2006 Toledo Mud Hens Diary

[mattie]

Hen's clip the Clippers, 3-2
http://mudhens.com/view_news.asp?id=224

In front of almost 9,000 enthusiastic fans, the Mud Hens sent them home happy. Coming off of a disappointing road trip, which saw the Hens go just 3-5, they jumped out to the early lead and held off the Clippers over the final two innings to get the win.

The Hens were able to plate the first run of the game in the bottom of the third inning, when Kevin Hooper sent a bouncing ball back up the middle to score Josh Phelps, who had doubled to straightaway centerfield to lead off the inning. The hit by Hooper not only gave the Hens a 1-0 lead, but also extended his hitting streak to seven games, the second streak of that length he has had this season.

[shamrock07]

RHP Matt Mantei was activated from the DL today.
LHP Lance Davis sent down to Lakeland.

Not sure who will take his role in the rotation, possibly Corey Hamman or John Ennis for a spot start before Colon is activated (I keep hearing he should be anyday now).

[redshark63]

Mud Hens climb over .500 mark
Ludwick has 5 RBIs as Toledo whips Norfolk

By MAUREEN FULTON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

After the Mud Hens' convincing win yesterday, manager Larry Parrish was happiest for hitting coach Leon "Bull" Durham.

"Bull's been working hard with these guys," Parrish said. "When you're squeaking out wins and a lot of opportunities don't cash in, as a coach you take it home with you. I'm sure Bull will sleep very well tonight."

The Hens, who came into the game ranked eighth in the International League in batting average and 13th in hits, pounded Norfolk 14-5 at Fifth Third Field. The 18-hit onslaught put the Hens over .500 (17-16) for the first time this season. They finished the homestand 5-2.

"We all know where we're at day to day," infielder Kevin Hooper said. "Any time you get ahead of that .500 mark that's an accom-plishment."

Ryan Ludwick had five RBIs, Alexis Gomez four and Ryan Raburn three. Ludwick and Raburn each had four hits and Gomez was a home run away from hitting for the cycle. Also, Josh Phelps had three hits and Hooper added two.

It seemed for most of the game that anything the Hens connected with either rolled past an infielder or landed in an open spot in the outfield.

"We continually put the ball in play," Hooper said. "Good things are going to happen when you do that, when you're aggressive."

The Hens knocked Tides pitcher Jason Scobie, a Toledo native, out of the game in the second inning, getting eight runs in the first two innings. The five runs the Hens scored in the second all came with two outs.

Norfolk got a run in the first inning but didn't score again until the seventh, after Toledo had taken a 10-1 lead. Chris Basak hit a two-run home run off right-hander Chad Durbin just before Durbin left the game. The Hens answered the Tides' three runs in that inning with four more in the bottom half.

In front of a sold-out "school day" crowd of 10,300, the Hens had a season-high nine extra-base hits, including Ludwick's three-run home run to center field in the seventh. Toledo leaves town today for a 10-game road trip to play Richmond, Norfolk, and Columbus.

"It's good to go out with a bang like that," Raburn said. "We want to go on the road and continue the way we've been swinging. To finish up swinging the bat like that will give us a big confidence boost."

Durbin pitched 6 1/3 innings and had five strikeouts to get the win, improving to 3-1.

All three pitchers who joined the Tides (10-24) on Wednesday saw action, and two of them, Jeriome Robertson and Chuck Smith, gave up a combined six runs in just 1 1/3 innings.

In the eighth inning, Tides catcher Zac Clements was called on to pitch. He had the most success of anyone, needing just six pitches to get out the side without giving up a hit.

Contact Maureen Fulton at:
mfulton@theblade.com
or 419-724-6160.

[redshark63]

Gomez enjoyed majors, but is happy in Toledo

By MAUREEN FULTON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

When Alexis Gomez came back to the Mud Hens this week, he vowed to have a better return than his start.

Yesterday Gomez helped that cause, going 3-for-4 with four RBI in the Hens' victory over the Norfolk Tides. Gomez had a single, double and triple, walking in his last at-bat in the attempt to hit for the cycle.

"It was a day I needed," Gomez said. "I've been starting slow, but I hope to continue to do what I did [yesterday]. It was a great day."

Gomez played seven games with the Mud Hens at the beginning of the season and hit just .148 before his contract was purchased by the Tigers on April 15 to replace an injured Dmitri Young. In 13 games with the Tigers, Gomez hit .222 and scored eight runs.

"I think he's got to feel pretty good about himself this time," Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "He's been called up a few times before, but it was a struggle for him, he never seemed like he had gotten over the hump. But this time he played well up there, it was just a numbers game."

Out of options when Young returned, Gomez was designated for assignment last week. No team picked him up off waivers, which he preferred. He rejoined the Hens on Tuesday.

"I know my situation, I got called up because Dmitri [Young] got hurt," Gomez said. "I've got to do the best I can out there. I think I did a pretty good job, I think they were happy with me. But I was happy to come back here and play for my team."

ROSTER MOVE: Detroit pitcher Jordan Tata was optioned to Toledo after the Tigers' game in Baltimore on Wednesday night. Hens pitcher Roman Colon was re-called to Detroit.

In seven appearances for the Tigers, Tata was 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA.

Parrish said Tata likely will start tomorrow in Richmond for the Hens.

BUNTS: Mud Hens radio team Jim Weber and Frank Gilhooley will announce the Triple-A All-Star Game in Toledo on July 12. Weber and Gilhooley will partner along with Tacoma Rainiers radio announcer Mike Curto. … Yesterday was the largest "school day" to date, with about 90 percent of the crowd of 10,300 being children, Mud Hens general manager Joe Napoli estimated. For yesterday's game and the final morning game on May 24, season-ticket holders gave up their seats and received vouchers in exchange. "Our concern today was the infrastructure around the park, but the police and sheriffs were tremendous," Napoli said.

[grandma g]

Friday night game for Toledo:

05/12/2006 Final
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Toledo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1
Richmond 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 X 3 9 0

W: K. Barry (2-2, 2.75); L: C. Lewis (1-3, 3.23); SV: P. Stockman (1)
HR: None.

[redshark63]

Mud Hens blast Braves

By BRUCE WELLS
SPECIAL TO THE BLADE

RICHMOND, Va. - After enduring an offensive malaise for the first three games of their series at Richmond, the Toledo Mud Hens reawakened last night with Ryan Ludwick as the catalyst.

And he did it in grand fashion.

Ryan Ludwick's third inning grand slam - a towering blast into the parking lot beyond the left field wall - sparked the Toledo offense as it beat the Richmond Braves 7-2 at The Diamond.

"To be honest, we didn't expect this series to be this tough," Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "We thought if we played well, the worst we would do is a split. But we left some games out there. We got the hits tonight though."

Indeed.

The Mud Hens rapped out 10 hits, three of those for extra bases including Ludwick's blast.

Ludwick, a veteran of seven seasons - five of those years split between Triple-A and the Major Leagues - has been on a tear, picking up hits in 15 of his last 16 games. During that time he has gone 22-for-60 (.367), including last night when he was 2-for-5 with five RBI.

"He had the big hit tonight," said Parrish. "We've been absolutely awful with the bases loaded, so I thought ... we're in trouble now, we've got the bases loaded, and then BAM. That one was huge. He really tagged it."

The game had been scoreless until the third-inning eruption by the Mud Hens.

Back-to-back singles by Kevin Hooper and Don Kelly, followed by a walk to Ryan Rayburn, set the table for Ludwick, who swung at the first pitch he saw from Richmond's Travis Smith for a strike and took the next for a ball. One pitch later he got a hanging slider that he deposited over the left-field wall.

Those four runs would have been more than enough for Mud Hens starter Zach Miner to work with, but Toledo added another in the sixth on a Maxim St-Pierre RBI single and two more in the seventh on RBI singles by Ludwick and Josh Phelps.

Miner, meanwhile, kept the Braves scoreless through five innings before getting in trouble with one out in the sixth, surrendering a double and an RBI triple. While backing up Mud Hens third baseman Mike Hessman on the triple, Miner slipped on the wet grass and went down in a heap, holding his leg. He was able to walk off under his own power and was replaced by Chris Spurling, who gave up an RBI single - that run also charged to Miner - before settling down and pitching shutout baseball the rest of the way.

Miner has won each of his last six starts, allowing just seven earned runs over that span.

Through eight starts by Miner, Toledo has been perfect, winning every game and giving Miner more than five runs a game in offensive support.

"With him on the mound we don't have to score many," Parrish said. "I think sometimes when a guy is pitching well like that, it really loosens up the offense."

Miner was diagnosed after the game with a sprained ankle and will likely miss his next start.

[mattie]

Buffalo Bisons Coming To Town - Top Affiliates Of Tigers & Indians To Square Off!

Full Story HERE!

From Tuesday to Friday of this week, local fans will get their only opportunity of the 2006 season to see the top affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, the Buffalo Bisons.

Here is the schedule of events for the four-game series: For Tickets, call (419) 725-HENS!

Tuesday, May 23 (Buffalo, 1st pitch @ 6:30 pm) – Tonight’s game can be heard live on Sports Radio 1470 AM – The Ticket. The game can be seen on tape-delay at 11 PM on BCSN. It will also be the third Promedica Testing Tuesday of the season as well as Deaf Awareness Night, with sign language interpreting. Vic Darensbourg, a member of the 2005 Governors’ Cup champion team now with Buffalo, will also be recognized at 6:15 on the field.

Road-weary Hens swept by Clippers
By JARROD ULREY
SPECIAL TO THE BLADE

Full Story HERE!

COLUMBUS - Today's off day couldn't have come at a more opportune time for the Toledo Mud Hens.

In the finale of a 10-game road trip, a depleted bullpen and a lineup which manager Larry Parrish admitted was "swinging tired" played a role in Toledo's third consecutive loss.

Columbus scored three times in the eighth to pull away for a 6-1 victory that gave the Clippers a three-game winning streak.

[redshark63]

Ludwick homer gives Mud Hens win

Blast in the 10th inning breaks losing streak and scoring drought


Mud Hens starter Jordan Tata is frustrated in the seventh inning and is about to be removed by manager Larry Parrish with runners on second and third and no outs. Tata pitched effectively yesterday against Buffalo, giving up no runs - thanks to a great relief performance by Chris Spurling in the seventh - on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
( THE BLADE/ALLAN DETRICH )

MAUREEN FULTON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

The Mud Hens' scoring drought was reaching dramatic lengths. No better way to end it than with some theatrics.

Ryan Ludwick hit a walk-off home run in the 10th inning yesterday at Fifth Third field, giving Toledo a 1-0 victory over Buffalo.

"You always dream of a walk-off, it's a fun part of being a hitter and playing baseball," Ludwick said. "I feel very fortunate."

The win snapped a four-game losing streak and a 24-inning stretch without a run for the Hens. It was the Hens' first walk-off of the year and the first of Ludwick's career. He hit the second pitch of the inning off Andrew Brown over the left-field fence.


"It was a great ending, and it was a long time coming," Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "We're obviously having trouble scoring right now. But our pitching was outstanding all day."

Three Hens pitchers combined to give up six hits in the shutout. Mark Woodyard got his first win of the year, pitching the final two innings and striking out three. The Hens improved to 21-24.

Both sides indeed featured tremendous pitching in front of the "school day" crowd of 10,477. Bisons starter Jeremy Sowers, the Cleveland Indians' first-round draft pick from 2004, threw eight innings and gave up three hits. Buffalo (25-23) allowed Hens batters just five hits.

"[Sowers] is consistent, he's got great control," Ludwick said. "He's really composed."

In his third start for the Hens, Jordan Tata pitched six-plus innings, giving up six hits with four strikeouts.

"He kept us in the ball game and we were able to get it done in the late innings," Ludwick said.

Tata left the seventh with runners on second and third and no outs, but reliever Chris Spurling came in to retire the side without a run scoring.

Spurling got Jason Cooper to ground out to first, with first baseman Josh Phelps looking back Jason Dubois before tossing the ball to Spurling for the out. He intentionally walked Ramon Vazquez and got catcher Einar Diaz, the ninth-place hitter, to hit into a double play to shortstop Don Kelly.

"[Spurling] is a big-league pitcher," Tata said. "He's come in countless situations like that. He's a guy you want to come in.

"I guess I'm going to have to take him out to dinner now."

Said Parrish: "To get out of that inning, that was a masterful job."

The only scoring threat from either team in the eighth and ninth innings was Kelly's two-out double in the ninth. Then Ludwick hit his eighth home run of the season. He pumped his fist as he rounded first, and after he crossed home plate, catcher Brian Peterson covered him with shaving cream.

"As soon as he made contact, you go, that's the ball game right there," Parrish said.

Contact Maureen Fulton at:
mfulton@theblade.com
or 419-724-6160.

[redshark63]

Tata happy to be in starting rotation

MUD HENS NOTEBOOK

By MAUREEN FULTON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Last year Jordan Tata played strictly Single-A ball as a starting pitcher.

This year he found himself up with the Detroit Tigers on the second day of the season as a reliever.

Tata, a 24-year-old right-hander for the Mud Hens, has taken all the changes in stride. He made his third start for Toledo yesterday, and got no decision in Hens' 1-0 win over Buffalo.

Tata spent last season in Lakeland, Fla., going 13-2 with a 2.79 ERA. At 6-foot-6, 220 pounds, Tata is glad to settle back into a starting rotation after a little over a month in Detroit's bullpen.

"Bullpen was a big adjustment for me, it was my first time," Tata said. "I definitely feel more comfortable starting. I'm starting to get back into my routine. Everything's going smooth."

Tata's first time back as a starter for the Hens on May 13 didn't go as he hoped. He gave up five runs and walked four batters in 2 2/3 innings. But in his past two starts his ERA has continually shrunk. Yesterday Tata threw six-plus innings, giving up six hits and just one walk to go along with four strikeouts.

"He threw very well," Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "It looked like he sort of ran out of gas in the last inning. He was down, down with his pitches, and then the last inning he pitched, really the inning before, his pitches started going up."

No matter the challenges of adapting to what the team needs, Tata is up for it.

"Some of the veteran guys, Todd Jones, Jamie Walker, they know how to help a young guy like me prepare to go out every day instead of every fifth day," Tata said. "Just going to the big leagues and knowing I can compete up there is a big confidence boost for me."

HOT CATCHER: Coming into yesterday's game, Hens catcher Brian Peterson had only caught two runners stealing all year. He threw out two more yesterday at second base. Peterson threw out Ben Francisco in the fourth and Jason Cooper in the fifth.

"He's been struggling to do that, so that was good," Parrish said.

BUNTS: Pitcher Steve Green will likely be activated from the disabled list today. As for a position player to replace Jack Hannahan, Parrish hasn't heard when the Hens will get someone. He said, "We're sort of strapped there right now." … Center fielder Tike Redman's nine-game hitting streak came to an end. … The Hens finished 3-0 in "school day" games this year.

[storminN]

I haven't heard anything about Zach Miner lately. Is he injured ?

[redshark63]

He will be starting Saturday.

[kpking3032]

posting some pics from the Hens heart-breaking (just like the big club) loss tonight....




Still not playing -- he told me Friday, I told him to stop sliding head first, he says "Man, I gots to. I don't know no other way....." Nook was super cool, talked to me between innings 3 or 4 times, and coached first base even...



Durbin -- didn't pitch great, didn't kill 'em



I think Hannahan -- he and Kelly have similar swings, but I took a ton of Hannahan pics (since he is my AAT)

[kpking3032]

Don Kelly...the ball hit his foot actually -- great picture taking by the woman -- I can't take credit for this


tomorrow I will get a lot more pics -- as you can tell, I'll probably be able to pick my seat anywhere down the first baseline....


Anyways, Toledo -- top of ninth, two outs, down a run, nobody on....Ludwick, Hannahan and Kelly all hit singles (Kelly's scored Ludwick to tie the game) then Hessman strikes out, because that's what he does.....

Bottom of 9 the Bisons load the bases with no outs, Parrish brings Espinosa in to the infield and plays five infielders. Hooper fields a groundball that bounces over Hannahan and guns down the runner at the plate. Garko then grounds into a douple play to end an amazing bottom of the ninth....(Hector Mercado loaded the bases with two walks and a bunt single played horribly by Hessman at third). Fiore got them out of the inning, but he still stinks. The Hens go down 1-2-3 in the tenth, then Fiore proceeds to give up a walk-off homerun to Kelly Shoppach in the bottom of 10. They fought hard, and got zero reward for it.

[monkeynuts]

"The Mud Hens pitching staff has been “lights out” – as they have allowed just 8 runs in their last 59 innings, or 7 games – a span that covers six complete games, and four innings of the seventh game."

This after Humberto's start tonight. Wow.

[kpking3032]

even after the game tonight, where Tata didn't pitch great, but bulldog-ed it out, the staff just doesn't give up more than 3 runs it seems like....Spurling's ERA is down to .72 now as well...

[redshark63]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...TS07/606300348

MUD HENS NOTEBOOK
Hens' series with Indians pivotal



Toledo's Kevin Hooper stands on the second base bag, but it's not his to keep after he was called out attempting to steal.
( THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT )


By JOHN WAGNER
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Tonight the Mud Hens begin a four-game series with Indianapolis, creating a matchup between two of the three leaders in the International League's West Division.

And while it's still too early in the season for the games to be critical to either side, the contests may start to loosen the three-team knot at the top.

That didn't seem possible at the start of the month, when Indianapolis had a seven-game lead over second-place Toledo, and both the Mud Hens and third-place Louisville were under .500.

But what a difference a month has made: while the Indians have drifted back to the pack with a 13-14 record in June, the Hens have closed the gap to a single game with an 18-11 mark this month.

Both teams are trailing the Bats, who have won their last seven in a row and are 22-6 in June. Louisville leads the second-place Tribe by a half-game, with Toledo a game and a half back.

"I don't think this series is any more significant [a series] because we're playing Indy," Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "It's important because we're playing at home. In our last road trip we played better on the road.

"It's big to get wins, but it's not too early to come back - for us or for them."

This series begins a string of 10 straight games the Mud Hens will play against the two teams. After this four-game set Toledo will play three games in Louisville and three at Indianapolis before the All-Star break.

"It's a division foe, and we battled with them a lot last year, too," Kevin Hooper said of the Indianapolis series. "We know we're going to face them a lot down the road."

YOUNG IN TOLEDO? Yesterday outfielder Dmitri Young began to work out in Lakeland, Fla., in an effort to return to the parent Tigers.

The plan is for Young to get into "game-playing" shape over the next 7-to-10 days, then report to the Mud Hens. Young then is expected to stay with Toledo until he is ready for major-league action.

But that timetable doesn't assure that Young will play many, if any, games at Fifth Third Field.

Young probably won't report to the Mud Hens until the middle of next week, when the team will be in the midst of its road trip to Louisville and Indianapolis. After the three-day All-Star Break, the Hens will play eight more road games, including four in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and four in Pawtucket.

The Mud Hens won't return to Fifth Third Field until Friday, July 21, when they host Durham - and Dmitri's younger brother, Delmon - in the first game of a four-game series.

But that date is roughly two full weeks after Dmitri Young is expected to join the team, meaning he may have had enough time to earn a promotion to Detroit.

ALL-STAR TICKETS: The Mud Hens will sell a limited number of tickets packages for the Triple-A All-Star Game starting today at noon.

The tickets, which will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, are from the allotment previously reserved for Minor League Baseball, the International League and the Pacific Coast League.

Each package includes one ticket to the Fan Fest, which will be held at the SeaGate Centre July 8-12; one ticket to the Home Run Derby on July 10; and one ticket to the All-Star Game on July 12.

The packages cost $95 apiece.

The Mud Hens also have a limited number of tickets available for the Home Run Derby at a cost of $35 per ticket.

Tickets can be purchased at the Mud Hens box office or by calling (419) 725-HENS (4367).

THREE-DOT DATA: For the third straight night Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski watched the Mud Hens play. … With their first-inning singles last night, both Kevin Hooper and Ryan Raburn extended their current hit streak to eight games. That ties Hooper's longest consecutive hit streak this season, while Raburn already has a streak of 13 games. David Espinosa also singled in the first to extend his hit streak to seven games, his longest this year.

[redshark63]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...TS07/607010391

MUD HENS NOTEBOOK
Newcomer Mohr making an impression

By MAUREEN FULTON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

By design or not, Dustan Mohr hasn't wasted any time in showing his new Toledo teammates his work ethic.

Mohr, a 30-year-old outfielder, signed with the Mud Hens as a minor league free agent this week and joined the team Wednesday. In the Hens' win over Indianapolis last night, he ran out two grounders for infield hits. His second one, in the sixth inning, started a two-out rally that led to five runs for the Hens.

"I've played the game the same way ever since I've been playing," Mohr said. "Some of these guys have played against me in other places, and they know.

"I'm not a goal-setter, my only goal is that I can leave every game, and at the end of the season I know that I gave the best effort. So that's where that comes from."

Mohr played in the major leagues most recently with Boston, splitting time this season between the Red Sox and Triple-A Pawtucket.

On Mohr's second infield single, he dived into first base.

"He looks like a guy who plays hard every day," Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "He played center field well. He's a little rusty at the plate yet, but he had a couple weeks off, so that's to be expected."

NEXT UP: In the second game of the series, the Hens will bring reliever Corey Hamman (1-2, 3.89 ERA) out of the bullpen again to make the start. The Hens won two games on Monday with relievers making the starts, with Hamman going five innings for the win in the first game.

"Right now, Hamman's in that spot," Parrish said.

For the Indians, Oliver Perez, demoted Thursday by the Pittsburgh Pirates, will start. Perez was 2-10 with a 6.63 ERA for Pittsburgh.

A LITTLE LUCK: After hitting .292 in May, Ryan Ludwick hit .237 in June. He has been trying a few things to get out of his self-admitted slump.

One is shaving his head, and the other is the presence of two small, wooden, carved owls, which Ludwick christened Paco and Pedro.

The owls were a gift from Ludwick's wife's grandfather, who made them.

Last night, Ludwick went 1-for-3 with a home run, so who knows.

BUNTS: Coming into last night the Hens were hitting .318 on the current homestand. … Ryan Raburn extended his hitting streak to nine games, but Kevin Hooper's eight-game streak came to an end. … David Espinosa stole two bases to bring his season total to seven.

[redshark63]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...TS07/607060367

Young to spend time with Mud Hens

OAKLAND - The Tigers announced yesterday that Dmitri Young's minor-league rehab schedule will include time with the Mud Hens, starting July 13 when the team plays at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Young, who was placed on the disabled list May 22, began his rehab assignment by serving as the DH for Single-A Lakeland yesterday and today. He then will play four games for Double-A Erie , seeing action at first base, third base and the outfield between July 7-10.

After taking off two days for the All-Star break, Young will join the Mud Hens for the four-game series against the Red Barons.

The Tigers did not say how long Young would remain with the Mud Hens, but he is not allowed to spend more than 20 days on a minor-league rehab assignment.

If Young spends the full 20 days in the minors, he would play four games in Toledo July 21-24 when the Mud Hens host Durham - and his younger brother, Delmon.

Dmitri Young hit .169 in 15 games with the Tigers before going on the disabled list with a right quadriceps injury.

Later he then was given permission to leave the team to address what officials called personal issues. In a Detroit News interview Young said he was treated for alcoholism and depression.

Last week he pleaded no contest to a domestic violence charge stemming from an April incident at a suburban Detroit hotel between him and a 21-year-old Toledo woman.

[redshark63]

http://www.mudhens.com/view_news.asp?id=259

Ludwick and Durham To Represent Toledo In Home Run Derby!

Six of Triple-A Baseball’s top sluggers are scheduled to appear at the classification’s annual Home Run Derby as part of Triple-A All-Star Game festivities. The Home Run Derby will take place on Monday night, July 10, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field, home of the International League’s Toledo Mud Hens.

The Home Run Derby will feature several of the top home run hitters in both the International and Pacific Coast Leagues, including each circuit’s current HR leader. Kevin Witt of the IL’s Durham Bulls is currently tied for the Minor League Baseball lead with 22 roundtrippers (tied with Terry Evans of Springfield, Double-A Texas League). Joining Witt in representing the IL will be two other sluggers currently in the League’s top ten in long balls. Toledo’s Ryan Ludwick will be the hometown favorite; his 14 bombs this season brings his career Minor League total to 118. Ohio baseball fans will also be excited to see Buffalo’s Andy Marte in the Home Run Derby. Among Cleveland’s top prospects, Marte leads the Bisons with 13 homers in 2006, including a stretch of five straight games with a long ball in mid-June.

The Pacific Coast League will be represented by its top home run hitter of the past two years. Luke Scott of Round Rock leads the PCL with 19 HR this season, one year after he topped the League with 31 bombs for the Express in 2005. Also representing the PCL will be Nelson Cruz, the top home run hitter (15) for the defending League Champion Nashville Sounds, and Justin Leone, who has gone deep 12 times this season for the Portland Beavers.

This year’s Derby will have a unique flavor to it. Over the course of the season, Toledo-area high school baseball players have squared off at Mud Hens games for the opportunity to compete along side the professional sluggers in the Triple-A All-Star Home Run Derby. The top two high schoolers have earned a spot in the Derby, along side the six current Triple-A All-Stars and a pair of former Major League players also competing. The high school hitters will be allowed to use aluminum bats in an effort to keep the pressure on the pros.

The two former Major League players include Toledo's own hitting coach, and former NL All-Star - Leon "Bull" Durham and the Norfolk Tides' hitting coach and former MLB All-Star, Howard Johnson.

Selected by St. Louis in the first round (15th overall) in the 1976 draft, Durham was traded on December 9, 1980 to the Chicago Cubs, along with third baseman Ken Reitz and third baseman Tye Waller for relief pitcher Bruce Sutter. He set career highs in average (.312), hits (168), doubles (33), and stolen bases (28) during the 1982 season. Durham was named to the National League All-Star team in 1982 and 1983. On April 12, 1987, Durham became just the fifth player in history to homer into the right-field upper deck at Philadelphia’s Veteran Stadium. On May 19, 1988, Durham was traded, along with cash, from the Cubs to the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Pat Perry. He spent 10 seasons in the major leagues, hitting .277 with 147 home runs and 530 RBI in 1067 games. Durham had 20 or more home runs on five occasions and drove in 90 or more runs twice.

Johnson had a 14-year major league career, spending 1982-1995 with the New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago Cubs. In 1987, “HoJo” became just the second infielder in major league history to register 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season. He currently is second among Mets career leaders in stolen bases (202), doubles (214), runs scored (627), and extra-base hits (424), and ranks third in home runs (192), RBI (629) and total bases (1,823). Johnson was a member of two World Series Champions, the 1984 Detroit Tigers and the 1986 Mets, and he led the National League in home runs (38), extra-base hits (76), and RBI (117) in 1991. He was named an All-Star in 1989 and 1991.

Johnson replaces Mud Hens Manager Larry Parrish, who was slated to participate.

"My knees just aren't up to it," said Parrish. "I wouldn't be able to walk for days!"

The Home Run Derby has been a staple of Triple-A All-Star Game festivities for many years. Here are the results of the Home Run Derbies since 1998 when the format of the game changed to an IL vs. PCL affair (the first ten Triple-A All-Star Games were played in a National League affiliates versus American League affiliates format):

2005 in Sacramento Mitch Jones, Columbus defeated Ian Kinsler, Oklahoma 11-10

2004 in Pawtucket Bucky Jacobsen, Tacoma defeated Justin Morneau, Rochester 8-3

2003 in Memphis Rob Stratton, Albuquerque defeated Brandon Larson, Louisville 10-5

2002 in Oklahoma City Brandon Larson, Louisville defeated Joe Crede, Charlotte 11-7

2001 in Indianapolis Chris Latham, Syracuse defeated Jack Cust, Tucson 5-1

2000 in Rochester Luis Raven, Calgary defeated Brooks Kieschnick, Louisville 3-2

1999 in New Orleans Scott Sheldon, Oklahoma defeated D.T. Cromer, Indianapolis 4-0

1998 in Norfolk Willis Otanez, Rochester defeated Derrick White, Iowa 2-0

Final standing for the High School Home Run Derby are as follows:

1st Place: Chris Chaney of Ann Arbor Huron High School (15 pts.)

2nd Place: Dominick Coduti of Northwood High School (14 pts.)

Outfield Ball Shagger's for the Home Run Derby include:

Ryan Eff of Blissfield High School and Zach Strauss of Sylvania Northview High School.

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All-Star feats: If the shoe fits, it must be Triple-A


Florida resident Steve Kaylor helps put some of the finishing touches on Fifth Third Field for Wednesday's Triple-A All-Star Game. The inaugural event was held in Buffalo in 1988 and attracted 19,500 fans. This is Toledo's first time to play host.
( THE BLADE/LORI KING )


By JOHN WAGNER
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Randy Mobley, the president of the International League, has been around long enough to see the growth of the Triple-A All-Star Game.

And yes, he has seen a few missteps in the previous 18 games.

"At first, the home run derby was part of a skills competition," Mobley said. "I remember one of the skills was having guys stand in the outfield and throw balls into trash cans at second base, similar to what you see in those Tom Emanski videos.

"Another competition came when the shoes of the two teams were placed in a pile, and the winning team was the one that got its shoes on first. I'm not sure what skill that was, but it was one of the competitions."

Mud Hens general manager Joe Napoli said fans shouldn't expect to see a shoe-tying competition at Fifth Third Field this week. But such high jinks haven't stopped the Triple-A All-Star Game, which has come to Toledo this week, from becoming an important event on the minor league baseball calendar.

The first Triple-A All-Star Game was played in Buffalo on July 13, 1988. But its genesis came several years before that.

In the past, league all-star games often featured a "host" team playing the top players from the other teams in the league, or a league all-star team playing a major league squad.

"But a group of general managers from the three Triple-A leagues got together, and the game came from the discussions of those GMs along with the league presidents of that time," Mobley said.

One question that had to be answered was how the teams would be formed, since at the time there were three leagues - the American Association, the Pacific Coast League and the IL. But the solution was easy, Mobley said.

"No one viewed that as an a hurdle or impediment because everyone thought we would use the same format as the major league game: American League versus National League," he said. "That was just the way everyone did it."

Technically, the Triple-A contest used players from teams that were American League affiliates and National League affiliates. But that format changed with the 1998 contest, the first season following the dissolution of the American Association.

For the first time the game featured players from the International League, regardless of parent club, facing PCL players. Mobley said the change proved to be popular with fans in each host city.

"It gave those fans the ability to identify with one club - the team from their league," he said. "In the first format they would see players from their club on one team, but some of the other players they would see from their league would be on the other team.

"Now all of the players they might see during the season were in one dugout, and that gave them more of a rooting interest."

Mobley said the inaugural game, played at what was then called Pilot Field in Buffalo, was a success. It attracted 19,500 fans and was of sufficient quality that ESPN, which televised that first contest, has broadcast all but five of the 18 games played since.

There have been changes to the game in the years since. The biggest for clubs that host the game was a change in the financing of the contest.

In the early years a host team was given a strict budget for the game and shared all revenues - and all potential losses - with the other Triple-A clubs. After the game became financially solid, teams began paying a fee of $75,000 to host the game, then kept all profits for the game.

The most noticeable change for fans was the addition of a home run derby, which in its early years took place late Tuesday afternoon before the gala, a traditional banquet held Tuesday night.

Two seasons ago Pawtucket decided to expand the event from two days to three, something Mobley said benefitted both the derby and the gala.

"That helped them develop the home run derby, giving it a better audience on Monday night than it did on Tuesday afternoon," Mobley said. "And it helped the gala because it gave people a chance to breathe between the home run derby and the gala later in the night."

The Mud Hens also have made changes to the home run derby, adding former major leaguers and high school players to compete against selected All-Stars.

"In Pawtucket two years ago they had maybe 20 celebrity participants in the home run derby, and I think they may have had one home run," Napoli said. "And you could feel the atmosphere change when the pros started hitting.

"We brainstormed on how to engage local high school programs, and we came up with the format we're using."

Napoli said the response from area high schools - and from fans who watched the preliminary events that determined the two high school participants - was so favorable, the team is considering continuing the high school home run derby next year.

The Mud Hens have made several other changes for this year's All-Star Game. The change that will be most noticeable to past participants will be the lack of a luncheon, which in past years was scheduled for noon Wednesday.

Past All-Star events included both a gala, which Mobley said was more of a private affair for players, team executives and special guests such as sponsors, and a luncheon, which was a public affair involving the players.

"We wanted to do something really big, to pour our energy and resources into something that could be spectacular," Napoli said. "So we preferred to have the gala take the place of the luncheon, and we instead put our efforts into Thunder Over Toledo, the fireworks exhibition off the Hi-Level Bridge on Tuesday night.

"With the gala, [our thought was] instead of having players on the dais where nobody can talk to them, we wanted to have a grazing function where fans have a chance to meet and talk to players. We think it will be more of a party both fans and players can enjoy."

Another change, according to Mobley, was the expansion of the Fan Fest, the interactive games, clinics and autographs hosted by the SeaGate Centre. Mobley remembers Fan Fests taking place in both Memphis and in Sacramento, but neither were on a scale the Mud Hens are attempting this week.

"It also helps that it's taking place at the SeaGate Centre, which is virtually at the ballpark," Mobley said. "That should help create a buzz about the game in the area."

Contact John Wagner at: jwagner@theblade.com or 419-724-6481.

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IN THEIR WORDS
2005 dream season for Hens’ boss



In Their Words is a weekly feature appearing Sundays in The Blade’s sports section. Blade sports writer John Wagner talked with Larry Parrish, now in his fifth season as manager of the Mud Hens.

While last season may have been a dream season for the Mud Hens, no one had a dreamier season than the team’s manager, Larry Parrish.

Parrish led Toledo to an 89-55 record, the best mark in minor league baseball. The Mud Hens won the International League’s West Division, then beat Norfolk and Indianapolis to claim the franchise’s first Governors’ Cup since 1967.

For his efforts Parrish was voted the top manager in the IL as well as the minor league manager of the year by The Sporting News.

While last season marked the first time Parrish was honored for his work as manager, it wasn’t the first title for one of his teams. Parrish led Niagara Falls to the New York-Penn League championship in 1993, then took over as manager of Jacksonville in 1996 and managed the Suns to the Southern League title.

Parrish is now in his 10th season as a manager, including his time spent with Detroit. He took over as Tigers manager for Buddy Bell in 1998, then posted a 69-92 record with Detroit in 1999 before being replaced by Phil Garner.

While that was Parrish’s only stint as a manager in the big leagues, he spent 15 years there as a player for Montreal, Texas and Boston. His 19-year pro career included two seasons in Japan.

Parrish’s best season was in 1979, when he finished fourth in National League MVP balloting after hitting .307 with 30 homers and 81 RBIs for the Expos. He was named to the all-star team that season and also in 1987 while with Texas, finishing that season with a career-high 32 home runs. His best RBI season came in 1984 when he drove in 101 for the Rangers.

Parrish finished his major league career with 256 home runs. He also tied a major league record by slamming three grand slams in the same week — July 4-10, 1982.
Parrish is single and resides in Haines City, Fla., in the off-season.

“I WAS CALLED UP [to Montreal] in 1974, and I played up there the last month of the season, but I still don’t think you’re a big leaguer at that point. You’re just glad that you’re in the major leagues.

“In 1975 I got off to a little bit of a slow start, and Gene Mauch was the manager. We played a day game at Wrigley Field, and he told me after the game to meet him in the lobby [of the hotel] because we were going to go out and eat that night. I’m thinking, ‘This is a nice way for him to tell me I’m going back to Triple-A.’ As we ate, he told me, ‘You’re a big-leaguer. You’ve got big-league talent. You’ve got power, you’ve got a chance to hit for a decent average and you’ve got a plus arm. You’re a big leaguer — now it’s time for you to start playing like one.’ I think that was the turning point. I wound up making the all-rookie team and played for 15 years.

“Obviously you have good days. [I remember] the first time I hit three homers in a game was in St. Louis, and I went 5-for-5 that day. I made “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.” I went to bat five times, I scored five runs, I had five hits and knocked in five. Another game was when my parents came to a game in Atlanta, and my high school coach was in Atlanta, and I hit three home runs in a game in front of them. I also had a good game in the playoffs with Montreal with my parents in the stands.”

“THE TOUGHEST PITCHER I ever faced? That was J.R. Richard. First of all, he had unbelievable stuff for three years. I faced him a lot before he became a star because in spring training we were in Daytona and they were in Cocoa, and it seemed we played them every third day. That was when he was throwing 100 and didn’t know where it was going. And I faced him in the Dominican [Republic] in night games when 80 percent of the lights were out. He was intimidating with his velocity and his size. One time we faced him in the Astrodome and he was throwing his slider at 94. Willie Stargell said it was like hitting a runaway beer truck — you couldn’t head it off.

“One of my favorite stories about J.R. Richard was hearing that [Dodger catchers Joe] Ferguson and [Steve] Yeager got into a fight once in their clubhouse in Houston. They were fighting about which one was hurt worse, because neither one wanted to face him.”

“WHEN I RETIRED, I never had had a summer off. So in 1991 we did a bunch of summer vacations: white-water rafting, inner tubing, scalloping, we went down to the [Florida] Keys. We did everything that summer.

“That fall, the coach at Haines City [College] wanted me to come out and help him a little bit. Joe McDonald, who was a friend, was living in Lakeland, and some mutual friends told him what I was doing. He called me up and said, ‘Hey, if you want to coach, we’ve got a job opening. How about coming with us and getting paid for it? Just try it, and see if you like it.’ And here I am.”

“I THINK THE GAME has changed, and I think it’s changed drastically, not a little bit. Now they have long-term contracts compared to one-year contracts. I think the amount of players [in my day] who grew up playing sandlot ball, cow-pasture ball, street ball learned to play by the seat of their pants. But they knew situations. Players today grew up playing when everything has been structured. They say, ‘Show up at 4 p.m.’ and they show up at 4 on the button. When they say, ‘Practice is over at 5:30,’ they might be hitting but they’ll drop their bat because the day is over. I remember getting on my bicycle, taking my glove and bat and going to the ballfield and playing games right when you got up until it was dark.

“That made for more complete players back then in terms of hitting, throwing and running the bases. It didn’t make anybody faster, but your understanding of the game was much better.

“Today’s players are in great physical condition, and when I was growing up you didn’t lift weights if you played basketball and baseball. Now we know that’s drastically wrong; the stronger you are, the better you’re going to be able to play the game as long as you retain your flexibility. These guys work out year-long and they last longer.

“The balls were different, too. I remember the year they tried to use cowhide, and the cover would come off the ball during the game. They used to be hand-wound in Haiti, and now it’s wound by a machine in Costa Rica, and the quality of ball is better. Maple bats have made a big difference. They may explode when you hit the ball wrong, but the ball jumps off them [when you hit it well].

“Maybe the greatest difference is in the medical profession. I remember when I first came, they would say, ‘You should have seen this guy before his arm went dead.’ They didn’t know anything about the rotator cuff and ligaments in the elbow and stuff like that. They would just say, ‘He can’t throw any more.’ Tommy John surgery has saved how many pitchers’ careers? And not just the rotator cuff. You have torn labrums that can be fixed, and knee injuries, too. If I would have hurt my knee now, they would have fixed it and I wouldn’t have the problems I have now.

“WHEN YOU LOOK BACK at your time as a manager, you think about the guys who made it, like [Frank] Catalanotto or Marcus [Thames]. But you also think about guys like Glen Barker, who played every game as hard as he could. He only got up [to the big leagues] for a cup of coffee. There has been a lot of guys like that, who give you everything they have, guys like [Kevin] Hooper here.

“To be successful to me, you don’t have to play in the major leagues. God-given talent can get you that far. But there are other guys who put just as much time, and just as much effort, into it. I still have letters from guys that didn’t make it, who may not have played Triple-A ball. One guy works in the stock market in Chicago, and he wrote me a letter thanking me for how hard I worked with him and how much energy I put into working with him, even though he wasn’t going to play in the major leagues. He said he takes that into his life even now. When you get something like that, it’s a very neat thing.”

Contact John Wagner at: jwagner@theblade.com or 419-724-6481.

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Ludwick is Hens' homer hope

HOME RUN DERBY PARTICIPANTS

# Ryan Ludwick, Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit): 27-year-old right fielder has 16 home runs, fifth in the International League. Has 120 career minor league home runs.

# Andy Marte, Buffalo Bisons (Cleveland): Third baseman, 22 years old. Has 13 home runs. Hit 10 in June, including one in five consecutive games.

# Kevin Witt, Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay): The former Mud Hen, 30 years old, leads all minor leaguers with 23 home runs. Plays first base and bats left.

# Nelson Cruz, Nashville Sounds (Milwaukee): The 26-year-old outfielder has 16 home runs. Last season was the Pacific Coast League Championship Series MVP.

# Justin Leone, Portland (Ore.) Beavers (San Diego): The 29-year-old third baseman has 12 home runs in his eighth year of professional ball.

# Luke Scott, Round Rock (Texas) Express (Houston): Leads the PCL with 20 home runs. The 28-year-old outfielder bats left.

# Leon "Bull" Durham, Mud Hens hitting coach: Hit 147 home runs in his 10-year major league career. Two-time All-Star for the Chicago Cubs.

# Howard Johnson, Norfolk hitting coach: Two-time MLB All-Star. Led the National League with 38 home runs in 1991 while playing for the New York Mets.

# Chris Chaney, Ann Arbor Huron High School: Recent graduate who hit eight home runs his senior year. Plans to attend Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Calif.

# Dominic Coduti, Northwood High School: Recent graduate who hit five home runs his senior year. Plans to attend Owens Community College.

By MAUREEN FULTON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

No matter the weather forecast, tonight at Fifth Third Field it will definitely be raining.

Batters in the Triple-A All-Star Home Run Derby are expected to shower the outfield terraces, and likely Monroe and St. Clair Streets, with baseballs.

The 10-contestant derby, part of the All-Star Week revelry, starts at 7. Batting practice takes place from 5:30 to 6:15.

The Mud Hens' Ryan Ludwick, one of those entered, has waited a while to participate in his first home run derby in pro ball. This is his third time named to a Triple-A All-Star roster, but the first time he'll be at the event. Twice before, Ludwick was called up to the big leagues before the All-Star Game.

"I'm excited," Ludwick said. "Hopefully I can win it and represent the Mud Hens well."

Besides Ludwick, other favorites are Kevin Witt of Durham, who leads the International League with 23 home runs, and Luke Scott of Round Rock, who leads the Pacific Coast League with 20.

The derby will have three rounds. In each round the batters get 10 outs to try to hit home runs. An out is any ball that doesn't clear the fence for a home run. At the end of their turns, batters get three swings with an aluminum bat.

The four participants with the most home runs after round one will advance to the second round. Two will advance to the final round to face off.

The high schoolers, Chris Chaney from Ann Arbor Huron and Dominic Coduti from Northwood, will use aluminum bats, and any home runs hit off their three bonus swings will count double. Chaney and Coduti were the top two scorers in the high school derby held after Mud Hens games for the past few months.

Coduti and Chaney take first swings, followed by former major leaguers Leon "Bull" Durham and Howard Johnson, then the Triple-A All-Star participants, three from each league.

Chaney said he will study the professionals during batting practice for some tips.

"It's going to be nice going in there and facing them, and hitting with them," Chaney said. "I'll see what they can do and then I can prepare myself and evaluate myself for what they do."

Coduti is not worried about strategy. He just wants to enjoy himself.

"I feel honored, because I'm just out of high school, and going in there with big names, it'll be fun," Coduti said.

The winner gets $1,000 and a trophy made by a Toledo glass artist. If Chaney or Coduti win, his school's athletic department will receive the money.

Last year's winner came from the International League, as Mitch Jones of Columbus defeated Ian Kinsler of Oklahoma 11-10.

Contact Maureen Fulton at: mfulton@theblade.com or 419-724-6160.

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Mud Hens in position to defend Cup
Toledo leads at break thanks primarily to pitching, defense

By JOHN WAGNER
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

With all the Triple-A All-Star Game hoopla enveloping Toledo, it's understandable that the home-town team has flown under the radar recently.

Yet as the Mud Hens reach the mythical midway point of the season, the team has quietly put itself in position to defend the Governors' Cup it won last season.

After the All-Star circus leaves town the Hens will begin the final two months of the season Thursday. And Toledo will start the stretch drive from the top position in the International League's West Division.

There are two main factors behind the Hens success this season, and they revolve around the old baseball axiom: pitching and defense win championships.

Toledo has received excellent starting pitching this season. Starters have posted a 35-22 record and a fine 3.27 ERA. Just as important, they have posted "quality starts" - starts of six innings or more in which they allowed three earned runs or fewer - in almost half of the team's 91 games.

"Our starting staff has been very solid all season long. It has been one of the strengths of the team," Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "But [Zach] Miner is gone, [Wil] Ledezma is gone."

The Hens still have an All-Star leading the way in Chad Durbin, who ranks among the International League leaders with an 8-4 record and 2.71 ERA. Colby Lewis also has been steady with 12 quality starts, tops on the team.

Two of the other members of the Mud Hen rotation are two of the top prospects in the Tigers' organization in right-handers Jordan Tata (6-3, 3.34 ERA) and Humberto Sanchez (5-1, 2.15).

The other strength of this year's team has been its defense. The Mud Hens have a .982 fielding percentage, second-best in the IL. They have turned 94 double plays and allowed just 30 unearned runs, which ranks second in the league.

Most impressive has been the 25 outfield assists, one of the top totals in the IL. Ryan Ludwick has nine, tied for first in the league, and Ryan Raburn has added seven.

"We've played very well this year, we haven't kicked many games away," Parrish said. "In the past, it seemed when we lost big it was because we unraveled defensively. We haven't done that this year. We haven't beaten ourselves this year."

But there are holes on this year's team. The most glaring is on offense, where the Hens are near the bottom of the IL in team batting average (.252).

"On a scale of 1 to 100, I'd give [the offense] a 35," hitting coach Leon "Bull" Durham said a few weeks ago. "When we're in the cage, I'd give them a 95. The work we do in the cage has been awesome. When the game starts, it's a totally different approach."

The offense has perked up recently thanks to a hot streak by Josh Phelps, who has batted .373 with nine homers and 29 RBIs since the start of June, and recent addition Dustan Mohr, who has hit .333 in his first 12 games with the team.

But for every player who gets hot, such as Phelps and Mohr, there seems to be a player who starts to struggle. For example, All-Star Ludwick, who ranked among the IL leaders with nine homers and 33 RBIs in the first two months of the season, has cooled off recently, batting .189 so far in July.

"[Last year] there were several times where, when one guy was down, someone else would pick them up," Durham said. "We have some guys here who can do that, but sometimes they get too focused on trying to force a hit rather than being natural and just letting it happen."

Another problem area has been the Toledo bullpen. Closer Lee Gardner struggled with injuries early in the season before rounding into form, but there have been question marks - not to mention nine blown saves, seven of which have led to losses.

"We've easily lost five or six games late," Parrish said. "You give us those six wins and take away the six losses and we're easily in first place."

Perhaps the biggest challenge the Mud Hens face this season comes from the parent club in Detroit, which has the best record in major league baseball. In years past the Tigers have struggled to reach .500, meaning quality players might stay in Toledo to develop.

That's not the case with Detroit now pushing for a playoff spot. A perfect example of that was the call-up last month of Ledezma. Instead of serving as a starter for the Mud Hens, he was promoted to fill a hole in the Tigers' bullpen.

"If [Detroit] needs help, our players are gone," Parrish said. "We could lose a guy at any time. But that's really what it's about. [Up in Detroit] they want us to do well, but for everybody's job in the organization, it's better for the big-league club to do well.

"The people in Toledo may not want to hear that, but our job is to have guys ready for the big-league club."

Still, Mud Hens coaches and players feel the pieces are in place for a return to the playoffs this September, if the team can be more consistent.

"It seems [one night] our pitchers will throw a gem and we'll only get one run for them," Jack Hannahan said. "Then we'll score 15 runs and we'll lose 16-15. We haven't had anything go consistently.

"There were some big expectations after winning the [Governors'] Cup last year. I still have confidence in these guys. It's not how you start, it's how you finish. I have confidence we'll finish strong."

Contact John Wagner at: jwagner@theblade.com or 419-724-6481.

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FUTURES . . . THEN TOLEDO
Sanchez brings along 4 from game at PNC


By JOHN WAGNER
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Since yesterday was Tuesday, Mud Hens pitcher Humberto Sanchez knew he was in Toledo.

Sanchez has been on a whirlwind tour of the Midwest since leaving his teammates in Indianapolis Saturday and flying to Pittsburgh, where he was the starter for the World Team in the Futures Game played at PNC Park in conjunction with Major League Baseball's All-Star Game.

Sanchez, who joined several Toledo teammates in signing autographs at the ProMedica Health System Fan Fest at the SeaGate Centre yesterday, said participating in the Futures Game was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"You're playing with and against the cream of the crop in the minor leagues [at the Futures Game]," Sanchez said. "It's unbelievable to be on a big-league stage with all of those guys."

While Sanchez is not playing in today's ProMedica Health Systems All-Star Game at Fifth Third Field, Round Rock pitcher Jason Hirsh is one of four players who will participate in both games. Hirsh started for the United States team in the Futures Game.

"It was kind of a blur," Hirsh said of his start. "I tried not to think about it being a big stadium and who I was pitching against. I just tried to throw strikes and stay ahead of hitters.

"[The Triple-A All-Star Game] is not a lot of stress, except that you sign a lot of autographs. It's a lot of fun."

Two of the Pacific Coast League's starting infielders, shortstop Stephen Drew and second baseman Howie Kendrick, also participated in the Futures Game. Both said there was no doubt they would participate in both.

"Everybody loves the days off, but fans and people around the league vote for you to attend this game so I feel I owe it to them to be a part of this," Kendrick said. "I'm happy to be here, and I hope to put on a show for the fans who have come to see me."

The fourth participant in both games is Charlotte's Josh Fields, who met his family and girlfriend in Pittsburgh and drove with them to Toledo as a sort of family vacation.

"It's exciting just to be nominated for both," Fields said. "Playing in them is definitely an honor. I may be a little tired at the end of this run, but it's worth it."

MUD HENS MOVES: The Mud Hens will make a move to bolster their catching corps when they return to action tomorrow.

Catcher Mike Rabelo will be promoted from Double-A Erie to take the place of Max St-Pierre, who will go on the disabled list with a rib injury. Rabelo hit .277 in 62 games for the SeaWolves with six homers and 28 RBIs.

Rabelo is playing in the Eastern League All-Star Game today in Altoona, Pa., and will fly to Scranton to join the team tomorrow.

Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish said he does not know when infielder Mike Hessman will return to the team. Hessman left during the recent road trip to be with his father, who was involved in a four-wheeler accident.

WRITERS CRAMP: Among the items for the All-Stars to sign are 10 dozen baseballs, six bats, three visitor's jerseys and three home jerseys, a base with a Mud Hens' logo and a sign with the logo for the event.

Participants in Monday's ProMedica Health System Home Run Derby also were asked to sign four seats with All-Star Game logos and another dozen baseballs.

TICKET SITUATION: Fewer than 200 $15 standing-room-only tickets remain for tonight's contest.

The team also has $5 "block party" tickets available. Those tickets, while not providing access to the ballpark, will allow fans to watch the game from behind the left-field fence on Monroe Street.

Monroe is closed between Superior and St. Clair streets.

[whitecapwendy]

Dan Hickling has a short commentary on a 15 pitch at bat with Humberto Sanchez on his blog today.

http://www.mlnsportszone.squarespace...y-day-off.html

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http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...TS07/607260481

MUD HENS NOTEBOOK
Parrish's pet peeve: Mud Hens aren't winning


Chad Durbin had a good outing for the Hens last night - giving up just three hits over nine innings - but got no decision.
( THE BLADE/ALLAN DETRICH )


By JOHN WAGNER
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

The Mud Hens have struggled since the All-Star break, winning just three of their first 12 games.

And there's been one thing that has especially bothered Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish.

"Not winning," he said simply.

Actually, Parrish's answer is a little deeper than the standard Yogi Berraism. Parrish's point was that stringing a few wins together would go a long way toward curing the Hens' current ailments.

"When you win, you overlook missing the cutoff man," Parrish said. "You overlook not backing up a base, you overlook nobody hitting, and you overlook any problems with your pitching.

"You can overlook it because you won. All the other stuff becomes noticeable when you lose."

And the Hens have lost more than games in recent weeks: They have lost their hold on a playoff berth. At the break Toledo was in first in the International League's West Division, a half game ahead of second-place Indianapolis and a game and a half in front of third-place Louisville.

The losing streak has not only cost the Hens their lead in the division - they entered last night's contest 4 1/2 games behind Indianapolis - but they also were 3 1/2 games behind Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Louisville, the current co-leaders in the wild-card race.

Parrish said now is not the time to worry about what other teams around the league are doing.

"That's the way it is most of the time. You have to take care of yourself," Parrish said. "If we're a couple games out, or a couple games ahead, in the last couple of weeks, that's when you watch the scoreboard."

GREEN IS GONE: Right-hander Steve Green left the Mud Hens clubhouse well before last night's game began, and he was not in the dugout during the game.

Parrish declined comment when asked if Green was suspended, injured or otherwise unavailable for the game.

HOLIDAY GREETINGS: The Mud Hens celebrated "Christmas in July" at last night's game. Among the 8,143 in attendance was Santa Claus, and Christmas carols were featured between innings.

The scoreboard featured players wearing Christmas caps except for Pawtucket's Willie Harris, the strikeout player of the game, who was depicted as the Grinch.

THREE-DOT DATA: Pawtucket's Ron Calloway saw a 17-game hit streak come to an end when he went 0-for-4. … Toledo's Mike Rabelo had three hits last night to extend his current hit streak to eight games. … The Hens now are 6-6 in extra-inning games.

================================================== ===

Is Mike Rabelo moving to the top of the minor league catching chart? I know St. Pierre is still considered the best defensively, but where does "Rabs" fit? Obviously, his hitting is making noise this year, but does he have the complete package?

[redshark63]

Apparently in wake of the Steve Green disappearance...

http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...LL01/607260438

'Wolves' Larrison heads to Triple-A
From staff reports

The Detroit Tigers assigned Erie SeaWolves right-hander Preston Larrison to the Class AAA Toledo Mudhens of the International League on Tuesday after Erie's doubleheader loss to Akron.

Larrison, a six-year veteran of the organization who was moved to the bullpen two weeks ago, is 4-9 with a 3.83 earned run average this season with the SeaWolves. Larrison made five appearances in relief and pitched four-plus innings.

Larrison did not record an out in Monday's 9-8 loss at Akron, allowing two hits and walking one before throwing a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning that allowed the winning run to score.

[redshark63]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...RTS07/60727016

MUD HENS NOTEBOOK
Hens’ rotation not where it started
Only Durbin in the original group

By MAUREEN FULTON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

It’s become a game within the game: how will the Mud Hens’ starting rotation change next?

This week has been particularly active. First Humberto Sanchez missed his scheduled start on Monday because of elbow tenderness. Then, yesterday, Colby Lewis was called up to the Tigers.

Lewis joins Wil Ledezma and Zach Miner, two others who started the season in the Hens’ rotation, in Detroit. Chad Durbin is the only current starter who began the season in Toledo in that role.

Bobby Seay will start tonight in Lewis’ spot, but Hens manager Larry Parrish said it’s unclear who will start Saturday in Sanchez’s spot. On Monday it was Steve Green, who had made a few other spot starts, but he was slammed for seven runs in two-thirds of an inning.

Sanchez said he is not sure when he will return. Parrish said Sanchez’s elbow is improving.

Corey Hamman started the season as a reliever but in the past month has moved into one of the openings. He started 12 games at Single-A Lakeland in 2004.

“He’s been battling very well,” Parrish said.

Hamman came into yesterday’s game with a 2.93 ERA as a starter.

“It’s something I’ve done before in my career,” Hamman said. “I’m just trying to get used to throwing out of the windup again.”

FIRST ONE: Seay will be making his first start for the Hens tonight against former Tigers and Indians pitcher Jason Johnson. In 11 appearances Seay is 0-1 with a 3.29 ERA.

MOVES: To replace Lewis on the roster the Hens called up Preston Larrison from Double-A Erie for the bullpen. In 20 games for Erie this season Larrison was 4-9 with a 3.83 ERA. He started in 15 of 20 of his appearances.

Larrison, the Tigers’ second-round draft pick in 2001, made one start with Toledo in 2003. He came into yesterday’s game with two outs in the fifth inning and runners on first and third. A run scored on a wild pitch by Larrison but he finished the inning without further damage. Larrison also pitched the sixth inning.

To make room for Lewis the Tigers designated outfielder Alexis Gomez for assignment. If Gomez clears waivers, he will be able to rejoin the Mud Hens on Saturday in the first game of their road trip in Louisville.

BUNTS: As on Tuesday, Green was not in the Hens’ clubhouse before the game, or in the Hens dugout during the game. Parrish would not comment on the reason for Green’s absence. … There are two more day games this season for the Hens: Sunday, Aug. 27 and Monday, Sept. 4.

[grandma g]

WM Anthony Claggett has been called to Toledo to pitch tonight only, due to their rotation/injury stuff going on....What an honor for Claggett...Hope he makes it back for the 6:30 AM depart to Iowa Friday!!

[redshark63]

Cross-posted w/ WM Diary (partially)...

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...TS07/607280414

MUD HENS NOTEBOOK
Claggett makes a day trip to Toledo

By MAUREEN FULTON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

For Anthony Claggett, being a Mud Hen for a day is not a bad deal.

Claggett, a right-handed pitcher, was called up from low Single-A West Michigan yesterday to provide the Hens with some bullpen relief. Toledo placed reliever Steve Green on the temporary inactive list retroactive to Tuesday because of an internal issue, but he will return today.

Claggett, 22, was the Tigers' 11th-round draft pick last year out of the University of California-Riverside. He is the setup man at West Michigan - 5-2 with a 1.02 ERA and eight saves this year.

"They pulled me in the office, they said, 'Hey, you're going to Toledo for a day,'●" Claggett said. "I'm having fun already, just sitting in the clubhouse before the game. It's a great experience, to just see how it is, and have fun."

Claggett pitched the fifth inning. He gave up a walk and a hit - but no runs - and struck out two.

The pitching questions continue for the Hens, with the team still unsure who will start tomorrow's game in Louisville. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski told Detroit reporters Humberto Sanchez would miss his second consecutive start scheduled that day because of elbow soreness, but resume his regular spot in the rotation on Thursday.

"Right now we're having trouble covering all the moves," Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "We picked up [right-hander Brian] Boehringer to cover, and he goes on the DL. Then Colby Lewis gets called up, and Sanchez has missed one. It's tough to cover guys going both ways."

Green, who gave up seven runs in two-thirds of an inning Monday, is not a candidate to start tomorrow. When he returns today, Green will be in the bullpen, where "he is more comfortable," Parrish said.

[redshark63]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...TS07/608230409

Face 2 contenders in West 5 times


Josh Phelps is second on the Mud Hens with 23 home runs.
( THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER )



By MAUREEN FULTON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

It's up to the Mud Hens to make sure this week isn't the last meaningful one of the season.

With five games against the other two contenders in the International League West division, Toledo can keep itself in the playoff race. If the Mud Hens fare poorly, losing three or four of the games, they will need help, and there won't be much opportunity for it with eight games left after this week.

Starting tonight at Fifth Third Field the Hens play two games against West division leader Indianapolis and three over the weekend against fellow challenger Louisville.

Hens outfielder Ryan Ludwick said playing from behind isn't the ideal situation, but the team is ready for the challenge.

HOMESTAND
• TODAY vs. INDY, 7 p.m.
• TOMORROW vs. INDY, 7 p.m.
• FRIDAY vs. LOUISVILLE, 7 p.m.
• SATURDAY vs. LOUISVILLE, 7 p.m.
• SUNDAY vs. LOUISVILLE, 2 p.m.

IL WEST STANDINGS
Indianapolis - 71-59
Toledo - 70-61
Louisville - 69-62

"You want to be the one with the lead, and you want to be 5 1/2 games up, not in a close race," Ryan Ludwick said of the Hens, who are 1 1/2 games behind Indianapolis. "But we're right in the mix."

As they have had to throughout the season, the Hens will have to replace a starter because Colby Lewis was called up to Detroit on Monday. Reliever John Ennis tried his hand at the role last night against Columbus and is a candidate to start Sunday against Louisville.

One potential help is that Tigers pitcher Mike Maroth will make another rehabilitation start Friday against Louisville.

The Hens have managed to stay in the division race despite not being among the league leaders in pitching or hitting. Going into last night's games, the Hens were tied for eighth (of 14) in team batting average with a .257 mark. Team pitching is ranked eighth with a 3.68 ERA.


Jordan Tata has helped the staff forge a 3.68 ERA.
( THE BLADE/TIM M. GRUBER )

Hens manager Larry Parrish said his team takes advantage of its ability to hit home runs. Toledo is first in the IL with 137 homers, 11 more than Buffalo, the team with the next highest number. Ludwick has 25 home runs. Josh Phelps is right behind him with 23.

"We do have the capability of hitting the ball out of the ballpark," Parrish said. "Even though we might not get many hits, sometimes we can score some runs with the long ball."

The team ERA might be skewed from the two weeks after the All-Star break when the Hens lost 11 of 14 games.

"We've pitched pretty well, except for the two-week stretch right after the All-Star break," Parrish said.

NOTE: The Hens have a chance to set a season attendance record. The record is 556,995 fans, set last season. Fifth Third Field attendance this year is currently at 499,688. The Hens would have to average 8,187 fans per night.

Contact Maureen Fulton at:
mfulton@theblade.com
or 419-724-6160.

[redshark63]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...TS07/608300468


Mud Hens top Durham, back in thick of IL race
Raburn and Mohr hit 2-run homers

By AL FEATHERSTON
SPECIAL TO THE BLADE

DURHAM, N.C. - The Toledo Mud Hens were stuck in a three-game losing streak and in danger of dropping out of the International League West Division race.

But the defending Governors' Cup champions got just what they needed last night in Durham - a stellar pitching performance by starter Brian Boehringer, some timely hitting and a little help from Richmond and Norfolk.

"We got a great start out of Brian tonight," Toledo manager Larry Parrish said. "Right when we needed it, he stepped up big. It was like he was giving up a hit an inning, but that was about it. He was keeping them at first base."

Boehringer (3-0) allowed eight hits in his seven innings, but gave up just one run in Toledo's 6-1 victory.

The Mud Hens' victory, coupled with Indianapolis' split in Richmond and Louisville's loss in Norfolk, allowed Toledo to regain a share of first place in the West Division with Indianapolis. Louisville is a game back.

"There are six days to go and it looks like it's going to be a battle till the end," Parrish said. "We've played on streaks where we win four or five in a row and swing the bat good, then all of a sudden for the next three days, we don't do anything."

The Bulls took a 1-0 lead in the first, but it didn't take the Mud Hens long to bounce back off Bulls starter Chris Sedden (9-8). In the third, a leadoff single by Ramon Santiago and a double by Mike Hessman put two runners in scoring position for Ryan Raburn, who singled.

The Mud Hens missed a chance to pad the lead in the fourth when first baseman Chris Shelton was thrown out at the plate trying to score from second on a single by Dustan Mohr.

However, Mohr later blasted a 3-1 pitch from Durham reliever Mike Prochaska over the 379-foot mark in right-center. And Raburn put the game out of reach in the top of the ninth when he lofted a pitch from Jose Rodriguez over the high blue wall in left for a two-run homer.

Jason Karnuth pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Boehringer.

NOTES: Toledo will open a two-game series in Charlotte today. Righthander Colby Lewis (6-7, 3.96 ERA is slated to start for the Mud Hens. ... Designated hitter Josh Phelps was a late scratch from the Mud Hens lineup. He was bothered by a sore hamstring and will be day-to-day down the stretch.

The Mud Hens' Josh Phelps was one of 12 players named to the IL's postseason all-star team.

Phelps was named as the designated hitter of the squad in a vote of the IL's managers, coaches, media and club representatives.

Phelps ranks among the league's top five in the three Triple Crown categories thanks to a .310 batting average, 23 homers and 88 RBIs.

[redshark63]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...TS07/608280379

Raburn gets chance to play center field

By MAUREEN FULTON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

During the Mud Hens' blowout losses the past few days, Ryan Raburn has gotten an opportunity to try something he's been working on in practice - center field.

Raburn moved to left field this season from second base. Having a good year offensively, batting .276 with 19 home runs and 75 RBIs, Raburn's goal is to become more versatile defensively.

"If he can play center, it greatly enhances his value," Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "Our job here is to try to give a guy the best chance to play at the major league level."

Raburn said he occasionally played center field his freshman year of college.

He moved to center in the eighth inning Saturday and yesterday and said he didn't have any trouble with the position, noting "all the outfielders say center field is the easiest."

"It gives them more options for them to put me," Raburn said. "It's something the coaches and I have been talking about for a while, and I might start playing there more next year."

[redshark63]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...TS07/609060449

Dlugach is on the spot; shortstop has big shoes to fill

By MAUREEN FULTON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
Blade sports writer

It's tough to replace an experienced middle infielder with a player who was called up from Single-A Lakeland.

But the challenge becomes greater when the loss is also the team leader. On Sunday, Kevin Hooper, a member of last year's Governors' Cup champion Mud Hens team, had his contract purchased by Detroit.

"Hooper was a big guy for us. He's obviously a spark plug-type guy," Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "For a guy like him, who gives you everything he's got every single day, when you get a chance to tell him he's going to the big leagues, that's one of the biggest thrills you can have as a manager."

Starting the past three games at shortstop in Hooper's place is Brent Dlugach, who played 124 games for Lakeland. He was shocked when he heard he was coming to Toledo.

"I definitely didn't think it was going to happen," Dlugach said. "It's a nice surprise, getting a chance to come up here and be in a playoff race."

Dlugach, not unexpectedly, notices a lot of differences in the Triple-A game.

"The pitchers are definitely a lot more polished," Dlugach said. "They keep the ball down more. You can tell the difference in the hitting at this level, if the pitchers make a mistake, they don't miss it."

Dlugach made errors in two of his first three games, but said he's not trying to overthink it.

"I'm just trying to make the basic plays," he said.

NEXT OPPONENT: International League South division champion Charlotte was waiting last night to see who it would play in the first round of the playoffs tonight. It turned out to be the Hens, who finished 3-7 against Charlotte, and all seven losses were in April.

The most recent time the teams played was in June, when Toledo won twice.

The Hens traveled to Charlotte last week for a two-game series, but both games were canceled because of bad weather caused by Tropical Storm Ernesto.

OTHER SERIES: In the other IL playoff series, Rochester hosts Scranton tonight at 7:05. The Red Barons won the IL North by 5 1/2 games over the Red Wings, who won the wild card. The series moves to Scranton on Friday. The Barons won the season series 9-6.

HISTORY: The one-game playoff technically makes Toledo a playoff team. It's the Hens' eighth appearance in the playoffs as an IL team. … Last night was the eighth one-game playoff in the history of the Governors' Cup playoffs, and the second in the past 36 years. It's just the second game where the winner moved on to the division series and the loser ended its season. The first was in 1939 when Newark played Syracuse for fourth place.

[redshark63]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...TS07/609060464

TOLEDO ADVANCES TO PLAYOFFS
Mud Hens win showdown with Indianapolis
Hessman, Ludwick hit homers


Fifth Third Field fans and the Mud Hens show their appreciation for Ryan Ludwick after he made an outstanding catch in right field that saved three runs in the second inning.
( THE BLADE/LORI KING )


By MAUREEN FULTON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

The defense of the Mud Hens' 2005 Governors' Cup Championship can begin in serious haste.

In a one-game playoff, Toledo defeated Indianapolis 4-0 at Fifth Third Field last night to advance in the playoffs.

Three Hens pitchers combined on a four-hitter and Mike Hessman and Ryan Ludwick hit home runs. A crowd of 4,445 showed up on 27-hours notice to watch the win.

"It took us longer this year to clinch. I've never been in a one-game playoff like this," Hessman said. "It's unbelievable to get it done. It was outstanding, we have a great group of guys."

The Hens will play first-round games against Charlotte tonight and tomorrow at Fifth Third Field. Both games will have 7 p.m. starts. The Hens will start lefty Corey Hamman against Charlotte's right-hander Tim Redding tonight.

GOVERNORS’ CUP SEMIFINALS
BEST-OF-5
• Game 1: at Toledo, 7 tonight
• Game 2: at Toledo, 7 tomorrow
• Game 3: at Charlotte, Friday
• Game *4: at Charlotte, Saturday
• Game *5: at Charlotte, Sunday
*-If necessary
Toledo clinched a tie for the International League West crown on Sunday, but only one team could advance to the playoffs. The game was planned when the Hens lost Monday and Indy beat Louisville, making their records identical at 76-66.

Hens manager Larry Parrish was worried about his team's focus after a listless loss Monday to Columbus, but he thought the experienced players from the 2005 team could carry them through. Hessman, who led the 2005 Mud Hens in home runs, kick-started the team in the third inning with a leadoff home run to left.

With two outs Ryan Raburn reached first on an infield single. Ludwick drove him in with a two-run home run to left, putting the Hens up 3-0.

"Ludwick and I talked before the game, we said we wanted to get on the board first," Hessman said. "Ludwick's two-run shot, that knocked them out a little bit."

Colby Lewis, in his first start for the Hens since being sent down from Detroit, had his second consecutive strong outing for the Hens. Lewis allowed just four hits over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two.

"Colby had a great game, a big game," Parrish said. "It was a great pitching performance."

The Indians were the first to have a scoring chance, thanks to two consecutive errors in the second that loaded the bases with one out. Lewis had a chance to get out of the inning when Yurendell de Caster grounded to him, but Lewis' throw to second was off line. The next batter, Adam Boeve, hit a chopper to shortstop Brent Dlugach and it went off Dlugach's glove.

But Lewis struck out J.J. Furmaniak, and Ludwick ran down a Vic Buttler drive to right with such speed that he couldn't stop himself before running into the wall a few paces later.

Indy starter Britt Reames was pulled in the fifth after allowing Hessman a single. Terry Adams replaced Reames and recorded two strikeouts. The other out came on a strike 'em out, throw 'em out double play, where catcher Carlos Maldonado threw out Hessman. Adams struck out five straight Hens in his two innings.

The Hens' fourth run came in the seventh when Scott Strickland walked David Espinosa with the bases loaded. To close out the win Chris Spurling pitched a perfect eighth and Lee Gardner threw a clean ninth.

"Any level, I don't care what it is, winning is what you want to do," Lewis said.

"Our bullpen has been doing this all year and they came up big again."

Contact Maureen Fulton at:
mfulton@theblade.com
or 419-724-6160.

[redshark63]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...IST09/60906013

Mud Hens must live with expectations

One game, one season.

One chance.
One and done, or one and fun.

It shouldn’t have come down to last night’s winner-take-all play-in game for the Mud Hens to qualify for the playoffs, complete with manager Larry Parrish pulling his hair out in the dugout.

The Mud Hens should have controlled their postseason fate in the final regular-season game, but couldn’t.

That they couldn’t shows just how different this year’s Mud Hens are from last year’s team.

And make no mistake, fairly or unfairly, the 2006 Mud Hens are being compared with Toledo’s 2005 International League champions.

A year ago, the Mud Hens were a special team, loaded with special players, several of whom graduated to the parent club in Detroit.

There is absolutely no comparison in the talent level between the two teams, nor should there be.

The problems facing these Mud Hens is in trying to live up to last year. They can’t.

Different team, different year.

If the worst thing that can be said about these Mud Hens is that they took a step back, then every team should be so unfortunate.

Struggling down the stretch or not, the Mud Hens still finished in a first-place tie in the IL West.

Actually, the Mud Hens have only themselves to blame. Because of their spectacular on-field success, the Mud Hens have raised expectations and spoiled their fans rotten.

By the way, a tip of the cap to the Mud Hens, who posted 33 sellouts and set a new attendance record.

Nope, Toledoans can’t get enough of their Mud Hens, whom they expect to win every time out.

The best thing about the Mud Hens’ 4-0 victory over Indianapolis last night at Fifth Third Field is how the Mud Hens made the most of their second chance.

Surprisingly flat in losing to Columbus in the regular-season finale, and uncharacteristically sloppy in committing two errors in last night’s second inning, Toledo bounced back strong and took control of a game it had to win, or go home.

Atoning for the Mud Hens’ porous defense, Ryan Ludwick made a spectacular running catch with two outs and the bases loaded in the second inning, earning a well-deserved ovation on his way back to the dugout.

Not only did Ludwick save three runs, he helped breathe life into a team that looked ready to receive its last rites.

Once again, Parrish’s team showed its mettle in overcoming adversity and performing under pressure.

Toledo turned up the offensive heat in the fourth. Mike Hessman blasted a solo home run for a 1-0 lead. Ludwick, the defensive star, followed suit and jacked a two-run homer for a 3-0 advantage.

One game, one season.

One chance.

The Mud Hens lived dangerously last night. It was their own fault.

Winning has its benefits. And its drawbacks.

The more the Mud Hens win, the more they’re expected to win.

But come to think of it, that’s not such a bad thing.

John Harris is a Blade sports columnist.

[redshark63]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...TS07/609070431

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
Mud Hens shut out; playoff opener is like opening day


Ryan Ludwick strikes out in the first inning last night at Fifth Third Field, a sign of things to come. Charlotte's Tim Redding pitched a complete-game, four-hit shutout against Toledo in the Governors' Cup playoff opener.
( THE BLADE/LORI KING )


By JOHN WAGNER
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

It was exactly five months ago last night that the Mud Hens opened the season - and were shut out by Tim Redding and the Charlotte Knights.

Redding and the Knights picked a bad time for a bit of deja vu as Redding threw a four-hit shutout in pitching the Knights to a 5-0 victory over Toledo in the first game of the Governors' Cup playoffs.

The first shutout of the Mud Hens in a playoff game since Sept. 8, 1980, and the team's fourth shutout playoff loss, gives Charlotte a 1-0 series lead.

Redding said he and Charlotte pitching coach Juan Nieves talked about that opening day game before last night's contest, which was played before 4,304 at Fifth Third Field.

GOVERNORS’ CUP SEMIFINALS
BEST-OF-5
• Game 1: Charlotte 5, Mud Hens 0
• Game 2: at Toledo, 7 tonight (BCSN)
• Game 3: at Charlotte, 7:15 tomorrow
• Game *4: at Charlotte, 7:15 Saturday
• Game *5: at Charlotte, 2:15 Sunday
*-If necessary

"We won that [April] game 1-0 and a I threw six shutout [innings], so I was kind of trying to use that aura," Redding said. "In my last seven or eight outings I've been putting a lot of zeroes on the board. When these guys get on the board early, and the defense we've been playing all year long, it's been easy to throw the ball over the plate and get guys out."

In the third Redding made a throwing error on a comebacker off the bat of Brent Dlugach that allowed Dlugach to reach second. But Redding retired Dustan Mohr on a foul fly to end that threat.

In the fifth David Espinosa tripled to wall in right-center with one out, but Redding stranded Espinosa at third by striking out Mike Hessman and setting down Max St-Pierre on a fly to center.

And in the eighth Mohr doubled with two outs, but Jack Hannahan was called out on strikes. In the ninth Redding closed out the victory with three strikeouts, giving him a season-high 12 for the game.


Charlotte’s Casey Rogowski is out at the plate when Hens catcher Max St-Pierre hangs on.
( THE BLADE/AMT E. VOIGT )

"Obviously [Redding] was pretty good. We didn't do too much off him," Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "It looked like he moved his fastball up and down, in and out, and we didn't get anything mounted."

Corey Hamman retired the first six Knights he faced before issuing a four-pitch walk to Ruben Rivera to lead off the second. He got Pedro Lopez to hit a slow roller to second, but shortstop Dlugach's relay throw to first pulled Josh Phelps off the bag, costing a double play.

"That was a makeable play, no doubt," Parrish said.

Hamman struck out Gustavo Molina but then threw a wild pitch that sent Lopez to second. Lopez came home on a single to center by Jerry Owens, and Jorge Velandia doubled down the left-field line to score Owens.

After a walk to Josh Fields, Ernie Young singled up the middle to plate Velandia.

In the fourth Hamman hit Casey Rogowski with a pitch, and Andy Gonzalez doubled off the glove of Mike Hessman at third to knock Hamman out of the game.

Reliever Steve Green loaded the bases by walking Rivera before Lopez hit a fly ball to right. Ryan Ludwick caught the ball, then threw home; St-Pierre caught the ball and held on despite a jarring collision with Rogowski for a double play.

But Molina doubled to left-center.

Contact John Wagner at:
jwagner@theblade.com
or 419-724-6481.

[redshark63]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...TS07/609070419

MUD HENS NOTEBOOK
2 paths to the playoffs

http://toimages.us.publicus.com/apps...ef=AR&MaxW=240
Mud Hens shortstop Brent Dlugach leaps over Charlotte runner Ruben Rivera but is unable to complete a double play.
( THE BLADE/LORI KING )


By JOHN WAGNER
BLADE STAFF WRITER

The Mud Hens and Charlotte took two distinctly different routes to the Governors' Cup playoffs, which began last night in Toledo.

The Hens were the survivors of a three-team West Division tussle that went down to the wire. In fact, Toledo had to win a one-game playoff over Indianapolis on Tuesday just to receive the opportunity to defend last year's title.

Meanwhile, Charlotte cruised to the South Division crown, besting second-place Durham by 15 1/2 games. The Knights punched their ticket to the postseason with more than a week still to play in the regular season.

Does that give Charlotte an advantage over the Hens in this best-of-five International League playoff series?

"It depends on if you're an optimist or a pessimist," Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "One guy is going to say, 'We're going to be sharp because we've had to battle the whole month, it has been a dogfight and we're used to this type or pressure.'

"If you're a pessimist, you'd say, 'Boy, they've played so hard for a month, they have a chance to go flat.'•"

As you might expect, Charlotte manager Razor Shines isn't worried that his team lost its last three games entering the playoffs, or that the Knights' record since the start of August is 14-19.

"I'm not saying it's an advantage, but it's always good to have rest," Shines said. "In this game you play every day, so when you can set things up you feel good about that.

"On the other hand, they come in playing well and knowing that they've been in a race where every game counts down the stretch.

"They know they've had to play well to get here."

So who has the advantage?

"You don't know until you play the game," Parrish said.

ROSTER MOVES: Before yesterday's playoff opener the parent Tigers made a move that indirectly affected the Hens.

Detroit activated left-hander Mike Maroth from the disabled list, and to make room for Maroth on the active roster the Tigers designated right-hander Chris Spurling for assignment. Spurling won't be available to the Hens for at least 72 hours, during which time he may be claimed on waivers. The Hens added infielder Kody Kirkland from Double-A Erie to the roster, but he has yet to arrive.

The Knights also have roster problems as left-hander Heath Phillips, the IL's pitcher of the year, and right-hander Jeff Farnsworth, the team's closer and a mid-season all-star, have not returned from the Olympic qualifying tournament played in Havana.