Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 7, 1994 TAG: 9404070338
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: compiled by Ray Cox
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
1993 RECORD: 71-67 (third overall).
\
MANAGER: Dave Keller (third season).
\ OUTLOOK: The Indians pick up a number of good players from Columbus, which won 86 games last year and finished second in the 14-team South Atlantic League. The pitching, Kinston's strong suit a year ago, should be stout again with right-handers Daron Kirkreit (4-1, 2.23, 44 strikeouts in 36 innings at Watertown after Cleveland drafted him in the first round) and Jose Cabrera (11-6, 2.67) and left-handers Matt Williams (12-12, 3.17, 153 IP at Kinston), Charles York (10-7, 2.79, 182 K's in 158 IP at Columbus) and Casey Whitten (6-3, 2.42, 81 strikeouts in 82 innings at Watertown after being drafted in the second round). Out of the bullpen will come fireballing stopper Paul Shuey, the Indians' top draft choice in 1992 and rated the organization's No. 3 prospect by Baseball America. Offensively, the Indians will be similarly loaded with former ACC player of the year Derek Hacopian (.315, 24 homers, 82 RBI) and fellow outfielders Sam Hence (.299, six HR, 33 RBI), Patricio Claudio (.256, 40 steals) and Andre White (.278, three HR, 35 RBI). Kinston will contend for the league title.
\ Lynchburg Red Sox
1993 RECORD: 65-74 (seventh).
\ MANAGER: Mark Meleski (second year).
\ OUTLOOK: Boston has not put a more talented team on the field here since it moved its affiliation to Lynchburg in 1988. Leading a pack of potential all-stars is outfielder Trot Nixon, the Red Sox's top choice in the 1993 draft and the organization's best prospect. Nixon, an outstanding high school quarterback, was Baseball America's high school player of the year in 1993. No prospect has received such attention since the Oakland Athletics signed pitcher Todd Van Poppel in 1990 and the New York Yankees tapped pitcher Brien Taylor in 1991. Nixon, a five-tool player (running, throwing, fielding, hitting, hitting for power), led Fort Myers by batting .333 in the Instructional League. Also on hand will be outfielder J.J. Johnson, a prospect of only slightly lesser stature than Nixon. Another big bat will be in the hands of former Carolina League All-Star Boo Moore (.209, 11 HR, 32 RBI at Class AA New Britain).
\ Frederick Keys
1993 RECORD: 78-62 (first).
\ MANAGER: Mike O'Berry (first year).
\ OUTLOOK: O'Berry will be bringing many of his better players from Albany of the New York-Penn League, where he managed them to a 71-71 record in 1993. The Keys ought to be able to pitch, hit and run, and will be among those who will contend for the league title. The pitching will be handled by Garrett Stephenson (16-7, 2.84), Scott Emerson (10-9, 3.54, 115 strikeouts), Matt Jarvis (11-13, 3.06, 118 strikeouts) and Calvin Maduro (9-4, 3.96 at Bluefield), who has been a pleasant surprise since signing as an undrafted free agent. Strong offensive players include first baseman Billy Owens (.297, 11 HR, 66 RBI), catcher B.J. Waszgis (.307, eight HR, 52 RBI) and Australian outfielder Clayton Byrne (.276, six HR, 55 RBI, 23 steals).
\ Prince William Cannons
1993 RECORD: 67-73 (sixth).
\ MANAGER: Dave Huppert (first year).
\ OUTLOOK: After changing affiliations from the New York Yankees to the Chicago White Sox, the Cannons will give their fans plenty of excitement even if Michael Jordan never plays for them. Those expected to generate the most excitement are second baseman Essex Burton, who led the minor leagues with 74 steals last year (139 in two years) while batting .255; outfielder James Hurst (.294, 20, 79 at South Bend); 1992 first-round draft choice Eddie Pearson (.326 at South Bend); and shortstop Craig Wilson (.259), a former member of Team USA. The pitching will be headlined by 1993 first-round choice Scott Christman, a left-hander who struck out 15 in 11 innings for two teams last year, and right-hander Mike Call, who led the Midwest League with a 15-7 record and 3.78 ERA.
\ Durham Bulls
1993 RECORD: 69-69 (fifth).
\ MANAGER: Matt West (first year).
\ OUTLOOK: The Bulls have a couple of the Atlanta Braves' brightest prospects in outfielder Damon Hollins and right-handed pitcher Jamie Arnold. Hollins, who prepped at Danville of the Appalachian League last year with a .321 batting average, seven home runs and 51 RBI, was named the league's top prospect by the managers. Hollins already has what is considered one of the finest arms in baseball and he figures to be a top defensive player. Arnold, a classic three-pitch starter with a 90-mph fastball, went 8-9 with a 3.12 ERA at Danville. He also didn't let a lack of run support affect him. The pitching should be further strengthened by the likes of right-hander Mike D'Andrea (8-7, 4.03, 156 strikeouts in 136 innings at Macon) and Matt Byrd (5-2, 1.96, 57 strikeouts in 41 innings at Danville).
\ Wilmington Blue Rocks
1993 RECORD: 74-65 (second).
\ MANAGER: Mike Jirschele (first year).
\ OUTLOOK: The Rocks will build on a couple of the Kansas City Royals' most highly regarded prospects in Johnny Damon and right-handed pitcher Jim Pittsley. Damon, who is 20 years old, was the Midwest League's prospect of the year at Rockford. Damon led the Kansas City system with 59 steals and 13 triples while hitting .290 with five homers and 50 RBI. Pittsley was a first-round pick in 1992 but has battled injuries that limited him to 15 starts a year ago. A hard thrower, Pittsley has averaged a strikeout an inning in pro ball. Another top pitcher will be Mel Bunch (2.33 ERA in 10 starts for Wilmington), who is likely to move up to Class AA quickly.
\ Winston-Salem Spirits
1993 RECORD: 72-68 (fourth).
\ MANAGER: Mark Berry (second year).
\ OUTLOOK: The Spirits may not have the big stick of Bubba Smith (27 HR) any more, but it appears as though there will be more than enough juice in the lineup with the likes of infielder Dee Jenkins (.292, 140 hits, 93 runs, 27 steals at Charleston), outfielder Micah Franklin (.262, 17 HR, 68 RBI at Charleston), and catcher Paul Bako (.314, four HR, 30 RBI at Billings), the No. 8 prospect in the Cincinnati Reds' chain as judged by Baseball America. Also on hand is the top closer prospect in the organization, left-hander Marty Lister (1-2, 2.08, 57 strikeouts in 52 innings, 32 saves at Charleston).
Keywords:
BASEBALL
by CNB