Brandon Wood got a start at third base Wednesday afternoon as a way of getting another right-handed bat in the lineup against Tampa left-hander J. P. Howell. Though Wood shuttled between Anaheim and Triple-A Salt Lake, the third base prospect posted solid numbers, hitting .272 with 23 home runs and 77 RBIs in 111 games. The Angels wanted Wood to work on slowing down his tempo in the box and relaxing his body this year. Hitting coach Mickey Hatcher said that this adjustment was the primary adjustment he wanted Wood to work on. We talked about slowing my set-up down when I go forward, Wood said. I wouldnt pick up pitches and I would swing at bad pitches. It was a little bit both mental and mechanical. The mechanics are I have to slow things down. Mentally, I have to be aware of it. Wood said he felt like he made progress with the adjustments the Angels wanted him to make. He said he also benefited from his brief big league time. I think having the opportunity to come here four or five times, it might have been for short stints, but I thought each time I was up here I was learning and getting used to the way baseball is played at this level.

The two-hit shutout pitched by Arizona rookie Micah Owings Thursday night placed the rookie in elite company. In addition to becoming the first Diamondback rookie to pitch a two-hitter, he joined Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling and Brandon Webb as the only pitchers in club history to pitch a two-hitter. Owings still has some work to do in the future. Johnson has thrown three two-hitters for Arizona in his career. Schilling threw two. Webb has pitched one.

Its no secret that Chone Figgins has been hot. Researcher Trent McCotter of the Society of American Baseball Research discovered that from May 26 thru September 18, Figgins batted .400, going 132-for-330. Its the second longest stretch of maintaining a .400 average by an Angel in the last 35 years. Rod Carew went 370 at-bats from August of 1982 to June of 1983, collecting 148 hits in the process. Darin Erstad also had a similar streak from June 3 to July 25 in 2000, going 80-for-200 (.400).

San Diego stuck with third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff despite his struggles for much of the season. The patience has started to pay off. Kouzmanoff entered play Friday hitting .457 over his past 14 games. Its part of a longer stretch in which he has hit safely in 22 of his last 27 games with 14 extra-base hits in just under 100 at-bats. That span has helped raise his season average from .233 to .270.

In a season in which they will not make the playoffs, the Braves have very quietly developed yet another arm. The best rookie relief pitcher in baseball this season has been Atlantas Peter Moylan. He leads all MLB rookies with 74 appearances, a 1.77 ERA, and an opposing batting average of .201. His ERA ranks third among National League relievers behind Takashi Saito (1.25) and Chicagos Carlos Marmol (1.49).

One day after his name became a footnote next to the career of Jim Thome, Dustin Moseley acknowledged that it was a moment he will not soon forget, but not for the reasons Thome will remember it. He was going to get 500 home runs, Moseley said. I dont think thats going to be my defining moment. I think there are some good things in store for me.

Moseley has been a solid swing-man this season. In 24 of his 38 relief outings, he hasnt given up a run. He is also 1-1 with a 4.66 ERA as a starter. Without an overpowering fastball from the right side, Moseley has proven he can survive in the Major Leagues with pitch ability. Hes also proven to be a low-cost solution for a role that many clubs struggle to fill. But for most of the baseball world, Moseleys immediate future is the footnote as the guy who gave up Thomes historic home run. The Angels made sure to recognize Thome after the game in Chicago, delivering the lineup card to him in person. Yeah, he did, he hit it a long ways. It was a walk-off. Ill remember, Moseley said. Its not that much of a memory for me right now. A walk-off is a walk off. Its only memorable for him, not for me. Ill probably look back on it in 20 years. But for now, its for the history buffs.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, September 16, 2007

The Cubs began play Thursday with the best record in the National League since June 2. They are 52-40 and have the third best overall record in the majors after the Yankees and Angels. One reason has been a much-improved bullpen. Reliever Carlos Marmol has stranded 35-of-39 runners and had a 1.45 entering the weekend.

Cubs rookie catcher Geovany Soto, the Pacific Coast League Player of the Year, hit his first major league home run Sunday at Pittsburgh. Soto hit .353 with 26 doubles, 31 home runs and 109 RBIs in 110 games at Triple-A Iowa.

Manwhile, the team chasing the Cubs, the Brewers, decided not to recall the top three pitchers from their Triple-A Nashville team, which included 16-game winner Adam Pettyjohn, PCL pitcher of the year and league victory leader R.A. Dickey, and reliever Steve Bray. Dickey, now a knuckleballer, won 13 games for Nashville. Pettyjohn won 12 in Triple-A. Bray was that clubs best reliever. The Brewers traded LHP Joe Thatcher off that team to the Padres for Scott Linebrink. Thatcher is in the Padres bullpen and saw action against the Dodgers this week. While the Brewers pitching staff has fallen apart, you have to wonder why they felt two veteran inexpensive pitchers with major league experience couldnt help them down the stretch.

Red Sox slugger David Ortiz became the ninth left-handed hitter in major league history to produce five consecutive seasons of 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. He joins Lou Gehrig, Rafael Palmeiro, Babe Ruth, Carlos Delgado, Jim Thome, Jason Giambi, Ken Griffey Jr. and Todd Helton. Ortiz is also tied with Jimmie Foxx for most consecutive 30 home run seasons in franchise history, after Manny Ramirez.

Red Sox rookie outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury had hit safely in each of the first 11 games he had played since his recall from Triple-A Pawtucket on Sep. 1. Ellsbury hit .400 in his first 40 at-bats, collecting 16 hits.

The Indians became the first team in the major leagues this season to have three 15-game winners. C.C. Sabathia, Fausto Carmona and Paul Byrd have each won 15 games or more. Its also a tribute to the way the Indians have been built. Sabathia was drafted, signed and developed by the Indians. Carmona was a waiver-wire pickup taken at the suggestion of the pro-side scouting staff for the Indians. Byrd was a free-agent acquisition after he spent the 2005 season pitching in hard luck for the Angels.

Alex Rodriguez is not only having a redemption year for the Yankees, hes also putting his name up with the franchises elite. When he hit his 50th home run, he became only the fourth Yankee to club more than 50 in a season, joining Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. Mantle hit 54 in 1961, the same year Maris hit 61. Ruth hit 60 in 1927, 59 in 1931 and 54 in 1920 and 1928. Rodriguez also has a chance to record the most RBIs in a single season since Joe DiMaggio drove in 155 runs in 1948. Rodriguez had 140 RBIs through Thursday. Don Mattingly had 145 RBIs in 1985, the second most since 1939. Rodriguez wont catch the DiMaggio of 1937, who drove in 167.

Keep an eye on Indians second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera, who hit safely in his first 11 games for the Indians. He also hit safely in 17 of his first 21 games.

Former Dodger GM Dan Evans is among 12 candidates interviewed for the vacant Houston Astros job. The Astros will probably have a GM in place by the World Series, when the club is supposed to have in-house organizational meetings. Regardless of who gets that job, look for a few things to happen. One, the club will likely ransack its scouting and minor league operations. That GM will also have to deal with an intrusive owner in Dayton McClain.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, September 9, 2007

Pedro Martinezs return to the Mets drew mixed reviews from baseball people around the league. Several clubs sent scouts to watch his return this week, primarily to see if Martinez can be a factor, and to continue work on advance scouting for the playoffs. Martinez isnt throwing as hard as he used to, which is to be expected. The old 93-95 mph Pedro of old is probably gone, but he can still work in the 90-92 range and can create enough variation off his fastball to use it as a strikeout pitch. His secondary stuff was decent, several scouts said, but many wonder if Martinezs best asset to the Mets is the swagger and cockiness he brings to the mound. Thats huge for them at this time of the year, one NL official said. They dont really have a gunslinger on that staff. Thats why people hate Pedro  hes got that persona. You wonder if that will rub off on (the Mets.).

Ervin Santanas start against Oakland on Monday was a step forward, not only for his confidence, but for his reputation around the American League. Santana pitched 6 1/3 innings and gave up no earned runs. He struck out four, but walked five. There has been speculation around the league that Santana could be effective in a relief role, but the Angels would prefer that he continue to develop his progress as a starter.

I thought he looked decent, one AL scout said. The ball came out of his hand well, his fastball had a lot of life and he had enough secondary stuff to take it deeper into a game. He needs to have better fastball command, but if you hadnt seen him in a long time, then youd have a hard time picking up that this guy has been struggling.

Yankees right-hander Joba Chamberlain has not allowed a run in his first 10 major league appearances. According to Elias Sports, his streak of 12 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings is the longest since Jim Bouton threw 15 consecutive scoreless innings in 1962. Now, the real question: does Chamberlain have a tell-all, throw-the-Yankees-under-the-bus, bury-himself-in-organized-ball-for-the-rest-of-his-life, book?

Its a good thing that Jason Kendall can call a game, because he cant throw anymore. Hes thrown out less than three percent of base runners since joining the Cubs. If you were to create an All-Star team of the worst-throwing catchers in baseball, you might start with Kendall and Torontos Gregg Zaun.

Charles Albert Chuck Comiskey, the grandson and namesake of the Chicago White Sox founder and an executive for the club when it played in the 1959 World Series, died two weeks ago in Chicago at the age of 81. Comiskey grew up on the South Side of Chicago and was seven years old when his grandfather Charlie, who founded the White Sox, died in 1901, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Once in a while, (my grandfather) would throw me in the back seat of the car and take me to the ballpark, Comiskey said in a 2004 interview. I would be sent down to the concessions department. Actually as a kid, thats where I started. That kept me out of trouble. When the White Sox won the World Series in 2005, chairman Jerry Reinsdorf presented Comiskey with a World Series ring.

On the bright side, at least what might have been Paul Shueys last major league outing wasnt the horrendous 30-3 loss against the Rangers in which the veteran right-hander was pummeled for seven hits and nine runs in two innings. He gave up three hits and two runs in one inning Aug. 26 Sunday against the Twins before the Orioles designated him for assignment, probably ending his big league career. Shuey, who made it back to the big leagues for the first time since 2003 this spring, should be remembered for that instead of the last season ERA he posted in the major leagues.

Rockies outfielder Ryan Spilborghs is of mixed decent. His father, Rene, is Belgian. His mother, Essie, is Guatamalan. Not even this space can figure out if this makes him the first guy in big league history who can be described, as Spilborghs says, as Belgamalan.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, September 2, 2007

Kendry Morales has made the most of his early opportunity to fill in for first baseman Casey Kotchman, who took a Mariano Rivera cutter off his hand last week. Morales, whose progress ceased last year as he became pull-oriented, returned to Anaheim last week and showed that hes trying to make adjustments. In his first game against Toronto, the switch-hitter, batting left-handed, doubled to the left-center gap. Later in the game, he drove another ball to the opposite field warning track. Hes still pulling pitches middle-in, but scouts believe that Morales needs to show that he can maintain this kind of adjustment before hes called an everyday major league first baseman. Now we need to see how the league adjusts to him and vice versa, one scout said. Time will tell. Morales is in his fourth stint in Anaheim this season. He hit safely in his first six games, going 12-for-21 (.571). He had one home run and four RBIs. The Cuban defector who signed for $3 million in 2004 is listed as 24 but many baseball people believe hes closer to 30. He appears in better shape this year, and while hes lighter on his feet, hell never be agile. Hes a below-average runner. Kotchman is a better defender. For Morales, he has to prove he can maintain an approach and adjust to capitalize on the one true tool he has, which is to drive the ball.

A baseball source said that the Pirates have become convinced that shortstop Jack Wilson is no longer a part of their future plans and offered him to the Blue Jays in exchange for third baseman Troy Glaus after the non-waiver trading deadline this month. The Blue Jays declined. Wilson has been productive in the second half, raising his batting average to .273, while Glaus has battled knee, hip and ankle injuries in the second half. He has been limited to 105 games this year and had 17 home runs through Thursday.

Robert Fick hit his first home run of the season Wednesday against the Dodgers. That was probably the highlight of his day. Heres the flip side, written by ESPN.coms Rob Neyer: Fick needs to go awayand I say this with all due respect, Fick just might be the worst player in the major leagues. Entering (Wednesdays) game, Fick had played in 157 games with the Nationals  60 last season, 97 this season  often as a pinch-hitter. In those 157 games, encompassing roughly 300 plate appearances, Fick has batted .232 with a .300 on-base percentage. Mind you, were talking about a guy with essentially zero defensive value. The Nationals are playing better this season than most people thought they could. Theyd be playing even better if not for wasting a precious roster spot on a guy who cant hit or field (or pitch). National GM Jim Bowden believes Fick can contribute.

You scratch my back, Ill scratch yours. Thats the moral of the story in the trade between the Cardinals and the Tigers. Its no secret that managers Tony LaRussa and Jim Leyland are close friends. When Leyland had no use for left-hander Mike Maroth on June 22, he traded him out of his division and into the NL. In return, the Tigers got Chris Lambert, a decent right-hander, who was a first-round pick only three seasons ago out of Boston College. Lambert hasnt been good in a Cardinals organization that can use the help. But at the same time, Tigers scouts liked Lamberts arm and believe he can be straightened out. Lamberts minor league numbers indicate that he cant maintain his stuff enough to be a starter on the major league level. But a bullpen arm isnt out of the question, especially for the Tigers, who need the depth. Lambert was 1-4 with a 7.49 ERA in Triple-A Memphis. Hes not overpowering from the right side, which is a strike against him, and could cast him as an organizational guy.

Charles Albert Chuck Comiskey, the grandson and namesake of the Chicago White Sox founder and an executive for the club when it played in the 1959 World Series, died last week in Chicago at the age of 81. Comiskey grew up on the South Side of Chicago and was seven years old when his grandfather Charlie, who founded the White Sox, died in 1901, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Once in a while, (my grandfather) would throw me in the back seat of the car and take me to the ballpark, Comiskey said in a 2004 interview. I would be sent down to the concessions department. Actually as a kid, thats where I started. That kept me out of trouble. When the White Sox won the World Series in 2005, chairman Jerry Reinsdorf presented Comiskey with a World Series ring.

All in the Pac-10: Veteran Mike Mussina (Stanford) lost his job in the Yankee starting rotation for Ian Kennedy (USC). Kennedy is scheduled to make his major league debut in the Bronx today against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

A pair of free-agent Taiwanese pitchers worked out at the MLB Urban Academy in Compton last week, one left-hander and one right-hander but dont look for anything to come of it. The left-hander has no fastball command, a decent breaker on a lefty, one scout said. Right-hander was arm strength of 87-91, if you consider that arm strength at age 22. They could pitch in Division I (college baseball) maybe. Maybe at a Cal State Los Angeles or Cal State Dominguez Hills. Maybe. Glad I made the trip.

On the bright side, at least what might have been Paul Shueys last major league outing wasnt the horrendous 30-3 loss against the Rangers in which the veteran right-hander was pummeled for seven hits and nine runs in two innings. He gave up three hits and two runs in one inning last Sunday against the Twins before the Orioles designated him for assignment, probably ending his big league career. Shuey, who made it back to the big leagues for the first time since 2003 this spring, should be remembered for that instead of the last season ERA he posted in the major leagues.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
August 26, 2007

More obscure facts compiled by the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles PR staffs about the Rangers 30-3 victory over the Orioles Wednesday:

Texas had 30 RBIs to set the major league record for RBIs in a single game since 1920, when the first fantasy baseball fan became jaded that no such statistic existed.

Rangers starter Kason Gabbard has to consider himself the luckiest pitcher on the face of the earth. In his fifth game since he was traded from the Red Sox, he saw his run support jump from 3.66 to 7.85 with the Rangers. Boosted by the confidence, well see if Gabbard gives up eight runs in his next start.

Texas had 57 at-bats, tying the AL record for a nine-inning game set by Milwaukee in 1992. Records do not indicate who the beer batter was.

Baltimore ace Erik Bedard has allowed only 31 runs in his last 17 starts dating back to May 25. He was, however, smoked for 32 runs in a start against some kid in Bangor, Maine, who owned him in an X-box live baseball game.

Baltimore set a new franchise record for margin of defeat. The previous Worst Damn Pitching Performance in franchise history was established in a 19-run defeat to the steroid-era Rangers of 1996.

The NFLs Houston Texans have scored at least 30 points only three times in the teams five year existence. The Rangers had the worst batting average in the American League before scoring 30. The moral of the story is that everything is bigger in Texas, even lousy teams.

Right-hander Edinson Volquez, a hard-throwing 24-year pitcher who flopped as a rookie last year with the Rangers, has righted himself in the minor leagues this season. He started the season in the California League with Bakersfield (0-4, 7.13) showing imposing stuff without great numbers. At double-A Frisco, he went 8-1 with a 3.55 ERA. At Triple-A Oklahoma City, he is 6-1 with a 1.60 ERA in seven starts. Hes 14-6 overall at all three minor league levels this season and has a 3.83 ERA. Hes walked 58 and struck out 158 and held opposing hitters to a .190 batting average. He should be nails if he gets into a game for the Rangers with a 27-run lead.

Left-hander Adam Pettyjohn continues to make a push to return to the major leagues. The 30-year-old, who nearly died with a severe case of ulcerative colitis in 2002 and has not pitched in the majors since 2001, is enjoying a career season in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Pettyjohn spent the first two months of the season in double-A Huntsville, and since being elevated to Triple-A Nashville, has been one of the best pitchers in the Pacific Coast League. Pettyjohn is 11-3, 3.69 for Nashville and 15-5, 3.98 overall. Its a career season for Pettyjohn, who spent most of the 2001 season with the Tigers and could be in line for a September call-up to Milwaukee.

Detroit American League MVP candidate Magglio Ordonez is having a huge month of August. He entered play Thursday with a .377 batting average in 20 games. He has also scored 18 runs, hit eight home runs and knocked in 25 runs.

You have to wonder if Joe Maddon really is the most patient man in North America. The Devil Rays manager has shown confidence in right-hander Edwin Jackson during the entire season, keeping him in the rotation despite some horrific starts in the first half. But in Jacksons last five starts, though he is only 2-2, he has allowed 28 hits and five earned runs in 33 innings.

Get your Court TV/baseball fix two winters from now. The court date for Harold Reynolds lawsuit against ESPN, the World Wide Leader in sports, has been set for February, 2009. Reynolds is seeking $15 million for breach of contract, wrongful dismissal and defamation of character after being fired last year on sexual-harassment charges, according to the Portland Tribune.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, August 19, 2007

Shaun Marcum continues to establish himself as one of Torontos future starting pitchers. After his victory against the Angels Wednesday night, he won his fifth consecutive start. Over his five-game winning streak, Marcum has an ERA of 2.14. Since the All-Star break, the Blue Jays leads the majors with a staff ERA of 3.24, three complete games and a .248 opposing batting average.

Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips, with 21 home runs and 23 stolen bases through Thursday, is the first Reds second baseman to produce 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in the same season since Joe Morgan in 1977.

When Rick Ankiel hit his first home run as an outfielder, he joined a small group of players in the history of major league baseball whose first home run came as a pitcher and then later homered as a position player. He is the first player since Clint Hartung in 1947 to fulfill what used to be a more common position change. See if you recognize any of the names: Otto Hess (1902), Chief Bender (1903), Dode Criss (1908), Doc Crandall (1908), Smoky Joe Wood (1908), Ray Caldwell (1910), Carl Cashion (1911), Reb Russell (1913), Rube Bressler (1914) and Babe Ruth (July 7, 1914).

Washington third baseman Ryan Zimmerman may not be having the kind of dominating season expected from him in his first full season, but he has been clutch. Zimmerman began the weekend with 13 game-winning RBIs, tied for first in the NL with Albert Pujols of the Cardinals and Matt Holliday of the Rockies. Bostons Manny Ramirez leads the majors with 17 game-winning RBIs.

Jarrod Washburns numbers may not be dominant, but he has been a stopper for the AL West and Wild Card contending Seattle Mariners. The former Angel left-hander has eight victories, but five of them have come after a Seattle loss.

Dan Haren has not allowed more than five runs in any of his 26 starts this season. Only two starters in Oakland franchise history have gone an entire season with 30 starts without having allowed more than five runs in a single start. Haren can join elite company if he can duplicate the feat. The former Pepperdine right-hander would join only Vida Blue in 1971 and Catfish Hunter in 1972. Blue on the Cy Young Award in 1971 when he went 24-8 with a 1.82 ERA and 301 strikeouts.

Milton Bradley has thus far been a nice offensive addition to the San Diego Padres. The former Dodger outfielder has hit safely in 17-of-22 games for the Padres. He entered Thursday hitting .360 (27-for-75) with three doubles, five home runs and 15 RBIs. Bradley was acquired from Oakland in a June 29 trade.

Marlins outfielder Alejandro De Aza, a plus runner acquired from the Dodgers in the 2004 Rule V minor league draft, came back from the disabled list August 8 and continued to show that he may be able to hit consistently at the major league level. De Aza, who had been out of service since April 15 because of a severe right ankle sprain, has hit in 14 of his 15 starts. He made the Marlins roster as a non-roster invitee in spring training.

Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson is making a strong case for himself if he wishes to void the no-trade clause in his contract. The Thousand Oaks High-Oxnard College product, coming off a July in which he hit just .219, had hit safely in 14 of 17 games entering Thursday. That streak, in which he went 20-for-51 (.392), helped him hit .417 in August. He is also 35 hits shy of 1,000 for his career and his nine errors give Wilson a chance to establish a career low. His career low is 14 errors in 2005.

A study by researchers at McGill (Texas) and Auburn Universities found that Major League Umpires are more likely to call strikes in favor of pitchers who share their own race and ethnicity. McGill professor Christopher Parsons, one of the studys four co-authors, said Theres an approximately 32 percent chance that a called pitch with be called as a strike and If the umpire and the pitcher share the same race and ethnicity, this increases by about 1 percent.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
August 12, 2007

Dennys Reyes long journey from a coveted Dodgers starting pitching prospect to a valuable and respected major league pitcher is finally complete.

It took almost a decade from the time he first arrived in the major leagues with the Dodgers in 1997 to last season, when he made a decision that salvaged his career, and transformed himself from a nomadic and occasional starter to strictly a left-handed relief specialist. Hes found the home and success in Minnesota that he wasnt able to find with the Dodgers.

After Reyes was traded with Paul Konerko to Cincinnati for then all-star closer Jeff Shaw in 1998, Reyes began with the Reds as a starter to finish that season but was relegated to the bullpen for much of his career in Cincinnati. He was optioned to Triple-A for a month in the summer of 2001 before the Reds unloaded him in a trade to the Rockies.

That began a career in which Reyes found himself underachieving.

I was bouncing around for the last five years after I left Cincinnati, said Reyes, who was originally signed out of Mexico by Dodger scout Mike Brito.

In Cincinnati, I was able to pitch as a starter and as a reliever. Thats valuable for a team, but I dont think thats good for a pitcher. Youre never set in one job. You have to prepare yourself differently starting and relieving physically and mentally. Its difficult to go between the two roles.

Reyes held onto the belief that he was a starter hiding in the bullpen. He appeared in 43 games with the Rockies before he was traded to Texas to finish the 2002 season. He was shelled with the Rangers and, after a 6.38 ERA in 15 games to finish the season, found himself sinking. Ineffective after signing with the Pirates, he was released and signed with the Diamondbacks in June, and was hit hard in a short major league stint at the end of the season.

He spent the 2004 season with Kansas City, made 12 starts, and signed as a free agent with the Padres the following winter. San Diego, which traditionally hordes left-handed pitching, released him in July, 2005, and there were no clubs willing to sign him for the remainder of the season.

That led Reyes to do some thinking.

Before I signed with Minnesota, I realized I need to do one thing, he said. Either I needed to start or relieve. I was never going to have good years doing both.

So Reyes took the minor league contract with the Twins and began the season knowing he would probably begin at Triple-A Rochester. During Spring Training, pitching coach Rick Anderson pulled him aside and they had a conversation that Reyes said helped save his career.

The first time I talked to (Anderson), he asked me, You have great stuff, why havent you established yourself? I told him, I think its because nobody has ever given me a job and said, Here, this is yours, see what you can do with it. He said, Well, youre going to have one here. What do you want to do? I said, Id like to relieve. Im not 20 anymore. He said, Well, youll have the chance here. And he gave me that opportunity. I think that really changed the direction of my career.

Reyes went back to Triple-A, made four appearances, and pitched his way back to the Twins. He appeared in 66 games, all in relief, and was 5-0 with a 0.89 ERA. This season, Reyes began the season on a strong note before he was sidelined with inflammation in his left shoulder for two weeks in May and June. When he returned from the disabled list, he did not allow a run in 17 consecutive appearances, a span of 11 2/3 innings, before he gave up a pair of runs on July 25. Overall, Reyes is 2-1 with a 4.39 ERA in 45 games.

For Reyes, thats a fine fit. He said he is two months away from 10 years service time, the required amount of time a player needs to earn a healthy pension.

Im not 20 anymore, said Reyes, who is listed at 30. Im only going to be able to throw how many innings for how long?

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, August 5, 2007

You cant put a price on the intangibles. Thats the lesson of Dodger third baseman Nomar Garciaparra. Its hard to find a scout or a baseball person who thinks Garciaparra is the player he used to be. They agree that he doesnt run as well as he used to, doesnt move as well and no longer has power. But Garciaparra grades out high as a veteran player for the quality of his at-bats on a nightly basis and his ability to produce in the clutch. Thats the thing about him, one scout said. For all the things guys say they dont like about him anymore, the guy is still an extremely tough out in a clutch situation. Theres something to be said for the knack for getting big hits. Its not always about sheer tools.

Here are two unsung members of the Chicago Cubs who have helped the Cubs battle with the Brewers for first place in the NL Central. Cubs shortstop Ryan Theriot had reached base in 27 consecutive games entering Fridays game with the Mets. It is the longest streak for a shortstop in the major leagues this season, surpassing the streak of 25 consecutive games Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter had earlier this year. Reliever Bob Howry hasnt allowed a walk to the last 53 batters he has faced.

Angels left-hander Joe Saunders has impressed scouts with his ability to win on starts when he does not have his best fastball command. Hes been able to get by in those starts with change-ups, curveballs, command of those pitches, and what scouts call moxie. Hes fearless, which I think you have to be when youre that kind of a guy, one NL scout said. Thats the kind of thing that impresses you at this level, the ability to compete on the days you dont have your best stuff.

Mariners left-hander Horacio Ramirez has been outstanding at Safeco Field, where he is 6-0 with a 2.63 ERA in six starts. Hes held opposing hitters to a .263 batting average. On the road, Ramirezs stuff hasnt translated. He was 0-3 with a 13.72 ERA entering Fridays start at Fenway Park, which held true to form. Ramirez got a no-decision in a game in which the Red Sox peppered him for four runs and 10 hits in four innings. His season ERA is 6.68.

Its never too early to start discussing Rookie of the Year Candidates. Entering the weekend, Red Sox infielder Dustin Pedroia was leading AL rookies with a .322 batting average, followed by Reggie Willis (.303) of the Angels and Billy Butler (.303) of the Royals. Willits leads AL rookies with a .400 on-base percentage, followed by Pedroia at .397. Delmon Young leads AL rookies with 124 hits, followed by Pedroia (102) and Willits (89). Young also has an AL rookie-leading 26 doubles, 177 total bases and 54 RBIs. Alex Gordon of Kansas City is behind Young in total bases and RBIs.

The Tigers sent right-handed reliever Fernando Rodney on a rehab assignment to Triple-A Toledo. Rodney has been out since June 24 with right-shoulder tendinitis. The Tigers remain hopeful that they will get Rodney and Joel Zumaya (broken hand) back before September.

Royals outfielder Billy Butler was the AL Rookie of the Month for July. The 21-year-old right-handed hitter drove in 24 runs in 24 games and batted .341 (31-for-91). He had six doubles, three triples and thee home runs. He was the second consecutive Royal to be named AL Rookie of the Month. Pitcher Brian Bannister was honored in June.

Just when the Devil Rays were assembling a nice crew of talented young position players, July arrived. The Rays went 7-20 in July, matching their worst July in franchise history. On the bright side, August is here.

Manny Ramirez is officially putting his name in the record books with the big boys. He drove in his 1,585th career run this week to move past Rogers Hornsby and Harmon Killebrew for 32nd on the all-time list. He is seven RBIs short of passing Jimmie Foxx for sixth place on the Red Sox franchise list.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, July 29, 2007

Another way to view the Yankees acquisition of backup catcher Jose Molina from the Angels is that the Yankees are angling to sign closer Francisco Rodriguez away from the Angels in the off-season. Rodriguez had his locker next to Molina for several seasons. Its the oldest trick in baseball  if you want a player, sign his buddy.

Joe Thatcher, one of the three minor league pitchers acquired by the Padres in exchange for right-hander Scott Linebrink this week, has a survival story. He was a non-drafted free agent after college who hooked on with an independent club in the Frontier League. The Brewers, one of the few teams that has a scout assigned to coordinate and exclusively cover the independent leagues, signed him. Thatcher is a sidearm sinker-ball pitcher who doesnt throw hard. He got a look in big league camp this spring, began the season in Double-A and was promoted to Triple-A, where he had a 2.40 ERA.

When Alex Rodriguez hit his 35th home run of the season and his 499th career home run Wednesday night, he became the first player in major league history to compile at least 35 home runs and 100 RBIs in ten consecutive seasons. He joined Babe Ruth as the only player with 35-100 in 11 separate seasons.

The Yankees have beaten up on Tampa Bay, Toronto and Kansas City to revive hope, coming out of the All-Star break with a 12-3 record to lead the majors. They lead the American League in nearly every significant category since the break, including average (.326), home runs (25), hits (177) and RBIs (110).

Remember former Dodger Dennis Reyes? The left-handed reliever has been a bright spot for the Twins out of their bullpen. Since returning from the disabled list, Reyes has not allowed an earned run in 17 games. He had stranded 22 of the first 26 runners he inherited this season.

Twins reliever Pat Neshek, who has emerged as one of the best middle relievers in the AL, allowed three runs, two hits and two walks Wednesday. It was only the second time this season that he has given up three runs in an appearance this season and the first time since April 19 against Seattle.

Whats wrong in Pittsburgh? First, left-hander Zach Duke comes down with a sore elbow. Now, left-hander Tom Gorzelanny has a sore elbow.

When Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson gets his 30th double this season, he will become only the second player in club history to have 30 doubles, 15 triples, 15 home runs and 10 stolen bases in a season. Hall of Fame second baseman Charlie Gehringer did it in 1930, finishing with 47 doubles, 15 triples, 16 home runs and 19 stolen bases.

The Tigers hope that the return of reliever Fernando Rodney, who has been bothered by arm injuries for most of this season, will provide the arm that they need to fortify their bullpen for the stretch run. GM Dave Dombrowski said before the game Friday that the Tigers would prefer to get Rodney back rather than make a deal.

Since May 25, the top five hitters in the National League are Chase Utley (.371), Dmitri Young (.365), Miguel Cabrera (.350), Albert Pujols (.348) and Brewers rookie Ryan Braun (.346), now here come the local plugs: Utley (UCLA), Young (Rio Mesa) and Braun (Kennedy High of Granada Hills).

Seattle closer J.J. Putz blew his first save of the season this week for the struggling Mariners. It snapped a club record for consecutive saves (31) and consecutive saves to start a season (29). Putz still had 36 saves entering the weekend and can catch Kazuhiro Sasakis club record of 45 saves set in 2001.

Where did Royals pitcher John Bale come from? Hiroshima, to be exact. Bale hadnt been in the big leagues since 2003 with the Reds. His career also includes stints with Toronto and Baltimore. For the past three seasons, he pitched for the Hiroshima Carp in the Japanese league, where he developed secondary pitches and become more effective in the states. The Royals signed him to a minor league contract last winter.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, July 22, 2007

Phillies outfielder Aaron Rowlands hot streak reached historical significance. According to SABR, whose ranks are filled with guys who excel in crunching these things, Rowland is the first player in major league history to have a pair of four extra-base hit games in the same month.

Its been a whirlwind year for Marlins right-hander Rick Vanden Hurk. The Dutch born and raised pitcher struck out 12 in his Triple-A debut this week, a year to the day after he had Tommy John surgery performed. Vanden Hurk began the season in the Carolina League, was jumped all the way to the Marlins, sent back to Double-A, started and got the victory with a scoreless first inning for the World Team in the Futures Game, and is a sure-fire September call-up for the Marlins.

Dont be so quick to write off the Milwaukee Brewers despite the fact that the Cubs have narrowed the gap in the National League Central Division. The Brewers think they will get Ben Sheets back, and GM Doug Melvin doesnt think theres a better arm to be acquired than 21-year-old starter Yovani Gallardo, who pitched six shutout innings Thursday. The Brewers also called up left-hander Manny Parra, who pitched a perfect game against Triple-A Round Rock last month.

Former Dodger left-handed prospect Chuck Tiffany, whose career has been sidetracked by arm surgery, is throwing rehab bullpen sessions in the Devil Rays minor league camp.

In his last start before the All-Star break, Orioles left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard had 15 strikeouts. Bedard, a native Canadian, broke the record for strikeouts in a single game by a Canadian native. Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins had 14 strikeouts in a game three times.

Sammy Sosa appears to have successfully rehabilitated his reputation in Texas. The best indication is that contending clubs have started scouting Sosa, who could be one of the best available options for a club seeking a bat down the stretch.

Shane Victorino survived. The Phillies outfielder was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the sixth round of the 1999 draft. He was a Rule V draft pick of the Padres in 2002 and played in 36 major league games that year (hitting .151) before he was offered back to and accepted by the Dodgers. Victorino finished that season hitting .390 in 11 games at Triple-A Las Vegas. In 2004, he was selected by the Phillies from the Dodgers in the Rule V draft again. After a breakout season last year, Victorino has kept his job with the Phillies this year. He is also one of the best throwing outfielders in the NL, with 10 assists tied for second in the league.

You have to wonder if the Matt Kemp-Andre Ethier equation in the Dodger outfield is going to look an awful lot like the Dionar Navarro-Russell Martin catching scenario that unfolded in 2005. At least one scout believes that Kemp is a better center fielder than Juan Pierre is, but some scouts also wonder if Kemps swing is currently too long. No one disagrees that Kemp possesses plus power, his best tool. He is an above average runner. First baseman James Loney has impressed visiting clubs with his defense, and though scouts are still split if he will hit for power, many believe he could be a first-division first baseman if he is surrounded by the right players.

One reason for Barry Zitos marginal season can be found in a drop off in Zitos velocity, scouts say. Previously, Zito threw his fastball in the upper 80s. Now he routinely sits in the mid-80s, creating less speed distinction between his fastball and curveball and requiring Zito to be more precise.

Chris Young of the Padres has a NL-leading 1.85 ERA through Friday. Young has a chance to set a record for the lowest single-season ERA by a Padre pitcher who worked 200 innings. Dave Roberts had a 2.10 ERA in 1971, Randy Jones had a 2.24 ERA in 1975 and Kevin Brown had a 2.38 ERA in 1998. Young is also holding NL batters to a .187 average, lowest in the NL.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, July 8, 2007

The first of a young wave of Yankee pitchers arrived this week. Right-hander Edwar Ramirez, who began the season in Double-A, struck out the side Tuesday in his major league debut against the Twins. He became the 23rd pitcher used already this season by the Yankees. Right-handed starters Brett Smith and Joba Chamberlain arent going to be far behind.

The good news is that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays lead the American League in strikeouts with 597 through 84 games. The bad news is that they lead the American League with a 5.97 ERA.

Devil Rays outfielder Carl Crawford also became the seventh player in history to reach 900 hits before age 26, joining Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Andruw Jones, Adrian Beltre, Albert Pujols and Ivan Rodriguez.

The White Sox brought back outfielder Jerry Owens (Hart) for his second stint with the club. He was recalled Tuesday. The former UCLA wide receiver can still fly, but until he hits, itll be hard to crack the fourth outfielder model.

Toronto Right-hander Casey Janssen leads America League relievers with 11 holds. His funky and deceptive delivery has led to nice numbers: left-handers are hitting .208 against him and right-handers are even worse, at .197.

The Royals have the best ERA in the majors since June 24, a mark of 2.20, impressive considering Odalis Perez works for them.

Right-handed Justin Miller has been a nice discovery for the Marlins. He picked up his first win since 2004 earlier this year. He began the season in Triple-A Ottawa with the Phillies, who released him on April 19. The Marlins signed him to a minor league contract a week later. Entering this weekends series with the Dodgers, Miller has won three consecutive relief outings and stranded 13-of-16 inherited runners.

Oakland rookie Travis Buck was hitting, which of course means it was his turn to join the As disabled list. Buck was hitting .378 over his past 11 games and .333 over his past 34 games. The Arizona State product is the latest Athletic to go down. The As have used the disabled list 16 times, the most times theyve used the DL since 1997.

The Braves signed the biggest name on the International amateur free agent market this week, getting 16-year-old Columbian pitcher Julio Teheran, who was considered the top free-agent pitcher available.

Jason Kubel made another statement that the knee surgery that cost him much of the 2006 season isnt going to affect his ability to hit for power. The Highland High of Palmdale product had a streak in which he hit safely in 14 of 22 games entering Fridays slugfest with the White Sox. Kubel had seven RBIs out of the seven spot in the order. The only other Twin to have seven or more RBIs out of the 7th, 8th or 9th spots was Twins catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who did so in a 2002 game. Kubel became the 14th Twin to drive in seven runs in a game in franchise history, according to researcher Trent McCotter of the Society of American Baseball Research. Kubel, a 25 year-old outfielder, also hit a home run against the Yankees this week.

The Indians have found another bullpen arm in left-hander Rafael Perez, who has a 0.87 ERA since he was recalled from Triple-A on May 28. Left-handers are 2-for-28 against him (.071) Perez has 25 strikeouts in his first 20 innings.

Houston outfielder Hunter Pence has the fourth highest batting average among all rookies with 250 at-bats since 1940, according to Stats, Inc. Pences .346 mark is better than Hal Morris (.340, Reds, 1990) and trails Dan Gladden (.351, Giants, 1984), Ichiro (.350, Seattle, 2001) and Wade Boggs (.349, Red Sox, 1982).

Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez had 107 hits through 84 games and was the ninth Marlins player to have 100 hits before the All-Star break. Current Dodger Juan Pierre holds the club record with 117 hits before the 2003 All-Star break.

When right-hander Josh Beckett won his 12th game Thursday against the Devil Rays, he became the first Red Sox pitcher since Derek Lowe in 2002 to record 12 wins before the All-Star game. Roger Clemens did it twice (in 1988 and 1990) and also won 15 games before the break in 1986, a feat matched by Pedro Martinez in 1999. Beckett has 42 victories since 2005, tied with Roy Oswalt and Jon Garland for second most in the majors.

One mans tirade is another mans treasure. The Tigers got right-hander Jose Capellan from the Brewers in exchange for a minor league left-hander. The Brewers once had high hopes for the hard-throwing Capellan, who they acquired from the Braves for Danny Kolb. When Capellan was told he had not made the Brewers roster this spring, he threw a fit, and drew the ire of General Manager Doug Melvin. The trade was a classic firing, but could be beneficial if Jim Leyland can get Capellan to calm down. Capellan, however, has never become the impact arm the Braves originally thought they had. Hes 5-7 with a 4.69 ERA in his big league career.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, July 1, 2007

USCs pitching staff in 2001 was full of promising professionals, but now might be considered a star-crossed group. Mark Prior was the ace of the club. His major league career has been sidetracked by several injuries. Anthony Reyes was supposed to be the heir apparent to Prior at USC and is 0-10 for the Cardinals this season. The lone bright spot is Brian Bannister, who came to Kansas City in an off-season trade with the Mets for right-hander Ambiorix Burgos. Bannister is 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA in June and has found an organization that likes him considerably more than the Mets did.

Bannisters father, Floyd, pitched for the Royals in 1988-1989. The Bannisters became the third father-son tandem in Royals history, joining the Wathan (John and Dusty) and McRae (Hal and Brian) families.

Heres statistical proof that Angel manager Mike Scioscia is the most aggressive manager in the major leagues. According to Stats Inc., Angels base runners have gone from first to third on a single 57 times, the most in the big leagues.

Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw and shortstop Chin-lung Hu were selected to play in the XM All-Star Futures Game July 8 at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Kershaw, the clubs top pick last year, will be the youngest player on the US Team at 19 years, 112 days old. At Class A Great Lakes, Kershaw is 7-2 with a 1.72 ERA and had 91 strikeouts through 68 innings pitched. Hu, Double-A Jacksonvilles shortstop, will play for the World Team for the second consecutive year. This season, Hu has 26 doubles through 94 games and is hitting .326 with five home runs, 51 runs scored and 11 stolen bases.

Former Loyola Marymount outfielder Chris Pettit hit his way out of the Midwest League. A 19th round pick last year, Pettit hit .346 in 46 games for Cedar Rapids. He also had nine home runs and 41 RBIs before he was sent to Rancho Cucamonga in the California League, where he started slowly but had his first two-hit game this week.

Dodgers double-A left-hander Eric Cyr made the Southern League All-Star team. Cyr had big-league time with the Padres in 2002. The Quebec native pitched in only one game last year for an independent league club in his home city. The Dodgers signed him as a free-agent late in the off-season. Hes 6-2 with a 2.94 ERA for the Suns.

The Indians have found another bullpen arm in left-hander Rafael Perez, who has a 0.87 ERA since he was recalled from Triple-A on May 28. Left-handers are 2-for-28 against him (.071) Perez has 25 strikeouts in his first 20 innings.

Two reasons for the Brewers strong season are first baseman Prince Fielder and closer Francisco Cordero. Fielder had 27 home runs entering play Thursday while Cordero had 27 saves. Fielder and Cordero could become the first teammates in major league history to have 30 home runs and 30 saves before the All-Star break.

The Washington Nationals sent Brandon Watson back to Triple-A Columbus after reinstating Robert Fick from the Bereavement List. Fick was away from the Nationals for seven days because of the passing of his mother, Gloria. Watson started five games for the Nationals and went 5-for-18 (.278) with one double, two RBIs and a stolen base. He was promoted to the Nationals after his 43-game hitting streak, which ran from May 1-June 17. He hit .360 (63-for-175) in the streak, which broke a 95-year-old International League record and was the ninth longest hitting streak in minor league history, according to the Society for American Baseball Research.

Not much question about how Frank Thomas views his 500 home runs in the steroid era: I did it the right way, he said.

QUOTE ME ON THAT: Everybodys concerned about home runs. I always think the double keeps the rally going, but the home runs pay more. I learned that a couple of years ago.  Luis Gonzalez, Dodgers outfielder.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, June 24, 2007

As for pitchers in Japan who may come to the majors in 2008, there is no Daisuke Matsuzaka who can be a No. 1 starter in the majors, several International scouts said. There are several back-end rotation pitchers, lots of fourth and fifth starters, as one scout put it, and a handful of power bullpen arms. There are also more bullpen arms that could be useful to American teams because the quality of the game hasnt slipped despite the older stars coming to the majors. One scout estimated that the Japanese major leagues are 90-95 percent of what major league baseball is, and clearly superior to American Triple-A baseball.

If the Yankees can stay close, they might be able to surprise the American League with arms that actually came from their own organization. The Yankees believe that they have arms right now at double-A Trenton that can be major league regulars, including some bullpen arms. One right-handed starter to watch is Brett Smith, a former UC Irvine pitcher who was a fastball-slider guy in college. The Yankees also elevated former USC right-hander Ian Kennedy to Trenton, where he has won his first two starts. Bullpen arms include Gerardo Casadiego, Jeff Kennard, and Edwar Ramirez, who was just sent to triple-A. Ramirez is the closest thing to a fresh, power bullpen arm the Yankees have had in-house in some time. Starter Joba Chamberlain was also added to the U.S. Futures game roster.

The Nationals promoted Brandon Watson from Triple-A a day after his International League record 43-game hitting streak ended, but Nationals GM Jim Bowden didnt sound excited. He earned his promotion based on that alone, even though it was Triple-A pitching. Triple-A pitching? Has Bowden looked at the majority of own pitching staff lately?

Sometimes, all it takes is a no-hitter to snap a team out of a funk. Since the Brewers were no-hit by Detroits Justin Verlander on June 12 to cap a 10-20 streak, the Brewers are 7-1. Milwaukee had won three consecutive series entering the weekend and climbed back to 10 games above .500 for the first time since May 22.

When the As promoted infielder Kevin Melillo this weekend, he became the seventh player from Oaklands 2004 draft to play for the club, joining Huston Street, Danny Putnam, Kurt Suzuki, Jason Windsor, Dallas Braden and Connor Robertson.

Red Sox rookie second baseman Dustin Pedroia has raised his average from .172 to .322 in a 36-game span.

Did somebody forget to tell the White Sox they are an American League team? Entering the weekend series against the Cubs, the White Sox were 4-11 in inter-league play, the second worst in the majors. One positive for the White Sox has been the arrival of rookie third baseman Josh Fields, who brought a seven-game hitting streak into the weekend after he was called up when starter Joe Crede went on the disabled list earlier this month.

A telling sign of the state of the Baltimore Orioles organization came when Joe Girardi declined to accept the managerial job. Girardi was a favorite of new Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail when both were with the Chicago Cubs. What the Orioles probably need is a complete overhaul, but baseball sources from around the AL believe that it will never happen under owner Peter Angelos. That means the Orioles stay in a holding pattern and Girardi probably didnt get the answers he wanted. On the bright side, the dismal Orioles situation creates opportunities for pitchers like Paul Shuey, who made his first major league appearance since Sep. 23, 2003 this week.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, June 3, 2007

Jimmie Lee Solomon, Major League Baseballs Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations, was in China this week to visit MLBs new Beijing office and to meet with members of the Chinese Baseball Federation. Keep an eye on MLB operations in Beijing in aspects ranging from player procurement to marketing opportunities. Solomon also said his party was in China to evaluate the playing facilities for the 2008 Olympic Games and to judge if these fields would be worthy to host major league games in the future.

Its all of the above, Solomon said in a telephone interview from China this week. We are basically on a trip to look at the facility and meet with the Chinese Baseball Federation and explore playing in Beijing. More than anything, its a fact-finding mission.

Commissioner Bud Selig said two weeks ago in Boston that Major League Baseball is exploring the possibility of playing games in China in the future. Hopefully we can speed up that process, Selig told the Sports Lawyers Association conference in Boston.

The War Room is Always Open: This is time of the when every scout has an opinion. As the saying goes, no two are alike. Only the players will show us what they really will be. Here is a sprinkling of evaluations on different players from scouts across the region and country.

Long Beach Wilson SS Ryan Dent could fall as early as late in the first round, but will likely last no further than the first three rounds. Some scouts consider him the most athletic prep middle infielder in the nation and he has a chance to stay at shortstop. Hes close to a 70 runner on a 20-80 scale.

Chatsworth third baseman Matt Dominguez has a plus arm and plus power that plays for most scouts, but some scouts express concern about the length of his swing. Most project him as an everyday third baseman.

Chatsworth infielder Mike Moustakas reminds one scout of Ken Caminiti in his get-dirty style. Hes the best prep hitter, depending on who you talk to. Theres the occasional concern about his lower-half. Many scouts believe hell end up at second base. San Diego prep infielder Nick Noonan is another quality pure high school hitter that some scouts consider to be a comparable hitter t Moustakas.

Cypress third baseman Josh Vitters has the best pure power of any prep hitter and is a dead-pull guy. Hes got the power for a corner. Hes an impact middle of the order power bat, one scout said.

Cheyenne Mountain (Colorado) 3B Matt Presley reminds one scout of Troy Glaus. Hes a power guy at a corner, overshadowed by Vitters and Moustakas. At one clubs workout, Presley showed power similar to Vitters.

Lakewood catcher Travis DArnaud is as good a catch-and-throw prep catcher as youll find. Veteran scouts will tell you his pop-to-pop is similar to Mike Lieberthal out of Westlake High. DArnaud showed enough power to entice someone.

Pasadena Poly LHP Rob Rasmussen has the best curveball on the west coast, but dont look for him to go pro. John Savage will love him at UCLA.

Owasso (Oklahoma) prep shortstop Pete Kozma is an excellent defender who could stay at short, but his bat is average. He could project into a utility guy.

Streaking Watson: Infielder Brandon Watson is making a strong case to return to the major leagues. Watson extended his hitting streak to 29 games Friday night for Triple-A Columbus. He is hitting .357 in the streak, which began on May 1 and is the longest in Columbus franchise history. Watson, who played for Washington last year, went to spring training with the Tigers but had an awful spring and was cut. He re-signed with Washington before the start of the season.

Another Step Closer: Left-hander Adam Pettyjohn was promoted to triple-A Nashville in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Pettyjohn, who has fought back from a nearly fatal bout with ulcerative colitis in 2002, went 4-2 with a 4.45 ERA at double-A Hunstville. He had a season-high nine strikeouts in his final start this week. His 54 strikeouts against only 15 walks were in the top five in the Southern League. Pettyjohns walks are down and strikeouts are up this year. He last pitched in the majors with Detroit in 2001 and spent the 2005 season with Long Beach in the independent Golden Baseball League.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the Daily Breeze, May 12, 2007

Admiring Clemens: : Theres no shortage of respect among pitchers for what Clemens is trying at the age of 44, forcing the question: could you pitch in the big leagues at age 44?

Im only 28 and it gets harder every year, Angels right-hander John Lackey said. To last 16 more years would be tough. But with the way workouts and nutrition is, you can never say never.

Heres one tip: ignore the agony.

Hes definitely got to be in a lot of pain every time he pitches, so I think a lot of his strength has to be mental. You hear stories of the workouts where he busts his (hide) as much as anybody. It has to be mind over matter.

Clemens workouts are his trademark. Observed 23-year-old Cleveland left-hander Jeremy Sowers: From a physical stress standpoint, it has to be harder for him, but for the last 25 years hes clearly been in a routine that he knows works for him, Sowers said.

It might take him a little bit longer than it used to for him to get ready, but the fact of the matter is, his last year with Houston, he was still one of the best pitchers in the game.

Most 25-year-old major league pitchers are concerned about keeping their jobs, much less how their bodies would withstand the rigors of pitching in the big leagues at 45, which Clemens will turn in August.

I dont know, man, thats a tough one, Angel rookie right-hander Dustin Moseley said. Its amazing nowadays how long guys are playing. Its hard enough on most guys my age. Im sure he knows exactly what he needs to do to get ready. You see him in spring training and hes throwing, so Im sure hes in pretty good shape to start with.

Perhaps veteran right-hander Paul Byrd, 36, has the most balanced perspective.

If theres anything, Ive noticed I have to do twice the cardio that I used to have to do just to keep the fat off my body, he said. I could have desert years ago, now its like if I have a piece of cheesecake its like it takes me five days to get it off my stomach or something.

40-something: Clemens still has a long way to go if he wants to hold the record for most wins by a pitcher after the age of 40. According to the newly published SABR Baseball List and Reference book, Clemens has 55 victories after turning 40, which trails Phil Neikro (121 wins), Jack Quinn (96), Cy Young (75), Warren Spahn (75), Nolan Ryan (71) and Charlie Hough (67).

No-hitter report: There was an interesting pitching duel Wednesday night in the California League, when Inland Empire left-hander Marlon Arias (Dodgers) pitched a no-hitter against Bakersfield (Rangers) and right-hander Edinson Volquez, the 23-year old right-hander who reached the Rangers last season and was ordered to begin the season in the Cal League, partially because the Rangers felt he needed to better learn to control his emotions.

Arias struck out 10 and walked two in what was the 26th no-hitter in Cal League history. A scout who covered the game said that Arias, at 6-foot-3, 150 pounds, is so skinny that he has trouble keeping his delivery consistent. His fastball reached 91 at max effort, but he pitched with it at 81-84. His curveball showed promise, working at 75-mph with multiple plane break.

Volquez had his finest Cal League outing, working at 93-97 for seven innings, showing a put-away change-up and breaking ball. A scout said it was Volquezs most consistent performance as a starting pitcher.

Why You Need Two Power Hitters to win in the AL: Thats the one simple reason to explain why the Angels get by instead of run away. Case in point: through Thursday, Vladimir Guerrero had 30 RBIs in his first 31 games. He was hitting .419 with seven home runs in their first 17 victories. In the clubs first 15 loses, he was hitting .250 with two home runs.

Byrd tried a noble approach against the bad-ball hitting Guerrero, whose reputation for hitting the ball anywhere its pitched has reached levels that get deep inside many pitchers heads.

I tried to throw it down the middle figuring he wouldnt know what to do with it, Byrd said. Didnt work.

Guerrero doubled and Byrd got a no-decision Wednesday against the Angels.

Passing Rigney: Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who passed Bill Rigney to become the franchises career victories leader earlier in the week, earned a nod of respect on Wednesday from Byrd, who pitched for the Angels in 2005.

Byrd gave up a two-run home run to Kendry Morales to tie the game, 2-2, but the batter before, Erick Aybar, had hit a high-chopper off the dirt. Catcher Kelly Shoppachs throw wasnt in time and skimmed the dirt. Scioscia asked for the ball to be removed from play. Morales followed with the home run. Byrd said that the ball had just a bit of dirt on the seams, which Byrd might have been able to use to his advantage. Scioscia doesnt miss anything, Byrd said. He really doesnt.

Enjoy the Miles: When Ryan Langerhans was traded from Atlanta to Oakland to Washington in a matter of days last week, it marked the fastest in-season turn around since 1982 when Dick Davis was traded from Philadelphia to Toronto and traded three games later to Pittsburgh.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the Daily Breeze, April 29, 2007

Gold Love: : Passing through Dodger Stadium last week, Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson  who will turn 30 in December  was asked if he had developed into the kind of offensive shortstop that he envisioned himself to become several years ago when he played at Thousand Oaks High and Oxnard College. He brought a lifetime .265 average into this season and has created a role for himself as a No.2 hitter, a true National League player in the mold of the shortstops that played after World War II and before the steroid era.

I think as time goes on I get a little bit smarter, but as far as what to expect of myself, I never really know what to expect season-to-season, he said. I never really know what Im going to hit each year. The definition of a good year, for me, probably isnt what it is for some other guys. A good year could be moving (a runner) over 30 times. Im out, but I did my job. The two-hole is kind of like, I can do my job and the numbers will never show it.

Defense, however, invokes a different sort of passion from Wilson. Hes finished second in Gold Glove balloting four times in his six-year major league career. He said that hed like to be able to win the award at least once, one of the few things the private Wilson admits to wanting to achieve before his career is over.

I think so, but I think the award has lost a lot of merit in the last couple of years, he said. Its almost turned into a popularity contest. Youve got guys getting it without having the best numbers as far as fielding percentage, errors and overall range is concerned. To me, the award is great and Id like to win it, but at the same time, Id like to win it for the true meaning of it.

Omar Vizquel won the award at shortstop in 2006 and 2005. Cesar Izturis won in 2004. Their fielding percentages and error totals were lower than Wilsons, so those honors were merited. But when Edgar Renteria  who blocked Wilson at the major league level in St. Louis and made him expendable as a double-A shortstop in 2000, creating the biggest break of his career  won in 2002 and 2003, Wilson had some verifiable reason to feel slighted.

In 2002, Renteria had more errors (19 to Wilsons 15), fewer assists (which would indicate he gets to fewer balls), a .970 fielding percentage to Wilsons .975, and 72 double plays turned compared to Wilsons 90. The following year, 2003, each had a .975 fielding percentage, Wilson had 17 errors to Renterias 16, and Wilson had more assists (454 to 439).

Id like to be a true Gold Glove shortstop and not win it because I hit good that year, Wilson said. There have been guys who have won it with 17 or 18 errors. Meanwhile, the guy who has like 11 or 12 errors doesnt, and to me that doesnt make any sense. It is what it is. As long as I get the reputation from my pitchers, who, if theyre in a jam, they want the ball hit to me. I do more ground balls than anything. I take ground balls at least 20 minutes a day. I take as many as I can get in. I dont care how good I feel, I just want to keep taking them and make sure my defense stays that way.

Wilson, who used to stash BP balls in his lean days in the minor leagues, remains among the most productive shortstops in baseball in terms of turning double plays. In 11 seasons, Renteria has never turned 100 double plays in a single season. Vizquel hasnt turned more than 100 double plays in a season since 1993, at the age of 26. In 18 big league seasons, Vizquel  the common case for defensive-minded shortstops as Hall of Fame candidates  had only turned more than 100 double plays three times. Wilson did it three times in his first six years, with a high 129 in 2004 and 126 in 2005. Wilson had 88 last year, but also had 141 fewer chances last year than he did the year before.

Long Road: Mike Schultz persevered and was rewarded when the Arizona Diamondbacks summoned their former second-round pick to the Major Leagues for the first time last week. He threw a scoreless inning against the Giants on April 21 and was returned to Triple-A Tucson.

It was obviously shorter than I would have liked, but it was definitely encouraging, Schultz told the Arizona Daily Star.

Schultz, who is in his seventh season of professional baseball, did not pitch in 2001 and 2002 because the right-hander had two operations to repair his torn labrum. Schultz had to begin his career from scratch in 2003, returning to short-season Yakima to begin his comeback. He made nine starts that summer, but those were his last nine before the Diamondbacks moved him to the bullpen to accommodate their younger starters and to prolong Schultzs career.

Originally projected as a starter, Schultz successfully began to carve out a bullpen role.

The breakthrough came in 2005 when he led the Southern League with 63 appearances, gave up only three home runs in 65 1/3 innings and had 41 walks against 68 strikeouts. He earned a spot on the 40-man roster, began in Double-A before an early-season promotion to Triple-A Tucson, and pitched in 58 more games, mostly in Triple-A, last season. Schultz went 3-4 with seven saves and a 3.17 ERA last season. He was one of the oldest players in the Arizona Fall League last year, then came to major league camp and pitched well in Spring Training.

In the meantime, Schultz, who pitched at Loyola Marymount and graduated from Cleveland High still resides in Reseda with his wife, Sarah, and 16-month old twins, son Jake and daughter Jordyn. The kids wear me out but I love it, he said. Im up with them, 6:30 or 7 every morning.

And he thought getting to the big leagues was tough?

Future Ace?: Seattle expects right-hander Brandon Morrow, its first-round pick last year who pitched so well in spring training that the Mariners didnt think they could afford not to carry him on the roster, to get his feet wet at the major league level this season. Hes pitched in six games, all in relief, this season, and already has his first major league victory. He pitched a career-high 3 1/3 scoreless innings against Texas on Monday. The victory came a year and eight days after his final victory as a college pitcher.

Scouts report that Morrows velocity is in the 94-96 range with his split-finger fastball projecting as a strikeout pitch. His curveball and change-up are thought to be good enough to compete right now. The Mariners believe that Morrow can be a starter for them as early as next season.

All over Moustakas: Theres a good chance Chatsworth infielder Mike Moustakas has played himself into the first round of the amateur draft. The Washington Nationals were in twice this week to check him, with special advisor Bob Boone making a cross-checking visit. The Colorado Rockies, who have diligently followed him this spring with scouting director Bill Schmidt making more than one appearance, remain focused on him. General Manager Dan ODowd was in Chatsworth this week to see the left-handed hitting Moustakas. Some scouts compare Moustakas to Ken Caminiti. Others compare him to Sean Casey.

Nationals right-hander Shawn Hill (2-2, 2.76) reminds one scout of Orel HershiserAfter leading the majors in ERA during Spring Training and not earning a starting nod in the Rangers rotation to begin the season, Kameron Loe moved into the rotation last week, defeated Oakland, then got shelled against ClevelandOne reason for former Angel Ramon Ortizs early-season success with the Twins? According to scouts, Ortizs velocity is down, but his fastball command might be the best it has been in his career. Pirates reliever Shawn Chacon was hitting the mid-90s on the radar gun last week at Dodger Stadium, a vast improvement in velocity over last summerSign youre in the doghouse: when third baseman Brandon Wood was recalled from Triple-A and first baseman Kendry Morales was sent out, Manager Mike Scioscia offered, We needed more infield coverage Dont give up on Edwin Jackson just yet. Though the right-handers numbers probably make him a joke for fantasy players, Jackson is progressing in Tampa Bay. Prone to over-throwing in Los Angeles, Jackson showed Wednesday in Anaheim that he can be successful pitching down at 91-93 with good run in the hitting zone and realizing that his fastball tends to flatten out at 94 and above. His change-up worked at 83-86 and his breaking ball showed signs of improvement. Perhaps most importantly for Jackson are signs of progress on the mental side of the game. He didnt implode when Tampa Bay made errors behind him. He stayed true (most of the time) to not over-throwing. Manager Joe Maddon said he dug up a video of Bob Gibson pitching in the 1968 World Series so he could show Jackson how good Gibsons slider was, and how he attacked each hitter.

The Last Word: Leyland, venting about the scheduling that had his club in Anaheim for two-game series, its first of four visits to the West Coast: This is totally ridiculous. Its that computer (stuff). Somebody put it in the (stupid) computer and some (insane) ridiculous (ideas) came out of it, you want to know the truth. To come out here four times in a year is a total (total) joke, and you can quote me on that.

Seeds on the Dugout Floor
By John Klima
Published in the Daily Breeze, April 29, 2007

HIGH PRAISE: One baseball scout compared 19-year old Arizona center field prospect Justin Uptons skill set to that of a young Frank Robinson. According to the scout, Upton graded as a 65 (on a scale of 80) runner with a plus arm this spring. As for the bat, another scout believes that Upton was not overwhelmed in any of his at-bats in major league camp, when Upton often entered the game in the later innings. He was not overmatched at the plate in any of the games in big league camp that I saw, he said. Upton, who hit .263 with 28 doubles, 12 home runs and 66 RBIs and had a .413 slugging percentage and a .343 on-base percentage last season at low-single- A South Bend in the Midwest League, was assigned to high-single-A Modesto in the California League.

ASK NOT HE CAN DO FOR YOU: Former USC right-hander Ian Kennedys first minor league spring training camp had Yankees officials somewhat concerned. Though Kennedy, the 21-year-old right-hander who was the Yankees top pick (21st overall) in the June 2006 draft was never a power pitcher in college, his spring velocity registered in the 87-88 mile per range, easily 2-3 ticks below the 89-91 level he pitched at in college and the Yankees want and need him to work at. The plus side is how advanced Kennedys secondary pitchers are. His curveball and slider have progressed nicely and Yankees officials were most impressed by the depth in Kennedys change-up. Kennedy will begin the season with Tampa in the high-single-A Florida State League, with a promotion likely to double-A Trenton when the weather improves in the Northeast. Kennedy received a $2.25 million signing bonus, fronting a draft class in which the Yankees spent $6.2 million

HES READY RIGHT NOW: Few players made the impact in spring training than did Colorado outfielder Ryan Spilborghs and few players were probably as disappointed when they were optioned out. Spilborghs acclimated himself well in the big leagues in 2006, hitting .287 with four home runs in 167 at-bats. In a crowded and talented young Rockies outfield, he hit .412 this spring, but the Rockies traded for Willy Tavares and signed veteran Steve Finley, blocking Spilborghs and forcing him to Triple-A. Though Spilborghs handled the demotion with professionalism, he couldnt have been pleased. He has one minor league option remaining and played so well that baseball sources said that other clubs have approached the Rockies about Spilborghs availability. In addition to swinging the bat, Spilborghs played all three outfield positions in spring training. He showed home run and opposite-field gap power. At age 26, his fear is that hell be branded a fourth outfielder, but one professional scout said he believes Spilborghs could become a 20 home run-25 stolen base-35 double hitter. If the Rockies decide they have no room for him in a future outfield of Tavares, Brad Hawpe, Matt Holliday, Jeff Baker, the time to move him is now, when his value is high.

MENTOR MADDUX: Greg Maddux has always been a public recluse when it comes to discussing his tactics and philosophies, but that doesnt apply to the fellow pitchers on his staff. When Maddux was traded to Los Angeles last year, Derek Lowe instantly because his mental caddy. This spring in San Diego, right-hander Clay Hensley was the pitcher who gravitated towards Maddux, mainly, because like Maddux, Hensley lacks true stuff, and instead relies on command, movement and changing speeds. New manager Bud Black told Hensley to play catch with Maddux on the first day of camp.

QUICK RISER: Joe Smith, a 22-year old submarine right-hander made the Mets opening day roster less than a year after he was the clubs third-round pick, 94th overall, signed for a modest $410,000 bonus out of Wright State University. He began his professional career last year in Brooklyn (short-A), advanced to double-A Birmingham. He skipped Triple-A and won a job in the Mets bullpen, making his debut April 1 against the Cardinals and striking out Preston Wilson in his debut.

YOUNG FISH GETTING (SLIGHTLY) OLDER: Though the Marlins have only three rookies on their roster as compared to 11 at this time last year, they still retain the title of having the youngest roster in the major leagues. The Marlins have an average age of 26 years, 230 days, up from 132 days last season. This includes outfielder Alejandro De Aza, who will turn 23 on Wednesday and has never played above the double-A level in a case of promotion for protection. He was taken from the Dodgers in the Rule V minor league draft in 2004. The left-handed hitting outfielder, who collected his first big league hit last week against the Nationals, originally signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2001.