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By Beloit Daily News staff

The Beloit Snappers will have a new look in the dugout next season with
both manager Jeff Smith and pitching coach Steve Mintz moving on in the
Minnesota Twins' minor league organization. They will be replaced by
Nelson Prada and Gary Lucas, respectively, in 2008.

Smith, who led the Snappers to the 2007 Midwest League Western Division
title, accepted a promotion to manage the Fort Myers Miracle in 2008.
Smith, a native of Naples, Fla., will begin his fourth season in the
Twins' organization.

Mintz will be the pitching coach for the Twins' Double A affiliate, the
New Britain Rock Cats. He will start his seventh season in the Twins'
system.

Taking over as manager of the 2008 Snappers will be Prada, a native of
Barquisimeto, Venezuela, who had spent the previous three seasons managing
the Gulf Coast League Twins. Under Prada, the GCL Twins had a combined
91-72 record, including a division title in 2007.

Prada began coaching in the Twins organization after being released as a
player by Minnesota following spring training in 1999. He signed with the
Twins as a non-drafted free agent in 1995 and played four minor league
seasons with a career .247 batting average in 135 games.

Prada's pitching coach will be Lucas, who spent the past two seasons as
the New Britain Rock Cats' pitching coach. He was the Snappers' pitching
coach in 2005 and has been in the Twins' organization since 2000. He
played eight seasons in the minors, going 29-44 with a 3.01 ERA.

Batting coach Rudy Hernandez will return to Beloit for his fourth season.
A native of Maracay, Venezuela, he began coaching in 1996. Trainer Alan
Rail also returns to Beloit in 2008.

NOTES: 2008 season ticket packages are available with plenty of perks to
go along with them. Contact the Snappers at 2301 Skyline Drive, Beloit,
(608) 362-2272 or www.snappersbaseball.com for more information.

Posted: Wednesday, Oct 24, 2007

By KEN LIPSHEZ
New Britain Journal Register

NEW BRITAIN - Veteran major league pitching coach Bobby Cuellar was named
by the parent Minnesota Twins Tuesday to replace Riccardo Ingram as
manager of the New Britain Rock Cats.

Cuellar, 55, has logged nine seasons as a big-league coach with the
Seattle Mariners, Montreal Expos and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was the
Mariners pitching coach in 1995-96 and Expos' pitching coach for 3 1/2
seasons (1997-July, 2000).

He has worked with three Cy Young Award winners: Randy Johnson in Seattle,
Pedro Martinez in Montreal and Johan Santana with the Twins. He served as
former Pirates manager Jim Tracy's pitching coach the last two seasons
until Tracy was fired early this month.

Cuellar previously served the Twins as Triple-A pitching coach in Edmonton
(2002) and Rochester (2003-05) before joining Tracy's staff in Pittsburgh.

"He's going to bring a lot to the plate," Twins minor league director Jim
Rantz said. "It will be a little bit of different role because he been in
the big leagues as a bench coach and a minor league pitching coach with
us. He's done it all."

Rantz went after his man when Tracy's staff was dissolved.

"When Pittsburgh let their staff go, his name appeared on the wire," Rantz
said.

"I contacted him about the possibility. I know he's done it, and I know
what kind of a teacher and a person he is. We were very pleased to have
him at Triple A and it was an opportunity to bring a good man back and put
him in a role that make us stronger at Double A and Triple A."

Ingram, 133-150 in his two-year stint with New Britain, will join the
Triple-A Rochester Red Wings as hitting coach under another former Rock
Cats manager, Stan Cliburn, which Rantz said is part of an effort to
emphasize offense at the Twins' highest minor league levels.

"I don't look at it as a demotion," Rantz said. "I look at it as a
transition in his career in the area of his expertise. We have a need at
higher levels to get better offensively and bear down at Triple A and
Double A."

"(Ingram) was surprised, but he will be closer to the major leagues."

Steve Mintz will be the new Rock Cats pitching coach, replacing Gary
Lucas, who heads to Class A Beloit (Midwest League) to be closer to his
family in Wisconsin. Floyd Rayford, 50, will return to New Britain for a
fourth season as hitting coach.

Mintz, 39, spent the last two seasons with the Twins' low Class A Midwest
League team in Beloit.

Mintz pitched in 14 big league games with the Giants in 1995 and three
with the Angels in 1999.

Cuellar's only managerial experience came in the Midwest League with
Wausau, a Mariners affiliate, where he went 130-149 in 1986 and 1987.

Cuellar, a native of Alice, Texas, helped pitch the University of Texas to
four Southwest Conference championships and three College World Series
appearances from 1971-74.

He was the 29th-round choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1974 draft. He
led the Class A Carolina League in saves in 1975 and was second in the
Double-A Texas League in 1976. His only major league experience came at
the end of the 1977 season.

In four games, Cuellar was 0-0 with a 1.29 ERA, allowing a run in seven
innings.

In another move to bolster offense at the top of the organization, former
Rochester hitting coach Rich Miller will rove between Triple A and Double
A to work with outfielders, and on baserunning and bunting.

"We have a Hall-of-Famer (Paul Molitor) doing it but just for four or five
days," Rantz said. "We needed somebody to back up and follow Paul's
program."

Bobby Cuellar at a Glance

Born: Aug. 20, 1952

RHP

1970 Graduated from William Adams HS in Alice Tx.; All-State as senior
1971-74 Attended University of Texas; pitched for 4 seasons, helped lead
Longhorns to 4 league crowns and 3 College World Series appearances
1974 Selected by Texas Rangers in 29th round of June draft
1975 Led Carolina League in saves (17) with Lynchburg
1976 Second in Texas League in saves (15) with San Antonio
1977 Only big league appearances (4 games: 0-0, 1.29 ERA, 7 IP, 1 ER);
debuted 9/9 at Seattle, last game 9/20
Oct. 3, 1978 Player to be named by Texas in trade to Cleveland for OF
Johnny Grubb
1979-81 Pitched in Indians minor league system
1982 Pitched in Mexican League (Nuevo Laredo); 6th in saves
1983-94 Managed, coached in Seattle Mariners minor league system
1986-87 Managed Wausau (Midwest League) - 73-66 first year, 57-83 second
year
1995-96 M's pitching coach ('95 AL West champs; Randy Johnson wins Cy
Young Award)
1997-July 20, 2000 Expos pitching coach (Pedro Martinez wins Cy Young
Award in '97; Ugueth Urbina is Fireman of the Year in '99 with 41 saves)
2001 Bullpen coach for Rangers
2002-05 Triple-A pitching coach for Twins (worked with Johan Santana,
Francisco Liriano)
Nov., 2005 Named to staff of new Pirates manager Jim Tracy
2006-07 Pirates bullpen coach

10/23/2007

By Glenn Miller
Fort Myers News Press

Kevin Boles is out after two years as the Fort Myers Miracle manager.
Boles, 32, said Monday he resigned for personal reasons. He had previously
managed two other lower-level teams in the Minnesota Twins farm system
before earning a promotion to the Class A Florida State League.

"I appreciate the four years I was with the Minnesota Twins," Boles said
Monday afternoon as he walked down a jetway at the Salt Lake City airport.
"It's just a personal decision."

The Miracle were 70-70 this year after going 80-60 in 2006, giving Boles a
two-year record of 150-130.

"He did a great job," said Miracle pitching coach Eric Rasmussen.
"Attention to detail. We had a great time. Kevin was and is still all
about getting the players better."

Boles, who has been vacationing in Wyoming and Idaho with his wife,
Kendra, hopes to stay in professional baseball. He's been in contact with
other organizations.

"I've talked to quite a few," Boles said. "Want to see how things
develop."

The Miracle have scheduled a news conference for 2 p.m. Wednesday. The
team didn't initially say what the purpose of the news conference would
be, but with Boles' resignation, it appears his replacement may be named.

"We'll announce it," Miracle general manager Steve Gliner said.

Originally posted on October 23, 2007

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After its 11-7 loss in New Britain, Portand's playoff hopes hinge on a win
over New Hampshire tonight.

By KEVIN THOMAS
Portland Press Herald

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Before the Portland Sea Dogs take the field for a
sudden-death game today, they had to shake the dust from New Britain
Stadium Monday -- and not look back.

"Unbelievable," said infielder Zach Borowiak, as he walked off the field
following an 11-7 defeat to the Rock Cats.

The Sea Dogs again failed in their quest to reach the Eastern League
playoffs, losing to the Rock Cats for the fifth straight game.

Portland (70-72) could have clinched a playoff spot because the New
Hampshire Fisher Cats (70-72) also lost, 8-6 to Trenton.

New Hampshire also has been a team running away from chances, losing three
in a row.

Today, somebody has to win.

The Fisher Cats play Portland at 6 p.m. today at Hadlock Field (the box
office opens at 8 a.m.). The winner advances to the first round of the
playoffs, Wednesday in Trenton, N.J.

"We have to go and play a playoff game (today). It's a nice problem to
have when you're playing the way we're playing," Sea Dogs Manager Arnie
Beyeler said. "Hopefully it can be like new life."

Beyeler likely will hand the ball to Tommy Hottovy (3-10), who is 1-3
against the Fisher Cats.

Today's New Hampshire starter, Kyle Yates (9-8), is likewise 1-3 against
the Sea Dogs.

In 28 games against each other, the teams split, 14-14. Portland gets the
home field advantage today because it scored more runs against the Fisher
Cats.

Scoring runs is not the main problem for the Sea Dogs. Starting pitching
sunk them in New Britain.

Except for Michael Bowden's start Sunday, Portland's four other starters
this weekend were hit hard. They lasted only 12&38532 innings, allowing 31
hits, 13 walks and 27 earned runs (19.28 ERA).

Chris Smith (6-9) took the loss Monday, allowing 10 runs (nine earned) on
14 hits over 5&38531 innings. Smith is all about location and timing. If
he's a little off, a good team can tee off.

"I threw good pitches and they hit them. I threw balls in the dirt and
they smoked them," Smith said.

"They're not the best hitting team in the league for nothing."

Garrett Guzman, 5 for 5 with six RBI, said Smith "abused me the last time
I faced him. He really didn't look any different. The guys just laid off
his good pitches and hit pitches we could handle."

Portland led in the top of first, on Bryan Pritz's double and Aaron Bates'
home run.

"We finally got off to the lead. We felt pretty good," Pritz said. "But
they're swinging the bats well this week."

Guzman's two-run homer in the bottom of the first tied it. His three-run
double in the second gave New Britain the lead for good.

Jeff Natale's two-run single made it 5-4. But the Rock Cats enjoyed a
five-run fourth and a 10-4 lead.

Portland closed to 10-6 and had the tying run at the plate with bases
loaded and two outs in the eighth.

Jeff Corsaletti, 2 for 20 in the series, flied out to left.

In Manchester, Trenton was enjoying a 15-hit attack in its win over the
Fisher Cats.

"It's awesome to see New Hampshire lose," Pritz said. "Playing as bad as
we have been, you almost expect there is no shot at this point. But we get
one more chance to make the playoffs."

NOTES: New Britain (69-72) finished a half game behind New Hampshire and
Portland. The Rock Cats played one fewer game because their final game at
Erie on Aug. 9 was canceled because of rain. ... Blake Maxwell, called up
from Class A, pitched the final 2&38532 innings for Portland. ... New
Britain's Guzman finished his season with 10 straight hits to bat .312.
... Bill Masse, who managed Trenton to consecutive playoff losses to
Portland the past two years, now manages New Hampshire.

SEA DOGS AND THE PLAYOFFS

THE SITUATION: Portland and New Hampshire tied for second place in the
EL's Northern Division.

WHAT NOW?: The Sea Dogs and Fisher Cats play today at 6 p.m. at Hadlock
Field to decide it.

AT STAKE: A spot in the league playoffs against Trenton; Game 1 is
Wednesday.

TODAY'S GAME

WHO: Sea Dogs (Tommy Hottovy (3-10) vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Kyle
Yates 9-8)

WHEN: 6 p.m.

WHERE: Hadlock Field

TICKETS: Available

September 4, 2007

By TOM PULEO
Hartford Courant Staff Writer

NEW BRITAIN - Behind Garrett Guzman's six RBI, the Rock Cats closed the
season Monday with an 11-7 victory, completing a five-game sweep of
Portland, but were left out of the playoffs by a half-game.

Both Portland and New Hampshire are 70-72, but the Eastern League won't
allow the Rock Cats (69-72) to make up an Aug. 9 rainout at Erie. Portland
and New Hampshire will play a one-game playoff today, with the winner
advancing to the playoffs to face Trenton on Wednesday.

"We had several other chances to make up that ground and we didn't,"
manager Riccardo Ingram said. "But maybe our club will learn something.
How often does something like this happen?"

Guzman closed the season with 10 consecutive hits, raising his average in
two days from .298 to .312.

The All-Star left fielder singled in his final at-bat in the first game of
Sunday's doubleheader, then went 4-for-4 in the second game. Monday, he
hit a two-run homer in the first, a three-run double in the second and an
RBI single in the fourth. He also had singles in the sixth and eighth
innings and finished the season with a team-high 88 RBI.

"I've just been seeing the ball well and not swinging at bad pitches,"
Guzman said.

The crowd of 5,985 boosted the Rock Cats' season total to 341,816,
eclipsing the previous team record of 337,687 set in 2005. The Rock Cats
also finished with an average attendance of 5,341 - besting last year's
mark of 5,052.

After the game, the players emptied the first base dugout, tossing hats,
balls and assorted gear to young fans who hung around on Fan Appreciation
Day.

Ryan Mullins (4-3, 3.99 ERA) gave up four runs - three earned - in six
innings. David Winfree had four RBI, including a three-run double in the
fourth inning.

Portland starter Chris Smith (6-9, 4.41) gave up 10 runs - nine earned -
and 13 hits in 51/3 innings. Jeff Natale, who went to Trinity, had three
RBI on a two-run single in the fourth and a bases-loaded walk in the
eighth.

"They just outplayed us," Portland manager Arnie Beyeler said. "They're
probably the best team in the league right now."

September 4, 2007

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald Press

NEW BRITAIN - The New Britain Rock Cats have set franchise attendance
records for season total and per-game average.

The season total of 341,816 surpassed the previous best - 337,687 in 2005.
The average per game was 5,341, a sizeable jump from last year's franchise
record of 5,052.

The team extended the standard for sellouts in a season to 22 on Saturday
night, when they attracted 7,291, the second highest total of the season.
They sold out 17 times last year, the previous season best. The largest
crowd of the year came on July 21 when the Rock Cats and Trenton Thunder
played in front of 7,394.

"It is enormously gratifying for everyone associated with Rock Cats
Baseball to be received with such warmth and enthusiasm by the families
and fans of our region," Rock Cats' president and CEO Bill Dowling said.
"We are blessed and deeply grateful."

The Rock Cats finished fifth in the league behind Reading, Portland,
Trenton and Akron, which have finished first through fourth every season
since 2001. The last time New Britain finished as high as fifth was in
1988 when the EL was an eight-team league.

09/03/2007

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald Press

NEW BRITAIN - Despite the summer-like climate, the reality is that the New
Britain Rock Cats' season came to an end Monday and it was time to say
good-bye.

And while there will be no playoffs, the Rock Cats packed up their bats
and gloves with their heads held high. Some will return next April, but
the good-bye for Garrett Guzman surely will be more lasting. After two
seasons here, he'll be going on to bigger and better things.

Guzman assertively applied an exclamation point to an all-star season with
five hits and six RBI in leading the sizzling Rock Cats to an 11-7 win - a
season-high seventh straight - and completing a five-game sweep of the
Portland Sea Dogs before 5,985 in the final bow at New Britain Stadium.

"We had several opportunities to just go through the motions but I was
proud of them for coming out here and playing hard," manager Riccardo
Ingram said.

The Rock Cats finish the season at 69-72, just one-half game behind
Portland and New Hampshire, both 70-72. While the Sea Dogs and Fisher Cats
(8-6 losers to Trenton Sunday) will do battle in a one-game Northern
Division Championship Series play-in tonight, the Rock Cats can only look
at what might have been.

"We thought we'd be playing a little more," said Ingram, who reminded
players before the game about the missed opportunities during the year.
"You hear it all the time but this is a case where it happened. Maybe this
is one of the better lessons that can be taught."

The Rock Cats played one fewer game than their divisional rivals due to a
rainout of the Aug. 9 game at Erie, which could not be made up. According
to Eastern League president Joe McEacharn, play-in games are played only
in the event of a tie for second place.

"They just outplayed us," Portland manager Arnie Beyeler said. "Of the
people we've played the last two weeks, they're probably the best team in
the league right now."

Regardless of the club's fate, Guzman (5-for-5, 3 runs, HR, double, 6 RBI)
leaves town wishing he could keep on swinging. Guzman, the lone Rock Cat
elected to the EL Baseball Writers Association All-Star Team announced
Saturday, ended with 10 hits in his last 10 at-bats.

"I'm seeing balls and I'm not swinging at bad pitches right now. I'm
getting balls I can handle and not missing them when I get them," said
Guzman, who went 12-for-20 (.600) in the series. "It's a good feeling when
you go up to the plate feeling like that."

Guzman finished with a .312 batting average, 14 home runs and 88 RBI,
which should be good enough for a ticket to Triple A.

"Hopefully. You never know," he said. "I've seen some pretty good seasons
and guys come back here. I just wanted to do good and it's up to (the
Twins) where I go."

Said Ingram: "Any statement about leaving he made today. I don't try to
predict what's going to happen next season but 10 for his last 10? That's
unbelievable. ... He wanted to show everybody he's hit his way out of this
league."

After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, the Rock Cats shellacked
Portland starter Chris Smith (6-9).

Guzman erased the deficit with a two-run homer in the home half after a
single by Rashad Eldridge.

"I had seen a couple pitches. It was a 2-1 count and I wanted to get a
pitch I could drive, not necessarily hit out," Guzman said. "I was sitting
somewhat on location and he got a ball up there."

He added a three-run double in the second to give New Britain the lead for
good.

The Rock Cats administered a five-run pounding in the fourth. Kyle Geiger
(2-for-3) led off with a double. After a walk and an error, Guzman drove
in the first run with a single, giving him all the team's RBI to that
point.

Brock Peterson (4-for-5) drilled an RBI single. David Winfree (4-for-5, 4
RBI) followed with a three-run double to give New Britain a 10-4 lead.

Starter Ryan Mullins (4-3) pitched six innings, allowed four runs (two
earned) on five hits, walked two and struck out five.

Smith gave up 14 of New Britain's 17 hits and nine earned runs in 5 1/3
frames.

Portland got within four by scoring twice in the eighth off Tristan
Crawford, but New Britain got one back on Winfield's RBI single in the
home half.

Aaron Bates hit his second homer of the series and fourth of the season in
the first inning for Portland. Hamden native Jeff Natale drove in three
runs.

CATS TALES: Guzman is a consensus EL All-Star having been elected to the
league's team last week. ... Guzman is tied for seventh place with Doug
Mientkiewicz on the franchise's season RBI list. Steve Hacker set the club
record of 97 in 1999. ... The Rock Cats had never swept Portland in either
a four- or five-game series ever before. Their last three-game sweep of
the Sea Dogs came Aug. 30- Sept. 1, 2002. ...


09/03/2007

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald

NEW BRITAIN - When the Portland Sea Dogs arrived in town, their playoff
destiny was in their own hands.

With one game left in the regular season, destiny has walked through the
door and is about to slam it shut on the Sea Dogs with a healthy push the
New Britain Rock Cats.

Brock Peterson hit a grand slam in the second game and drove in six runs
on the day Sunday as the Rock Cats swept a doubleheader, 3-2 and 12-3, to
increase their winning streak to a season-high six games before 5,589 at
New Britain Stadium.

The Sea Dogs (70-71) came into the five-game set against New Britain with
a 1½-game lead over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats for second place, the
final postseason slot in the Northern Division.

The teams now are in a flat-footed tie for the position, so it all comes
down to the final game of the season today. New Hampshire hosts Trenton,
while the Rock Cats and Sea Dogs wrap up their series beginning at 1:35
p.m.

The Rock Cats (68-72) continued their remarkable run in doubleheaders,
having swept eight and split five this season for a record of 21-5.

Manager Riccardo Ingram's first thought was about the Rock Cats falling
just a few breaks short of the playoffs.

"You just want to find a 10-story window, just jump and say, 'Why? Why did
it come to this,'" he said. "The Connecticut series (losing 4 of 5 at home
Aug. 23-26) was the difference. ... Seventy wins at this point would have
(put us) in the mix."

But Portland manager Arnie Beyeler, Ingram's former minor league teammate,
has cornered the market on frustration.

"They're playing loose and easy and having some fun," Beyeler said. "I
don't know what we're doing out there but it doesn't look like anyone is
having much fun."

With Portland desperately trying to stop the bleeding in game two, the
Rock Cats scored four times off Felix Diaz in the first inning on
Peterson's slam, his team-best 15th homer of the year.

"The guys in front of me (Brandon Roberts, Rashad Eldridge and Garrett
Guzman) put me in a great spot," Peterson said. "You can't ask for
anything more - first inning, bases loaded, no outs.

"He threw a first-pitch changeup for a ball. After that I knew he had to
come with his fastball. I just told myself I didn't want to be late on
it."

New Britain continued to pour it on in the second. Kyle Geiger rifled a
leadoff single, took second on a fielder's choice and scored on a single
by Eldridge (3-for-4, 3 runs). Guzman (4-for-4, 2 RBI) followed with a
hit, bringing up Peterson.

Diaz (4-4), who threw seven innings of one-hit ball against Trenton in his
last outing, glanced a fastball off Peterson's shoulder and was ejected
promptly by home plate umpire John Tumpane.

"I'm not sure if it was really on purpose but it looked really bad - hit a
grand slam and the (next) pitch you get hit," said Peterson, who has been
hit by pitches 18 times this season. "I was kind of expecting it, to tell
you the truth. I just had a feeling it was going to happen."

The Rock Cats continued to hammer away against the Portland bullpen. David
Winfree pounded a two-run double, Felix Molina slapped an RBI single and
New Britain had a 9-0 lead after two.

Rock Cats starter Jesse Floyd retired the first nine Sea Dogs. His shutout
bid went by the boards in the fifth when Jay Johnson hit his second homer
of the series and fifth of the season. Andrew Pinckney also homered for
Portland.

Roberts hit his third homer of the season, a solo shot in the fifth.

Floyd (7-9) tossed a route-going five-hitter, didn't walk a batter and
struck out eight.

In the first game, the Rock Cats took the early initiative, striking twice
in the second inning. Peterson doubled to the right field wall and scored
on a one-out triple by Winfree. Winfree scored on a sacrifice fly by Matt
Allegra.

Portland bounced back to tie the game in the fourth against Josh Hill.

Johnson singled sharply to left and scored on a gap double by Pinckney.
John Otness' single make it 2-2.

Eduardo Morlan (1-0) replaced Hill with two down in the sixth and put out
the fire. He went on to twirl 2 1/3 innings of hitless ball walking one
and striking out four.

The Rock Cats staged their game-winning rally in the sixth. Starter
Michael Bowden (8-6) had retired eight in a row when he walked Eldridge
with one out. Guzman singled to right and Eldridge slid into third ahead
of the throw.

Peterson's fly to medium right was enough to score Eldridge.

Ingram entrusted the one-run lead to Armando Gabino, who has been
outstanding since joining New Britain August 8. Gabino retired three of
the four Sea Dogs he faced to notch his fourth save.

Gabino has now logged 16 innings in Double A without giving up an earned
run.

CATS TALES: Guzman, now batting .304, has a virtual lock on a .300 season.
He would have to go 0-for-8 today to lose that distinction. ... Today's
probables: Portland RHP Chris Smith (6-8, 3.83) vs. New Britain LHP Ryan
Mullins (3-3, 3.95). ... Portland would host New Hampshire Tuesday in a
one-game playoff if the teams wind up in a second-place tie after today's
action.

Playoffs gone, but attendance battle rages on for Rock Cats

While all eyes are focused on the scoreboard today to see whether the
Portland Sea Dogs or New Hampshire Fisher Cats will gain the final
Northern Division playoff spot, Rock Cats administrators will cast a
glance at the turnstiles.

The Rock Cats, Fisher Cats and Altoona Curve have been waging a battle for
fifth place in the Eastern League. Reading, Portland, Trenton and Akron -
all with bigger ballparks - hold the top four slots.

The Rock Cats are drawing 5,331 per game. Altoona, which finishes on the
road today, is at 5,318. New Hampshire, at home against Trenton, is at
5,317.

From a total attendance standpoint, New Hampshire has drawn 366,811 in 68
openings. Altoona finished with 356,339 in 67 openings.

New Britain, at 335,831 in 63 openings, needs just 1,857 to break its
all-time total of 337,687 set in 2005. The Rock Cats will finish with
their highest per-game average, shattering last year's norm of 5,052.

09/03/2007

By TOM PULEO
Hartford Courant Staff Writer

NEW BRITAIN - The Rock Cats swept a doubleheader from Portland Sunday to
win their season-high sixth consecutive game after falling out of playoff
contention.

"You want to find about a 10-story window and just jump and say, `Why?'"
manager Riccardo Ingram said, referring to a 2-7 stretch recently against
the two bottom teams in the Northern Division. "Why did it come to this?"

New Britain won the opener 3-2 and then routed Portland 12-3 in the second
game before 5,589 at New Britain Stadium.

More than help New Britain, the sweep kept Portland (71-72) from clinching
a tie for the final playoff spot in the Northern Division.

Portland is tied with New Hampshire - a 5-4 loser against Trenton - with
one game remaining. If the Sea Dogs and Fisher Cats finish the season
tied, Portland would host a one-game playoff Tuesday at 6 p.m.

"The Rock Cats are playing loose and easy and having some fun," Portland
manager Arnie Beyeler said. "I don't know what we are doing out there, but
it doesn't look like anyone is having much fun."

In the opener, Brock Peterson's sacrifice fly in the sixth inning broke a
2-2 tie. Eddie Morlan (1-0) pitched 21/3 innings of hitless relief in his
Double A debut.

Portland's Michael Bowden (8-6, 4.28) gave up three runs and five hits in
six innings. The Rock Cats went up 2-0 in the second on David Winfree's
RBI triple and Felix Molina's RBI single.

In the second game, New Britain (68-72) jumped to a 4-0 first-inning lead
on Peterson's grand slam off Felix Diaz (4-4, 5.59). When Peterson came to
bat in the second, Diaz hit him on the shoulder on the first pitch and was
ejected by plate umpire John Tumpane.

Beyeler was forced to insert Tommy Hottovy - the pitcher he planned to use
this week in the first game of the playoffs - as New Britain built an 11-0
lead after three innings.

Winfree had a two-run double off Hottovy. Brandon Roberts homered in the
fifth off Jose Vaquedano.

Jesse Floyd (7-9, 5.05) pitched a complete game, allowing a solo homer to
Jay Johnson in the fifth and two-run homer to Andrew Pinckney in the
seventh.

The sweep improved New Britain's record in doubleheaders this season to
11-5 with eight sweeps.

"Seventy wins at this point would have us right there," Ingram said. "And
we have 68."

Today's 1:35 p.m. game is "Fan Appreciation Day" at New Britain Stadium.
The team is offering $1 tickets and will give out free T-shirts and a
grand prize of tickets to the 2007 World Series.

Defenders 7, Baysox 6: Carlos Sosa ripped a tiebreaking double and
Connecticut held on to win in Bowie, Md.

Tied at 5 in the eighth, Julio Cordido led off with a single off reliever
Felix Romero (2-7) and took second on Jake Wald's sacrifice. Todd
Jennings' single moved Romero to third before Sosa brought both home.

Sosa (4-for-4) hit an RBI double in the sixth. Tyler Von Schell had a
two-run homer and three RBI for the Defenders (62-78) and John Bowker
(1-for-3) extended his hitting streak to 16 games.

September 3, 2007

By TOM PULEO
Hartford Courant

Manager Riccardo Ingram's Rock Cats - outside the playoff picture again -
are not interested in other teams' postseason chances during the season's
final weekend.

"I don't think anybody is playing spoiler roles," Ingram said Friday after
New Britain beat Portland 10-5, trimming the Sea Dogs' lead over New
Hampshire to a half-game for the second and final playoff spot in the
Eastern League's Northern Division. "You have to come to play. These games
matter to people and they're on the schedule and we're going play them
hard every night. You don't do anything differently. It's just the
integrity and the competition of this league."

The 2006 Rock Cats went 64-78 and finished last for the first time since
2000 despite having three former first-round draft picks on the Opening
Day roster.

The 2007 team, with fewer marquee players, enjoyed better chemistry, but
was 65-72 through Friday, 41/2 games behind Portland with four games
remaining.

The season peaked July 20 with a doubleheader sweep of first-place Trenton
- a day that saw the Rock Cats rout starter Joba Chamberlain, now in the
Yankees bullpen. New Britain climbed back to .500 (47-47) for the first
time since June 16, but promptly dropped six straight.

"We were close," Ingram said. "We feel like we're a better team. We didn't
do some things to keep ourselves in contention, and we're all a little bit
disappointed about that."

Closing The Gap

The Connecticut Defenders drew 195,235 fans this season, an increase of
24,428 over last year. They averaged 3,003 a game, the franchise's highest
total since 2002, but are last in attendance again among 12 Eastern League
teams. First-year general manager Charlie Dowd attributed the improvement
to lower concession prices, better promotions and a hard-working staff.

"We are delighted with the success," he said. "We recognize that this is a
first step. One of the goals of the organization is to be more responsive
to our fans."

The Defenders and Norwich recently settled part of a lease dispute as the
city council prepares to vote Tuesday on planned improvements to Dodd
Stadium

Dowd and Stadium Authority chairman Michael Jewell signed an agreement
Friday that will credit the Defenders about $79,000 for lease payments in
order to pay for improvements the team made before the July 11 Eastern
League All-Star Game.

The Defenders still owe the city more than $150,000 in overdue lease
payments.

Early Winter For Perkins

Twins lefthander Glen Perkins, 24, is done for the season after struggling
to rehabilitate a shoulder strain with the Rock Cats. He was 0-2 with an
11.05 ERA in 71/3 innings over three outings. He gave up five home runs
among 11 hits. Perkins had a 3.80 ERA in 12 relief appearances with the
Twins before injuring the shoulder in May.

Closer Gets Call

Rock Cats closer Tim Lahey, 25, was promoted Tuesday to Triple A Rochester
and replaced on the roster by Eduardo Morlan. Lahey was the Rock Cats'
leader in wins (8-4, 3.45) and saves (13). The Twins drafted him as a
catcher out of Princeton in the 20th round in 2004 and converted him to a
relief pitcher two years ago. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound righthander allowed
78 hits, walked 33 and struck out 56 in 781/3 innings. Morlan, 21, was 4-3
with a 3.15 ERA and 18 saves with Fort Myers.

Envelope Please ...

Trenton's Alan Horne is the Eastern League pitcher of the year. The
6-foot-4, 195-pound righthander was 12-4 with a league-leading 2.91 ERA in
1481/3 innings through Friday. Horne, 24, had struck out 161 and walked
53. Portland righthander Clay Buchholz - who pitched a no-hitter for the
Red Sox Sunday night - was third in the voting. Other end-of-season
All-Stars include Defenders outfielder John Bowker, Rock Cats outfielder
Garrett Guzman, Binghamton utility player Mark Kiger and Binghamton DH
Brett Harper. ... First-year Erie skipper Matt Walbeck was manager of the
year. The SeaWolves were 63-47 through Friday and in first place in the
Southern Division. Walbeck, 37, played seven games for the 1996 Rock Cats.


September 2, 2007

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald Press

NEW BRITAIN - Some come to the ballpark yearning for offense. The more
homers, the better.

Others prefer a taut pitchers' duel that carries until the game's final
delivery. It's the epitome of what makes the game great.

But it's safe to say that nobody buys tickets to see walks, and the second
biggest crowd of the season got an eyeful.

The Rock Cats benefited from 11 of the game's 17 walks and four wild
pitches Saturday to further damage the Portland Sea Dogs' playoff hopes
with a 7-5 win before 7,291 at New Britain Stadium.

In spite of the loss, second-place Portland (70-69) retains a half-game
lead over New Hampshire in the race for the final Northern Division
playoff spot. New Britain (66-72) has won four straight.

"The game had a poor tempo and slow pace early because both guys had
trouble finding the strike zone," Rock Cats manager Riccardo Ingram said.
"It's a matter of being patient and having enough discipline to take the
walk and hopefully find a way to get a few clutch hits."

Portland left-hander Daniel Haigwood was locked in a monumental struggle
with his command from the beginning.

He walked the first two batters in the game which led to Brandon Roberts
scoring on a groundout by Brock Peterson, giving the Rock Cats a 1-0 lead.

It was much worse in the second. Haigwood, who is on the Red Sox' 40-man
major league roster, yielded an infield hit to Matt Moses and walked Matt
Allegra. He got the next two hitters on fly balls but forced in a run by
walking Roberts and Rashad Eldridge.

Garrett Guzman persevered through a foul ball off his already sore right
ankle and lined an RBI single to right. With the Sea Dogs short on
pitching, Haigwood walked in two more runs by passing Peterson and David
Winfree. When the second inning ended, the Rock Cats had a 5-0 lead and
Haigwood had thrown 70 pitches.

But the Rock Cats haven't been comfortable with such prosperity all
season. Starter Oswaldo Sosa issued a one-out walk in the fourth. Aaron
Bates and Bryan Pritz rifled singles and Jay Johnson hammered a three-run
homer to pull the Sea Dogs within a run. Sosa was gone after four.

"Last time out he had the same issues," Ingram said. "We had a lead for
him and he got behind in the count and got into deep counts throwing a lot
of balls. It's tough when the guys show resilience and the patience to get
a lead and let a guy go through the game when we have bullpen available.
Let's give someone else a shot. Sosa didn't do what he was supposed to
do."

The Sea Dogs tied the game in the sixth against New Britain reliever Angel
Garcia on a run-scoring double by Salvador Paniagua. Garcia (1-0) gave up
a run on two hits, walked two and fanned three. The 6-foot-7 right-hander
has given up a run in each of his last eight appearances.

Former Central Connecticut State University hurler Barry Hertzler replaced
Haigwood in the third and retired nine straight, but a leadoff walk to
Allegra in the sixth led to New Britain's go-ahead tally. With the bases
loaded and two out, Hertzler's wild pitch allowed Allegra to score.
Hertzler (3-2) was the hard-luck loser, despite yielding just two hits and
a run in four innings.

New Britain added an insurance tally in the seventh on back-to-back walks
and an RBI single by Kyle Geiger.

Jose Mijares retired seven of the eight players he faced to earn his ninth
save.

CATS TALES: When the stadium PA announcer informed the crowd that Red Sox
pitcher Clay Buchholz was working on a no-hitter, the team expressed its
disdain since ex-Cat Scott Baker didn't get the same courtesy on Friday.
"I think it's absolutely bush for the simple fact that Scott Baker had
thrown a perfect game through eight innings yesterday, they didn't mention
one thing and he pitched here in New Britain a few years ago," Guzman
said. "They announce Clay Buchholz and show his highlights of getting a
no-hitter. I think it's terrible of the front office." Ingram added, "I
understand this is Red Sox territory but that's how those guys are going
to react. Their goal is to be in Minnesota someday and this is a Minnesota
affiliate so guys are going to get upset." ...Probables for today's
doubleheader: Portland RHP Michael Bowden (8-5, 4.27) and RHP Felix Diaz
(4-3, 4.17) vs. New Britain RHP Josh Hill (3-2, 4.32) and RHP Jesse Floyd
(6-9, 5.12). ...

09/01/2007

By TOM PULEO
Hartford Courant

NEW BRITAIN - The Portland Sea Dogs, fighting for an Eastern League
playoff spot, rallied from a five-run deficit to tie the score in the
sixth. But the Rock Cats played spoiler, beating the Sea Dogs 7-5 Saturday
before 7,291 at New Britain Stadium.

"We're not trying to be spoilers," Rock Cats manager Riccardo Ingram said.
"We're just playing the games on our schedule. Portland happens to be the
team that's in here, and we're trying to win every game."

The Rock Cats pulled ahead 6-5 off former Central Connecticut pitcher
Barry Hertzler, who threw a wild pitch with the bases loaded, allowing
Matt Allegra to score in the sixth. Hertzler (3-2, 2.98 ERA) retired the
first nine batters he faced before running into trouble in the sixth. Kyle
Geiger's RBI single in the seventh made it 7-5.

Angel Garcia (1-0, 7.97) gave up one run in 22/3 innings of relief to get
the win.

Despite the loss, Portland (70-69) remained a half-game ahead of New
Hampshire for a playoff spot in the Northern Division. Trenton beat New
Hampshire, 3-1.

New Britain (66-72) scored its first six runs on four hits, getting four
runners home on two bases-loaded walks and two wild pitches.

Portland starter Daniel Haigwood, rusty after a month on the disabled
list, walked seven and threw two wild pitches through two innings as the
Rock Cats built a 5-0 lead.

"It wasn't a pretty ballgame, but we took advantage of it and were able to
work the walks," Ingram said.

Haigwood walked Brandon Roberts and David Winfree with the bases loaded in
the four-run second. Allegra scored on a wild pitch and Guzman had an RBI
single.

New Britain led 1-0 on Brock Peterson's fielder's choice grounder in the
first.

The Rock Cats' Oswaldo Sosa didn't allow a hit until the fourth inning -
when Portland scored four times on a Bryan Pritz RBI single and Jay
Johnson's three-run homer to left field.

Portland tied the score on Salvador Paniagua's RBI double in the sixth.

Clay Buchholz, who pitched a no-hitter for the Red Sox Saturday, threw six
shutout innings against the Rock Cats at New Britain Stadium on April 24.
New Britain won 5-4 in 10 innings.

September 2, 2007

Portland remains a half-game ahead of New Hampshire in the race for a
playoff spot when the Fisher Cats also lose.

By KEVIN THOMAS
Portland Herald Press

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — It sounds funny to say this after a game in which
Portland pitchers walked 11 batters, but the Sea Dogs are still in
control.

Even though the New Britain Rock Cats beat the Sea Dogs 7-5 at New Britain
Stadium Saturday, Portland still leads in the playoff race because the New
Hampshire Fisher Cats also lost -- 3-1 to Trenton at Manchester.

The Sea Dogs (70-69) remained a half-game ahead of New Hampshire (70-70)
in the race for the last playoff spot in the Eastern League Northern
Division.

Portland's magic number is 3. The Sea Dogs could clinch a spot today with
a doubleheader sweep of the Rock Cats and another New Hampshire loss to
Trenton.

If Portland does not clinch today, the race will go to the final day of
the regular season on Monday.

Portland overcame a 5-0 deficit Saturday, but New Britain recovered to get
the win.

Portland starter Daniel Haigwood dug the hole for the Sea Dogs, allowing
five runs in two innings on two hits, seven walks and two wild pitches.

"We just gave them too much," Portland Manager Arnie Beyeler said.

Haigwood, 23, was on the disabled list throughout August with a strained
groin muscle. An erratic left-hander, Haigwood has struggled with his
command all season. Because of high pitch counts, he's averaged only 41/3
innings a start.

He was wilder on Saturday. Of Haigwood's first 12 pitches, 10 were balls.

Two walks and two groundouts gave New Britain a 1-0 first- inning lead.

In the second inning, Haigwood walked in two runs. Another scored on a
single and a fourth came via a wild pitch.

The Rock Cats led 5-0 and Haigwood was done after two innings and 70
pitches, just 32 strikes.

Portland recovered. The Sea Dogs got a four-run fourth on Bryan Pritz's
RBI single and a three-run homer to left field by Jay Johnson.

In the sixth, Salvador Paniagua doubled to score Andrew Pinckney as
Portland tied it, 5-5.

Meanwhile, reliever Barry Hertzler pitched a solid four innings, saving
the bullpen and keeping Portland in the game.

"He picked us up big and got us where we needed to be," said Beyeler, who
will have some pitching left for today's doubleheader.

Hertzler, a local favorite from Central Connecticut State University,
pitched three perfect innings before yielding a run in the sixth on a
walk, two singles and a wild pitch, as the Rock Cats regained the lead,
6-5.

New Britain made it 7-5 off Hunter Jones in the seventh on two walks and a
single.

NOTES: The Sea Dogs have only three outfielders after Cory Keylor was
called up to Triple-A Pawtucket. ... In the eighth inning with two outs
and no one on base, Pinckney began jogging to first base after grounding
to the mound. Pitcher Jose Mijares dropped the ball but still had time to
throw out Pinckney. ... New Britain is a Minnesota Twins affiliate, but
the stadium erupted when it was announced former Sea Dog Clay Buchholz had
pitched a no-hitter for the Boston Red Sox against the Baltimore Orioles.

THUNDER 3, FISHER CATS 1: Juan Miranda and Cody Ehlers homered to lead
visiting Trenton past New Hampshire.

Miranda lined a solo shot in the fourth inning and a run-scoring single in
the eighth.

Ehlers hit his solo homer in the ninth for the Thunder (81-59).

Trenton reliever Kevin Whelan (4-2) allowed two hits and a walk in 11/3
scoreless innings. Michael Gardner allowed a hit in the final 12/3 innings
to get his second save.

Dustin Majewski hit his 13th homer in the third for the Fisher Cats
(70-70).

SEA DOGS AND THE PLAYOFFS THE SITUATION: The Sea Dogs lead New Hampshire
by a half- game for the final playoff spot. The Dogs' magic number is 3.
WHAT'S LEFT: Portland has three games left (a doubleheader today); New
Hampshire has two. IF THEY TIE: The teams will play at 6 p.m. Tuesday at
Hadlock Field to decide it.

TODAY'S GAMES WHO: Sea Dogs (Michael Bowden 8-5 and Felix Diaz 4-3) at New
Britain Rock Cats (Josh Hill 3-2 and Jesse Floyd 6-9) WHEN: 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: New Britain (Conn.) Stadium

September 2, 2007

The Sea Dogs remain a half-game ahead in the race for the Eastern League's
final playoff spot.

By KEVIN THOMAS
Porland Press Herald

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — The New Britain Rock Cats pressed the pause button on
the Portland Sea Dogs' push to the playoffs, beating Portland 10-5 before
6,192 at New Britain Stadium on Friday night.

The Sea Dogs (70-68) are still in the driver's seat for the Eastern League
playoffs, but they are on the edge of that seat. The New Hampshire Fisher
Cats (70-69) scored a run on three singles in the bottom of the 11th
inning, beating Trenton 6-5 on Friday night in Manchester, N.H.

The Fisher Cats, a half-game behind Portland, have three games to play.
Portland has four left, including a doubleheader Sunday.

In Friday's game, Portland starter Justin Masterson continued his rough
stretch, allowing five runs over four innings, on seven hits, three walks
and a hit-batter. Masterson had come to the Sea Dogs sizzling on July 9.
He gave up only six runs in his first six starts and was 4-0.

In Masterson's last four starts, he has allowed 22 runs and is 0-3.

"He's a sinkerball pitcher and when those pitches are elevated, they stay
a little bit more straight," catcher John Otness said. "For Justin to
pitch well, his ball has to be sinking down."

Reliever Andrew Dobies (4-3) followed Masterson and retired five of the
first six batters four by strikeout. The one hit was a leadoff, fly-ball
double to deep left in the sixth.

With two outs, Eldridge Rashad walked on eight pitches. Three singles – a
liner to left, a soft fly to center and a bad-hop bounce to right –
followed and the Rock Cats were on their way to a four-run inning and a
9-5 lead.

Sea Dogs Manager Arnie Beyeler was not pleased with the execution in the
field or on the mound.

"We didn't make a couple of plays that I thought should have been made,"
Beyeler said of fly balls that dropped in left and center. "And if we're
laying fastballs in there, we're going to be backing up all night. They
are not going up there to take. They swing the bat."

The Sea Dogs' offense showed some spark, but not at the right time. Both
teams had 14 hits, but Portland also left 14 on base. New Britain left
eight.

"We got a couple of two-out hits but we didn't get a couple when we needed
them," Beyeler said. "Little things mean a lot in big games."

Beyeler criticized himself for sending home Otness from first base on an
Iggy Suarez double with no outs in the second inning. Otness was thrown
out. Suarez (4 for 4) eventually scored on a Zach Borowiak sacrifice fly
for a 3-2 lead.

Portland got two runs in the first on Aaron Bates' third home with the Sea
Dogs, a two-run shot to left. Portland made it 4-2 in the fourth with
three straight singles (Otness, Suarez and Borowiak) and Jeff Corsaletti's
double-play grounder, scoring Otness.

New Britain took a 5-4 lead. Portland tied it in the sixth when Tony
Granadillo doubled in Suarez. But New Britain took over in the bottom of
the sixth.

Portland loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth, but Corsaletti
grounded out.

NOTES: Three Sea Dogs continued their hot ways at the plate. Otness has an
eight-game hitting streak (batting . 406). Bryan Pritz is batting .348 in
his last 31 games. Suarez has a .336 average over 28 games.

TODAY'S GAME

WHO: Portland Sea Dogs (Daniel Haigwood 3-5) vs. New Britain Rock Cats
(Oswaldo Sosa 1-4)
WHEN: 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: New Britain Stadium, New Britain, Conn.

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald

NEW BRITAIN - The matchup was billed as a compelling late-season duel
between pitchers who have endured some lapses, enjoyed some high times and
should have promising futures.

Portland Red Sox right-hander Justin Masterson won his first three Eastern
League starts and was the Eastern League pitcher of the month for July,
but has lost in three of his last four outings.

Rock Cats right-hander Anthony Swarzak withstood a shaky start, dealt with
a 5-game suspension and currently is ranked seventh on Baseball America's
latest prospect hot sheet.

To say the pitcher's duel didn't develop is putting it mildly.

The Rock Cats, looking to play the spoiler's role in Portland's postseason
bid, dunked the Sea Dogs, 10-5, before a sellout crowd of 6,192 at New
Britain Stadium.

Masterson, 5-0 with a 1.58 ERA in July, failed to get past the fifth
inning for his fourth consecutive start. He allowed seven hits, five runs,
three walks and hit a batter before leaving after four.

Swarzak, 5-2 with a 2.40 since his return to New Britain June 27, yielded
four runs, eight hits, walked four and struck out three.

Both starters were long gone when the game was decided.

The Rock Cats, who have won three straight, broke a 5-5 tie by batting
around for the second time in the game. Matt Allegra led off with a double
and was at third with two out when Garrett Guzman, Brock Peterson and Matt
Moses rapped consecutive RBI singles off Andrew Dobies (4-3). Felix Molina
drove in a fourth run to give the Rock Cats a 9-5 lead.

The offensive display began in the Portland first when Tony Granadillo
walked and scored ahead of a line-drive homer by Manhattan-born Sox first
base prospect Aaron Bates.

The Rock Cats (65-72) tied it in the home half.

Brandon Roberts, flirting with .300 after a dreadful start, led with an
opposite-field single. Rashad Eldridge follosed suit.

Roberts took third on a flyout and scored on a groundball by Peterson.
Moses stroked a two-out RBI single up the middle.

The Sea Dogs scored again off Swarzak in the second with a double by Iggy
Suarez (4-for-4, walk) and Zach Borowiak's sacrifice fly the key blows.
They made it 4-2 in the fourth on a double-play grounder with the bases
loaded.

New Britain batted around against Masterson in the fourth to take a 5-4
lead. Three walks, including a bases-loaded pass to Guzman, and a hit
batsman fueled the rally. David Winfree and Molina (3-for-4) had the only
hits in the three-run uprising.

The Sea Dogs knotted the game in the sixth off Tristan Crawford (8-5) on
an RBI double by Granadillo.

Portland stranded 15 runners, at least one in every inning.

CATS TALES: The Rock Cats have now surpassed last year's win total
(64-78). ... The lights went out in the visitors' bullpen in the eighth
inning so Portland pitchers had to cross the field and warm up on the home
side. ... The sellout was New Britain's franchise-best 21st of the season.
... The bottom third of the Portland order went 8-for-11. ...

08/31/2007

By TOM PULEO
Hartford Courant

NEW BRITAIN - Left fielder Garrett Guzman continues to show why he is the
only Rock Cat to make the Eastern League's end-of-season All-Star team.

Guzman drove in the go-ahead run Friday as New Britain defeated the
Portland Sea Dogs 10-5 before 6,192 at New Britain Stadium - the 21st
sellout of the season.

Guzman's opposite-field single in the sixth was part of a four-run inning
as the Rock Cats took a 9-5 lead. Brock Peterson, Matt Moses and Felix
Molina hit RBI singles.

Guzman also drew a bases-loaded walk in the fourth as the Rock Cats scored
three to take a 5-4 lead.

"He just puts up quality at-bats," manager Riccardo Ingram said of Guzman.
"He's the three-hole hitter on this club and we feel pretty good when he's
up."

At 5 feet 10, 175 pounds, Guzman is small for a power hitter. But his
quick, compact swing has served him well in his first full season with the
Rock Cats. He is batting .298 with 13 home runs and a team-high 80 RBI.

Tristan Crawford (8-5, 5.06 ERA) pitched two innings of one-run relief to
get the win. Andrew Dobies (4-3, 5.35) took the loss in relief of Justin
Masterson.

Portland (70-68) leads New Hampshire by a half-game for the second and
final playoff spot in the EL North.

New Britain (65-72) scored five runs off Masterson, the Eastern League
player of the month for July and one of Boston's top pitching prospects.

The 6-foot-6 righthander, ranked by Baseball America as the Red Sox's No.
13 prospect, gave up two runs in the first on Peterson's RBI groundout and
Moses' RBI single.

New Britain scored three more in the fourth. Masterson walked Guzman to
allow the go-ahead run. Molina had an RBI single and Brandon Roberts an
RBI groundout. Roberts hit an RBI triple in the seventh that made it 10-5.

Rock Cats starter Anthony Swarzak gave up four runs and eight hits in five
innings. He struck out three and walked four, throwing 101 pitches.

All-New Britain team: To mark the 25th year of Eastern League baseball in
New Britain, the Rock Cats announced the franchise's all-time team before
the game. Voting by nearly 6,000 fans chose the team, which is led by
Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling, Jeff Bagwell, Joe Mauer and Francisco
Liriano. The New Britain franchise was affiliated with the Red Sox in
1983-1994, and since then the Twins.

September 1, 2007

Pitcher Mulvey sent to Triple-A

By Michael Sharp
Press & Sun-Bulletin

BINGHAMTON -- Give them this: Down seven runs in the sixth inning, the
Binghamton Mets at the very least made it very interesting.

The B-Mets charged back to cut the deficit to one, but despite
opportunities, never could get all the way back in a 7-6 loss to New
Britain on Thursday night before 2,377 fans at NYSEG Stadium.

Afterward, B-Mets pitcher Kevin Mulvey was promoted to Triple-A New
Orleans, for whom Binghamton manager Mako Oliveras said he's expected to
start Sunday.

"That's what I'm writing in my report," Oliveras said, turning away from
his laptop in the manager's office, "that we've got to tip our hats to
this bunch of kids, because ... there's nothing at stake, we're out of the
race.

"But the way they've been playing the last two weeks, at least myself, I'm
very proud of this group of kids. They have shown me a lot of character, a
lot of love for the game. And I feel very proud and honored to be in
charge of this bunch of guys."

Perhaps befitting their 60-77 record, the B-Mets couldn't get that key
third out to prevent the Rock Cats' three-run second inning, nor could
they get that one more key hit with the bases loaded and one out in the
sixth.

Trailing 7-0 midway through the sixth, Binghamton rallied with three in
the sixth, another in the seventh and two more in the ninth before Jamar
Hill's deep drive to center landed in Brandon Roberts' glove -- at the
warning track -- to end the game.

Brett Harper, Caleb Stewart and Edwards Guzman each drove in a run during
Binghamton's three-run sixth. But with the bases loaded and one out, New
Britain reliever Eduardo Morlan came on to strike out Hill and induce a
fly out from catcher Mike Nickeas, ending a golden opportunity to cut the
deficit even further.

Guzman finished 2-for-5 with three RBI, including a two-run single with
two out in the ninth, and Harper went 2-for-5 with a run and two RBI. Jose
Sanchez took the loss, allowing eight hits and seven earned runs over
five-plus innings. He struck out eight.

AROUND THE HORN

Mulvey, who will be making his first Triple-A start, has posted an 11-10
record with a 3.32 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 151 2/3 innings for
Binghamton. He was named New York's sixth-best prospect by Baseball
America at the start of the season. "We are very proud of that," Oliveras
said of his promotion. "That was one of the main goals, from the start, to
get him better. And I think he did. It's just a matter now of continuing
what he's been doing." ...

A day after being named Eastern League Rookie of the Year, Akron first
baseman Jordan Brown earned Most Valuable Player honors from the league
Thursday.