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Fassero shines in return to Seattle
Mariner bats silenced by veteran southpaw
May 22, 1998

SEATTLE - Jeff Fassero was warmly greeted by Mariner fans when he took the mound for the visiting Tampa Bay Devil Rays, but many of those fans were not so pleased when he walked off the mound after completing a shutout against his former team.

Fassero threw nine shutout innings and struck out five while giving up four hits and four walks on 112 pitches at the Kingdome. With the win, he improved to 4-3 with a 3.39 ERA in nine starts this season.

"This will be one of a few games that I think I will always remember," Fassero said. "Coming back here, being welcomed back the way I was by the fans, and then fighting them off with a little help from my defense; it was really, really special."

Seattle stars Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey, Jr. had one hit each while John Marzano went 2-for-3 against Fassero. Edgar Martinez was held hitless, but did draw two walks.

"He was on his game today, that's for sure," said Mariners manager Lou Piniella, Fassero's skipper last season. "We saw this kind of performance a few times from Jeff last year."

While Fassero starred on the mound, it was, once again, Greg Vaughn who led the charge offensively. Vaughn went 2-for-3 with a walk, two home runs, two runs and four RBI. Each of Tampa Bay's runs in the 4-0 shutout came via a Vaughn home run.

"He's been unbelievable, man, he really has," Fassero said. "He makes my job a lot easier when he produces runs like he does."

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Canseco heading to Baltimore
Orioles send Erickson to A's for slugger
May 23, 1998

BALTIMORE - In an attempt to pad their slim division lead, the Orioles acquired the muscle-bound Jose Canseco from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for pitcher Scott Erickson today.

Canseco, 33, has been a middle of the lineup caliber hitter for more than a decade, owner of 359 home runs in 1,520 career games with the A's, Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox. He has hit .248 with 11 home runs and 34 RBI in 42 games this year, putting him on pace to belt out 38 home runs and 117 RBI.

"We're not sure where Jose will fit into the lineup just yet, both in terms of where he will hit and where he will play," said Orioles manager Buddy Bell. "He'll be somewhere in the middle of the order and, at least to start, will probably be moving between right field and DH more often than not."

Canseco is signed through the 2001 season after signing a five-year deal with the A's prior to last season.

Erickson, a 30-year-old California native, went 5-3 with a 4.76 ERA in 10 starts with Baltimore this year. He owns a 98-96 record and 4.43 ERA in his nine year career. He is expected to make his Oakland debut this weekend.

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Griffey walk off slam stings Rays
Mariners score eight in ninth to top Tampa Bay
May 24, 1998

SEATTLE - The Mariners completed an improbable comeback tonight, torching Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitching in the ninth inning for eight runs, capped off by a Ken Griffey, Jr. walk-off Grand Slam, to defeat their guests, 8-5.

"We're extremely disappointed," said a visibly upset Christian O'Neal, Devil Rays manager. "It's ridiculous."

Tampa Bay pitching was impressive for the first eight innings of the ballgame as starting pitcher Aaron Sele went into the ninth inning working on a shutout. Sele had carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

"Shell-shocked," Sele said after the game. "I'm completely shell-shocked. It's like someone turned a switch and we went from cruising along to watching them pound us."

Sele entered the ninth inning having given up no runs on three hits and four walks, having struck out nine Seattle hitters. Griffey drew a walk to lead off the inning and was followed by Alex Rodriguez, who reached on a muffed grounder to third base. Jose Cruz, Jr. grounded out for the first out but Rob Ducey ended Sele's shutout and his night by belting a 2-1 fastball to left for a three-run home run. Vic Darensbourg entered the game and faced pinch-hitter Troy Glaus, who singled. Darensbourg was then replaced by Devil Rays closer Rick Aguilera while Glaus was lifted for pinch-runner Joey Cora. Aguilera forced Jay Buhner into a ground out but then surrendered back-to-back singles to Eric Young and Ron Coomer. The Coomer single made it a one-run ballgame with the tying run on second base. Aguilera and Edgar Martinez engaged in a six-pitch at bat that ultimately loaded the bases with a walk. With Griffey coming to the plate, O'Neal took his closer out of the game in favor of lefty Greg Cadaret. After falling behind Griffey, 2-1, Cadaret threw an inside fastball that the slugger pulled down the line for a 361-foot game-winning Grand Slam.

[Moriarty9]

Expansion clubs swap veteran pitchers
Aguilera, Key trade uniforms
May 29, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Baseball's two youngest franchises today agreed to a trade of veteran pitchers.

The Arizona Diamondbacks dealth southpaw Jimmy Key, 37, to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for struggling closer Rick Aguilera, 36.

Key has worked out of Arizona's bullpen and starting rotation this year, posting a 2-2 record and 3.77 ERA in nine appearances, including three starts. A 15-year veteran who had spent the first 14 years of his career exclusively in the American League East with the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, Key is a four-time All Star and owner of a career 180-117 record and 3.64 ERA. He was unhappy in Arizona, who had acquired him from Baltimore in the expansion draft over the winter.

Aguilera, a three-time All Star also selected in the expansion draft, had struggled mightily as the Tampa Bay closer. In 14 appearances, he went 0-3 with five saves and a 7.45 ERA. Opponents have hit .341 against him this year.

Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers would not speculate on what role Aguilera will initially play in Arizona, a closer or a setup man to current closer Carlos Reyes. Reyes, 29, has gone 1-2 with 11 saves and a 3.78 ERA in 15 appearances for Arizona. He has three blown saves on the year.

Devil Rays skipper Christian O'Neal was unavailable for comment at press time, and there has been no indication as of yet as to whether Key will serve Tampa Bay as a starter or reliever, and who will assume the role of closer.

[Moriarty9]

Big Unit, M's shut down Tampa Bay
Clark ejected, may face league discipline
May 30, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Randy Johnson and the Seattle Mariners were on top of their game today as they beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 8-3 at Tropicana Field.

Johnson improved to 8-2 on the season by giving up two runs on seven hits and one walk over eight innings, striking out 16 Tampa Bay batters, before handing the ball off to Bruce Ruffin for the ninth inning.

"There's no secret that he's one of the most dominant lefties in baseball history," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "The guy is good. What else can I say?"

Will Clark, Johnson's first strikeout victim of the game, was ejected in the first inning after arguing a called third strike. A heated argument ensued and Clark bumped his chest into that of the home plate umpire before being separated by O'Neal and other Tampa Bay coaches.

Because he had physical contact with the umpire during the argument, Clark may be subject to a fine and/or a suspension from the league. Clark was not in the clubhouse following tonight's loss.

In addition to the impressive pitching by Johnson, Seattle sluggers Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey, Jr. each hit home runs off Devil Rays starter Aaron Sele. Rodriguez hit his 21st of the season in the third inning, a solo shot, while Griffey his No. 23, a two-run blast, in the seventh inning.


Randy Johnson struck out 16 Tampa Bay batters.

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Devil Rays get Key start, runs
Mariners pounded by Tampa Bay bats
May 31, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The offense was alive and recently acquired Jimmy Key featured a few lively pitches as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays drubbed the Seattle Mariners, 9-1, at Tropicana Field.

Making his Devil Rays debut, Key held the Mariners to one run on three hits and four walks over 7 1/3 innings of work. With the win, his first with Tampa Bay, he improves to 3-2 on the season. Key struck out just one Seattle batter, watching as the defense recorded eight ground outs and a dozen fly ball outs.

"These guys played pretty well out there tonight and made my job a hell of a lot easier," Key said. "When you don't have to try to strike everyone out because the offense is giving you run support and the defense is making the plays, then it makes the pitcher's job a lot easier."

Ron Coomer, Edgar Martinez and Alex Rodriguez combined for Seattle's three hits.

Danny Graves, Greg Cadaret and Paul Quantrill teamed up to work the final 1 2/3 innings of the ballgame, holding Seattle to no runs, no hits and one walk during that time.

Offensively, the Devil Rays were strong in the middle innings and added a few insurance runs late. Jose Hernandez and Ryan Radmanovich had three hits a piece. Hernandez hit a solo home run off Josias Manzanillo in the eighth inning while Radmanovich had two doubles. Wilton Guerrero, batting in the leadoff spot, had just one hit in five at bats but drove in three runs, highlighted by a two-run shot in off Manzanillo in the eighth. Greg Vaughn hit his 14th home run of the season - a solo blast off Dennis Martinez in the fourth inning - and Will Clark hit his first triple of the year.

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Weekly and monthly awards
Larry Walker's tear continues
June 1, 1998

MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Twins firstbaseman John Jaha was named the American League's player of the week after hitting .550 (11-for-20) with three home runs and eight RBI.
The 32-year-old is hitting .368 with 11 homers and 33 RBI in 37 games this year.

DENVER - Colorado Rockies outfielder Larry Walked was named the National League's player of the week after hitting .500 (12-for-24) with 3 home runs and seven RBI.
Walker was also awarded player of the month, hitting .471 with 11 homers and 31 RBI in May.
The 31-year-old left-handed slugger is hitting .463 with 25 homers and 62 RBI in 55 games. He is on pace an outlandish 71 home runs and 176 RBI.

SEATTLE - Mariners star outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr., 28, was honored for an impressive month of May. Griffey hit .302 with 14 home runs, 30 RBI and 25 runs scored for the month, and is hitting .276 with 23 homers and 60 RBI on the year.

KANSAS CITY - Royals hurler Kerry Wood was the most dominant pitcher of May, going 5-0 in six starts, striking out 57 in 38 innings and posting a 1.66 ERA for the month.
Wood is 10-1 with a 2.33 ERA in 13 starts this year.

LOS ANGELES - Dodgers reliever Mark Guthrie was the surprise pitcher of the month in the NL, going 2-0 with 10 saves and 14 strikeouts in 14 appearances in May, posting a 1.15 ERA in that time.
Guthrie is 2-1 with a 1.32 ERA and 21 saves on the season.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Tampa Bay Devil Rays corner infielder Paul Konerko earned the AL's Rookie of the Month award, hitting .382 with four home runs and 12 RBI for the Devil Rays in May. On the season, the 22-year-old, who has spent half the year in AAA, has hit .362 with five homers and 15 RBI in 94 at bats.

CINCINNATI - Reds infielder Aaron Boone was named Rookie of the Month for the Senior Circuit after hitting .297 with three homers and 20 RBI in May. He is hitting .273 with six homers and 34 RBI on the year.

[Moriarty9]

Wild walk off win
Johnson homer sinks Rangers
June 1, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Charles Johnson has just six RBI on the season, and none bigger than the one he picked up tonight.

Johnson hit a walk-off home run to lead off the last of the ninth inning to give the Tampa Bay Devil Rays a 5-4 victory over the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field.

"I was just looking for solid contact, looking to get on base and hope the rest of the guys could push me around," Johnson said. "I knew I was getting a fastball on 3-1, and just wanted to pull it into left for a basehit but it carried enough to get into the stands."

Johnson's home run, his fourth of the season, landed just over the wall and leftfielder Rusty Greer's mitt, 325 feet from home plate. "They must've turned on the air conditioner to make up the difference," Johnson joked.

Will Clark also homered in the ballgame, hitting a solo home run off John Burkett in the sixth inning. Geoff Jenkins hit one for Texas, taking Pedro Martinez deep for a solo shot in the fourth inning.

Martinez did not factor in the decision, having been lifted after the eighth inning. He gave up four runs on 10 hits and one walk with eight strikeouts over eight innings. Vic Darensbourg picked up the win for Tampa Bay, walking one and giving up one hit in his one inning of work, striking out one.

Ed Vosberg fell to 2-2 with the loss, giving up the walk off home run to the only batter he faced. Burkett have up four runs, three earned, on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings.

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Hoiles hits three homers
Seattle outslugs Baltimore
June 1, 1998

BALTIMORE - Chris Hoiles of the Orioles won the battle against Seattle pitching, but lost the war.

Hoiles hit three home runs at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in a losing effort as Baltimore lost to the Mariners, 12-10.

"I don't try to hit homers," he said. "I try to go out there and have good at bats. If I put a good swing on the ball, then it is going to go out of the park. I didn't try to hit the first one or the second one or the third one. I just try to have good at bats."

Hoiles struck out in the second inning, hit a solo home run off Scott Sanders in the fourth inning, hit a three-run shot off Sanders in the fifth, walked in the seventh, and hit a solo home run off Bill Risley in the eighth inning.

Hoiles is hitting .344 with 13 home runs and 34 RBI on the season.



Chris Hoiles had a career day, hitting three home runs.

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Astros land closer Jones
Leyritz heading to Milwaukee
June 2, 1998

MILWAUKEE - The Brewers today announced they have traded veteran relief pitcher Doug Jones to the Houston Astros for catcher Jim Leyritz.

Jones, 40, returns to Houston where he had his finest season in the big leagues. In 1992, he went 11-8 with 36 saves and a 1.85 ERA in 80 appearances with the Astros. This year, Jones has gone 3-2 with 13 saves and a 4.28 ERA in 24 games.

Leyritz, 34, has hit .232 with three home runs and 14 RBI in 51 games with Milwaukee. He is signed through 2000 for less than $1 million annually. Jones is set to become a free agent at season's end. At his age, Jones is also a candidate for retirement this fall as well.

Astros manager Larry Dierker said Jones will serve as a setup man for closer Billy Wagner while Brewers skipper Phil Garner indicated Leyritz would take over as his team's regular catcher.



Doug Jones is returning to the Houston Astros, with whom he pitched for in 1992 and 1993.

[Moriarty9]

Cone, Yanks squeak by 1-0
Sele tough-luck loser in Bronx
June 4, 1998

NEW YORK - Aaron Sele pitched well today, but David Cone was a little bit better as the Yankees shutout the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 1-0.

Cone improved to 5-3 on the year, throwing eight shutout innings, holding the Devil Rays to three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts. Yankees closer Mariano Rivera took the ball for the ninth inning and, although he did allow a base hit and a walk, recorded his 14th save of the season.

"Those guys did a good job of keeping us off balance today," said Devil Rays firstbaseman Will Clark, who went 0-for-3 with a walk in the game. "Coney has been around a long time and knows how to pitch, that much is for sure."

Sele fell to 3-6 with the loss, giving up just one run on seven hits and three walks with four strikeouts in seven innings. Danny Graves and Vic Darensbourg combined for a scoreless eighth inning.

The only run of the game came in the first inning, a RBI single from Rafael Palmeiro. Derek Jeter led off for New York and singled, only to be caught trying to steal second base. Andy Fox was hit by a pitch and was later advanced to second by a Jorge Posada single, and scored on Palmeiro's base hit to left field.

Greg Vaughn was the only Devil Rays batter with multiple hits, going 2-for-4 in the contest. There were no extrabase hits in the game for either side.

"It was a good, clean game," said Tampa Bay skipper Christian O'Neal. "The only thing more we could've asked for was that we scraped out that one run instead of them. We'll get 'em next time."

[Moriarty9]

Pitchers, grab your bats
Interleague Play begins tonight
June 5, 1998

Interleague Play returns to the Major League Baseball schedule today as American League and National League squads take one another on across the country.

Tonight's Interleague matchups are highlighted by the Chicago White Sox taking the short trip to Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs while Ohio baseball fans watch the Cleveland Indians at the Cincinnati Reds. There are also some memorable rematches from World Series of recent years, including the New York Mets at Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies at Toronto Blue Jays. Elsewhere across the league, the Montreal Expos become the first National League club to play against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the Florida Marlins travel to the Bronx and play the New York Yankees, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Minnesota Twins, the Atlanta Braves take on the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, the Milwaukee Brewers host former division-foe Detroit, the Kansas City Royals will play the Houston Astros in Texas, while the Texas Rangers host the San Diego Padres, the Los Angeles Dodgers go north to take on the Seattle Mariners, the Arizona Diamondbacks will use the DH for the first time as they play the Oakland A's, and the Colorado Rockies take on the Anaheim Angels.
The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals will play against one another in the lone all National League matchup.

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Rays Expos-ed in 3-2 loss
Montreal DH homers for early lead
June 5, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Montreal Expos made the most of the American League rules at Tropicana Field tonight as Designated Hitter Chris Jones hit a two-run home run in the second inning, giving his club a lead they would not relinquish.

Jones hit a 374-foot homer to left-center field off Jimmy Key, giving Montreal a quick 2-0 lead. Though the Tampa Bay Devil Rays would scrape together a couple runs, the Expos held up their side of the scoreboard for the 3-2 win.

"It's tough to have as many one-run losses as we've had lately," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "Sometimes those hurt more than a 10-1 pounding, but the bright side is that we're in these ball games all the way."

Key was the loser, falling to 3-3 on the year, 1-1 with Tampa Bay. The veteran lefty gave up three runs on eight hits and two walks in seven innings. Omar Daal improved to an improbable 9-1 with a 2.76 ERA for the Expos, yielding two runs on six hits and four walks in eight innings. Dave Veres has a 1-2-3 ninth inning to record his 16th save on the year.

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Rockies' Walker placed on DL
Early MVP candidate to miss few weeks
June 5, 1998

ANAHEIM - The Colorado Rockies lineup suffered a huge blow today when the club put slugger Larry Walker on the 15-day disabled list with a knee injury.

Walker has already been talked about as the hands down favorite to win the National League Most Valuable Player award. In just 250 at bats, he has hit .468 with 28 home runs and 72 RBI for the Rockies. Those numbers will have to wait a few weeks to be padded any further.

Walker hurt his knee making a diving catch during tonight's Rockies game against the Anaheim Angels. After being helped off the field, tests were conducted and a team spokesperson announced the star outfielder had damaged the meniscus in his knee. Officials hope Walker will miss 2-3 weeks of action and will be able to return without a rehabilitation assignment to the minor leagues.

[Moriarty9]

Power Surge
Rays clubs five homers
June 7, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Devil Rays used their bats to hand the Montreal Expos an 8-3 loss this afternoon, hitting five home runs.

Greg Vaughn hit his 16th and 17th home runs of the season while Jose Hernandez (7), Will Clark (9) and Charles Johnson (5) each hit homers as well.

"We've been working on making solid contact and it paid off in some big ways today," said Devil Rays hitting coach Cecil Vaughn. "These guys have the potential to hit."

Three of the home runs were hit off Expos starter Carlos Perez, who fell to 5-4 after giving up five runs on four hits and two walks in just two innings of work. Reliever Marc Valdes didn't fare any better, giving up three runs in just 1 1/3 innings of work.

Jeff Fassero was the beneficiary of the run support, improving to 6-4 on the year. Fassero gave up three runs on 11 hits and no walks in seven innings.

[Moriarty9]

Mets take Berkman #1 in Draft
Prospects Hudson, Ankiel taken off board early
June 15, 1998


The annual amateur draft is come and gone, and a number of teams have added some fine young talent to their organizations.

The New York Mets had the first pick of the draft and used it to select Lance Berkman.

The San Diego Padres chose pitcher Tim Hudson with the #2 pick of the draft while left-handed pitcher Rick Ankiel was taken at #3 by the Detroit Tigers.

The Arizona Diamondbacks, with the fifth pick of the draft, selected catcher Ben Petrick, while the Kansas City Royals followed with pitcher Kris Benson.

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays selected firstbaseman Erubiel Durazo with the seventh pick.

Left-handed reliever J.C. Romero went to the Toronto Blue Jays while pitcher A.J. Burnett was selected by the Anaheim Angels. Pitcher Mark Redman was drafted as the tenth overall pick by the Baltimore Orioles.

The rest of the first round draft selections: OF Carlos Lee to the Boston Red Sox, infielder Geoff Blum to the St. Louis Cardinals, outfielders Jacque Jones to the Philadelphia Phillies and Chris Singleton to the Pittsburgh Pirates, infielder Chris Clapinski to the Cincinnati Reds, firstbaseman Steve Cox to the Tigers, outfielder Dave Roberts to the Pirates, outfielder Ruben Mateo to the Cleveland Indians, outfielder Terrence Long to the Milwaukee Brewers, infielder Frank Menechino to the Indians, outfielders Melvin Mora and Roosevelt Brown to the Orioles, outfielder Glen Barker to the Reds, outfielder Calvin Murray to the New York Yankees, outfielder Rob Ryan to the Atlanta Braves, outfielder Mike Darr to the Oakland Athletics, catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Braves, outfielder Vernon Wells to the Florida Marlins, and secondbaseman Jose Macias to the Colorado Rockies.

Some of the players that surprisingly fell to the second round or later included infielder Alfonso Soriano (Round 2, Pick 9, Angels), secondbaseman Adam Kennedy (Round 2, Pick 4, Rockies), shortstop Cristian Guzman (Round 2, Pick 19, Giants), and pitchers Scott Williamson (Round 2, Pick 5, Royals), Byung-Hyun Kim (Round 2, Pick 6, Devil Rays), Billy Koch (Round 2, Pick 18, Indians), Freddy Garcia (Round 3, Pick 5, Royals), Randy Wolf (Round 3, Pick 6, Devil Rays), Gil Meche (Round 3, Pick 29, Marlins), B.J. Ryan (Round 4, Pick 9, Angels), Eric Gagne (Round 5, Pick 21, Twins) and Joe Nathan (Round 6, Pick 4, Diamondbacks).

[Moriarty9]

Rays shut out Jays
Sele suffers serious setback
June 15, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitching was impressive during their 4-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, but starting pitcher Aaron Sele paid the price and will be out for the season.

Sele had given up two hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings of work before being taken out of the game with a back injury. He had been seen stretching behind the mound during the second inning, in the dugout inbetween innings, and was nearly through the third inning when the pain became too much to handle.

"He's a tough kid and he wanted to do his job even though he was fighting through some pretty strong pain," said Tampa Bay pitching coach Brian Hoskins. "It was obvious there was a problem but he insisted he was fine and we gave him a bit of leash before it became clear that he just wasn't going to be able to finish."

The surprising news came after Sele was sent to the trainer's room and then a local hospital for tests. What officials had hoped would prove to be a muscle strain turned out to be a herniated disc. Sele will miss the rest of the season. His 1998 campaign ends with a 4-6 record and 3.99 ERA in 14 starts. Sele will be arbitration eligible at season's end.

Steve Cooke, who had been demoted from the starting rotation to the bullpen earlier this season, was tabbed to replace Sele on the mound. The southpaw was impressive, holding Toronto to just three hits and no walks, striking out four, in 6 1/3 innings. Cooke earned the win, improving to 3-5, and lowered his season ERA to 4.38. He is expected to return to the starting rotation in Sele's spot. A replacement on the pitching staff will be announced at some point tomorrow.

While Sele and Cooke teamed up for a five-hit shutout of the Blue Jays, all of Tampa Bay's four runs came via home runs. Mike Cameron got the scoring started with a two-run shot off Kelvim Escobar in the third inning while Will Clark and Paul Konerko hit back-to-back solo home runs off Escobar in the sixth inning.

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Febles errors hand Rays win
Defensive replacement muffs two in ninth
June 21, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Carlos Febles entered the ballgame in the eighth inning and didn't have a plate appearance, but the Boston Red Sox infielder had a pivotal impact as he made two errors in the last of the ninth, each allowing a run to score as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays rallied late for a 5-4 victory.

"There's no worse feeling than that and Carlos is hurting but he'll be here tomorrow, ready to play and put tonight behind him," said Boston thirdbaseman Tim Naehring, who went 0-for-3 before being pinch hit for in the top of the eighth.

Naehring was hit for by left-handed hitting Reggie Jefferson, who hit a RBI double before being replaced defensively by Febles for the bottom of the eighth inning.

The Red Sox were looking to hold on to a 4-3 lead heading to the last of the ninth inning and brought in closer Heathcliff Slocumb with the numbers 8, 9 and 1 hitters due. Slocumb struck out Mike Cameron to open the inning before giving up a double to Darryl Hamilton. Jeff Frye followed with a grounder to Febles, but the third baseman booted the ball, allowing Hamilton to score from third base to tie the game. Wilton Guerrero reached on a fielder's choice before Greg Vaughn drew a full-count walk to put two men on base. Will Clark, who has had great success against Boston in his career, followed with a first pitch grounder to third base, seemingly destined to retire the side, but Febles was unable to field it cleanly and Guerrero beat the infielder's throw home from foul territory.

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All Star rosters announced
Four Dodgers, Mariners make squads
July 5, 1998

NEW YORK - The rosters for this year's All Star Game have been announced, and the Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners have more representatives than any other team.

Dodgers pitchers Chan Ho Park, Darren Dreifot and Mark Guthrie will join catcher Mike Piazza on the National League squad while the Mariners send pitcher Randy Johnson, reliever Bobby Ayala, shortstop Alex Rodriguez, and outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr.

It is the first All Star selection for Park (9-2, 2.81 ERA), Dreifort (9-2, 2.79 ERA), Guthrie (2-4, 26 saves, 2.55 ERA) and Ayala (4-1, 8 saves, 2.05 ERA).

It is the ninth All Star selection for Griffey (.266, 28 HR, 75 RBI), sixth for Piazza (.299, 22 HR, 60 RBI), fifth for Johnson (13-4, 3.21 ERA), and second for Rodriguez (.301, 22 HR, 53 RBI).

Tony Gwynn has earned his 14th All Star selection by hitting .339 with 9 homers and 43 RBI.

Mark McGwire of the Oakland Athletics has been named to his 10th All Star team, having hit .268 with 28 home runs and 66 RBI.

Roberto Alomar of the Baltimore Orioles has hit .315 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI to earn his eighth All Star nod. San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds (.314, 24 HR, 70 RBI) was also named to his eighth All Star team.

Atlanta Braves ace Greg Maddux is a seven-time All Star after starting the year with an 11-4 record and 3.36 ERA.

Baltimore Orioles slugger Jose Canseco (.269, 21 HR, 58 RBI) has been named to his sixth All Star team, as was Houston Astros secondbaseman (.321, 12 HR, 49 RBI).

For the fifth time in his career, Chicago White Sox outfielder Albert Belle (.274, 21 HR, 65 RBI) was named to an All Star team, as was New York Mets southpaw John Franco (3-2, 16 saves, 2.32 ERA).

New York Yankees pitcher David Cone (8-4, 3.03 ERA) has been named to his fourth All Star team, as has Kansas City Royals closer Jeff Montgomery (3-2, 19 saves, 4.66 ERA), Astros firstbaseman Jeff Bagwell (.299, 20 HR, 76 RBI), Florida Marlins pitcher Kevin Brown (11-3, 2.41 ERA), and San Francisco Giants closer Rod Beck (1-2, 14 saves, 1.53 ERA).

Named to his third All Star team was Yankees firstbaseman Rafael Palmeiro (.300, 22 HR, 57 RBI) and Colorado Rockies outfielder Larry Walker (.457, 30 HR, 77 RBI).

Anaheim Angels pitcher Brad Radke (12-7, 3.07 ERA) is making his second All Star Game appearance, as is teammate Troy Percival (1-2, 22 saves, 1.75 ERA), Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Curt Schilling (9-4, 2.88 ERA), Toronto Blue Jays closer Mike Timlin (3-3, 22 saves, 2.52 ERA), Blue Jays firstbaseman Carlos Delgado (.322, 21 HR, 65 RBI), Texas Rangers outfielder Rusty Greer (.304, 14 HR, 45 RBI), Braves thirdbaseman Chipper Jones (.335, 26 HR, 75 RBI), Chicago White Sox thirdbaseman Robin Ventura (.297, 10 HR, 44 RBI), Montreal Expos reliever Dave Veres (5-4, 21 saves, 1.41 ERA), St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Ray Lankford (.291, 21 HR, 63 RBI), Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Kendall (.300, 6 HR, 39 RBI), Expos infielder Jose Vidro (.338, 7 HR, 29 RBI), and Astros outfielder Bobby Abreu (.298, 14 HR, 56 RBI).

In his second year in the big leagues, 21-year-old Kerry Wood of the Royals has earned his first All Star selection with a 10-2, 2.74 ERA start. Other first time All Stars include Detroit Tigers pitcher Scott Elarton (11-5, 3.77 ERA), Boston Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra (.321, 16 HR, 49 RBI), Phillies hurler Juan Acevedo (7-5, 4 saves, 2.98 ERA), Cleveland Indians pitcher Orlando Hernandez (8-4, 3.57 ERA), Colorado Rockies firstbaseman Todd Helton (.316, 26 HR, 83 RBI), Minnesota Twins closer Mike Jackson (2-0, 29 saves, 1.36 ERA), Tigers closer (3-1, 20 saves, 2.16 ERA), Montreal Expos outfielder Vladimir Guerrero (.342, 18 HR, 53 RBI), Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams (.370, 13 HR, 67 RBI), Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Scott Karl (9-5, 1.95 ERA), Twins firstbaseman John Jaha (.320, 15 HR, 54 RBI), Orioles catcher Chris Hoiles (.326, 14 HR, 49 RBI), Royals outfielder Jon Nunnally (.294, 11 HR, 42 RBI), Angels backstop Robert Fick (.297, 10 HR, 54 RBI), Chicago Cubs pitcher Kent Bottenfield (3-2, 22 saves, 1.73 ERA), Marlins shortstop Edgar Renteria (.284, 2 HR, 39 RBI), Padres infielder Terry Shumpert (.302, 7 HR, 53 RBI), and Brewers outfielder Jeromy Burnitz (.321, 21 HR, 50 RBI).

[Moriarty9]

Dodgers trade prospect for Manto
Tampa Bay acquires outfielder Agbayani
July 6, 1998

LOS ANGELES - The Dodgers have four players on the National League's All Star team, and now they have corner infielder Jeff Manto on their roster as well.

Manto, 33, was acquired today from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in exchange for minor league outfielder Benny Agbayani.

The first-place Dodgers add a bat to their bench with the Manto acquisition, providing a backup to firstbaseman Eric Karros and thirdbaseman Todd Zeile.

In 109 at bats with Tampa Bay, Manto hit .257 with six home runs and 13 RBI. A career .230 hitter, Manto has 30 home runs and 89 RBI in 690 big league at bats with the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Devil Rays.

Agbayani, 26, hit .314 with 16 home runs and 64 RBI in 88 games with Los Angeles's AAA affiliate. It is unclear whether he will fill Manto's roster spot, or if another player is called up from AAA. One leading candidate would be outfielder Damon Buford, who hit .217 with seven home runs and 18 RBI in 54 games before being demoted to the minor leagues earlier this season.