CAL LEAGUE WRAP-UP: FEW PROSPECTS, FANS NOTED IN PAST SEASON.Byline: Chris Cocoles Daily News Staff Writer Two questions to ponder when analyzing the 1998 California League The California League is a minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth baseball season: Where have all the prospects gone? Where have all the fans gone? As for the former, the Class of 1997 was going to be difficult for the new crop of Cal League talent to top. There are only so many chances at the Single-A level to witness a $10-million man like Travis Lee Travis Lee (born on May 26, 1975 in San Diego, California) is a former major league first baseman. Travis Lee graduated from Capital High School in Olympia, Washington in 1993. . And El Nino has some explaining to do for the second question. A record number of rainouts and overall lousy weather in April and May was too much for all 10 teams to recover from, resulting in attendance drops for everyone. Still, the Cal League had its moments in 1998, and here are a few observations: Players most likely to be in the big leagues by the 21st Century: Unlike last year, when at least nine Cal League players made their major-league debuts in 1998, the list should be small. Granted, pitchers Brad Penny Bradley Wayne Penny[1] (born May 24, 1978 in Blackwell, Oklahoma)[2] is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers.[3] Early career and John Patterson John Patterson can mean any of the following:
The Arizona Diamondbacks (also referred to as the D-backs) are a Major League Baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They play in the West Division of the National League. rotation someday, but they're not even 21 years old yet. Modesto's Adam Piatt Adam Piatt (February 8, 1976 in Chicago, Illinois), is a former professional baseball player who played outfield in the Major Leagues from 2000-2003. He would play for the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Piatt was once featured in a commercial for K-Swiss shoes. had a breakout year at third base, but he's No. 2 on the Oakland A's runway path behind 1997 Cal League alumnus ALUMNUS, civil law. A child which one has nursed; a foster child. Dig. 40, 2, 14. Eric Chavez. Keep an eye on JetHawks all-star Adonis Harrison, particularly if he can rebound from a slow second-half at Orlando when he returns to Double-A next season. The Seattle Mariners' second base job is wide open with the trade of Joey Cora to Cleveland. Biggest sellouts: Lake Elsinore and San Bernardino. Determined to put their franchises into the record books for largest crowds, the Stampede and Storm did everything from giving away tickets to sticking temporary seating on the warning track to cram in a few more customers. That's right. Much to the pitchers' chagrin, Lake Elsinore added a temporary fence in front of the warning track on the Fourth of July Fourth of July, Independence Day, or July Fourth, U.S. holiday, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Celebration of it began during the American Revolution. to set a new attendance mark that San Bernardino shattered in August. Best baseball atmosphere: San Jose Municipal Stadium The San Jose Municipal Stadium, or Muni Stadium in common usage, is the home of the minor league baseball San Jose Giants, the Advanced A league affiliate of the San Francisco Giants located in San Jose, California. . It doesn't have the luxurious feel of the new parks in the south, but everyone should spend a weekend series soaking in minor-league baseball in its purest form. The reasons? Turkey Mike's is the best barbecue area in the league, whether it's the low prices, the generous portions or the zesty homemade sauce. Walking around the stadium is an educational experience, from the murals of Willie Mays and Willie McCovey to the walls that trace the history of professional baseball in San Jose and all the current minor-league teams' logos. Not to be missed is the concession stand stampede after the designated `Beer Batter' strikes out and your favorite beverage is available at half price. It's an experience that just isn't possible at Dodger Stadium or Edison Field. Worst baseball atmosphere: Sam Lynn Ballpark Sam Lynn Ball Park is located in Bakersfield, California (4009 Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 / 661-716-HITS) and is the oldest ballpark of the 10 team, Class-A Advanced, California League. in Bakersfield. A 100-degree August night with 450 brave souls in the seats should be all the evidence the City of Bakersfield needs to build a new home for the Blaze. Most important transactions: The acquisition of the Stockton Ports by a group that includes the family of former Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley, and the impending im·pend intr.v. im·pend·ed, im·pend·ing, im·pends 1. To be about to occur: Her retirement is impending. 2. sale of the Visalia Oaks while the California League assumes control of the financially-crippled franchise. New blood might equate to new stadiums and/or more adequate facilities for cities that have served as Cal League venues for nearly a half-century. VALLEY DIVISION PLAYOFFS Tonight's game: Game two at Maverick Stadium; 7:05 p.m. Probable pitching matchups: JetHawks RH Jose Gonzalez (2-0, 4.24) vs. Mavericks RH Brad Penny (14-5, 2.96). Penny pinching: Penny led the California League in wins (14) and strikeouts (207). But against the JetHawks, he's just 1-2 in five starts, striking out 25 in 31-1/3 innings. Overall, Penny needed only 138 innings to record his 207 strikeouts. Thursday's Game 3 matchup: JetHawks RH Joel Pineiro (2-0, 7.80) vs. Mavericks LH Nick Bierbrodt (8-7, 3.40); 7:05 at Maverick Stadium if necessary. - Chris Cocoles CAPTION(S): Box BOX: VALLEY DIVISION PLAYOFFS (See text) |
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