THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 4, 1995 TAG: 9509030243
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Special two-page pullout
SOURCE: BY TOM ROBINSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
When this Norfolk Tides season began, Jeff Barry played first base, Chris Saunders third, Jarvis Brown center and Chris Jones right. Shawn Abner was an outfield reserve and Bob Stoddard, a Mets replacement player, was in the bullpen.
They, and many others, are long gone. In fact, only five players who set up their lockers in Harbor Park in April have never left. But for pitchers Bryan Rogers and Chris Roberts, infielders Rey Ordonez and Edwin Alicea and outfielder Derek Lee, that is not necessarily a badge of honor.
Obviously, their presence here all season has meant the big leagues eluded them. That is less an issue for Ordonez and Roberts, however, than veterans Rogers, Alicea and Lee.
Performances by Rogers and Ordonez, particularly, were critical. Ordonez, a Triple-A rookie, regularly turned brilliant plays that included his trademark pop-up slide into the hole to grab a grounder followed by a strong throw to first.
``He makes plays that aren't there,'' Tides manager Toby Harrah said, ``but with him, suddenly they're there. He thinks there's a play on everything.''
Rogers, a reliever in the midst of flashy starters, was voted the team's most valuable pitcher. In 55 appearances out of a solid bullpen, Rogers went 8-3 and saved 10 games with an ERA of 2.27.
``I guess I could say it's probably my best year,'' said Rogers, 27. ``I've been consistent from day one. Last year I wasn't. It's just feeling comfortable with the whole atmosphere, being in Triple-A, being confident in myself.''
Alicea, 28, joined the Tides just before opening day and filled a weakness in the infield at second base. He was the regular most of the season, hitting
Roberts, 24, made 25 starts but struggled to a 7-13 record and 5.52 ERA in his rookie Triple-A season. He led the league by yielding 24 home runs while opponents hit .328 against him.
Lee, 29, was third on the team in games played, yet mostly served in a reserve role because of the many younger prospects who came through. Still, Lee hit a career-high 18 home runs and knocked in 60 runs. ILLUSTRATION: Color photos
Edwin Alicea
Derek lee
Rey Ordonez
Chris Roberts
Bryan Rogers
by CNB