College Baseball

[batted balls]

April 12, 2007

Ann Arbor, Mich.--A six-game winning streak has put the Michigan Wolverines in first place of the All-American Baseball League East for the first time in their brief history.

After taking three of four games from Illinois, the Wolverines swept arch-rival Michigan State in a brief two game series and then edged Notre Dame 3-2 Sunday afternoon.

"We've looked sharp this season," said Michigan manager Don Lund. "Our pitching has been top-notch."

Pitching has indeed pushed the Wolverines to an AABL-best nine wins in 10 games. Left-hander Geoff Zahn is an East-best 3-0 with a 2.74 ERA. Righty Lary Sorensen is 2-0 with a 1.65 ERA. Closer Steve Howe has yet to allow a run in eight innings. Howe is 3-for-3 in save opportunities.

Offensively, the Wolverines have been paced by the heart of their order. First baseman George Sisler (.318-1-7), rookie second baseman Charlie Gehringer (.333-0-2), short stop Barry Larkin (.341-1-5) have been potent. Despite batting just .233, third baseman Chris Sabo leads the team with eight RBIs.

"We're a team to be reckoned with this year," said Sabo (shown below).

Diamond Notes: Michigan is 6-0 at home this season . . . Minnesota continues to surprise. The Golden Gophers are in second place at 7-3. Right fielder J.T. Bruett earned East Player of the Week honors. Bruett hit a sizzling .481 and slugged .667 for the week . . . the Fighting Illini are batting a league-low .183 with just two home runs. Illinois, which has scored just 18 runs in 10 games, has been shut out three times . . . after starting the season 4-0, Miami dropped five straight games before defeating Michigan State. The Hurricanes lost three consecutive games to Minnesota and then dropped two against Ivy.

Stat of the Week: Last year's Golden Arm Award winner Carl Lundgren of Illinois is 0-2 despite a paltry 1.88 ERA.

East Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Michigan 9 1 .900 --
Minnesota 7 3 .700 2.0
Ivy 6 4 .600 3.0
Mississippi State 6 4 .600 3.0
Miami 5 5 .500 4.0
Michigan State 5 5 .500 4.0
Louisiana State 4 6 .400 5.0
Florida State 3 7 .300 6.0
Notre Dame 3 7 .300 6.0
Illinois 2 8 .200 7.0

[batted balls]

Los Angeles--In a lineup of deadly hitters, Southern California's Aaron Boone is fast becoming one of the most feared.

Boone was lauded as the West Player of the Week. The Trojan second baseman hit a blistering .565 over the course of the last seven days to raise his West-leading average to .462.

"Aaron has been one of the league's hottest hitters since the All-Star break last year," said USC manager Rod Dedeaux. "He has made us stronger."

A year ago, USC led the AABL in virtually every offensive category. Through 10 games this season, the Trojans have struggled. USC is 18th in batting with a lowly .218 average. The Trojans are 12th in runs scored with 34.

"It's way too early in the year to panic," said Dedeaux. "Our bats will come around soon enough. In the meantime, opposing pitchers need to be careful with Aaron Boone."

Boone, who finished second to teammate Fred Lynn in batting last year with a .327 average, is 10-for-16 (.625) in road games (Boone is shown below).

Diamond Notes: First-place Arizona State is 3-0 on the road but just 4-3 at home . . . the Sun Devils led the AABL in batting (.294), home runs (12) and runs scored (57) . . . Texas left-hander Greg Swindell pitched a two-hitter against USC. Swindell walked none and struck out seven in his first career shutout . . . Jeffrey Hammonds of Stanford leads the West with five stolen bases. Hammonds had four steals all of last season . . . Cal reliever Chuck Cary has been placed on the disabled list with a torn biceps muscle. Cary, who appeared in 98 games last year, is expected to miss at least six weeks . . . Jackie Robinson of UCLA is off to a torrid start with a .436 average, three homers and nine RBIs.

Stat of the Week: Since starting the year 0-for-13, San Diego State's Tony Gwynn is 7-for-his last 15 at-bats.

West Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Arizona State 7 3 .700 --
Cal State Fullerton 6 4 .600 1.0
California 6 4 .600 1.0
Oklahoma State 5 5 .500 2.0
San Diego State 5 5 .500 2.0
UCLA 5 5 .500 2.0
Arizona 4 6 .400 3.0
Southern California 4 6 .400 3.0
Stanford 4 6 .400 3.0
Texas 4 6 .400 3.0

[batted balls]

Miami--If you've seen Ron Fraser lately, chances are the Miami manager had his cap off and was scratching his head.

"We've been a mystery so far this season," said Fraser (shown below). "It's early, but we're a real Jekyll and Hyde team right now."

The Hurricanes' 8-8 record certainly reflects Fraser's feelings. Miami began the year 4-0, dropped five straight and has split nearly every game since.

"We look like world beaters some days," Fraser continued. "Other days we look like we couldn't beat the Dade County Little League All-Stars."

Miami, five games behind front-running Michigan, ranks in the top 10 in nearly every statistical category in the All-American Baseball League.

"That may be, but we haven't dominated too many opponents yet this season," Fraser said.

Pitcher Alex Fernandez, who is 2-2 despite giving up no more than three runs in any game this season, agrees.

"I've been inconsistent," Fernandez said. "I've been leaving way too many balls out over the plate."

Fernandez has beaten Notre Dame and tossed a two-hit shutout April 12 against Michigan State. The right-hander has lost to Minnesota and Illinois.

"There's no way Alex should be a .500 pitcher," said catcher Mike Piazza. "Look at his ERA (1.76)."

Left-hander Warren Bogle, meanwhile, is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA. John Fulgham (0-2), Neal Heaton (1-1) and Wade Taylor (0-0) round out the starting rotation.

The bullpen, a team strength a year ago, has been solid with the exception of right-hander Danny Rios (0-2, 11.25). However, Rios has not pitched since April 6 after a second straight loss to Minnesota.

Offensively, Miami has been hit or miss. Outfielders F.P. Santangelo (.370-1-10) and Orlando Palmeiro (.293-2-10) have been fairly consistent. Piazza (.236-3-4) and first baseman Pat Burrell (.226-0-2) have not.

"I've not been doing the job," said Burrell who has struck out 17 times in just 53 at-bats. "That's got to change."

Diamond Notes: Mississippi State right-hander Jonathan Papelbon earned East Player of the Week honors. Papelbon won two games including a five-hit shutout of Michigan State . . . A day after Papelbon shutout Michigan State, Ken Tatum recorded a five-hit whitewash of the Spartans . . . Cap Anson of Notre Dame leads the East with a .422 average; teammate Frank Carpin tops the division with fives saves . . . the Fighting Irish have two of the East's hottest hitters. Anson is 10-for-his last 20 while left fielder Carl Yastrzemski is 11-for-his last 24 with two home runs . . . Lou Gehrig of Ivy is the leader in stolen bases (3), home runs (4) and RBIs (15) . . . Minnesota second baseman Paul Molitor is in the midst of a 12-game hitting string that has raised his average to .415, second only to Anson.

Stat of the Week: Michigan State has been shut out three times this season. The Spartans failed to score a run in an AABL-high 30 game last year.

East Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Michigan 13 3 .813 --
Ivy 11 5 .688 2.0
Mississippi State 10 6 .625 3.0
Miami 8 8 .500 5.0
Minnesota 8 8 .500 5.0
Notre Dame 7 9 .438 6.0
Florida State 6 10 .375 7.0
Illinois 6 10 .375 7.0
Michigan State 6 10 .375 7.0
Louisiana State 5 11 .313 8.0

[batted balls]

April 19, 2007

Berkley, Calif.--Who says you need hitting? Despite batting just .205 as a team, the Cal Golden Bears reeled off 10 consecutive wins and have moved into a first-place tie with Arizona State.

"Our pitchers have been doing the job for us, that's for sure," said Cal manager Clint Evans who saw his team go from a 1-4 start to the top of the All-American Baseball League West standings.

The Golden Bears have been led by starter Andy Messersmith (2-0, 1.55 ERA) and closer Mike Cather (five saves, 1.17). Ironically, both players missed significant time on the disabled list last season.

"The key for our entire staff is to remain healthy," said Messersmith (shown below). "We don't want the injury bug around this year."

While Evans is pleased with his team's progress, he sees room for improvement. Right-hander Orval Overall, a 20-game winner last season, is just 2-2 with a 2.54 ERA thus far.

"I don't worry about Orval," said Evans. "He's our rock."

Left-handers Bill "Bugs" Werle (2-1, 1.44) and Rich Nye (1-0, 5.40) have shown promise with strong outings. Righty Ryan Drese (0-0, 2.00) will likely miss at least one start with a hyper-extended elbow.

While the Golden Bear offense has struggled for average, it has produced the longball. Cal has 15 home runs, second only to Arizona State's AABL-leading 20. Second baseman Jeff Kent and outfielder Sam Chapman have each hit five homers. Kent leads the West with 18 RBIs.

"We may not be hitting for average right now, but we've put runs on the board," said Kent.

During Cal's 10-game win streak, the Golden Bears outscored opponents 38-18. UCLA ended Cal's winning ways with a 1-0 victory Sunday afternoon.

After splitting its two-game series with UCLA, Cal hosts USC in a two-game series before beginning a four-game series at Cal State Fullerton.

Diamond Notes: For the second time this season, Arizona State infielder/designated hitter Hubie Brooks has garnered the West Player of the Week award. Brooks hit .667 with eight RBIs for the week. In addition, he slugged .889 and has a seven-game hitting streak . . . USC is just 2-6 at home yet sports a 7-1 road record . . . Aaron Boone of USC continues to lead the West in batting with a .431 average . . . Arizona State third baseman Bob Horner is the leader in home runs (6) and runs scored (15) . . . Dante Powell of Cal State Fullerton and Kevin Maas of Cal each have a 14-game hitting string alive . . . A season ago, Stanford's pitching staff was among the league's best. So far this year, the Cardinal rank last in team ERA (4.79), opponents' batting average (.277) and runs allowed (81). Moreover, closer Steve Chitren has just one save. The Stanford right-hander notched 33 in 2006.

Stat of the Week: Justin Brunette of San Diego State had just four wins all of last season. Brunette already has three this year.

West Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Arizona State 11 5 .688 --
California 11 5 .688 --
Cal State Fullerton 10 6 .625 1.0
Southern California 9 7 .563 2.0
Texas 9 7 .563 2.0
San Diego State 7 9 .438 4.0
UCLA 7 9 .438 4.0
Oklahoma State 6 10 .375 5.0
Arizona 5 11 .313 6.0
Stanford 5 11 .313 6.0

[batted balls]

April 26, 2007

Tallahassee, Fla.--Florida State third baseman Eduardo Perez enjoyed his finest week as a pro. On Monday, Perez hit for the cycle. By Sunday, he had been named All-American Baseball League East Player of the Week.

"I've been waiting for a week like this for a long time," said Perez, son of former Cincinnati Red great Tony Perez. "Everything fell into place this week."

Perez collected his cycle in a 10-8 victory over Michigan State. He got perhaps the most difficult hit out of the way by tripling off Spartan starter Mark Mulder in the first inning. In the third, Perez hit a solo home run off Mulder. An inning later Perez lined a bases-clearing, three-run double off reliever John Leister. An eighth-inning single off Larry Pashnick completed his cycle.

"To hit for the cycle was an exciting feat," said Perez. "Still, I'm glad we won the game."

Perez (shown below) drove in four runs on the day.. The last player to hit for the cycle was outfielder Pete Stanicek of Stanford on August 11, 2006.

Perez was selected for Player of the Week honors Sunday. By week's end, Perez had raised his average from .222 to .299.

Diamond Notes: Michigan right-hander Lary Sorensen pitched a two-hit shutout in a 1-0 win Saturday against hard-hitting Mississippi State . . . the Wolverines' Leon Roberts rejoined the team after a stint on the disabled list. Outfielder Dick Wakefield was sent to the minors . . . Minnesota activated short stop Jerry Kindall from the DL and optioned infielder Brian Raabe to the minors . . . Left-hander Paul Wilson of Florida State allowed just two hits in eight innings Friday as the Seminoles slipped past Notre Dame 4-3. After Rick Langford gave up three runs on three hits to the Irish, closer Craig Skok came on to earn his fifth save and preserve the FSU victory.

Stat of the Week: Ivy first baseman Lou Gehrig is 11-for-his last 24. Gehrig, the East leader with 24 RBIs, has driven in nine runs in the past week.

East Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Ivy 15 7 .682 --
Michigan 15 7 .682 --
Mississippi State 13 9 .591 2.0
Miami 11 11 .500 4.0
Minnesota 11 11 .500 4.0
Florida State 10 12 .455 5.0
Michigan State 10 12 .455 5.0
Illinois 9 13 .409 6.0
Notre Dame 9 13 .409 6.0
Louisiana State 7 15 .318 8.0

[batted balls]

April 26, 2007

Los Angeles--Bob Hamelin finally feels like he's hit his stride. The UCLA first baseman won the All-American Baseball League West Player of the Week after hitting a sizzling .429 in his last 21 at-bats.

"Up until a week or so ago, I wasn't doing much to help the team," said Hamelin. "Now, I've hit my stride."

Hamelin, runner-up to Mark McGwire of Southern California in last year's Golden Spikes voting, raised his average to .325, eighth best in the West. Hamelin is third in home runs this season with six. He has driven in 11 runs.

"Teams are pitching around Bob this year," said UCLA manager Art Reichle. "After what he did in 2006, I don't blame them."

Hamelin has drawn 23 walks thus far, second only to the 26 issued to Arizona's Jason Bates.

"If teams want to walk me, that's fine because then they'll have to contend with guys like Troy (Glaus), Chris (Chambliss) and Todd (Zeile)."

Hamelin (shown below) has won Player of the Week honors three times in his career.

Diamond Notes: Oklahoma State right-hander Tom Borland raised his record to 3-0 by tossing the first shutout of his career Tuesday against Arizona State. Borland allowed just two hits and one walk in the 4-0 victory over the Sun Devils . . . Cal took over first-place from Arizona State Wednesday as the Golden Bears edged Cal State Fullerton 1-0 behind the solid pitching of Andy Messersmith. Arizona State, meanwhile, was bombed 10-3 by Texas . . . Southern California has pulled to within two games of the top spot by going 8-2 in its last 10 games . . . Jim Barr, USC's All-Star pitcher, is off to a 4-0 start . . . Concerned with inconsistent closer Barry Latman a season ago, USC manager Rod Dedeaux named Ray Lamb the Trojans' stopper during spring training. The move has paid off as Lamb leads the West with seven saves . . . Justin Brunette of San Diego State continues to surprise. The Aztec reliever leads the West with a 5-2 record. Brunette, who won just four games all of last season, also has a save to his credit.

Stat of the Week: USC's Mark Prior, last year's Golden Arm Award winner, is just 1-1 with three no decisions so far this season.

West Standings

Team W L PCT GB
California 15 7 .682 --
Arizona State 14 8 .636 1.0
Southern California 13 9 .591 2.0
Cal State Fullerton 12 10 .545 3.0
Texas 12 10 .545 3.0
UCLA 11 11 .500 4.0
San Diego State 9 13 .409 6.0
Stanford 9 13 .409 6.0
Oklahoma State 8 14 .364 7.0
Arizona 7 15 .318 8.0

[batted balls]

May 2, 2007

Bristol, Conn.--With just over one month gone in the All-American Baseball League season, five teams are within three games of first place.

"This season has been exciting and competitive," said Ivy manager Bob Seddon. "It looks like it will be close all year long."

Mississippi State manager Ron Polk added, "I agree with Bob. That's great for the fans, and that's great for the league as a whole."

Both defending champion Ivy and Michigan have lost three straight games and come back to the pack. Meanwhile, Minnesota has reeled off five consecutive wins and moved to within a game of the top spot. The Golden Gophers are tied with Mississippi State. Miami, 15-14, is just three games back.

"You can go down the standings and everybody feels like they're in the race," said Polk. "Even teams like Notre Dame and Michigan State have reasons to believe."

Fighting Irish manager Pat Murphy agrees.

"We're not that far behind, and we have not even come close to playing our best baseball," Murphy said. "It's exciting."


Player of the Week: Fred Beebe, Illinois

Player of the Month: Lou Gehrig, Ivy

Pitcher of the Month: Jim Hannan, Notre Dame (shown below)

Stat of the Week: Notre Dame third baseman Cap Anson is batting .591 (13-for-22) with runners in scoring position.


East Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Ivy 18 11 .621 --
Michigan 18 11 .621 --
Minnesota 17 12 .586 1.0
Mississippi State 17 12 .586 1.0
Miami 15 14 .517 3.0
Illinois 13 16 .448 5.0
Florida State 12 17 .414 6.0
Louisiana State 12 17 .414 6.0
Notre Dame 12 17 .414 6.0
Michigan State 11 18 .379 7.0

Batting Leaders

# TOP 10 AVG AVG
1 C. Anson (ND) .419
2 P. Molitor (MN) .333
3 L. Gehrig (IVY) .331
4 S. Garvey (MSU) .330
5 D. Winfield (MN) .327
6 C. Yastrzemski (ND) .324
7 B. Gates (MN) .320
8 J. Reed (FS) .319
9 M. Gilbert (FS) .319
10 R. Johnson (LS) .314
# TOP 10 OBP OBP
1 R. Thomas (IVY) .479
2 C. Anson (ND) .431
3 L. Gehrig (IVY) .428
4 S. Garvey (MSU) .427
5 B. Gates (MN) .416
6 D. Winfield (MN) .410
7 P. Burrell (MIA) .394
8 P. Molitor (MN) .393
9 C. Yastrzemski (ND) .391
10 W. Clark (MS) .390
# TOP 10 SLG SLG
1 L. Gehrig (IVY) .686
2 A. Belle (LS) .512
3 D. Winfield (MN) .505
4 K. Gibson (MSU) .482
5 C. Anson (ND) .479
6 E. Perez (FS) .471
7 J. Shave (MS) .463
8 C. Yastrzemski (ND) .461
9 S. Garvey (MSU) .456
10 M. Piazza (MIA) .453

# TOP 10 OPS OPS
1 L. Gehrig (IVY) 1.114
2 D. Winfield (MN) .915
3 C. Anson (ND) .910
4 S. Garvey (MSU) .884
5 C. Yastrzemski (ND) .852
6 A. Belle (LS) .851
7 B. Gates (MN) .839
8 M. Piazza (MIA) .835
9 F. Santangelo (MIA) .833
10 K. Gibson (MSU) .829
# TOP 10 Runs Created RC
1 L. Gehrig (IVY) 35.4
2 C. Anson (ND) 23.0
3 D. Winfield (MN) 22.8
4 S. Garvey (MSU) 20.4
5 C. Yastrzemski (ND) 18.7
6 A. Belle (LS) 18.5
7 J. Reed (FS) 18.1
8 P. Burrell (MIA) 18.0
9 F. Santangelo (MIA) 17.7
10 W. Clark (MS) 17.4
# TOP 10 AB AB
1 J. Bruett (MN) 124
1 H. Critz (MS) 124
3 D. Masteller (MSU) 123
4 G. Vaughn (MIA) 122
4 J. Drew (FS) 122
6 J. Shave (MS) 121
6 A. Belle (LS) 121
8 B. Larkin (MIC) 119
9 L. Gehrig (IVY) 118
9 C. Sabo (MIC) 118
# TOP 10 PA PA
1 L. Gehrig (IVY) 138
2 D. Masteller (MSU) 132
2 P. Burrell (MIA) 132
2 J. Bruett (MN) 132
5 J. Bonilla (FS) 131
6 J. Shave (MS) 130
6 J. Drew (FS) 130
8 C. Sabo (MIC) 129
8 B. Blair (LS) 129
8 B. Reed (ND) 129
# TOP 10 Hits Hits
1 C. Anson (ND) 49
2 L. Gehrig (IVY) 39
3 J. Reed (FS) 37
3 H. Critz (MS) 37
3 A. Belle (LS) 37
6 M. Gilbert (FS) 36
7 J. Bruett (MN) 35
7 P. Molitor (MN) 35
7 D. Winfield (MN) 35
7 J. Shave (MS) 35
# TOP 10 2B 2B
1 A. Belle (LS) 12
2 C. Sabo (MIC) 10
3 L. Gehrig (IVY) 8
4 K. Gibson (MSU) 7
4 D. Winfield (MN) 7
6 J. Reed (FS) 6
6 C. Yastrzemski (ND) 6
6 W. Clark (MS) 6
6 T. Walker (LS) 6
6 J. Shave (MS) 6
# Top 10 3B #B
1 L. Gehrig (IVY) 5
2 E. Perez (FS) 3
3 J. Bonilla (FS) 2
3 P. Burrell (MIA) 2
3 A. Belle (LS) 2
3 H. Morris (MIC) 2
3 J. Adcock (LS) 2
3 B. Almon (IVY) 2
3 H. Jennings (IVY) 2
3 S. Mele (IVY) 2
# TOP 10 HR HR
1 L. Gehrig (IVY) 8
2 J. Shave (MS) 5
3 D. Winfield (MN) 4
3 K. Gibson (MSU) 4
3 M. Piazza (MIA) 4
6 K. Osik (LS) 3
6 A. Belle (LS) 3
6 R. Palmeiro (MS) 3
6 F. Santangelo (MIA) 3
6 R. Johnson (LS) 3
# TOP 10 RBI RBI
1 L. Gehrig (IVY) 30
2 A. Belle (LS) 22
2 K. Gibson (MSU) 22
4 D. Winfield (MN) 19
4 R. Palmeiro (MS) 19
4 S. Garvey (MSU) 19
7 J. Shave (MS) 17
7 F. Santangelo (MIA) 17
7 C. Sabo (MIC) 17
7 C. Yastrzemski (ND) 17
# TOP 10 RUNS RUNS
1 L. Gehrig (IVY) 21
1 P. Burrell (MIA) 21
3 S. Yerkes (IVY) 19
4 S. Garvey (MSU) 17
4 J. Shave (MS) 17
6 G. Vaughn (MIA) 16
6 C. Anson (ND) 16
8 D. Winfield (MN) 15
8 C. Sabo (MIC) 15
8 D. Wilson (MN) 15
# TOP 10 SB SB
1 L. Gehrig (IVY) 4
2 D. Berg (MIA) 3
2 S. Yerkes (IVY) 3
4 R. Thomas (IVY) 2
4 H. Jennings (IVY) 2
4 H. Evers (ILL) 2
4 M. Piazza (MIA) 2
4 L. Sockalexis (ND) 2
9 G. Larkin (IVY) 1
9 P. Burrell (MIA) 1
# TOP 10 BB BB
1 R. Thomas (IVY) 30
2 P. Burrell (MIA) 27
3 L. Gehrig (IVY) 19
3 S. Garvey (MSU) 19
5 S. Yerkes (IVY) 18
5 D. Howser (FS) 18
5 D. Lenhardt (ILL) 18
5 M. Piazza (MIA) 18
9 W. Morris (LS) 17
9 C. Gehringer (MIC) 17
# TOP 10 EBH EBH
1 L. Gehrig (IVY) 21
2 A. Belle (LS) 17
3 K. Gibson (MSU) 12
4 J. Shave (MS) 11
4 D. Winfield (MN) 11
4 E. Perez (FS) 11
4 C. Sabo (MIC) 11
8 M. Piazza (MIA) 10
8 P. Burrell (MIA) 10
10 C. Yastrzemski (ND) 9
# TOP 10 TB TB
1 L. Gehrig (IVY) 81
2 A. Belle (LS) 62
3 J. Shave (MS) 56
3 C. Anson (ND) 56
5 D. Winfield (MN) 54
6 K. Gibson (MSU) 53
7 J. Reed (FS) 49
8 E. Perez (FS) 48
8 J. Bruett (MN) 48
10 S. Garvey (MSU) 47


Pitching Leaders

# TOP 10 Games G
1 K. Ligtenberg (MN) 20
2 M. Scarce (FS) 18
3 T. Crabtree (MSU) 17
4 C. Loewer (MS) 16
5 J. Schmidt (MN) 15
6 R. Greene (LS) 14
6 R. Langford (FS) 14
6 T. Birtsas (MSU) 14
6 O. Munoz (MIA) 14
6 C. Leskanic (LS) 14
# TOP 10 Games Started GS
1 M. Sirotka (LS) 7
1 J. Wasdin (FS) 7
1 E. Reulbach (ND) 7
1 K. Tatum (MS) 7
1 R. Perranoski (MSU) 7
1 J. Beattie (IVY) 7
1 M. Guthrie (LS) 7
1 W. Bogle (MIA) 7
1 F. Beebe (ILL) 7
1 G. Zahn (MIC) 7
# TOP 10 Innings IP
1 J. Beattie (IVY) 53.0
2 G. Zahn (MIC) 51.1
3 F. Beebe (ILL) 48.2
3 E. Reulbach (ND) 48.1
3 M. Sirotka (LS) 48.0
6 D. Ferriss (MS) 47.1
6 S. Comer (MN) 47.1
8 J. Wasdin (FS) 46.1
8 N. Gibson (ND) 46.0
10 J. Papelbon (MS) 45.2
# TOP 10 Wins W
1 J. Beattie (IVY) 4
1 G. Zahn (MIC) 4
1 B. Tanner (FS) 4
1 D. Ferriss (MS) 4
1 L. Sorensen (MIC) 4
1 J. Papelbon (MS) 4
1 K. Tatum (MS) 4
8 J. Innis (ILL) 3
8 T. Olson (IVY) 3
8 P. Broberg (IVY) 3
8 J. Hannan (ND) 3
# TOP 10 Losses L
1 M. Mulder (MSU) 5
1 N. Gibson (ND) 5
1 E. Reulbach (ND) 5
4 E. Hetzel (LS) 4
4 D. Neagle (MN) 4
4 J. Wasdin (FS) 4
4 J. Roberts (MS) 4
4 C. Lundgren (ILL) 4
9 A. Fernandez (MIA) 3
9 F. Beebe (ILL) 3
# TOP 10 Saved SV
1 G. Olson (MN) 8
1 B. Thigpen (MS) 8
3 F. Carpin (ND) 7
4 C. Skok (FS) 6
4 D. Graves (MIA) 6
4 D. Sisler (IVY) 6
7 D. Pall (ILL) 5
7 C. Leskanic (LS) 5
7 S. Howe (MIC) 5
10 D. Radatz (MSU) 4
# TOP 10 Complete Games CG
1 J. Papelbon (MS) 3
1 N. Gibson (ND) 3
3 A. Fernandez (MIA) 2
3 L. Sorensen (MIC) 2
5 S. Comer (MN) 1
5 T. Olson (IVY) 1
5 G. Zahn (MIC) 1
5 J. Roberts (MS) 1
5 D. LeMay (MIC) 1
5 D. Ferriss (MS) 1
# TOP 10 Shutouts SHO
1 J. Papelbon (MS) 2
1 L. Sorensen (MIC) 2
3 J. Wasdin (FS) 1
3 A. Fernandez (MIA) 1
3 D. Ferriss (MS) 1
3 E. Reulbach (ND) 1
3 J. Ericks (ILL) 1
3 F. Beebe (ILL) 1
9 S. Comer (MN) 0
9 G. Zahn (MIC) 0
# TOP 10 Quality Starts QS
1 D. Ferriss (MS) 6
1 E. Reulbach (ND) 6
1 P. Wilson (FS) 6
1 F. Beebe (ILL) 6
1 G. Zahn (MIC) 6
1 J. Ericks (ILL) 6
1 M. Guthrie (LS) 6
8 R. Reed (ND) 5
8 S. Comer (MN) 5
8 L. Sorensen (MIC) 5
# TOP 10 Runs Allowed R
1 E. Reulbach (ND) 24
1 C. Lundgren (ILL) 24
1 J. Fulgham (MIA) 24
4 D. Neagle (MN) 22
4 N. Gibson (ND) 22
6 M. Sirotka (LS) 21
7 J. Beattie (IVY) 20
7 M. Mulder (MSU) 20
9 J. Wasdin (FS) 19
9 R. Reed (ND) 19
# TOP 10 Hits Allowed HA
1 E. Reulbach (ND) 56
1 N. Gibson (ND) 56
3 C. Lundgren (ILL) 55
4 G. Zahn (MIC) 51
5 F. Beebe (ILL) 48
6 E. Hobaugh (MSU) 47
7 M. Guthrie (LS) 44
7 M. Sirotka (LS) 44
9 E. Pinnance (MSU) 43
10 L. Sorensen (MIC) 42
# TOP 10 HR Allowed HR
1 M. Sirotka (LS) 6
2 M. Mulder (MSU) 5
3 R. Roberts (MSU) 4
3 E. Hanyzewski (ND) 4
5 M. Loynd (FS) 3
5 M. Remlinger (IVY) 3
5 C. Ogea (LS) 3
5 J. Wasdin (FS) 3
5 J. Brower (MN) 3
5 P. Broberg (IVY) 3
# TOP 10 Strikeouts K's
1 W. Bogle (MIA) 38
1 J. Innis (ILL) 38
3 J. Wasdin (FS) 35
3 K. Tatum (MS) 35
5 F. Beebe (ILL) 33
6 M. Guthrie (LS) 32
7 P. Wilson (FS) 31
8 B. Denman (MN) 30
9 D. LeMay (MIC) 29
9 T. Olson (IVY) 29
# TOP 10 Bases-On-Balls BB
1 T. Birtsas (MSU) 19
2 R. Greene (LS) 18
2 R. Perranoski (MSU) 18
2 J. Beattie (IVY) 18
5 R. Darling (IVY) 17
6 E. Hobaugh (MSU) 16
6 D. Ferriss (MS) 16
6 A. Fernandez (MIA) 16
6 W. Bogle (MIA) 16
6 B. Denman (MN) 16
# TOP 10 Hit Batsmen HP
1 R. Reed (ND) 3
2 H. Judson (ILL) 2
2 S. Ontiveros (MIC) 2
2 R. Perranoski (MSU) 2
2 B. Tanner (FS) 2
2 J. Ericks (ILL) 2
2 J. Thies (ILL) 2
2 J. Beattie (IVY) 2
2 M. Mulder (MSU) 2
10 J. Burton (MIC) 1
# TOP 10 ERA ERA
1 D. Ferriss (MS) 0.95
2 P. Wilson (FS) 1.51
3 D. Rusteck (ND) 1.85
4 C. Parker (LS) 1.89
5 L. Sorensen (MIC) 1.91
6 J. Ericks (ILL) 2.00
7 D. LeMay (MIC) 2.05
8 K. Tatum (MS) 2.06
9 J. Abbott (MIC) 2.17
10 J. Innis (ILL) 2.19
# TOP 10 K's/9 IP K/9
1 J. Innis (ILL) 9.24
2 W. Bogle (MIA) 8.41
3 J. Milligan (IVY) 7.36
4 B. Denman (MN) 7.23
5 K. Tatum (MS) 7.21
6 B. Hickerson (MN) 7.01
7 J. Wasdin (FS) 6.80
8 P. Wilson (FS) 6.70
9 M. Guthrie (LS) 6.65
10 R. Lewis (FS) 6.61

[batted balls]

May 2, 2007

San Diego--Just over a year ago, Mike Couchee was in spring training with the Southern California Trojans. A week before the season began, USC cut Couchee. He was signed by San Diego State two days later.

"It was a numbers game with USC," said Couchee. "I'n grateful for my opportunity with San Diego State."

The Aztecs are grateful as well. Couchee, 3-9 a season ago when San Diego State lost 118 games, was named All-American Baseball League West Pitcher of the Month for April.

"Sure, I'm surprised because there are so many other pitchers more deserving," said Couchee. "Then again, I've worked as hard as anyone."

Couchee is indeed a surprising choice. The 6-foot, 190-pound right-hander has no record in four starts. Yet, Couchee has yet to allow a single run. In 14 innings he has given up just nine hits and two walks. Couchee has struck out 11.

"Sure, he's not among the league leaders in wins or other stats," said San Diego State manager Charlie Smith. "But Mike has thrown as well as anyone."

A former high school quaterback, Couchee (shown below) likes what he sees from the Aztecs this season.

"We're so much better than we were a year ago," Couchee said. "(Former player-manager) Tony (Gwynn) will be the first to tell you that. Everybody is really digging what Charlie is saying and doing as manager. We're not the pushovers we were in 2006."

And opponents have yet to push a run across against Couchee yet this season either.


Player of the Week: Bob Horner, Arizona State

Player of the Month: Ernie Koy, Texas

Pitcher of the Month: Mike Couchee, San Diego State

Stat of the Week: Arizona State third baseman Bob Horner has been consistent with his West-leading 10 home runs. Horner has hit five on the road and five at home.


West Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Arizona State 19 10 .655 --
California 19 10 .655 --
Southern California 18 11 .621 1.0
UCLA 16 13 .552 3.0
Texas 15 14 .517 4.0
Cal State Fullerton 14 15 .483 5.0
Stanford 14 15 .483 5.0
Arizona 11 18 .379 8.0
San Diego State 10 19 .345 9.0
Oklahoma State 9 20 .310 10.0

Batting Leaders

# TOP 10 AVG AVG
1 A. Boone (SC) .369
2 B. Horner (AS) .342
3 E. Koy (TEX) .341
4 D. Thompson (OSU) .330
5 J. Hammonds (STA) .327
6 F. Lynn (SC) .316
7 M. Colbern (AS) .313
8 B. Kieschnick (TEX) .311
9 J. Bates (ARI) .309
10 K. Lofton (ARI) .307
# TOP 10 OBP OBP
1 B. Hamelin (UCL) .466
2 J. Bates (ARI) .458
3 G. Hatton (TEX) .437
4 F. Lynn (SC) .433
5 A. Boone (SC) .426
6 S. Chapman (CAL) .414
7 R. Roenicke (UCL) .393
8 M. Grace (SD) .391
9 B. Horner (AS) .389
10 T. Glaus (UCL) .387
# TOP 10 SLG SLG
1 B. Horner (AS) .632
2 B. Hamelin (UCL) .594
3 S. Chapman (CAL) .567
4 F. Lynn (SC) .561
5 M. Colbern (AS) .538
6 A. Boone (SC) .532
7 M. McGwire (SC) .528
8 E. Koy (TEX) .520
9 O. McDowell (AS) .500
10 T. Glaus (UCL) .495
# TOP 10 OPS OPS
1 B. Hamelin (UCL) 1.060
2 B. Horner (AS) 1.021
3 F. Lynn (SC) .995
4 S. Chapman (CAL) .981
5 A. Boone (SC) .958
6 J. Bates (ARI) .937
7 M. Colbern (AS) .920
8 G. Hatton (TEX) .902
9 E. Koy (TEX) .894
10 M. McGwire (SC) .886
# TOP 10 Runs Created RC
1 B. Hamelin (UCL) 30.0
2 S. Chapman (CAL) 25.8
3 B. Horner (AS) 25.4
4 A. Boone (SC) 24.9
5 F. Lynn (SC) 24.6
6 E. Koy (TEX) 23.0
7 G. Hatton (TEX) 22.1
8 J. Bates (ARI) 22.0
9 J. Hammonds (STA) 20.7
10 M. McGwire (SC) 20.6
# TOP 10 AB AB
1 J. Adair (OSU) 125
2 B. Wills (AS) 123
2 E. Koy (TEX) 123
4 P. Incaviglia (OSU) 121
5 B. Horner (AS) 117
5 S. Halter (TEX) 117
5 R. Ventura (OSU) 117
5 J. Giambi (CSF) 117
9 S. Hovley (STA) 115
10 E. Sprague (STA) 114
# TOP 10 PA PA
1 B. Wills (AS) 140
2 P. Incaviglia (OSU) 139
3 J. Adair (OSU) 137
4 R. Ventura (OSU) 135
5 B. Hamelin (UCL) 131
5 E. Koy (TEX) 131
7 J. Robinson (UCL) 128
7 S. Chapman (CAL) 128
9 S. Halter (TEX) 127
10 G. Hatton (TEX) 126
# TOP 10 Hits Hits
1 E. Koy (TEX) 42
2 A. Boone (SC) 41
3 B. Horner (AS) 40
4 J. Hammonds (STA) 37
4 D. Thompson (OSU) 37
6 R. Ventura (OSU) 34
7 S. Hovley (STA) 33
7 J. Adair (OSU) 33
7 D. Powell (CSF) 33
7 C. Richard (OSU) 33
# TOP 10 2B 2B
1 E. Koy (TEX) 10
2 J. Kent (CAL) 7
2 O. McDowell (AS) 7
2 A. Rowand (CSF) 7
5 J. Nettles (SD) 6
5 D. Lewis (CAL) 6
5 P. Incaviglia (OSU) 6
5 S. Mack (UCL) 6
5 R. Roenicke (UCL) 6
5 F. Lynn (SC) 6
# TOP 10 3B 3B
1 J. Burnitz (OSU) 2
1 D. Meier (STA) 2
1 T. Gwynn (SD) 2
1 J. Bates (ARI) 2
1 E. Byrnes (UCL) 2
1 G. Hatton (TEX) 2
7 M. Tettleton (OSU) 1
7 J. Mota (CSF) 1
7 M. Edwards (UCL) 1
7 D. Dyer (AS) 1
# TOP 10 HR HR
1 B. Horner (AS) 10
2 B. Hamelin (UCL) 9
3 S. Chapman (CAL) 8
3 M. McGwire (SC) 8
5 D. Kingman (SC) 7
5 T. Glaus (UCL) 7
7 F. Lynn (SC) 6
8 R. Jackson (AS) 5
8 J. Kent (CAL) 5
8 O. McDowell (AS) 5
# TOP 10 RBI RBI
1 O. McDowell (AS) 24
1 E. Koy (TEX) 24
3 B. Horner (AS) 23
3 T. Glaus (UCL) 23
5 S. Chapman (CAL) 21
5 D. Robinson (SD) 21
7 M. McGwire (SC) 20
7 J. Kent (CAL) 20
7 G. Hatton (TEX) 20
10 D. Kingman (SC) 19
# TOP 10 RUNS RUNS
1 B. Hamelin (UCL) 27
2 B. Horner (AS) 25
3 F. Lynn (SC) 21
3 S. Chapman (CAL) 21
5 J. Robinson (UCL) 19
5 G. Hatton (TEX) 19
7 D. Kingman (SC) 18
8 J. Snow (ARI) 17
9 R. Jackson (AS) 16
9 R. Roenicke (UCL) 16
# TOP 10 SB SB
1 J. Hammonds (STA) 9
2 R. Jackson (AS) 6
2 D. Kingman (SC) 6
4 D. Meyer (ARI) 5
5 P. Stanicek (STA) 4
6 E. Sprague (STA) 2
6 H. Brooks (AS) 2
8 E. Amelung (SD) 1
8 C. Moeller (SC) 1
8 J. Snow (ARI) 1
# TOP 10 BB BB
1 B. Hamelin (UCL) 30
2 J. Bates (ARI) 26
3 G. Hatton (TEX) 24
4 S. Chapman (CAL) 23
5 R. Roenicke (UCL) 22
6 F. Lynn (SC) 21
7 R. Jackson (AS) 20
7 T. Gwynn (SD) 20
7 J. Snow (ARI) 20
10 T. Glaus (UCL) 19
# TOP 10 EBH EBH
1 E. Koy (TEX) 14
1 B. Horner (AS) 14
3 J. Kent (CAL) 13
3 O. McDowell (AS) 13
5 F. Lynn (SC) 12
5 S. Chapman (CAL) 12
7 D. Kingman (SC) 11
7 M. McGwire (SC) 11
7 B. Hamelin (UCL) 11
10 J. Bates (ARI) 10
# TOP 10 TB TB
1 B. Horner (AS) 74
2 E. Koy (TEX) 64
3 B. Hamelin (UCL) 60
4 A. Boone (SC) 59
4 S. Chapman (CAL) 59
6 M. McGwire (SC) 57
7 F. Lynn (SC) 55
8 J. Hammonds (STA) 52
9 O. McDowell (AS) 50
9 J. Kent (CAL) 50

Pitching Leaders

# TOP 10 Games G
1 J. Brunette (SD) 24
1 R. Ring (SD) 24
3 J. Riggan (SD) 23
4 J. Campbell (SD) 21
5 M. Henneman (OSU) 19
6 D. Smith (SD) 18
7 T. Leary (UCL) 16
7 R. Lamb (SC) 16
9 D. Naulty (CSF) 15
9 L. Gura (AS) 15
# TOP 10 Games Started GS
1 F. Bannister (AS) 7
1 D. Schmidt (UCL) 7
1 A. Harang (SD) 7
1 J. Horlen (OSU) 7
1 M. Paul (ARI) 7
1 J. Lonborg (STA) 7
1 O. Overall (CAL) 7
1 A. Messersmith (CAL) 7
1 M. Prior (SC) 7
1 J. Robinson (CSF) 7
# TOP 10 Innings IP
1 O. Overall (CAL) 53.2
2 D. Schmidt (UCL) 52.2
3 B. Werle (CAL) 50.0
4 A. Messersmith (CAL) 49.2
5 J. Barr (SC) 48.1
6 R. Clemens (TEX) 47.2
6 J. Lonborg (STA) 47.2
6 F. Bannister (AS) 47.1
6 J. Horlen (OSU) 47.0
10 J. Robinson (CSF) 44.0
# TOP 10 Wins W
1 J. Barr (SC) 6
2 J. Brunette (SD) 5
3 D. Schmidt (UCL) 4
3 B. Werle (CAL) 4
3 O. Overall (CAL) 4
3 B. Ruffin (TEX) 4
3 F. Bannister (AS) 4
3 E. Bane (AS) 4
3 B. Bonham (UCL) 4
10 R. Clemens (TEX) 3
# TOP 10 Losses L
1 D. Murray (SD) 5
2 G. Mathews (CSF) 4
2 M. Mussina (STA) 4
2 B. Hooton (TEX) 4
2 A. Reynolds (OSU) 4
2 M. Paul (ARI) 4
7 M. Wise (CSF) 3
7 J. Robinson (CSF) 3
7 J. Lonborg (STA) 3
7 M. Cather (CAL) 3
# TOP 10 Saved SV
1 R. Lamb (SC) 8
2 T. Hoffman (ARI) 7
2 J. York (UCL) 7
4 M. Cather (CAL) 6
4 M. Schooler (CSF) 6
6 S. Chitren (STA) 4
7 R. Wright (TEX) 3
7 E. Vande Berg (AS) 3
7 H. Street (TEX) 3
7 R. Ring (SD) 3
# TOP 10 Complete Games CG
1 J. Barr (SC) 2
1 S. Erickson (ARI) 2
1 B. Werle (CAL) 2
4 M. Wise (CSF) 1
4 G. Gentry (AS) 1
4 T. Seaver (SC) 1
4 P. Moskau (AS) 1
4 D. Schmidt (UCL) 1
4 O. Overall (CAL) 1
4 T. Borland (OSU) 1
# TOP 10 Shutouts SHO
1 J. Barr (SC) 1
1 S. Erickson (ARI) 1
1 P. Moskau (AS) 1
1 D. Schmidt (UCL) 1
1 O. Overall (CAL) 1
1 T. Borland (OSU) 1
1 G. Swindell (TEX) 1
1 C. Swan (AS) 1
9 M. Wise (CSF) 0
9 T. Seaver (SC) 0
# TOP 10 Quality Starts QS
1 D. Schmidt (UCL) 7
1 F. Bannister (AS) 7
3 A. Messersmith (CAL) 6
3 B. Werle (CAL) 6
3 O. Overall (CAL) 6
6 K. Saarloos (CSF) 5
6 E. Bane (AS) 5
6 R. Clemens (TEX) 5
9 M. Mussina (STA) 4
9 R. Helling (STA) 4
# TOP 10 Runs Allowed R
1 M. Mussina (STA) 28
2 J. McDowell (STA) 25
2 D. Lee (ARI) 25
4 J. Horlen (OSU) 24
4 T. Pugh (OSU) 24
4 J. Lonborg (STA) 24
7 M. Paul (ARI) 23
8 J. Magrane (ARI) 22
8 G. Mathews (CSF) 22
8 B. Hooton (TEX) 22
# TOP 10 Hits Allowed HA
1 M. Mussina (STA) 56
2 G. Mathews (CSF) 55
3 J. Lonborg (STA) 51
4 J. Horlen (OSU) 49
4 J. McDowell (STA) 49
6 R. Clemens (TEX) 48
7 J. Barr (SC) 46
8 K. Saarloos (CSF) 42
9 T. Seaver (SC) 41
9 B. Hooton (TEX) 41
# TOP 10 HR Allowed HR
1 B. Hooton (TEX) 7
1 K. Blankenship (ARI) 7
1 J. Horlen (OSU) 7
4 J. Brunette (SD) 6
4 D. Murray (SD) 6
4 M. Paul (ARI) 6
7 G. Mathews (CSF) 5
7 K. Saarloos (CSF) 5
7 M. Wise (CSF) 5
7 M. Davis (STA) 5
# TOP 10 Strikeouts K's
1 M. Prior (SC) 57
2 A. Reynolds (OSU) 49
3 F. Bannister (AS) 42
4 R. Clemens (TEX) 41
5 A. Messersmith (CAL) 37
6 A. Harang (SD) 34
7 B. Zito (SC) 33
7 J. Horlen (OSU) 33
9 M. Paul (ARI) 32
10 C. Swan (AS) 30
# TOP 10 Bases-On-Balls BB
1 A. Messersmith (CAL) 23
2 J. Brunette (SD) 21
2 M. Prior (SC) 21
2 B. Zito (SC) 21
5 A. Reynolds (OSU) 19
5 M. Harkey (CSF) 19
5 A. Harang (SD) 19
8 J. Parque (UCL) 18
8 M. Young (UCL) 18
8 J. Riggan (SD) 18
# TOP 10 Hit Batsmen HP
1 J. Barr (SC) 2
1 B. Latman (SC) 2
1 J. Lonborg (STA) 2
1 F. Bannister (AS) 2
1 J. Horlen (OSU) 2
1 M. Paul (ARI) 2
1 A. Johnson (CSF) 2
1 J. Adkins (OSU) 2
1 M. Young (UCL) 2
1 L. Gura (AS) 2
# TOP 10 ERA ERA
1 D. Schmidt (UCL) 0.68
2 B. Werle (CAL) 1.26
3 A. Messersmith (CAL) 1.45
4 J. Robinson (CSF) 1.84
5 O. Overall (CAL) 1.84
6 G. Gentry (AS) 1.86
7 F. Bannister (AS) 1.90
8 B. Bonham (UCL) 1.93
9 E. Bane (AS) 2.03
10 J. Barr (SC) 2.05
# TOP 10 K's/9 IP K/9
1 M. Prior (SC) 12.02
2 A. Reynolds (OSU) 10.42
3 B. Zito (SC) 8.82
4 M. Paul (ARI) 8.15
5 F. Bannister (AS) 7.99
6 R. Clemens (TEX) 7.74
7 A. Harang (SD) 7.46
8 R. Wortham (TEX) 7.45
9 A. Messersmith (CAL) 6.70
10 C. Swan (AS) 6.69

[batted balls]

Max Mercy, Jr. here again, folks . . .

Ole Max has been around baseball a looonnnng time. Ole Max thought he had seen everything this grand old game could toss out--until today. The announcement of Mike Couchee as the AABL West Pitcher of the Month has left Ole Max as befuddled as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

I'm happy for Mike Couchee; he's a great success story. He's as hard working a pitcher as I've seen. But can anyone from the AABL office explain to me how a pitcher with an 0-0 record wins Pitcher of the Month? Sure, Couchee hasn't given up a run yet this season. Sure, he's struck out 11 batters in 14 innings. But, look at how many other pitchers were more deserving. Even Couchee himself admitted that after receiving the award.

Take for instance, USC righty Jim Barr, who's 6-0 with a 2.05 ERA. Or how about lefty Floyd Bannister of Arizona State? He's 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA. Ray Lamb, Rod Dedeaux's new closer at USC, leads the West with eight saves. Heck, even Couchee's own teammate Justin Brunette has posted a 5-2 record (okay, so maybe his 5.87 ERA knocks him out of consideration).

Ole Max's point is this: How and why and since when does a pitcher with no wins earn Pitcher of the Month honors? It makes no sense! Are AABL officials trying to "spread the wealth"? Do they want San Diego State, last year's laughable losers, to gain some respect and noteriety? Well, take it from Ole Max, this ain't the way to do it.

Do we put students with no A's on high honor rolls? Do we name salesmen who move no inventory as Salesman of the Month? Do we elect presidents when they don't gain the most votes? Okay, bad example . . . Still, Ole Max wants to urge the AABL top dogs to take a closer look at their monthly award selections. Otherwise, pitchers like Mike Couchee, 0-0, might be in line for the 2007 Golden Arm Award.

This is Max Mercy, Jr. signing off until next time . . .

[batted balls]

May 9, 2007

Baton Rouge, La.--If you are a fan of Lousiana State baseball, there hasn't been much to cheer about. Albert "Joey" Belle may change that.

After splitting time between the minors and the big club bench, Belle has emerged as one of the top sluggers in the All-American Baseball League East.

"I've always been confident in my hitting abilities," said Belle. "I knew it was a matter of time before I got my shot. I'm here to make the most of it."

LSU manager Skip Bertram added, "Albert is well on his way to establishing himself as an All-Star. I foresee the day when he's a Golden Spikes winner."

Belle has backed up his manager's high praise with a strong start. Belle's six home runs and 28 RBIs are second only to Ivy first baseman Lou Gehrig's East-leading totals. He leads the East with 12 doubles. After batting just .194 a year ago, Belle is hitting at a .306 clip this season. So what's the difference?

"Like I said, I'm getting my shot as a regular player," Belle said. "Skip has me in the lineup every day. I'm in a groove."

The only downside to Belle's game this season has been a high amount of strikeouts. He has fanned 29 times in 144 at-bats while walking just five times.

Bertram remains unconcerned about his left fielder.

"Continued playing time and experience will take care of that," Bertram said. "Albert will learn to cut down his swing. Pitchers will learn to walk him."

Belle (shown below) has other concerns.

"One thing I'm sure of," said Belle. "I don't want to be called Joey."


Diamond Notes: Illinois was the week's biggest mover in the standings. The Illini, 7-3 in their last 10 games, jumped to sixth place . . . Illinois starter Fred Beebe has won this last three starts to improve his record to 4-3 . . . John Fulgham of Miami was the East Player of the Week. The Hurricane right-hander notched two wins, including a shutout of Mississippi State . . . Michigan pitchers Lary Sorensen and Jim Abbott are a combined 6-1 in their last eight starts . . . Mississippi State closer Bobby Thigpen is 10-for-10 in save opportunities. The hard-throwing right-hander leads the East in that category.

Stat of the Week: Three of LSU left fielder Albert Belle's last six hits have been home runs.

East Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Michigan 22 14 .611 --
Ivy 21 15 .583 1.0
Mississippi State 21 15 .583 1.0
Minnesota 19 17 .528 3.0
Miami 18 18 .500 4.0
Illinois 17 19 .472 5.0
Michigan State 16 20 .444 6.0
Notre Dame 16 20 .444 6.0
Florida State 15 21 .417 7.0
Louisiana State 15 21 .417 7.0

[batted balls]

May 9, 2007

Berkeley, Calif.--The Cal Golden Bears continued their winning ways. The Southern California Trojans were even better in the past week. Thus, Cal and USC are tied atop the All-American Baseball League West standings.

"It's going to be a dogfight all season long," said Cal manager Clint Evans. "No one will run away with the division like Arizona State did last year."

USC manager Rod Dedeaux supports Evans' prediction.

"It seems as if everybody was able to shore up what they were lacking from a year ago," said the USC manager. "It's going to really exciting all summer long."

While Cal is 7-3 in its last 10 games, USC was beaten just once in that same stretch. In fact, the Trojans strung together seven straight wins.

"We've finally begun to put it all together," said Dedeaux. "Pitching, hitting, fielding, base running . . . it's all looking good right now."

USC third baseman Aaron Boone has continued to tear up West pitching. Boone, 12-for-his last 30, has raised his West-leading average to .376. Pitchers Jim Barr (7-0) and Randy Johnson (3-0) have been virtually unhittable. Center fielder Fred Lynn (.331-10-24) has caught everything hit his way. The Trojans are tied for second in the AABL with 13 steals.

"We're more aggressive on the bases this year," Dedeaux said. "It's paying off in a number of ways."

Meanwhile, Cal has relied on strong pitching. Starters Orval Overall (5-2), Bill "Bugs" Werle (5-2), Ryan Drese (3-0) and Andy Messersmith (3-1) have racked up a 16-5 record. Closer Mike Cather is tied for third with eight saves.

"Our pitching has been our mainstay," Evans said. "But our offense is coming through with timely hits."

Meanwhile, defending West champion Arizona State has fallen into third place. The Sun Devils, two games behind Cal and USC, dropped two straight one-run decisions to eighth-place Stanford.

Diamond Notes: Arizona's Jason Bates captured the West Player of the Week award. Bates (shown below) is 12-for-his last 22 with two home runs. The Wildcat second baseman is second in West batting at .353 . . . UCLA closer Jim York is listed as day-to-day with inflamed muscles in his back . . . USC sent outfielder Geoff Jenkins to the minors and brought up 20-year-old Don Buford . . . Oklahoma State has lost 13 straight games. The last-place Cowboys are just 9-27, the worst record in the AABL.

Stat of the Week: Five weeks into the season, San Diego State starters have yet to post a win. Those starters are Aaron Harang (0-4), Don Shaw (0-3), Jim Andrews (0-1), Dan Murray (0-5) and Mike Couchee (0-0).

West Standings

Team W L PCT GB
California 24 12 .667 --
Southern California 24 12 .667 --
Arizona State 22 14 .611 2.0
UCLA 20 16 .556 4.0
Texas 18 18 .500 6.0
Arizona 17 19 .472 7.0
Cal State Fullerton 17 19 .472 7.0
Stanford 17 19 .472 7.0
San Diego State 12 24 .333 12.0
Oklahoma State 9 27 .250 15.0

[batted balls]

Max Mercy, Jr. here again, folks . . .

As you know Ole Max loves to watch his baseball. As you know Ole Max also loves to watch the ladies--lovely ladies, that is.

So just as Ole Max doesn't like to waste his time looking at homely women, Ole Max doesn't care to watch awful baseball teams. So while clubs like Michigan, Ivy, Cal and USC appear to be this year's bathing beauties, Oklahoma State stands the best chance of being left home on prom night.

Manager Gary Ward's Cowboys ain't ridin' so high this season. OK State isn't okay. The Cowpokes have the worst record in the AABL at 9-27. They're already 15 games behind USC and Cal, the two teams tied for first in the West.

This is a team that went a respectable 79-83 record and sixth-place finish just a season ago. How did things go south so fast? Ole Max is here to tell you.

1) Pitching--The Cowboy staff ranks last or near the bottom of every category. OSU pitchers have the worst ERA (4.49) and have given up the most home runs (36) and runs (190) of any staff in the league. Take away Tom Borland's 3-1 record and the OSU starters are a miserable 3-17. Closer Scott Williamson has just one lousy save.

2) Hitting--While the pitching deserves much of the blame, the offense clearly isn't what it was a year ago. Let's start with outfielder Pete Incaviglia. This "slugger" was an All-Star last season and even garnered some Golden Spikes votes at season's end. So far this year, Big Pete is batting an anemic .181. While he is among the West leaders with five home runs, Incaviglia has driven home just 12. Moreover, he has struck out 36 times in 144 at-bats. Don't blame it all on Big Pete however. Catcher Mickey Tettleton is batting .211; short stop Gary Green is at .193 and center fielder Doug Dascenzo at a buck twenty-five.

3) Injuries--Green, who hit 13 homers and knocked in 56 last season, has been bothered by shoulder problems. It's affected his swing but more concerning, it's hampered his defense. Green has already matched his error total (8) of a season ago. Pitchers Dave Mlicki and Mike Henneman have missed time with arm ailments as well.

4) Lack of Team Speed--Oklahoma State has yet to steal a base. Let Ole Max repeat that, Oklahoma State has yet to steal a base. That's right, folks, the Cowboys have yet to lasso one measly stolen base through 36 games. Sure this team is full of plodders like Incaviglia, Tettleton, Jeromy Burnitz and Robin Ventura. But manager Gary Ward has to take a few chances and try to create runs with guys like Dascenzo or even Chris Richards. Station-to-station baseball only works when all the locomotives are running smoothly. Take it from Ole Max, this railroad is full of broken tracks.

5) No Help from the Minors--Oklahoma State's farm system is ranked 17th out of 20. Its "top prospects" are more like suspects. Infielder Jay Canizaro and catcher Robbie Wine are rated 75th and 77th best on the top 100 list. That's pretty far down the pecking order, gang.

There you have it, folks, not much to cheer about in Stillwater. Gary Ward and the Cowboys are in for a long season. So if you are an Oklahoma State fan or alum, pull your Cowboy hat down low. That's where you'll find your team in the standings--low. So low, in fact, you can only see up.

This is Max Mercy, Jr. signing off until my next at-bat . . .

[batted balls]

May 17, 2007

East Lansing, Mich.--From day one of spring training Michigan State manager John Kobs urged his Spartans to forget last year and give it their all this season. Kob's team has done just that.

Michigan State, 58-104 a season ago, has run off three straight victories and has won seven of its last 10. Fresh off a sweep of Notre Dame in South Bend, the Spartans find themselves in a tie with two other teams for fifth place in the All-American Baseball League East.

"It's amazing what a little confidence will do," said Kobs. "Our theme this year is 'What's Stopping Us?'"

Against the Fighting Irish, apparently nothing. The Spartans outscored Notre Dame 14-8 in the series sweep.

"This isn't the same Michigan State team from a year ago," said Notre Dame manager Pat Murphy.

Michigan State's turnaround appears to have as much to do with attitude as hitting and pitching.

"We won't knock you over statistically," said Kobs. "But we will grind out every pitch and every at-bat."

The Spartans have relied heavily on production from the heart of their order. Third baseman Steve Garvey, who bats third, carries the East's second best average at .353 despite being plagued by a shoulder ailment. Cleanup hitter Kirk Gibson has bounced back from a terrible 2006. Gibson, who hit just .193 last season, leads Michigan State with five home runs and 31 RBIs. Fifth-place hitter Rick Miller and Garvey each have 24 RBIs.

"It's definitely a different feeling around here," said Miller, the East's Player of the Week after hitting .435 during that span.

"People aren't going to just throw out their gloves and beat us anymore," continued Miller (shown below).

At the end of the game, Michigan State still has All-Star stopper Dick "The Monster" Radatz to close the door. Radatz, who saved 28 games last season, is 6-for-7 in save chances this year.

"Radatz is exactly what his nickname suggests," Murphy said.

Diamond Notes: Will Clark of Mississippi State has been out of the Bulldog lineup with an inflamed back . . . Notre Dame has lost seven straight games and dropped into last place . . . A bright spot for the Fighting Irish has been Louis Sockalexis. The left fielder is 4-for-4 in stolen base attempts and is reported to be the fastest player in the league . . . Michigan rookie Charlie Gehringer has a 10-game hitting streak and has raised his average to .289 . . . Mississippi State right-hander Jonathan Papelbon had his six-game win streak snapped in a 4-0 loss Friday to Bryan Hickerson and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Stat of the Week: Despite being ranked 15th in team batting average (.236) and 18th in home runs (14), Michigan is sixth in runs scored (156).

East Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Michigan 26 16 .619 --
Ivy 25 17 .595 1.0
Mississippi State 25 17 .595 1.0
Miami 22 20 .524 4.0
Illinois 20 22 .476 6.0
Michigan State 20 22 .476 6.0
Minnesota 20 22 .476 6.0
Florida State 18 24 .429 8.0
Louisiana State 18 24 .429 8.0
Notre Dame 16 26 .381 10.0

[batted balls]

May 17, 2006

Palo Alto, Calif.--Consecutive series sweeps has skyrocketed Stanford back into the All-American Baseball League West race.

Just a few short weeks ago, the Cardinal looked to be fading from the West pennant chase. But after sweeping three-game series from both Cal and Cal State Fullerton, Stanford is just five games behind first-place Southern California.

"Don't forget before that we took three of four from Arizona State," pointed out Cardinal manager Mark Marquess.

Stanford, 23-19, is tied with UCLA for fourth place. The Cardinal have won eight games in a row and nine of its last 10.

The difference has been a revamped offense. Last season, Stanford struggled to score runs. This year, the Cardinal have been terrors on the bases (an AABL-leading 19 steals) and at the plate (29 homers, a league fourth-best).

Designated hitter Jeffrey Hammonds is a solid example of both. Hammonds (.333-4-19) leads the West with 12 stolen bases.

"Mark told me to be aggressive on the bases, and that's what I've done," said Hammonds (shown below).

Yet Hammonds is not alone when it comes to the new and improved Stanford slugging. Right fielder Steve Hovley (.338-3-19) has hit in 21 straight games, the highest streak in the AABL this year.

"Injuries slowed Steve last year," said Marquess. "He's healthy now and it shows."

Third baseman Steve Buechele (.191-5-18) and catcher Bob Boone (.263-5-15) have certainly contributed.

"Getting a little more rest has done wonders for my game," said Boone. "I have A.J.(Hinch) to thank for that."

Hinch, Boone's rookie backup catcher, is batting .266 with two homers and 11 RBIs.

Another reason for the Stanford revival was Marquess's decision to move right-hander Dave Frost into the rotation. Since becoming a starter, Frost (3-0, 2.12 ERA) has won two straight decisions.

"I'm more relaxed this year as a starter than I ever was last season," said Frost.

Closer Steve Chitren has also regained his form from last year's All-Star season. The right-hander has saved seven straight games lifting his total to nine on the young season.

"At the beginning of the year I wasn't throwing all that well," said Chitren. "Now, I'm in one of those grooves where I can't wait to be handed the ball."

Diamond Notes: Southern California pitcher Jim Barr was chosen as West Player of the Week. Barr, an All-Star last season, has won all nine decisions this year. The right-hander who leads the West in wins has thrown two shutouts. Barr has not been scored on in 17 consecutive innings . . . Aaron Harang earned the first victory by a San Diego State starting pitcher Wednesday as the Aztecs slipped by Texas 4-3 . . . Arizona State third baseman Bob Horner is 10-for-his last 16. That raised his average to .370, second best in the West.

Stat of the Week: Stanford catcher Bob Boone has thrown out five of eight would-be base stealers (62.5%).

West Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Southern California 28 14 .667 --
Arizona State 26 16 .619 2.0
California 25 17 .595 3.0
Stanford 23 19 .548 5.0
UCLA 23 19 .548 5.0
Arizona 21 21 .500 7.0
Texas 21 21 .500 7.0
Cal State Fullerton 18 24 .429 10.0
San Diego State 15 27 .357 13.0
Oklahoma State 10 32 .238 18.0

[molarmite]

Better 2nd season by the Gophers.

[batted balls]

It sure looks that way. That's what I love about baseball and Out of the Park, you just never know.

[batted balls]

May 24, 2007

Bristol, Conn.--Don't look now, but the defending All-American Baseball League champs are back.

Ivy, winners of the 2006 AABL title, have ridden the crest of a six-game winning streak to take over first place in the East. The Eagles have won eight of their last 10.

"A good sign was sweeping both (three-game) series from Michigan State and Minnesota," Ivy manager Bob Seddon said. "We're finally playing like we did a year ago."

The Eagles, 31-18, hold a two-game lead over Michigan. After losing three straight, Mississippi State is four back. Miami is in fifth place, five games out. Sixth-place Illinois trails by six games.

As for Ivy, starting pitching has led the way. Right-handers Jim Beattie (7-1, 2.08 ERA) and Ted Olson (6-3, 2.47) have both won their last three starts. Pete Broberg (5-4, 2.88) and John Milligan (5-3, 4.45) have pitched better of late. Ron Darling (3-2, 4.02) has suffered from inconsistency.

Offensively, the Eagles are making the most of their base runners.

"We're taking pitches, drawing walks and driving them home," Seddon said.

Ivy is ranked second with 211 walks and fourth with 219 runs scored. Center fielder Roy Thomas leads the East with 50 walks. Teammate Steve Yerkes (29) and Lou Gehrig (26) are in the top 10.

Gehrig leads the East with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs. The left-handed slugger also is tops in OPS (1.000) while Yerkes is the East's run scoring leader (34).

"We're in a groove right now," said Yerkes (shown below). "That's good news for us. Bad news for our opponents."

Diamond Notes: Fred Beebe of Illinois is the East Player of the Week. The right-hander won two games including a shutout of Michigan State to raise his record to 6-4 on the season . . .Michigan State third baseman Steve Garvey has taken over the East batting race with a .361 average. Cap Anson of Notre Dame is second at .359 while Minnesota's Paul Molitor holds down third at .339 . . . Louis Sockalexis of Notre Dame has taken over the stolen base leadership. Sockalexis is 7-for-9 in steals . . . Ivy is just 11-13 at home yet 20-5 on the road . . . Albert Belle of LSU has just two hits in his last 23 at-bats. Belle has no home runs and just one RBI in that span.

Stat of the Week: Kirk Gibson, Michigan State left fielder, is second to Gehrig with 32 RBIs. Gibson drove in just 35 runs all of last season.

East Standings


Team W L PCT GB
Ivy 31 18 .633 --
Michigan 29 20 .592 2.0
Mississippi State 27 22 .551 4.0
Miami 26 23 .531 5.0
Illinois 25 24 .510 6.0
Florida State 23 26 .469 8.0
Louisiana State 21 28 .429 10.0
Michigan State 21 28 .429 10.0
Minnesota 21 28 .429 10.0
Notre Dame 21 28 .429 10.0

[batted balls]

Los Angeles--The damage had long been done. The carnage was over. As the cleanup crew swept away hotdog wrappers and beverage cups, the scoreboard read: USC 17, San Diego State 2.

"It's becoming a sign of the times," said USC third baseman Aaron Boone who had homered in the game. "We can light up a scoreboard like a football team."

The way things are going, the Trojan football team might have trouble keeping up with their baseball counterparts. USC leads the All-American Baseball League in nearly every offensive category.

"But, most importantly, we lead the West standings," said USC manager Rod Dedeaux.

While the offense continues to rip opponents and light up scoreboards, it's been the improved Trojan pitching that has led to the team's rise to the top. While right-hander Jim Barr lost for the first time this season in his last outing against Stanford, he leads the West with a 9-1 record. Hard-throwing left-hander Randy Johnson is 5-0.

"I should have had Randy in the rotation more last year," Dedeaux said. "At least I have the good sense to have him there this year."

Mark Prior, last year's West Golden Arm winner, is just 4-3 yet leads the AABL with 82 strikeouts in 67.1 innings.

"Mark will come around with more wins," Dedeaux said. "We haven't scored runs for him like we have for the others."

The others include lefty Barry Zito (5-2, 1.88) and righty Tom Seaver (2-4, 3.16). Closer Ray Lamb has 13 saves, second only to Arizona's Trevor Hoffman (14).

"This is shaping up as a fine year for us," said Barr (shown below). "Maybe even a championship year."

Diamond Notes: Steve Hovley of Stanford has equaled the record for the longest hitting streak. The Cardinal outfielder has hit safely in 27 straight games to tie the mark set last season by Hubie Brooks of Arizona State. Hovley, fifth in batting at .342, will face Arizona starter Joe Magrane as he attempts to continue his streak . . . Fred Lynn of USC won the West Player of the Week for the third time in his career. Lynn, who batted .444 for the week, leads the West in OPS (1.104) and is third in hitting (.353) . . . Arizona State right-hander Gary Gentry two-hit Cal State Fullerton Sunday for his second career shutout . . . Troy Glaus of UCLA has tied Bob Horner of Arizona State for the West leadership in home runs with 15. Glaus, who homered twice in the series against San Diego State, also leads the West with 45 RBIs.

Stat of the Week: During his record-tying 27-game hit string, Stanford outfielder Steve Hovley is 46-for-107 (.429). Hovley has 13 multi-hit games in the streak.


West Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Southern California 33 16 .673 --
Arizona State 30 19 .612 3.0
UCLA 28 21 .571 5.0
California 27 22 .551 6.0
Arizona 26 23 .531 7.0
Stanford 26 23 .531 7.0
Texas 25 24 .510 8.0
Cal State Fullerton 20 29 .408 13.0
San Diego State 17 32 .347 16.0
Oklahoma State 13 36 .265 20.0

[batted balls]

May 25, 2007

Palo Alto, Calif.--Stanford right fielder Steve Hovley's bid to extend his 27-game hitting streak ended Monday afternoon against Arizona left-hander Joe Magrane.

"He was tough all day," said Hovley. "People will talk about the lefty versus lefty matchup, but Joe was tough no matter which side of the plate you were hitting from today."

For the record, Stanford won the game 3-0 behind the four-hit pitching of Mike Mussina. But the story and the focus were clearly on Hovley's bid to get a hit.

"This is the first time I've ever thrown a shutout and been disappointed," said Mussina, who raised his record to 5-6. "We were all pulling for Steve."

Hovley went 0-for-4 and only once hit the ball out of the infield. Magrane, 3-5, gave up just six hits and two earned runs in the loss.

"I threw to him like I threw to everybody in the game, to get them out," Magrane said.

The afternoon crowd of 21,189 gave Hovley a standing ovation each time he came to the plate. The biggest applause came after Hovley grounded out to third base in his final at-bat in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Hovley's failure to produce a hit means that he will share the record for the longest hitting streak in All-American Baseball League history with Hubie Brooks of Arizona State. Brooks hit in 27 straight games last season.

"Watching Steve every day has been exciting," said Stanford left fielder Dave Meier who drove in two of the Cardinal runs against Magrane. "Who knows, Steve is liable to go out and start and new streak tomorrow."

[batted balls]

May 27, 2007

Los Angeles--Anyone doubting Mark Prior's abilities this season need look no further than Thursday's record-breaking performance.

Prior, last year's West Golden Arm Award winner, struck out 15 batters in eight innings as Southern California toppled Texas 7-0. In addition, Prior allowed just one hit and walked none.

"Mark was overpowering today," said USC catcher Dennis Littlejohn. "He was as good as I've seen him."

Prior began the game by striking out the side in the first inning. The lone Texas hit came on a third-inning single by catcher Keith Moreland.

"Looking back, I was fortunate to get our one hit," said Moreland. "Prior was really on top on his game."

Longhorn leadoff hitter Pinky Higgins struck out in all four of his at-bats.

"He had me off balance all day," Higgins said. "His curve was so good that it made his fastball seem unhittable. Guess he nearly was today."

The win lifted Prior's record to 5-3 and lowered his ERA to 2.39. Barry Latman came out of the bullpen to strike out the side in the ninth. Left-hander Bruce Ruffin (6-6) took the loss for Texas.

"We didn't hardly get any wood on the ball today," Texas manager Cliff Gustafson said. "Things have got to change for us, and they've got to change quickly."

Prior broke the old record of 13 set by Fred Beebe of Illinois last year. The USC right-hander leads the All-American Baseball League with 97 strikeouts.

USC improved to an AABL-best 36-16 with the win. The Trojans lead second-place Arizona State by five games. The Sun Devils were defeated by UCLA 6-1 as left-hander Floyd Bannister (8-1) suffered his first loss of the season.

Clapinski Hits for Cycle as Cal Rolls

Berkeley, Calif.--Cal third baseman Chris Clapinski hit for the cycle as the Golden Bears rolled to an 11-0 victory over Cal State Fullerton.

Clapinski, just a .215 hitter entering the game, went 4-for-5 and drove home a career-high five runs. Clapinski, who raised his average to .233, singled in the second inning off loser Jeff Robinson (4-5). In the third, he doubled home a run. In the seventh, Clapinski hit a 347-foot grand slam off reliver Chad Cordero. That left only the triple.

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't in my mind," said Clapinski. "We were up 11-0 so I figured why not go for it."

Clapinski drilled a line drive into the right-center field gap off reliever Brent Billingsley in the ninth. Clapinski then beat a relay throw on a close play at third to complete his cycle.

"We've never seen Chris run like that," joked Cal center fielder Sam Chapman.

Clapinski became just the second player this season to hit for the cycle. Florida State third baseman Eduardo Perez accomplished the feat April 19.

Somewhat lost in the excitement was Cal right-hander Andy Messersmith's dominant two-hit performance. Messersmith, 5-1, lowered his ERA to 1.66.