CONNORS HANDLES UPS AND DOWNS.

Byline: PATRICK HIPES Minor-League Baseball

The powers that be in minor-league baseball have Greg Connors on puppet strings, ones that dangle from Lancaster to Appleton and back again.

And you know what? He doesn't care one bit.

The 24-year-old catcher is with the JetHawks for the third time in his career, sent up from short-season Wisconsin on Friday as a replacement for the injured Brendan Kingman. He was told upon arrival that he would be needed for just a week, after which he would return to the Midwest League.

``I just go out and try to do my best,'' said the New Yorker, his accent still sharp. ``I try not to let all of these things affect me.''

Connors said he appreciated the demotion to the Timber Rattlers in late April. It offered him a chance to play every day, and after all, playing is the thing.

To prove his positive attitude, Connors has been on fire in his two games in the old, familiar Lancaster lineup. On Friday, he celebrated his return to the Hangar by hitting a two-run single in the second inning.

On Saturday, he hit a pair of two-run homers and played first base in the JetHawks' 15-4 victory over Lake Elsinore. He finished 4 for 5 with five RBI.

``I liked the fans here, they were great,'' he said after Saturday's game, standing comfortably among his old friends. ``They treat you real well here.''

Thanks to his two-homer game, he returned the favor, at least for one night. ``Oh, I could never do that on a regular basis,'' he said with a smile.

Maybe not. What he did do - show the decision-makers that he can be a pro ballplayer by taking his moves in stride - might take him a lot farther than a belt-high fastball.

Tool time: Baseball America rated the top minor-league players by position and by league in their latest issue, and some local players made the grade.

The magazine asked managers of each team in each league at every level who had the best of the best.

Triple-A: Former USC standout Gabe Alvarez, who had three home runs in his first week when the Tigers called him up from Toledo last month, is considered the best power prospect in the International League. He was also chosen as the best infield arm.

Double-A: Mike Mitchell, who played at UCLA, was considered the top defensive first baseman in the Southern League, for Mobile. Angels prospect Troy Glaus, who spent part of his childhood in Chatsworth, was the best power prospect in the Texas League - he has since been promoted to Triple-A Vancouver. Shreveport pitcher Mike McMullen (Glendale JC) was the top reliever in the Texas League; Chatsworth High's Jon Tucker was the top defensive first baseman in the Texas League with San Antonio.

Single-A: It was good news for the Mariners organization. Adonis Harrison, who was called up to Double-A Orlando after the all-star break, took away both best defensive second baseman and most exciting player honors in the California League. In addition, Seattle's 1997 first-round draft pick Ryan Anderson, in Wisconsin, had the best fastball in the Midwest League.

More Mitchell: Mobile's Mike Mitchell, who attended Rio Mesa High before becoming a UCLA Bruin, was a big reason the BayBears won the first-half title in the Southern League.

The first baseman, who hit .350 with 17 homers and 106 RBI for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga last season, is hitting .314 with 12 home runs and 64 RBI and had been among the leading hitters in the league. He's attributed part of his success to an offseason mental training class.

``I give a lot of credit to (it),'' he said. ``I won't say I was fully relaxed at the plate, but everything seemed a little easier. It's the same thing every time, just you and the pitcher, and I hope one day to find out it's the same in Triple-A and the majors.''