JETHAWKS NOTEBOOK: THREE-HEADED MVP CANDIDATES.

Byline: Gideon Rubin Staff Writer

MODESTO - Based on statistics, the JetHawks have three MVP candidates. But because they play in a facility where their numbers are considered tainted, none are likely to receive serious consideration.

Going into Wednesday, JetHawks infielder Dan Uggla, probably the team's strongest candidate, was batting .297 (132 for 445) with 21 homers and 82 RBI. He's been solid defensively at third base, where he's mostly played, and at second, his natural position. He's also become one of the team's best basestealers (21 for 28) and bunters.

First baseman/designated hitter Kyle Nichols was ranked among the California League's leaders in three three Triple Crown categories. He led the league with 24 homers, was second with 91 RBI and his .320 average (126 for 394) ranked ninth.

Outfielder Jay Garthwaite was batting .310 (111 for 358) with 18 homers and 68 RBI.

``Obviously, it's an advantage to hit in Lancaster, but you can't take away the numbers we've put up,'' Uggla said.

``If we were hitting 20 bombs and hitting .230 and not really helping our team, you could say, `These guys are just hitting bombs in a wind-aided park,' but I think we've helped our team win a lot of games this year.''

Ballots for the league MVP, Pitcher of the Year, and the league's postseason all-star team will be distributed within the next week to beat writers, radio broadcasters and official scorers.

Perhaps unfairly, another factor weighing against the three JetHawks MVP candidates is that none were viewed as prospects going into this season.

On the other hand, Lake Elsinore second baseman Josh Barfield, the presumptive favorite to win the California League's MVP honors, is considered a top prospect in the San Diego Padres system.

He hasn't been disappointing. Barfield was was the league's second- leading hitter, batting .347 (154 for 444), led the league with 100 RBI and had 13 homers going into Wednesday.

``There's a lot of things that are unfair, you just have to learn to live with them,'' JetHawks manager Mike Aldrete said. ``Minor-league accolades don't get you a single hit in the big leagues. For the guys that get them, it's nice, and for guys that don't get them, sometimes it helps them because it keeps them working.''

But Aldrete said that based on Barfield's performance against Lancaster - he is batting .402 (45 for 112) with seven homers and 38 RBI against the JetHawks - he's the most deserving candidate anyway.

``He's the MVP of this league against us,'' Aldrete said. ``He has been the most productive player offensively, and he's been pretty sound defensively. Sometimes you can look at a guy and say not only is he a really good player, but he's also productive.''

Uggla agreed.

``If somebody's looking at me as an MVP candidate, then I appreciate that, but I'm pretty sure Barfield has it wrapped up. He's the best hitter in the league I think. He's been consistent all year. He plays good defense and does a lot of things that help his team.

``He's just a great player,'' Uggla said. ``I usually watch everything he does because he does everything right. He's a good player to learn from.''

--Also: Outfielder Jaime Jones played for the first time in a 10-inning 2-1 loss to Modesto on Tuesday since suffering a concussion after he was struck by a pitch in the jaw Friday. He was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts. ... Shortstop Dan Firlit made his first start since suffering a hamstring injury running out an infield grounder July 27, but he left the game after the seventh inning. ... Marland Williams was 1 for 5 Tuesday, extending his hitting streak to 11 games.

Gideon Rubin [phone]

gideon.rubin(at)dailynews.com

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DAN UGGLA

Infielder has put together a strong season, batting .297 with 21 homers and 82 RBI.