF 2 0 0 1 .239 B.Smith SS 2 1 0 0 .262 B.Gemoll 1B 2 0 0 0 .250 J.Borchard RF 3 0 2 0 .274 C.Coste PH 1 0 0 0 .298 M.Bell 1B 3 0 1 0 .213 C.Coste 1B 0 0 0 0 .298 M.Valenzuela DH 2 0 1 1 .233 M.Johnson DH 2 0 0 0 .279 J.Aceves CAT 1 0 0 0 .283 L.Figueroa SS 2 0 0 0 .266 R.Paz 3B 1 0 0 0 .250 M.Erickson 2B 3 0 2 0 .238 T.Yofu PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 A.Delgado CAT 1 0 0 0 .167 V.Darnsbourg PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 C.Magruder PH 1 0 0 0 .260 G.Majewski PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 P.Liriano PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 TOTALS 21 1 3 1 TOTALS 20 2 6 2 INDIANAPOLIS 0 0 0 0 0 1 0- 1 3 0 CHARLOTTE 0 1 1 0 0 0 0- 2 6 0 DP--INDIANAPOLIS 2, CHARLOTTE 2. LOB--INDIANAPOLIS 5, CHARLOTTE 4. 3B--P.Bergeron (1). SB--P.Bergeron (1), M.Johnson (1), A.Torres (15). CS--B.Nelson. HBP--B.Smith. SF--J.Nunnally. SH--A.Delgado, A.Torres. YTD IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA INDIANAPOLIS P.Liriano (L,2-5) 6.0 6 2 2 2 5 0 5.09 CHARLOTTE T.Yofu (W,1-1) 5.1 3 1 1 3 5 0 5.23 V.Darnsbourg 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.83 G.Majewski (S,11) 1.1 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.10 HB--P.Liriano. SO--T.Durrington, C.Hart, B.Gemoll 2, M.Johnson, L.Figueroa, B.Smith 2, J.Borchard, M.Bell, J.Aceves. BB--P.Bergeron, C.Hart, M.Johnson, L.Figueroa, J.Aceves, R.Paz. T--1:48. A--1514Indianapolis Game Two Game Log: Tribe had bases loaded and no one out in the third and failed to score; the log lists a bizarre double play with runners out at second and home? www.sportsnetwork.com/mer...MEID=20818

In progress: Huntsville 0, Tennessee (Cardinals) 0, after three innings RHP Mike Jones faced the minimum in his three innings of work, in this, his second appearance since coming off the DL -- looks like LHP Jeff Housman will follow him now...