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Former Rock Cats Skipper Named Manager Of Pittsburgh Pirates

New Britain, CT - Former New Britain Rock Cats manager John Russell, 46, was selected earlier this week as the new Field Manager of the National League's Pittsburgh Pirates. In accepting the post, the Odessa, TX resident became the second former New Britain manager to become a Major League field boss. Butch Hobson managed the Boston Red Sox from 1992-1994 after making out line-up cards in the Hardware City in 1989 and 1990. Russell, an Oklahoma native who played his college ball for the OU Sooners, managed the Rock Cats from 1998 - 2000 and led New Britain to the Eastern League's Northern Division Championship in 1998. Later that year, he was named the Eastern League's "Best Managerial Prospect" by Baseball America.

John Russell's 193 Wins are the second most in New Britain franchise history; Russell trails only Stan Cliburn (367) who served in the Rock Cats dugout for five seasons. Many former Rock Cats developed under Russell's Connecticut tutelage including future American League All-Stars Torii Hunter and A.J. Pierzynski. Others who played under Russell include 1B Doug Mientkiewicz and one of the heroes of the 2008 World Series, OF Bobby Kielty. Both blossomed under Russell - a tireless worker who has long been highly-regarded as an effective communicator and baseball instructor.

Russell was selected by the National League's Philadelphia Phillies in the 1st Round of the 1982 Draft. A Catcher, Russell appeared in 448 games for three different Major League teams - Philadelphia, Atlanta and Texas - and was behind the plate when Nolan Ryan tossed his sixth no-hitter on June 11, 1990. He most recently served as Manager of the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate in Ottawa for the past two seasons.

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River Cats Announce Schedule, Ticket Information for PCL Championship Series

West Sacramento, Calif. - The Sacramento River Cats advanced to the Pacific Coast League Championship Series after winning three straight at home in their best-of-five first round series vs. Salt Lake. The River Cats rallied from a 0-2 series deficit to advance. The Pacific Conference champion River Cats will meet the New Orleans Zephyrs, who defeated Nashville in the American Conference Championship Series 3games to 1, in the best-of-five title series beginning Tuesday and will head home to Raley Field on Friday, Sept 14th.

"We could not have [advanced] without the support of the great fans of Sacramento," said River Cats Manager Tony DeFrancesco. "The atmosphere at Raley Field during the first round was electric and we hope the fans come out with even more energy for the next round."

The PCL Championship Series schedule is as follows (BOLD indicates games played at Raley Field):

PCL Championship Series (all times Pacific) Pitching Match-ups (Sacramento vs. New Orleans)

Gm. 1: Tuesday, Sept. 11 at New Orleans Zephyrs (5:00 p.m.) RHP Shane Komine (0-0, 10.80) vs. LHP Adam Bostick (0-0, 0.00)

Gm. 2: Wednesday, Sept. 12 at New Orleans Zephyrs (5:00 p.m.) RHP Michael Madsen (0-0, 0.00) vs. LHP Dave Williams (0-0, 1.42)

Gm. 3: Friday, Sept. 14 at Raley Field (7:05 pm) RHP Brad Knox (1-0, 4.91) vs. LHP Jason Vargas (1-0, 1.50)

Gm. 4: Saturday, Sept. 15 at Raley Field (7:05 pm) - if necessary RHP Kazuhito Tadano (0-0, 3.68) vs. RHP Brian Lawrence (0-0, 4.50)

Gm. 5: Sunday, Sept. 16 at Raley Field (1:05 pm) - if necessary RHP Shane Komine (Gm 1) vs. RHP Kevin Mulvey (1-0, 0.00)

Playoff Promotional Schedule

The playoff promotional schedule will include Sutter Health Post-Game Fireworks on the potential Saturday home game at Raley Field (September 15), U.S. Bank Kids Days on the potential Sunday (September 16) as well as Crystal $1 Family Feast ($1 hot dogs and ice cream bars) during every 2007 River Cats playoff game at Raley Field.

Playoff Ticket Availability

Playoff tickets are currently available for purchase at the Raley Field Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Rivercats.com and by calling 916-371-HITS. Individual game tickets range in price from $6 to $30, the same as regular-season prices. Fans can also purchase full playoff packages, which include all 3 potential Raley Field playoff games, at a discounted price. Groups of 20 or more can purchase playoff tickets at discount of $5 per ticket. Full playoff packages and playoff group outings are available at the Raley Field Ticket Office and by calling 916-371-HITS.

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Beavers Auction Game-worn Jerseys To Benefit Community Fund

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Beavers announced today that the team is currently conducting an online auction of select, game-worn jerseys, with all proceeds going to the Portland Beavers and Portland Timbers Community Fund.

To take part in the online auction, visit portlandbeavers.com: Home for details.

Currently, the team is featuring 10 authentic, pinstripe jerseys worn in past seasons by such standout players as Manny Alexander, Andy Ashby, Michael Barrett, Tagg Bozied, Cesar Carrillo, Jack Cust, Adam Eaton, Shawn Estes, Robert Fick, J.J. Furmaniak, Justin Germano, Ricky Gutierrez, Clay Hensley, Ben Johnson, George Kottaras, Pete Laforest, Paul McAnulty, Brian Myrow, Yordany Ramirez and Terrmel Sledge.

All profits from the online auction will benefit the newly created Portland Beavers and Portland Timbers Community Fund, which will be launched officially in 2008. The mission of the teams' philanthropic fund is to make life better for children and families of the greater-Portland area. The Portland professional baseball and soccer teams will strive to reach this goal through focused giving, as well as dedication to strengthening the bond between the teams and their fans through extensive community outreach.

The Beavers are also offering game-worn jerseys as part of the team's new season-ticket packages for 2008. The first 50 new full-season-ticket purchasers will receive an official road jersey. For more information, contact the Beavers ticket office at (503) 553-5555.

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Isotopes picked top Triple-A franchise by Baseball America

In an off-season full of accolades, the Albuquerque Isotopes have picked up one more, earning the Bob Freitas Award from Baseball America as the top overall franchise in Triple-A Baseball, the publication announced today. The award, considered one of the most prestigious in Baseball, is annually awarded to the franchise that is the total embodiment of stability and success, demonstrating consistently high standards, both in the ballpark and in the front office, with well-run facilities, creative promotions, high attendance, and significant community involvement.

In addition to hosting the immensely successful 2007 Triple-A All-Star Game, the Isotopes were recognized on the basis of their five total years in Albuquerque, in which they've drawn almost three million total fans and have been widely regarded throughout the industry as one of the strongest franchises in the game. Isotopes Park continually ranks among the best facilities in sports and 'Topes merchandise is annually one of Minor League Baseball's biggest sellers.

"The Bob Freitas Award is one of the most coveted accolades in Baseball and it's an honor for the Isotopes to receive this recognition," said Isotopes President Ken Young. "This award, like every honor we receive, is emblematic of the incredible support the Isotopes receive from the community of Albuquerque, without whom the success we've enjoyed since the team's inception in 2003 would be impossible."

The Bob Freitas Award, named after longtime baseball ambassador Bob Freitas, was instituted by Baseball America in 1989 and recognizes the top franchises in each classification of Minor League Baseball. With stability serving as one of the award's hallmarks, a franchise cannot be eligible until its fifth year of existence. Young will receive the award on behalf of the team at a special ceremony held at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Nashville, TN. during the first week of December.

This off-season, the 'Topes have been recipients of a steady stream of honors and awards. In September, the team was named "Best Overall Franchise" by the PCL, and its General Manager John Traub was singled out as "PCL Executive of the Year." Earlier this week, Isotopes Park was named best professional baseball field by the Sports Turf Managers Association, to go along with Isotopes Head Groundskeeper Jarad Alley's PCL Groundskeeper of the Year honor which he claimed in late August. Season tickets and Mini-Plans are currently on sale for the 2008 season. For more information, visit albuquerquebaseball.com: Home or call 505-924-2255.

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Wade Makes Off-Season Moves As Winter Meetings Approach

ROUND ROCK - When Ed Wade assumed the role as General Manager for the Houston Astros, one of his first moves was to pluck veteran minor league manager Jackie Moore from the Triple-A Round Rock Express and place him alongside manager Cecil Cooper as a coach in Houston.

More than a month later, Wade has positioned several key moves that have fortified the Astros and may have an impact on Round Rock in the 2008 season. Though Wade contends the shuffling is not yet done for the Astros, here's a glance at some early key moves as the organization prepares for its Winter Meetings:

The addition of outfielder Michael Bourn - The Irving, Texas and University of Houston product was added in a five-player trade with the Philadelphia Phillies. He gives Houston a boost in the speed category, adding to the flash Hunter Pence showed in 2007. Bourn swiped 18 bases and was caught just three times with the Phillies in his first full Major League season. But he may just be getting warmed up.

Bourn stole a career-high 57 bases in Single-A in 2004 and has stolen 182 total over the last five years. His addition gives Houston a deeper outfield pool which now includes former Round Rock star Luke Scott, Josh Anderson and newly acquired Reggie Abercrombie.

Of the addition, Wade said: "[Bourn is] a good developing player and obviously did a really good job when given the opportunity last year. He's got to come into camp prepared to win a job. Luke Scott is still an element on our club that brings solid offense to our team. [Reggie] Abercrombie, whom we took on a waiver claim, has to come in and show what he's capable of doing. We may still add more outfield depth during the course of the off-season."

The re-signing of Brad Ausmus - Ausmus, 38, signed on for one more year behind the plate for Houston, though the veteran's role will change. He will help develop rookie catcher J.R. Towles, who joined the Astros late in the 2007 season. Ausmus, who will enter his eighth consecutive season with the Astros, batted .235 in last year. Towles played at every rank of Houston's minor league system last year before catching in 14 Major League games. He collected 15 hits, including five doubles and a homerun, in 40 at-bats (.375).

Of Towles, Ausmus said: "As a receiver, he's very good," Ausmus said. "He's probably one of the better receivers in the league. But just arriving to the big leagues, there's some things he has to learn. It comes with experience, and he doesn't have experience. Hopefully he'll speed up the learning process, in theory, with me around."

The addition of corner infielder Mike Costanzo - The primary third baseman, who came over with Bourn, has also seen limited time at first and could see action at Double-A Corpus Christi or Triple-A Round Rock in 2008. Costanzo, 24, batted .270 with 27 homeruns and 86 RBI in his first Double-A season in 2007. He finished the year as an Eastern League All-Star and ranked second in the league in homeruns and third in runs (92).

The promotion of Glen Barker - Barker spent parts of three years with the Astros and has 10 years of minor league experience, making him extremely knowledgeable in player development. After spending three years as a professional scout for Houston, Barker, 36, will oversee Houston's push into the Pacific Rim region (Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Australia). Barker spent two seasons in the Australian Winter League from 1997-98, and, as a minor league player in the Detroit Tigers system, he spent two months in the off-season following the 1998 campaign with the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese League as part of a working agreement between the Detroit and Hanshin franchises.

Of the move, Wade said: "Glen is a young, aggressive guy who has done a good job as a member of our professional scouting staff," Wade said. "He has playing experience on the Pacific Rim and even has some Japanese language skills. We think he has the ability to work on the Pacific Rim and tap into the talent pools that exist over there. He'll spend a lot of time on the Pacific Rim and is also charged with developing a scouting staff that will help funnel players into the Astros system. With the additions of Bobby Heck (director of amateur scouting), Felix Francisco (director of Latin American scouting) and Barker, we have significantly increased our ability to be the best and deepest organization in baseball."

Winter League Update

Outfielder Josh Flores continues to lead the Astros organization with four stolen bases ... Outfielder Mitch Einerston, a former fifth round draft choice, leads the club with four homeruns for the Mesa Solar Sox (Arizona Fall League) ... Einerston also leads the organization with a .905 OPS ... Infielder Tommy Manzella, a third round draft choice in 2005, is batting .304 for the Solar Sox ... Express first baseman Mark Saccomanno leads the Navegantes del Magallanes (Venezuelan Winter League) with 13 RBI ...Catcher Lou Santangelo is batting .304 and has drawn 10 walks in the Hawaiian Baseball League.

*MLB.com contributed to this release.

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River Cats Introduce Todd Steverson as New Manager; Announce '08 Coaching Staff

West Sacramento, Calif. - The Sacramento River Cats and Oakland Athletics named Todd Steverson as the third manager in River Cats' history, Oakland Athletics officials announced today. Steverson replaces Tony DeFrancesco, who was named the Athletics' third base coach in October. Pitching Coach Rick Rodriguez and Hitting Coach Brian McArn will return for their 8th and 4th seasons respectively with the team to round out the coaching staff. Steverson, Rodriguez and McArn will be joined by Athletic Trainer Brad LaRosa in his first season both with the A's organization and at the Triple-A level.

Steverson, who spent 2007 as manager of the Athletics' Double-A affiliate Midland RockHounds and the previous two seasons (2005-06) at the helm of the Single-A affiliate Stockton Ports, has a lifetime managerial record of 214-203. The 36-year-old Los Angeles, Calif. native joined the A's organization in 2004 as the hitting coach for the short-season Single-A Vancouver Canadians. He spent the previous five seasons in the St. Louis Cardinals farm system at Single-A Palm Beach (2003), Single-A Potomac (1999; 2001-02) and Single-A Peoria (2000).

Steverson had a seven-year playing career that included major-league appearances with Detroit (1995) and San Diego (1996). He finished his minor league career in 1998 with Triple-A Memphis of the Pacific Coast League. Steverson was originally drafted out of Culver City (Calif.) High School by the Cardinals in the sixth round of the June 1989 amateur draft but elected to attend Arizona State University. Three years later, in 1992, he was a first-round draft pick (25th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays.

The first two managers in River Cats history, DeFrancesco and current A's manager Bob Geren, are now on the Oakland coaching staff. DeFrancesco led the Sacramento River Cats to three PCL Championships in his five-year tenure with the team, capping his run by winning the 2007 PCL and Triple-A Championships in September.

Rick Rodriguez

Rodriguez, 47, will serve his eighth season as Sacramento's pitching coach in 2008. After three years with the River Cats from 2000-02, he managed the Modesto A's in 2003 before returning to the Cats in 2004. Prior to his first stint with the River Cats, he was pitching coach for Modesto in 1999. Last year, Rodriguez's pitching staff had an ERA of 4.19, 3rd best in the PCL and 3rd lowest in team history.

Rodriguez played parts of four seasons in the major leagues as a right-handed pitcher. In his major league career, he compiled a 3-4 record and a 5.72 ERA in 31 games. He played in the majors with Oakland (1986-87), Cleveland (1988) and San Francisco (1990).

Brian McArn

McArn, 38, is the third hitting coach in the club's history. Last season, his third with the Cats, Sacramento hitters batted .277 and led the PCL in walks (613). He replaced Joe Sparks in 2005, who serves the Oakland A's as their major league advance scout. Roy White was the River Cats' hitting coach for their first four seasons, from 2000-03.

This season will mark McArn's eleventh as a hitting coach in the A's organization, his twelfth as a coach in professional baseball. Prior to joining the Cats, he served as Hitting Coach for Midland, after six seasons with Modesto (Single-A). McArn began his professional coaching career with the Vermont Expos (Single-A) of the New York-Penn League in 1996.

McArn was selected by the A's in the 26th round of the 1991 Amateur Draft out of the University of Nebraska and spent two years as a player in the Oakland organization before injuries ended his career. After retiring, McArn coached at American River Junior College in Sacramento for five seasons.

Brad LaRosa

LaRosa, 31, joins the River Cats in his first season in the A's organization. For the past 3 seasons, he served as a Minor League Athletic Trainer in the St Louis Cardinals organization. LaRosa replaces Walt Horn who was named Assistant Athletic Trainer for the A's in October after spending 30 years as a trainer in the A's minor league system.

In addition to his athletic training duties, LaRosa, a 2000 graduate of Southern Illinois University who earned a graduate degree in 2003, assists with the team's travel and equipment responsibilities.

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CaneFires Handle Honu, Snap Losing Skid

The West Oahu CaneFires snapped a four-game losing streak with an 8-5 victory over the visiting North Shore Honu this afternoon at Waipahu's Hans L'Orange Park. The win was West Oahu's first in ten tries against the HWB West Division rival Honu, who have already clinched the division title and will play in the league championship game on Nov. 19.

The CaneFires (9-19-1) got support at the dish from five players who each notched two hits, including Anthony Hatch, Russell Mitchell and Ryan Rogowski who chipped in a home run apiece. West Oahu pounded out 12 hits on the afternoon, all went for singles with the exception of the three long balls.

Starter Blake Wood (1-1, 3.54 ERA) notched his first victory of the campaign, striking out seven through four innings in which he allowed two runs on two hits. Ken Miyamoto shaved his league-leading ERA to 0.39 as the Japanese prospect held North Shore scoreless through the final two innings to earn his second save.

Michael Griffin turned in a two hit, two RBI performance for the Honu (20-9) while teammate Chris Valaika added a two-run home run. Andrew Cruse (1-2, 5.40 ERA) took the loss after surrendering five runs on six hits in three innings of relief of starter Bud Norris.

Both squads return to Hans L'Orange Park tomorrow at noon for the second game of a three-game series.

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Three former Columbus players on Hall of Fame's Veteran Committee ballot

The Hall of Fame's Veteran Committee announced their finalist for election and there are three former Columbus players, Danny Murtaugh, Bill Southworth and Hank O'Day, on the ballot.

Murtaugh, the legendary Pirate manager for 15 seasons played second base for the 1939 Red Birds. Danny's son Tim was the first Clippers' manager in 1977,

O'Day pitched for the 1892 Columbus Reds, our city's first pennant winner. Hank O'Day was a 20 game winner in the major leagues. He managed both the Cubs and Reds. But he is best remembered as a National League umpire for 34 years. In 1908, he made the most famous call in baseball history. O'Day called Fred Merkle out for failing to touch second base after Al Bridwell's game winning hit in a key game against the Cubs. It became known as Merkle's Boner. The result cost the Giants the pennant. O'Day was harshly criticized from all sides. History and the rule book proved him right.

Southworth grew up in Columbus and was a star outfielder for 13 years in the major leagues before becoming a manager. He won four pennants in the 1940's with the Cardinals and Braves. He had the second highest winning percentage of any manager in the 20th century, second only to Joe McCarthy. Billy met Joe's Yankees three times in the World Series and beat him twice.

Billy was the manager of the Columbus Red Birds in 1932.

Southworth's son, Billy, Jr., was a promising outfielder when he enlisted for WWII. As a pilot, he flew 26 successful bombing missions in Europe. He won the Distinguished Fly Cross and Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters. Surviving the war, Southworth had to try an emergency landing on February 17, 1945, of his B-29 Superfortress at La Guardia Field in New York. He over shot the run way and the bomber exploded into Flushing Bay. Five members of the crew survived. Billy Jr. perished in the crash.

His father flew out of Columbus as soon as he got the news and just stood, staring out into the bay. He was never the same.

The results of the balloting will be announced on December 3rd.

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BeachBoys Blast Sharks

Waikiki combined to hit five home runs which accounted for all of the team's runs tonight as the BeachBoys downed the Honolulu Sharks, 6-1, at Waipahu's Hans L'Orange Park. Michael Wilson crushed two solo home runs as he increased his league-leading RBI total to 29, and is now tied for the Hawaii Winter Baseball league lead with seven home runs.

Hector Pellot, Michael McKenry and Lucas Duda also added dingers for Waikiki while Josh Womack chipped in two base hits. The BeachBoys (15-15) took the lead in the HWB East Division and now hold a ½ game advantage over the Sharks (14-15-1).

Kyohei Muranaka turned in another stellar performance on the hill for Waikiki, striking out 11 through six innings while surrendering four hits and no runs. The Tokyo Yakult Swallows prospect improved to 3-0 on the campaign, and lowered his ERA to a miniscule 1.64.

Brandon Snyder and Miguel Abreu each notched two of Honolulu's five hits on the evening. Starter Shingo Matsuzaki was saddled with the loss despite striking out eight through four innings.

Both squads return to Hans L'Orange Park tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. for the second game of a three-game series.