The Official Newsletter of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
Volume 8, Issue 3, June 2005
Welcome! The Northwest League season is sitting on our doorstep, waiting like a Sunday paper. The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes ninth campaign is about to begin. Hope you have your tickets! There’s a lot to talk about. Our first game is on Father’s Day, June 19. Our NWL home opener is Sunday, June 26 against Yakima. The schedule is packed with all kinds of entertainment, special events and attractions. We’re anxious to see our players, the 2005 Volcanoes, for the first time. The expansion of the Volcanoes Pro Shop has been completed…and we’re looking forward to hosting fans at the Volcanoes Fan Fest and Meet Your Seat Day this Saturday, June 11, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00. Come to the ballpark and let’s have some fun!
To go to any of the Stories Listed Below Simply Click on the Red Headline
In This Issue:2.FAN FEST, MEET YOUR SEAT DAY JUNE 11; SINGLE GAME TICKETS NOW ON SALE
6. OSAA KEEPS BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES AT VOLCANOES STADIUM
9. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? (Former Volcanoes now with other organizations)
The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes begin their 9th season with a pre-season game at Volcanoes Stadium against the College All-Stars on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19. The game begins at 5:05. The Volcanoes open the NWL season with a five-game series at Tri-City, beginning Tuesday, June 21, and return to The Crater for the NWL Home Opener against Yakima on Sunday, June 26 at 5:05.
This year marks only the second time that Salem-Keizer has opened Northwest League play on the road and the first since the team’s inaugural season in 1997. The Volcanoes’ 76-game campaign will end Wednesday, September 7, in Vancouver, B. C., with NWL playoffs starting the following day.
Tickets for the Father’s Day game are now on sale. Upper box seats are $10.00, reserved seats are $8.00 and outfield general admission tickets are $6.00. Season ticket holders will receive tickets for the All-Star game as part of their season ticket package and do not need to purchase tickets for the game, UNLESS they want additional seats. Ticket package holders will need to purchase tickets.
The Opening Night game is also part of the Volcanoes five-, 10- and 19-game packages. Dates for the five-game package are June 26, July 8, July 21, August 5 and September 3.
Fans purchasing the 10-game plan will again have the opportunity to see every team in the league as well as many of the season’s premier events and attractions. Dates for the ten-game package include June 26 (Yakima), June 30 (Yakima, Lapel Pin Giveaway), July 7 (Tri-City, San Francisco Giants Night), July 15 (Eugene, Zooperstars), July 22 (Everett, Gentlemen Jugglers), August 6 (Boise, Mid-Summer Blast Fireworks), August 12 (Vancouver, Cancer Awareness Night), August 21 (Spokane, Turn Back the Clock Night), August 28 (Eugene, Rally Time) and September 2 (Everett, Volcanoes Baseball Card Set Giveaway).
FAN FEST, MEET YOUR SEAT DAY JUNE 11; SINGLE GAME TICKETS NOW ON SALE
There’s fun for all this Saturday, June 11, when the Volcanoes host a fan fest and “Meet Your Seat” day at the Stadium from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Here’s what’s happening.
Single game tickets for the 2005 season are now on sale. This includes the Father’s Day game (June 19), the NWL Home Opener (June 26) and all three major Fireworks Shows (7/4, 8/6, 9/3). Upper level box seats are $10.00, reserved seats are $8.00 and general admission tickets are $6.00. For information, call the Volcanoes Ticket Office at 503-390-2225, Ext. 3007.
VOLCANOES HOST FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST AT THE BALLPARK
For the second consecutive year, the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes will host a community Father’s Day Breakfast in the Stadium’s Lava Lodge, Sunday, June 19. The breakfast will be served from 9:00 a.m. until noon. This year’s menu includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee, all for just $5.00. Tickets for the breakfast must be purchased in advance by calling 503-390-2225, ext. 3007.
The Volcanoes will also offer a variety of activities for Dads and their families including the chance for Fathers to play catch on the field with their sons and daughters (so bring your mitts!).
Fans who also plan to attend the Father’s Day game between the Volcanoes and the College All-Stars can save with a “combo” ticket. For $10, fans can purchase a ticket to both the Father’s Day breakfast and the 5:00 game that evening.
2005 DRAFT SHAPES SALEM-KEIZER ROSTER
If history provides an accurate forecast, between 75-80% of the players selected by San Francisco in the first 20 rounds of the Major League Baseball draft will wear a Volcanoes uniform this summer. The Giants had 15 selections on the first day of the draft (which covered 18 rounds), making their initial pick in the fourth round (#132). San Francisco had lost their choices in the first three rounds due to the free agent signings of Armando Benitez, Mike Matheny and Omar Vizquel during the off-season.
In the Volcanoes’ first eight years, 32 of San Francisco’s 40 “top five” draft picks have played with the Volcanoes. The Giants had their most successful “signing season” in 1998 when they inked their first 22 selections. All played in Salem-Keizer and helped the Volcanoes win their first NWL Championship.
Here’s the year-by-year summary of the Giants first 20 selections who have played for S-K.
Top 5 Top 10 Top 20
2004: 5-5 7-10 12-20
2003 3-5 7-10 16-20
2002 4-5 8-10 16-20
2001 4-5 7-10 14-20
2000 5-5 9-10 18-20
1999 4-5 9-10 16-20
1998 5-5 10-10 20-20
1997 2-5 5-10 12-20
Total 32-40 62-80 124-160
San Francisco’s first selection in the 2005 draft was Ben Copeland, a three-year starter in centerfield at the University of Pittsburgh. Copeland led the Panthers (33-22) in batting (.384), runs (65), hits (84), doubles (23), triples (10), slugging percentage (.703) and stolen bases (29). He hit 9 home runs, had 47 RBI’s and an on-base pct. of .469. An outstanding defensive outfielder, he made only two errors over the past two years. Copeland led Pitt to the Big East Tournament final this year for the first time since 1995 and helped the Panthers to their fourth consecutive 30-win season.
In the fifth round, the Giants tabbed Dan Griffin from Niagara with their second selection. Griffin was 6-4 with a 4.37 ERA for the Purple Eagles, striking out 120 and walking 30 in 78 innings. Canadian hurler Kyle Cuthbertson from Lethbridge CC was San Francisco’s sixth round pick. Joey Dyche of Lewis-Clark State College was chosen in the seventh round after setting a school record by hitting .500 (101-202) in 2005. Arkansas 2B Scotty Bridges, who batted .410, San Jose State SS Anthony Contreras, who hit .373 and had a 32-game hitting streak, and pitcher Nick Pereira, 10-3 with a 2.21 ERA at San Francisco, rounded out the Giants’ selections in the first 10 rounds.
San Francisco’s first 20 selections from the 2005 draft:
Rd. Name Age Pos School Ht. Wt. B/T
1-3 No Selection
4. Ben Copeland 21 CF Pittsburgh 6-0 190 L/L
5. Dan Griffin 20 RHP Niagara 6-7 225 R/R
6. Kyle Cuthbertson 20 RHP Lethbridge CC 5-10 175 R/R
7. Joey Dyche 22 CF Lewis-Clark State 6-1 185 R/R
8. Scott Bridges 23 2B Arkansas 5-10 170 L/R
9. Anthony Contreras 21 SS San Jose State 5-11 185 L/R
10. Nick Pereira 22 RHP San Francisco 6-0 190 R/R
11. Henry Gutierrez 22 C Troy University 6-0 210 R/R
12. Joe Martinez 22 LHP Boston College 6-3 185 R/L
13. Taylor Wilding 20 RHP Cal Poly Pomona 6-1 190 R/R
14. Brian Anderson 22 RHP Long Beach State 6-3 210 R/R
15. Alex Hinshaw 22 LHP San Diego State 6-4 190 L/L
16. Buck Cody 22 LHP Texas 6-2 195 L/L
17. Mark Minicozzi 22 3B East Carolina 6-1 210 R/R
18. Chad Wagler 21 RHP Kent State 6-1 185 R/R
19. Brandon Grabham 19 RHP Grayson County CC 6-5 220 R/R
20. Jon Gaston 18 OF Borah HS (Boise, ID) 5-11 195 L/R
21. Robert Grace 22 RHP College of the Desert 6-1 165 R/R
22. Tayler Creswell 18 OF Deer Valley HS (CA) 6-1 170 R/R
23. David Maroul 22 3B Texas 6-2 210 R/R
ELLISON AND NIEKRO HELP GIANTS; MUNTER MAKES SF DEBUT
Former
Salem-Keizer standouts Jason Ellison and Lance Niekro have emerged as key
players for the San Francisco Giants this season. The two were teammates for
the 2000 Volcanoes when Niekro earned all-star honors after winning the NWL
batting title (.362) and Ellison batted .300 and led the league in runs scored
(67).
Both had made brief stops in San Francisco before. Jason played seven games for the Giants in 2003 and 13 games with the big club in 2004. Lance also made his major league debut in 2003 when he played five games with SF in September.
This spring, Ellison earned a spot on the 25-man roster with an excellent showing in training camp, his speed and hustle, and his ability to play all three outfield positions. Niekro was assigned to Fresno but had played only one game there when he was called up after Moises Alou suffered an injury. He hit two home runs in his first seven starts and the Giants kept him with the big club when Alou returned.
Through Sunday, June 5, Ellison had played in 51 of the Giants (24-31) first 55 games, batting .314 (44-140) with 10 doubles, four home runs and 11 RBI’s. He’s tied for the team lead in runs (27) and second in stolen bases (8). Niekro has played in 39 games and is hitting .308 with six doubles, seven home runs and 18 RBI’s.
On
May 11, Scott Munter, another member of Salem-Keizer’s 2000 team, became the 24th
former Volcanoes player to reach the major leagues. Munter, who also played
with S-K in 2001, made his debut against Pittsburgh, working one scoreless
inning in relief. In 14 games, the big right-hander has a 0-0 record with a
1.69 ERA, five strikeouts and one walk.
Other Volcanoes to play in the major leagues include (in order of their debut): Joe Nathan, Scott Linebrink, Ryan Vogelsong, Ryan Jensen, Chris Magruder, Kurt Ainsworth, Cody Ransom, Tony Torcato, Kevin Joseph, Trey Lunsford, Jesse Foppert, Jerome Williams, Erasmo Ramirez, Ellison, Francisco Santos, Carlos Valderrama, Nate Bump, Kevin Correia, Noah Lowry, Niekro, Felix Diaz, Brad Hennessey and Justin Knoedler.)
OSAA KEEPS BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES AT VOLCANOES STADIUM
The Oregon School
Activities Association (OSAA) has signed a new, three-year agreement to hold
their annual High School Baseball State Championships at Volcanoes Stadium. The
games are played annually on the first Saturday in June. The agreement extends
through the 2007 playoffs.
The OSAA held their first championship triple-header at the Stadium in 1998. After a series of one-year agreements from 1999-2001, the initial three-year agreement was signed through 2004. The new deal extends the relationship to ten years.
“We are very pleased to secure Volcanoes Stadium as the home of our State Championships,” said Tom Welter, Executive Director for OSAA. “It’s an excellent facility, the location is superb, and the Stadium staff and ownership are great to work with.”
The 2005 State Championship Games were played Saturday, June 4, with 4,789 watching the 4A game between Sprague and West Linn. The final scores:
Class 4A: Sprague 2, West Linn 0
Class 3A: Henley 5, Mazama 1
Class 2A/1A: Grant Union 9, Salem Academy 2
CLUBHOUSE
CHAT with JERRY WALKER
Certainly you’ll see a lot of changes when you attend Volcanoes games this season. The landscape around Volcanoes Stadium has changed with the construction of 160+ acre Keizer Station commercial development. Volcanoes Stadium has also changed. The Stadium Pro Shop has been expanded, the ticket office relocated and a new fan batting cage has been installed.
Significant road improvements are underway outside the Stadium. Volcanoes fans will be the recipient of some future great enhancements for Stadium ingress and egress. All the new roads will not be completed in time for our season, however, we have been assured by all parties involved that Volcanoes fans will have easy access for all events here this summer.
We all are looking forward to our first game scheduled for Father’s Day, June 19. The Volcanoes will play the College All-Stars in a game beginning at 5:05pm. In addition, Volcanoes Stadium will be serving our 2nd Annual Father’s Day Breakfast from 9am until noon in the Stadium’s Lava Lodge. Pancakes, sausages, eggs, juice and coffee will be served for just $5.00. Father’s Day Breakfast Tickets need to be pre-purchased by calling Kate at (503) 390-2225. There will also be free activities for Dads and their children including the Volcanoes Speed Pitch and Batting Cage, plus, a chance to go on the field and play catch, so bring your mitts!
While the team in on the road to open the season, Volcanoes Stadium will be hosting a Baseball Camp for kids ages 6-12. It runs from 9am to 3pm (June 20-24). The registration fee is $104. For more information call Skyhawks 1-800-804-3509, or visit them at www.skyhawks.com
Single Game tickets are Now On Sale for Opening Night of Northwest League play at Volcanoes Stadium, which is set for Sunday, June 26, versus the Yakima Bears and all other home games this year. Be sure to give Kate a call at (503) 390-2225. There is also plenty of time to book your group outing for a Volcanoes game this summer. Group outings are perfect for: Your company's summer outing, Little League and Sport teams, Scouts, Camp Fire, Service Clubs, Fraternal Organizations, Clubs and Organizations, Churches, Birthday Parties, Reunions etc. The first step is simply to select a date. Many of the popular dates fill up quickly. Call us, we’ll help you pick a date and then we’ll work with you to promote it and make it a memorable event for all involved.
VOLCANOES 2005 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Salem-Keizer’s complete schedule, including game times, is listed below, along with major events and attractions that will be featured at Volcanoes Stadium during the season. All home games are listed in BOLD. All games, home and away, will be carried on NewsTalk 1340 KYKN with Pat Lafferty calling the action. “The Bullpen,” the Volcanoes pre-game show featuring Major League and NWL scores, stories and interviews airs one hour prior to each game.
Date/(Opponent) Day Time Home Game Events
June 19 (All-Stars) SUN 5:05 Father’s Day Opener vs. NW College All-Stars
June 21 @ Tri-City) TUE 7:15
June 22 @ Tri-City WED 7:15
June 23 @ Tri-City THU 7:15
June 24 @ Tri-City FRI 7:15
June 25 @ Tri-City SAT 7:15
June 26 (vs. Yakima) SUN 5:05 Opening Night, Kids Run the Bases
June 27 (Yakima) MON 6:35 Bi-Mart 50-Cent Monday, Little League Night, Amazing Frisbee Dogs
June 28 (Yakima) TUE 6:35 Reading Program Night, Magnetic Schedule Giveaway
June 29 (Yakima) WED 6:35 DARE Night, Kid’s Ball Night courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Oregon
June 30 (Yakima) THU 6:35 Lapel Pin Giveaway** (**Season Ticket & Ticket Pkg. Holders)
July 1 @ Eugene FRI 7:05
July 2 @ Eugene SAT 7:05
July 3 @ Eugene SUN 6:35
July 4 (Tri-City) MON 6:35 Fireworks Spectacular presented by Marquis Spas and Your Back Yard
July 5 (Tri-City) TUE 6:35 Reading Program Night
July 6 (Tri-City) WED 6:35 Salem Chamber of Commerce Business Person Night
July 7 (Tri-City) THU 6:35 San Francisco Giants Night, Salem Hospital Night
July 8 (Tri-City) FRI 7:05 Blooper
July 9 @ Everett SAT 7:05
July 10 @ Everett SUN 4:05
July 11 @ Everett MON 7:05
July 12 TUE OFF DAY
July 13 (Eugene) WED 6:35 Salem Hospital Night
July 14 (Eugene) THU 6:35 Keizer Station Night
July 15 (Eugene) FRI 7:05 Zooperstars
July 16 @ Yakima SAT 7:05
July 17 @ Yakima SUN 6:05
July 18 @ Yakima MON 7:05
July 19 @ Yakima TUE 7:05
July 20 @ Yakima WED 7:05
July 21 (Everett) THU 6:35 Seattle Mariners Night (Bob Wolcott and Mariner Moose appear)
July 22 (Everett) FRI 7:05 Gentlemen Jugglers
July 23 (Everett) SAT 7:05 Scout Night; “Cup of Coffee” Night, Salem Hospital Night
July 24 (Vancouver) SUN 5:05 Baseball Clinic, Kids Run the Bases
July 25 (Vancouver) MON 6:35 Bi-Mart 50-Cent Monday, Senior Night, Salem Hospital Night
July 26 (Vancouver) TUE 6:35 Reading Program Night, Red Cross Blood Drive, Country-Western Night
July 27 @ Spokane WED 6:35
July 28 @ Spokane THU 6:35
July 29 @ Spokane FRI 6:35
July 30 @ Spokane SAT 6:35
July 31 @ Spokane SUN 6:35
August 1 MON OFF DAY
August 2 (Boise) TUE 6:35 Reading Program Night, Agriculture Night
August 3 (Boise) WED 6:35 Salem Hospital Night
August 4 (Boise) THU 6:35 Patriotic Night
August 5 (Boise) FRI 7:05 BirdZerk
August 6 (Boise) SAT 7:05 Mid-Summer Blast Fireworks Show presented by PEPSI
August 7 @ Vancouver SUN 7:05
August 8 @ Vancouver MON 7:05
August 9 @ Vancouver TUE 7:05
August 10 (Vancouver) WED 6:35 Mickey Mantle Night
August 11 (Vancouver) THU 6:35 Faith and Family Night
August 12 (Vancouver) FRI 7:05 Cancer Awareness Night
August 13 @ Boise SAT 7:15 MDT (6:15 PDT)
August 14 @ Boise SUN 6:15 MDT (5:15 PDT)
August 15 @ Boise MON 7:15 MDT (6:15 PDT)
August 16 @ Boise TUE 7:15 MDT (6:15 PDT)
August 17 @ Boise WED 7:15 MDT (6:15 PDT)
August 18 THU OFF DAY
August 19 (Spokane) FRI 7:05 Scout Night, Frisbee Dogs, Salem Hosp. Night, Team Photo Giveaway**
August 20 (Spokane) SAT 7:05 Crater’s Birthday Party
August 21 (Spokane) SUN 5:05 “Turn Back the Clock” Night, Kids Run the Bases
August 22 (Spokane) MON 6:35 Civil War Night, Senior Night
August 23 (Spokane) TUE 6:35 Reading Program Night, Hometown Heroes, Salem Hospital Night
August 24 @ Everett WED 7:05
August 25 @ Everett THU 7:05
August 26 @ Everett FRI 7:05
August 27 (Eugene) SAT 7:05 Rally Time, Family Building Blocks Night
August 28 (Eugene) SUN 5:05 Rally Time (Part II), Kids Run the Bases
August 29 (Eugene) MON 6:35 Back to School Night, Bi-Mart 50-Cent Hot Dogs, Salem Hospital Night
August 30 @ Eugene TUE 7:05
August 31 @ Eugene WED 7:05
September 1 @ Eugene THU 7:05
September 2 (Everett) FRI 7:05 Food Share Night, Volcanoes Baseball Card Set Giveaway**
September 3 (Everett) SAT 7:05 Fan Appreciation Fireworks presented by Jensen Homes
September 4 (Everett) SUN 5:05 Closing Night, Turn in your old Hat, Kids Run the Bases
September 5 @ Vancouver MON 7:05
September 6 @ Vancouver TUE 7:05
September 7 @ Vancouver WED 7:05
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? (Former Volcanoes now with other organizations)
It’s been an exciting ride to the top for former Salem-Keizer pitcher Joe Nathan. As Minnesota’s first-year closer in 2004, he posted a 1-2 record, a sparkling 1.62 ERA and 44 Saves while earning a trip to the All-Star Game. He may well be headed to another. This season, he’s 1-1 with a 2.82 ERA and 15 Saves through the first two months of the season. On May 25, USA Today’s “Sports Weekly” featured Nathan on the cover for a feature article on relief pitching and ranked him with New York’s Mariano Rivera as the best closers in the American League.
Four former Volcanoes are currently with San Francisco. Both Jason Ellison and Lance Niekro (see story above) have assumed key roles as the Giants have fought to overcome a rash of injuries this season. Noah Lowry (2-6, 5.57) starts for the Giants. Reliever Scott Munter (0-0, 1.69 in 14 games) has been a pleasant surprise since being called up from Fresno. Jerome Williams, who began the season in the Giants’ rotation, was traded to the Cubs on May 28 in the deal for LaTroy Hawkins.
Scott Linebrink (2-1, 2.10 in 24 games) is having another fine season in San Diego. Nate Bump (0-2, 3.65 in 20 games) is in his third season with the Marlins. Ryan Vogelsong (0-0, 5.56) is working in long relief for the Pirates. Chris Magruder (.273, 2, 6) is a reserve outfielder for Milwaukee. And Ryan Jensen, a 13-game winner for SF in 2002, has returned to the big leagues with Kansas City. In his first start for the Royals, he worked 5 innings—allowing three hits and two runs—to defeat St. Louis, May 22. On June 2, he picked up his second victory in a 5-2 win over the Yankees.
What about other former Volcanoes? Here’s where they are and how they’re doing. (Statistics are current as of June 1.)
FRESNO GRIZZLIES (AAA) Record: 24-29, 4th Place (4 GB)
With the trade of Jerome Williams to Chicago, former Volcanoes manager Shane Turner has nine former Salem-Keizer players on his roster. Jesse Foppert (3-1, 4.85) and Pat Misch (2-4, 5.95) are in the starting rotation while Jack Taschner (2-0, 0.39, 2 Saves) and Kevin Correia (0-2, 7.61, 7 Saves) have anchored the Grizzlies’ bullpen. Taschner has been brilliant, allowing just one earned run and 14 hits in 23 innings while striking out 30. Foppert, who spent most of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, is regaining the form that made him one of baseball’s top young pitching prospects in 2003. Brad Hennessey (2-2, 4.42) was sent back to Fresno by the Giants June 2.
Outfielders Doug Clark (.267, 3, 16) and Adam Shabala (.275, 5, 14) are hoping to see their first major league action this season. Clark, who hit .335 for S-K in 1998, spent most of the last two years Norwich where he batted .301 in 2003 and .292 in 2004. Shabala, who hit only .216 for the Volcanoes in 2000, had a breakout year last season when he hit .314 with 9 HR and 21 steals for the Grizzlies. Catcher Justin Knoedler (.270, 1, 12) has moved steadily through the Giants’ system after breaking in as a pitcher with the Volcanoes in 2001. Tony Torcato (.204, 1, 14), like Clark a member of S-K’s 1998 NWL champions, returned to Fresno after beginning the season with San Francisco. He has spent part of the last four seasons with the Giants.
NORWICH NAVIGATORS (AA) Record: 23-28, 5th Place (5.5 GB)
Seventeen former Volcanoes play for the Navigators including Anthony Moreno who was a standout in long relief for Salem-Keizer last season. Moreno (0-0, 4.70 in 5 games) was promoted from Augusta in May after compiling a 4-0 record for the GreenJackets. Brian Burres (2-2, 2.34), who went 12-1 for San Jose last year, and James Garcia (3-5, 4.79) are regulars in the starting rotation while Anthony Pannone (0-1, 3.13) and Albert Montes (0-2, 9.82) have each made 17 relief appearances. “Cool Hand” Luke Anderson (0-1, 5.87) has returned to Norwich after an injury rehab assignment in Arizona. He was 7-2 with the Navigators last year.
Carlos Valderrama (.311, 2, 19), who broke in with S-K in 1997, is 9th in the Eastern League batting race after hitting safely in 17 of 18 games. He’s joined in the outfield by Fred Lewis (.210, 2, 8), Dan Ortmeier (.279, 7, 30) and reserve Randy Walter (.207, 1, 6). First baseman Tyler Von Schell (.233, 5, 27) has overcome a slow start in April but catcher Trey Lunsford (.171, 1, 11) and 1B-DH Julian Benavidez (.156, 4, 12) have struggled at the plate all season. SS Tim Hutting (.246, 1, 9), 2B A. J. LaBarbera (.259, 1, 26) and versatile Julio Cordido (.260, 2, 13) have been solid in the infield. Reserve OF-DH Dan Trumble (.185, 1, 3) has just 27 at bats.
SAN JOSE GIANTS (A) Record: 34-19, 1st Place (+6.5)
After logging a 22-9 record in May that included a seven-game winning streak, San Jose built a 6 ½ game lead in the California League’s Northern Division. There are 24 former Volcanoes on the roster. Staff ace Jesse Floyd (5-1, 3.10) has returned to form after a frustrating ’04 season when he was 4-8 as a starter and reliever. Other regulars in the rotation include Garrett Broshuis (5-5, 6.07), Ryan Sadowski (3-1, 3.65), Juan Serrato (1-0, 3.45) and Jesus Reina (1-2, 3.25). The Giants’ bullpen has been excellent with Joe Bateman (2-2, 1.96), Geno Espineli (1-0, 3.18), Brooks McNiven (4-0, 3.03), Jeff Petersen (1-2, 3.42, Nathan Pendley (1-1, 1.86) and closer Justin Hedrick (1-1, 3.97, 9 Saves) all turning in solid work. Jon Coutlangus (0-0, 5.14 in 16 games) has made the conversion from the outfield to the mound.
DH Eddy Martinez-Esteve (.360, 9, 47) is 4th in the league in batting. Infield regulars include 1B Travis Ishikawa (.291, 6, 28), 2B Kevin Frandsen (.304, 0, 20) and 3B Todd Jennings (.289, 4, 27). SS Jake Wald (.339, 4, 12) has played very well since being promoted from Augusta. The outfielders are John Bowker (.213, 2, 22), Clay Timpner (.278, 2, 17, 20 steals) and Nate Schierholtz (.309, 4, 28). Pat Dobson (.272, 1, 9) has played both the infield and outfield. Guillermo Rodriguez (.214, 2, 9) is the team’s reserve catcher. Derin McMains (rehab) and Kyle Haines (extended spring training) joined the club in late May after assignments in Arizona.
AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS (A) Record: 29-21, 2nd Place (3.5 GB)
In their first season as a Giants’ affiliate, Augusta has been in the thick of the pennant race all season. Ten of the GreenJackets pitchers have ties to the Volcanoes. Mike Musgrave (2-2, 3.92), Jonathan Sanchez (2-3, 4.33) and Darren Sack (1-2, 5.36) have been in the starting rotation since Opening Day. Craig Whitaker (1-2, 7.32, 5 starts) has just returned from the disabled list. Ben Thurmond (1-1, 4.86) has made three starts after opening the season in San Jose (2-3, 6.64). Sean Martin (2-0, 3.38), Tim Alvarez (0-1, 3.18) and Adam Gardner (1-0, 5.03) have seen regular action in relief. Doug Mackay (0-0, 2.16 in 4 games) and John Odom (1-1, 4.91 in 3 games) arrived in late May from extended spring training in Scottsdale.
RF Brian Horwitz, who won the NWL batting crown with Salem-Keizer last year, is 4th in the South Atlantic League in hitting at .351 with 10 doubles, 1 home run and 38 RBI’s. 3B Simon Klink (.283, 5, 40) leads the team in HR and RBI’s. After failing to hit a home run in April, Brad Vericker (.256, 4, 11) regained his batting stroke in May. Steve Holm (.216, 2, 12), Nick Conte (.222, 1, 6) and Dayton Buller (.231, 0, 4) are dividing duties behind the plate. Mike Wagner (.314, 1, 6) has 51 at bats as an outfield reserve while Aaron Hornostaj (.291, 1, 9) has played second and short since coming down from San Jose when Jake Wald was called up.
NEWS FROM THE VOLCANOES’ CORPORATE PARTNERS:
New Games Featured at Spirit Mountain; July Entertainment Includes Frankie Valli and Air Supply
Summer is sizzling at Spirit Mountain Casino with the introduction of four new table games and spectacular retro entertainment featuring the dynamic Frankie Valli and popular 80s duo Air Supply appearing separately in July.
Among the new table games guests will find are: Spanish 21, Single 21, Four-Card Poker and Casino War. A Blackjack dealer who wanted to give the player more chances at winning created Spanish 21. The biggest difference in the game is that all the “10” cards are removed from the six-deck shoe. Jacks, Queens and Kings still count as 10, but the player has more ways to win than in regular Blackjack. “Blackjack always results in a win for the player,” explains Table Games Manager Julie Brown. “Not only is 21 an instant winner, it pays 3-2 or 3-1 the amount wagered, depending on the card combinations.
As the name implies, Single 21 features just one deck of 52 cards. The dealer holds the deck and deals face up. Blackjack pays even money except suited blackjacks that pay 1 ½ times the amount bet. Another way to win is to draw six cards without busting, called a “6-Card Charlie.”
Four Card Poker pits the player directly against the dealer. “There are three ways to play and four ways to win,” says Table Games Assistant Manager Rich Haller. Each player receives five cards to make a four-card hand, while the dealer gets six cards, including one dealt face up. Players can bet up to three times their ante. Three-of-a-Kind and better receive automatic bonus payments.
Casino War is easy to play and popular with younger players. Two cards are drawn, one for the dealer and one to the player. The higher card wins. If two identical cards are drawn, than you are at “war.” Surrendering or doubling your bet is an option before cards are drawn to break the deadlock.
An American music legend, Frankie Valli has produced 19 Top Ten hits and sold more than 100 million albums as a solo vocalist and with the Four Seasons. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer appears at Spirit Mountain on July 8th. Australian-based Air Supply consistently cranked out Top Ten hits throughout the 80s, redefining soft rock with their unique sound that earned multi-Platinum record honors. For tickets to Frankie Valli and Air Supply, call (800) 585-3737 or go online at www.starticketsplus.com.