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**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 08:06 PM

Eastern League

Harrisburg will again see the rockets' red glare this summer over Commerce Bank Park. The Harrisburg Senators today announced their Friday-night promotional schedule, featuring fireworks shows presented by WINK 104 following each Friday home game during the 2008 season. The schedule also includes an event which allows fans to live out their game-show fantasies... sort of.

Fireworks shows have dazzled the fans in Harrisburg for years and they promise to be better than ever in 2008. Fireworks will light up City Island with vivid colors after all eleven Friday-night games this season.

On August 8, fans can make like a game-show contestant and drive home as the proud new owner of a brand... uh... USED car! It's part of Used Car Night presented by CBS21, when the Senators plan to give away nine used cars - one each inning. Every car WILL run... we promise!

On April 4, the first 1,000 adults aged 13 and over can warm up with fleece stadium blankets from Commerce Bank and CBS21. The first 2,000 adults through the gates on July 11 are entitled to tote bags courtesy of BELCO Community Credit Union. Fans can bring the Senators to their next card night with playing cards, compliments of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber on July 25.

The full schedule of Friday-night promotions and sponsors is as follows:

April 4 vs. Akron Aeros (Cleveland Indians), 6:05 PM

Fireworks - WINK 104

Fleece Stadium Blankets (First 1,000 adults) - Commerce Bank and CBS21

April 18 vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays), 6:05 PM

Fireworks - WINK 104

Most Improved Student Night

May 2 vs. Reading Phillies (Philadelphia Phillies), 6:05 PM

Fireworks - Ollie's Bargain Outlet & WINK 104

$2 from every ticket sold at the box office goes to the Children's Miracle Network - Ollie's Bargain Outlet

May 16 vs. Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates), 6:05 PM

Fireworks - Emergency Health Services Foundation & WINK 104

June 6 vs. Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles), 6:35 PM

Fireworks - Verizon Wireless & WINK 104

June 20 vs. Erie SeaWolves (Detroit Tigers), 6:35 PM

Fireworks - Verizon & WINK 104

July 11 vs. Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles), 6:35 PM

Tote Bag Giveaway (First 2,000 adults) - BELCO Community Credit Union

Fireworks - BELCO Community Credit Union & WINK 104

July 25 vs. Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates), 6:35 PM

Playing Card Giveaway (First 1,000 adults) - Harrisburg Regional Chamber

Fireworks - WINK 104

August 8 vs. Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates), 6:35 PM

Used Car Night - CBS21

Fireworks - WINK 104

August 22 vs. Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox), 6:35 PM

Fireworks - Susquehanna Bank & WINK 104

August 29 vs. Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles), 6:35 PM

Benefit for Central PA Food Bank - $1 off admission for each can of food (up to $5 off) - Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Fireworks - Ollie's Bargain Outlet, CBS21 & WINK 104

The 2008 season begins on Thursday, April 3rd at Commerce Bank Park when the Senators host the Cleveland Indians' Eastern League affiliate Akron Aeros. The 2008 season marks the 22nd season for the Senators since baseball returned to City Island in 1987. For more information about the 2008 season, please check out the Senators website at Harrisburg Senators - Professional Baseball - Official Site.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 08:07 PM

Eastern League

The Detroit Tigers today announced their 2008 minor league rosters.

RETURNING PLAYERS

12 of the 24 players on the squad have spent parts of or entire seasons with the SeaWolves. Those players include starting pitchers Andrew Kown and Jon Connolly; relievers Matt Rusch, Danny Zell and Anthony Tomey. Nick McIntyre, Kody Kirkland, Danny Worth, Max Leon and Will Rhymes will be back in the Howlers infield while only one outfielder returns in Wilkin Ramirez.

CATCHERS

Dusty Ryan joins the ‘Wolves after spending a season with Lakeland and returning to the club is Max St. Pierre as the other backstop. St. Pierre spend parts of four seasons (2002-05) with the ‘Wolves.

INFIELDERS

Kody Kirkland makes his return to Erie for the third straight season to man the hot corner. The highly touted Danny Worth made a splash in Erie at the end of the 2007 campaign batting .429 in five regular season games and starting in all four of Erie's playoff games. Worth is ranked as the eighth-best prospect in the Tigers organization by Baseball America. Will Rhymes, Nick McIntyre and Max Leon also return along with newcomer 1B Ryan Roberson.

OUTFIELDERS

Manning the outfield will be Wilkin Ramirez, Deik Scram, Jeff Frazier and Freddy Guzman. Ramirez is ranked 14th while Guzman is ranked 15th in the top 30 prospects by Baseball America. Guzman led the Pacific Coast Leaague with 56 stolen bases in 2007 while playing for Oklahoma (Triple-A Texas). Scram spent time with both West Michigan and Lakeland in '07. Ramirez began last season with Lakeland and was called up to Erie on July 20. He finished third among all Tigers minor leaguers with 34 stolen bases last season.

ROTATION The SeaWolves enter the season with an experienced pitching staff. Returning starters Andrew Kown and Jon Connolly are joined by newcomers Danny Christensen, Ben Fritz and Luke French. Christensen and Fritz come to the Tigers organization via trades while French spend last season with Lakeland.

The 14th season of SeaWolves baseball begins on April 3, 2008 when the team opens at Bowie (Baltimore Orioles). The ‘Wolves 2008 home opener is April 10, 2008 against the Binghamton Mets (New York Mets). For ticket information, contact the SeaWolves at

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 08:08 PM

Eastern League

Reading, PA - The Philadelphia Phillies have announced the 24-man roster for their Double-A club in Reading.

Reading's roster features seven of the Phillies Top 20 prospects as ranked by Baseball America: #1 Carlos Carrasco, RHP; #4 Josh Outman, LHP; #7 Greg Golson, OF; #8 Lou Marson, C; #9 Drew Carpenter, RHP; #15 Jason Donald, SS; #20 Brad Harman, 2B. Not one of the seven has ever been in Reading for Opening Day. However, Carrasco (6/20/07), Outman (7/26/07) and Golson (7/26/07) were all promoted to Reading from Clearwater mid-season in 2007.

Fourteen of the active 24 players are new to Reading: Kip Bouknight, Carpenter, Ron Hill, Justin Pope, Will Savage, R.J. Swindle, Shane Youman, Marson, John Suomi, Luke Appert, Donald, Harman, Neil Sellers, and Jeremy Slayden.

Carpenter, Hill, Savage, Swindle, Marson, Donald, Harman and Slayden will all be making their Double-A debuts.

Bouknight (Altoona), Pope (Trenton) and Suomi (Harrisburg) all played in the Eastern League in 2007. Youman played in the league in 2006 (Altoona).

Appert (Midland) and Sellers (Corpus Christi) have Double-A on their resumes as recently as last year.

In addition to Carrasco, Outman and Golson, returning to Reading from last year's club are: Fabio Castro, Patrick Overholt, Joey Hammond, Juan Tejeda, Javon Moran, Michael Spidale and Tim Gradoville. Gradoville has a new roll in 2008 - player/coach. He'll begin the season inactive as a player. Reading's last player/coach was Larry Andersen in 1995.

Also returning to Reading is LHP Jason Kershner. Kershner previously pitched for Reading from 1999-2001. His last appearance in an R-Phils uniform came on 8/29/01 at Harrisburg. That was 2,405 days ago. Six whole seasons have passed since his last appearance for the R-Phils. That's tied for the longest gap between appearances in R-Phils history with Sean Fesh (1998, 2005) and the late John Vukovich (1969, 1976-77).

Thirteen of the active players on the roster were originally signed or drafted by the Phillies. The roster's average age on 4/1/08 will be 25.5-years old. Reading's 4/1/07 roster had an average age of 27.1 years and eight players that were originally signed or drafted by the Phillies.

P.J. Forbes returns for his third season as the manager. Tom Filer is in his 4th season as the pitching coach. Frank Cacciatore is in his first season as the team's hitting coach. Also new to the staff are Gradoville, Athletic Trainer Chris Mudd and Athletic Trainer and Conditioning Specialist Justin Zabrosky.

The R-Phils will be in action on Tuesday, April 1 when they take on the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in the Capital BlueCross Exhibition Game to benefit Baseballtown Charities. Game time is 6:35 PM, all seats are just $5 and available at readingphillies.com, FirstEnergy Stadium or by phone 610-375-8469. Reading opens its 42nd regular season at Altoona on Thursday, April 3 at 6:35 PM. The R-Phils home opener is on Friday, April 11 at 7:05 PM.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 08:09 PM

Pacific Coast League

OMAHA, NE - The Kansas City Royals traded first baseman/outfielder Justin Huber to the San Diego Padres today, in exchange for a player to be named.

Huber, 25, has spent most of the past two seasons with the Omaha Royals and has made brief appearances with Kansas City the past three years after being acquired from the New York Mets on July 30, 2004.

In 2007, the native of Australia was limited to 77 games with Omaha due to a recurring hamstring pull, a calf injury and a virus. But, he was productive when he played, hitting .276 with 18 home runs and 68 RBI in 286 at-bats. Huber was recalled by Kansas City on September 4th and played in eight games, going 1-for-10. In November, he batted .381 for Australia in the World Cup in Taipei.

Huber opened the 2006 season with Omaha, hitting .278 with 15 homers and 44 RBI in 100 games, while being converted from first base to the outfield. He batted .200 (2-for-10) with one RBI in five games with Kansas City.

In 2005, Huber won the Texas League batting title with a .343 average for Wichita and was named by Kansas City as the organization's Minor League Player of the Year, as well as being selected to Baseball America's Minor League All-Star Team. He was also named the MVP of the 2005 XM Satellite Futures Game on July 10 in Detroit's Comerica Park. Huber appeared in 32 games with Omaha that season and saw his first big league action, playing in 25 games with Kansas City.

Entering the 2008 season, Huber was named by Baseball America as Kansas City's 17th-best prospect, after being rated #8 prior to 2007 and #3 entering 2006.

The Royals 2008 season opener is set for Rosenblatt Stadium on Thursday, April 3rd at 7:05 p.m. vs. the Albuquerque Isotopes. For tickets, call the Royals ticket office at (402) 738-5100, or order and print tickets online at Omaha Royals: Home and at Etix.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 08:10 PM

Pacific Coast League

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds, the three-time defending PCL American Conference Northern Division champions and the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, have announced their tentative Opening Day roster, a group of players highlighted by several returnees from last season's squad and seven players who were All-Stars in their respective leagues in 2007.

Ten players return to Music City from the 2007 Sounds division-winning club, including starting pitchers Mark DiFelice, Lindsay Gulin, and Zach Jackson; relievers Steve Bray, Tim Dillard, and Mitch Stetter; catcher Vinny Rottino; infielders Ozzie Chavez and Brad Nelson; and outfielder Laynce Nix.

Bray and Rottino represented the Sounds in the 2007 Triple-A All-Star Game, and Nix led the Milwaukee farm system with 25 home runs a year ago. DiFelice was a starting pitcher in the Southern League All-Star Game before earning a mid-season promotion to Nashville. Gulin, who opened last season in Nashville before being reassigned to Double-A Huntsville, ranked 3rd in the Brewers organization with 12 victories and a 3.41 ERA during an All-Star campaign for the Stars.

Key newcomers to Music City include: reliever Luis Pena, a 25-year-old fireballer who tied for second in the Brewers organization with 18 saves last season; outfielder Brendan Katin, a 2007 Southern League All-Star who led his circuit with 24 home runs and 94 RBIs last season and who was rated by Baseball America as having the "best outfield arm" in the Brewers farm system; and Hernan Iribarren, a member of Milwaukee's 40-man roster who ranked 5th in the Southern League with a .307 average last season and is making the transition from second base to the outfield.

Six players will make their first stop at the Class AAA level with the Sounds in 2008: Pena, infielders Adam Heether and Steve Sollmann, and outfielders Iribarren, Katin, and Mel Stocker, who finished the 2007 campaign in Milwaukee as a September call-up. Pena, Sollmann, and Katin were all selected as All-Stars in their respective leagues last season.

Nashville pitching coach Stan Kyles has a veteran staff to work with in 2008. Eleven of the 13 projected Sounds hurlers appeared in the Pacific Coast League last season and all but Pena have previously logged time at the Class AAA level in their respective careers.

The Sounds' lineup will be a mix of youth and experience. In addition to the returnees and new additions arriving from Huntsville, Nashville will feature veteran catcher Eric Munson, a former first-round pick (Detroit, '99) who has spent all or parts of the last eight seasons at the Major League level; infielder/outfielder Russell Branyan, a 15-year veteran with 198 home runs in his 715 career minor league games; and infielder Abraham Nunez, a former Sound from 1998-2002 who has appeared in 835 Major League contests since 2001.

Returning to guide the club will be 2007 PCL Manager of the Year Frank Kremblas, who has led Nashville to division championships in each of his three seasons at the helm and piloted the Sounds to the Pacific Coast League title in 2005.

Kremblas will be rejoined by pitching coach Stan Kyles and trainer Jeff Paxson for the fourth consecutive year on the Sounds' bench and by hitting coach Harry Spilman for the second straight year. One new addition is strength and conditioning coach Tom Reynolds, who joins the Sounds in 2008 after spending last season with Double-A Huntsville.

The Sounds open their 31st season on Thursday, April 3 in New Orleans with a 7:00 p.m. matchup against the Zephyrs, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets. Nashville plays its first eight games on the road before returning to Music City for its 2008 home opener on Friday, April 11, a 7 p.m. meeting with the division-rival Iowa Cubs.

Media day at Greer Stadium will occur at 5 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, prior to the Sounds' annual 6 p.m. exhibition against Belmont University. The game includes free admission for all fans.

Ticket packages are currently on sale. Call (615) 242-4371 or visit the Sounds' website at Nashville Sounds to order or for more information.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 08:12 PM

International League

International League North Division

BUFFALO BISONS Affiliate: Cleveland Indians

Year in IL (Buffalo, NY): 94th Record: 6,885-6,431 Last Governors' Cup: 2004

2007 Finish: 75-67, 3rd in North (-8.5)

Manager: Torey Lovullo (3rd year) Career - 6 yrs. 472-369

Coaches: Dave Myers (2nd year); Scott Radinsky (2nd year)

Stadium: Dunn Tire Park (18,150)

Probable Starters: 1B - Jordan Brown; 2B - Josh Barfield; 3B - Aaron Herr;

SS - Danny Sandoval; C - Wyatt Toregas; LF - Ben Francisco / Jason Cooper;

CF - Jason Tyner; RF - Brad Snyder; DH -Ryan Mulhern.

Key Pitchers: Starters - LH Jeremy Sowers, LH Aaron Laffey, RH Adam Miller,

RH Brian Slocum, RH Jeff Harris. Relievers - RH Sean Smith, RH Rick Bauer,

RH Edward Mujica, LH Rich Rundles, RH Bubbie Buzachero.

Top Prospects: RHP Adam Miller returns to Triple-A hoping to rebound from an injury-plagued rookie campaign. The former 1st round draft pick experienced elbow troubles in 2007...1B Jordan Brown led all Double-A hitters with a .333 average last season on his way to Eastern League MVP and Rookie of the Year honors. He was also MVP of the Carolina League in 2006...C Wyatt Toregas led all Eastern League catchers last season by throwing out 52% of would-be base stealers. Toregas gives the Bisons their first true run-stopper in several years.

Other Organizational Prospects: LHP Chuck Lofgren may start in Double-A because of a crowded Bisons staff. He led all Cleveland minor leaguers with 151.1 innings of work last year. Lofgren won 12 games and notched 130 strikeouts with Akron...LHP Reid Santos won 8 games with Double-A Akron last season...LHP Ryan Edell went 11-6 with Class-A Kinston...OF Trevor Crowe stole 28 bases last year, 3rd-best in the Eastern League. Combined with plate discipline that accounted for 62 walks, he may soon be Buffalo's leadoff hitter.

Veterans to Watch: OF Ben Francisco may start in Triple-A again thanks to a crowded outfield in Cleveland. He was the Bisons Co-MVP in 2006 and the IL batting champion in 2007 (.318)...1B/DH Ryan Mulhern was the Bisons MVP last year, finishing in the IL's top ten in hits (138), doubles (36), and slugging (.475)...3B Aaron Herr hit 19 home runs and was an IL Postseason All-Star with Louisville in 2007...2B Josh Barfield, with two big league seasons under his belt, will start the year in Buffalo...Three-time Governors' Cup Champion Jason Tyner was signed in the spring and should bolster the outfield depth.

Items of Interest: Buffalo baseball Hall of Famer Torey Lovullo returns for his third season at the helm. The entire Bisons coaching staff, including Dave Myers as hitting coach and Scott Radinsky as pitching coach, returns for its second season together...Buffalo's 94th season in the IL is tied with Syracuse for the second-most years in League history.

Strengths of the Club: The starting rotation is very solid and deep with Sowers, Laffey, Miller, and Slocum. LHP Chuck Lofgren could also spend significant time in Buffalo...The offense has plenty of power with Herr, Mulhern, Francisco, Snyder, Cooper, and Brown all coming off of double-digit home run campaigns last season.

Weaknesses of the Club: Health is the biggest question mark. RHP Adam Miller, RHP Brian Slocum, RHP Sean Smith, and OF Brad Snyder all saw their 2007 seasons cut short due to injuries. LHP Tony Sipp didn't pitch at all in 2007 and will miss the first couple of months of 2008. C Wyatt Toregas served two stints on the DL last year.

LEHIGH VALLEY IRONPIGS Affiliate: Philadelphia Phillies

Year in IL (Allentown, PA): 3rd Record: 39-60 Last Governors' Cup: None

2007 Finish (Ottawa Lynx): 55-80, 6th in North (-29.0)

Manager: Dave Huppert (1st year) Career - 20 yrs. 1,425-1,214

Coaches: Greg Gross (1st year); Rod Nichols (4th year)

Stadium: Coca-Cola Park (10,000)

Probable Starters: 1B - Andy Tracy; 2B - Casey Smith; 3B - Brennan King;

SS - Gookie Dawkins; C - Jason Jaramillo; LF - T.J. Bohn; CF - Brandon Watson;

RF - Val Pascucci; DH - Mike Cervenak.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Kevin Beirne, RH Ron Chiavacci, LH J.A. Happ,

LH Brian Mazone, RH Kris Wilson. Relievers - RH Jason Anderson, RH Joe Bisenius,

RH Matt Childers, LH Vic Darensbourg, RH John Ennis, LH Jason Kershner.

Top Prospects: 25-year-old C Jason Jaramillo is among Philadelphia' top 10 prospects according to Baseball America. The 2nd round pick from 2004 hit .271 last year for Ottawa and earned a trip to the Triple-A All-Star Game. He also played well for the United States team at the 2007 World Cup...LHP J.A. Happ was 4-6 with a 5.02 ERA in 24 starts for Ottawa last season. It was the first time in his four-year career his ERA was over 2.81...25-year-old RHP Joe Bisenius went 3-4 with a 5.48 ERA in his first season at the Triple-A level in 2007. One year earlier he combined to go 8-3 with a 2.25 ERA in 51 games between Class-A Clearwater and Double-A Reading.

Other Organizational Prospects: The Double-A Reading Phillies will feature many of the organization's top prospects to open the 2008 campaign. These players include the top overall prospect RHP Carlos Carrasco, as well as LHP Josh Outman, OF Greg Golson, C Lou Marson, and RHP Drew Carpenter, who won a Minor League leading 17 games last year at Clearwater...Reading also features INF Jason Donald and INF Brad Harman.

Veterans to Watch: OF/1B Val Pascucci hit .285 with 34 HR and 97 RBI for Albuquerque of the Pacific Coast League last season...1B/DH Andy Tracy was also impressive in the PCL, hitting .281 with 23 HR and 87 RBI for New Orleans...3B/OF Mike Cervenak led the International League with 157 hits last year for Norfolk...OF Brandon Watson was 3rd in the League in 2007 with a .313 average, and along the way established a new IL-record with a 43-game hitting streak...LHP Brian Mazone returns from Korea. He was 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA with Ottawa before leaving, and the year before was 13-3 with an IL-best 2.03 ERA for Scranton/WB...RHP Ron Chiavacci was 12-6 with a 3.39 ERA in 2007 for Toledo...C Pete LaForest hit 29 HR last year for Triple-A Portland.

Items of Interest: 2008 will be the first season for affiliated baseball in Allentown since 1960. The city hosted independent baseball from 1997-2003...Coca-Cola Park is the first facility named after the soft drink giant in the U.S....The club has sold more than 3,500 season tickets for its first season...The name "IronPigs" is a variation of pig iron, an ingredient in the making of steel and a tribute to the steel industry that dominated Lehigh Valley through the 1970's.

Strengths of the Club: The addition of Pascucci, Tracy, and Cervenak should add punch to a team that finished last in Triple-A last year in homers...The starting pitching should be strong with Happ and proven Triple-A starters Mazone and Chiavacci...The bullpen has some nice arms but no closer. Matt Childers will likely get the first crack at that role.

Weaknesses of the Club: There is little team speed in the lineup...The outfield defense is questionable.

International League North Division

PAWTUCKET RED SOX Affiliate: Boston Red Sox

Year in IL (Pawtucket, RI): 36th Record: 2,431-2,531 Last Governors' Cup: 1984

2007 Finish: 67-75, 4th in North (-16.5)

Manager: Ron Johnson (4th year) Career - 16 yrs. 1,115-1,122

Coaches: Russ Morman (1st year); Rich Sauveur (1st year)

Stadium: McCoy Stadium (10,031)

Probable Starters: 1B - Brandon Moss; 2B - Joe Thurston; 3B - Keith Ginter;

SS - Jed Lowrie; C - Dusty Brown; LF - Chris Carter; CF - Jonathan Van Every;

RF - Rich Thompson; DH - Jeff Bailey.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Devern Hansack, LH Michael Tejera, RH Charlie Zink,

LH Abe Alvarez, RH David Pauley. Relievers - RH Craig Hansen, RH Lee Gronkiewicz,

RH Edgar Martinez, LH Jon Switzer, RH Lincoln Holdzkom, RH Dan Kolb.

Top Prospects: Jed Lowrie is a versatile infielder who can play second, third, or shortstop. He was voted Boston's Minor League Offensive Player of the Year in 2007 after tying for 4th in the farm system with 148 hits and 2nd with 47 doubles...The athletic Brandon Moss has been converted to first base. In his Triple-A rookie season last year, Moss hit .282 with 17 HR and 78 RBI and played in the Triple-A All-Star Game...C Dusty Brown made his Triple-A debut last August, one month after being named Boston's Minor League Offensive Player of the Month. Brown threw out 43% of attempted base stealers with Double-A Portland prior to his promotion.

Other Organizational Prospects: RHP Justin Masterson is a big right-hander (6'6", 250 pounds) who reached Double-A last year in his first full professional season. It appears he will start this season back in Portland, but a jump to Pawtucket at some point is likely...RHP Michael Bowden had a great season in 2007 at the age of 20. At Class-A Lancaster, Bowden posted a 1.37 ERA and a strikeout per inning in eight starts before being promoted to Double-A. His time in Portland was up-and-down.

Veterans to Watch: OF Jonathan Van Every is an excellent defensive outfielder who played 50 games last season in Buffalo without committing an error. He will have a chance to drive in a lot of runs for the PawSox...RHP Devern Hansack is the classic rags-to-riches story. Hansack was out of baseball for two years and started a fishing business in his native Nicaragua. He signed with Boston prior to the 2006 season and last year he went 10-7 with a 3.57 ERA for Pawtucket, earning a three-game stint in Boston.

Items of Interest: For the second time in three years, Pawtucket will play a regular season game at Fenway Park (August 9 vs. Charlotte)...Both of Boston's recent World Series trophies will be on display at McCoy Stadium on Sunday, April 6...Three individuals with ties to the PawSox are being inducted into the International League Hall of Fame this year. Owner Ben Mondor, former manager Joe Morgan, and 1974 IL MVP and Triple Crown winner Jim Rice will be honored in a ceremony at McCoy Stadium on July 20.

Strengths of the Club: The bullpen is deep. The key may be Craig Hansen, who has shown flashes of Major League-type stuff but must be more consistent...Jed Lowrie might be a star in the making...The PawSox have a lineup that appears suited to hit well for average.

Weaknesses of the Club: Pawtucket lacks a "shut down" starter, though there is a lot of experience in the rotation...The team is also missing a big stick in the middle of the lineup, although Brandon Moss and Jeff Bailey can (and have) put up double-digit home run figures in the past.

ROCHESTER RED WINGS Affiliate: Minnesota Twins

Year in IL (Rochester, NY): 121st Record: 8,839-8,370 Last Governors' Cup: 1997

2007 Finish: 77-67, 2nd in North (-7.5)

Manager: Stan Cliburn (3rd year) Career - 14 yrs. 949-945

Coaches: Stu Cliburn (3rd year); Riccardo Ingram (1st year)

Stadium: Frontier Field (10,840)

Probable Starters: 1B - Garrett Jones; 2B - Matt Tolbert; 3B - Brian Buscher;

SS - Alexi Casilla; C - Jose Morales; LF - Tommy Watkins; CF - Denard Span;

RF - Darnell McDonald; DH - Randy Ruiz.

Key Pitchers: Starters - LH Brian Duensing, LH Randy Keisler, RH Kevin Mulvey,

RH Nick Blackburn. Relievers - RH Casey Daigle, LH Ricky Barrett, LH Carmen Cali,

RH Julio DePaula, RH Bobby Korecky.

Top Prospects: Two of Minnesota's top pitching prospects could open the year in Rochester. RHP Nick Blackburn (rated Minnesota's #1 overall prospect by Baseball America) went 7-3 with a 2.11 ERA in 17 starts for the Red Wings in 2007, earning a September promotion to Minnesota. LHP Brian Duensing (#8 overall), was 11-5 with a 3.24 ERA last year for Rochester...SS Alexi Casilla is only 24, but he is a career .298 hitter in the minors (and .223 in the majors)...C Jose Morales' stock is on the rise after hitting a career-best .311 in a full season with Rochester last year, but there is someone named Joe Mauer blocking his path to the Major Leagues.

Other Organizational Prospects: RHP Anthony Swarzak is a former 2nd-round draft pick who is 33-23 with a 3.31 career ERA. Swarzak was suspended 50 games last year for a violation of baseball's drug policy.

Veterans to Watch: OF Denard Span is a former #1 draft pick who figures to be in Rochester if he loses the spring battle for Minnesota's center field job with Carlos Gomez...1B/OF Garrett Jones has hit 58 homers for Rochester over the past three seasons, finally making his big league debut last year. After hitting .200 (5-25) for Minnesota this spring, he cleared waivers and was outrighted to Rochester...2B Matt Tolbert led the IL in hitting for the first half of 2007 and finished with a .293 average...3B Brian Buscher was Minnesota's Minor League Player of the Year last season, zipping from Double-A to the majors...RHP Bobby Korecky set a club mark with 35 saves in 2007, but also had seven blown saves...OF Jon Knott hit 32 homers for Triple-A Portland in 2006 and has Major League experience with San Diego and Baltimore. He could start in LF if Tommy Watkins makes the Twins.

Items of Interest: Former Rochester player, manager, and general manager Joe Altobelli will be inducted into the IL Hall of Fame on June 28, along with several other former IL greats...The Red Wings have a record 10 Governors' Cups, but have not won one since 1997, their first season in Frontier Field...Stan Cliburn is back for his third season as manager. The Red Wings have never been under .500 during his reign...Former Toledo outfielder Riccardo Ingram takes over as hitting coach after managing Double-A New Britain the past two seasons.

Strengths of the Club: Starting pitching looks to be strong...The Wings should have plenty of power with Jones, Ruiz, and Knott in the lineup...Depth. The Red Wings have a potential IL All-Star at every position.

Weakness of the Club: OF Darnell McDonald could open the season on the disabled list, meaning Jason Pridie would start in his place...Bobby Korecky can be inconsistent as the closer...There is no clear backup at catcher if Jose Morales gets hurt.

International League North Division

SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE YANKEES Affiliate: New York Yankees

Year in IL (Scranton/WB, PA): 20th Record: 1,389-1,327 Last Governors' Cup: None

2007 Finish: 84-59, North Champions (+7.5), lost to Richmond in Gov. Cup first round

Manager: Dave Miley (3rd year) Career - 17 yrs. 1,268-973

Coaches: Rafael Chaves (1st year), Alvaro Espinosa (2nd year), Butch Wynegar (2nd year)

Stadium: PNC Field (10,310)

Probable Starters: 1B - Juan Miranda; 2B - Nick Green; 3B - Cody Ransom;

SS - Alberto Gonzales; C - Chad Moeller; LF - Justin Christian; CF - Brett Gardner;

RF - Jason Lane; DH - Eric Duncan.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Alan Horne, RH Jeff Marquez, LH Chase Wright,

LH Kei Igawa, RH Steven White. Relievers - RH Steven Jackson, RH Darrell Rasner,

RH Edwar Ramirez, RH Dan Giese, RH Scott Patterson.

Top Prospects: RHP Alan Horne was the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year in 2007. He went 12-4 with a 3.11 ERA and 165 strikeouts in 27 starts with Trenton...1B Juan Miranda has enjoyed an excellent spring coming off a 2007 season in which he hit .264 with 16 homers between Class-A Tampa and Double-A Trenton. Miranda is a native Cuban who missed two full seasons while his immigration paperwork was sorted out...RHP Jeff Marquez led the Yankees organization and the Eastern League with 15 wins last season. He posted a 3.65 ERA to go along with his 15-9 record.

Other Organizational Prospects: 21-year-old Austin Jackson hit .345 when he reached Tampa last season. Overall he combined to hit 13 homers with 59 RBI and 32 stolen bases. He should start the year as Tampa's center fielder but could reach Scranton/Wilkes-Barre sometime in 2008...OF Matt Carson hit 16 HR and drove in 76 runs in his first full season at Double-A last year...OF Colin Curtis played 61 games last season at Trenton in his first taste of Double-A, hitting .242. The 23-year-old Curtis enters his third professional season in 2008.

Veterans to Watch: OF Jason Lane is one of the hottest hitters for the Yankees in spring training this season. Lane has 61 career home runs at the Major League level, including 26 for Houston in 2005...DH Greg Porter made his Triple-A debut in 2007 with Salt Lake of the Pacific Coast League, hitting .345 with 7 HR and 33 RBI in 56 games. Porter is a career .297 hitter with 63 HR in the Minor Leagues...2B Nick Green is a slick fielding infielder who possesses a decent amount of power at the plate.

Items of Interest: After finishing with the IL's best regular season record the last two seasons, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees look to finally win the franchise's first Governors' Cup in 2008...Dave Miley returns for his second year in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and his third as skipper of New York's Triple-A affiliate. Miley was named the International League Manager of the Year in 2007.

Strengths of the Club: The SWB Yankees should have a great bullpen to go along with a solid rotation. Alan Horne is a "lights out" pitcher who is destined for New York very soon...OF Brett Gardner has dazzling speed...There should be a nice balance of veterans and young players...DH Eric Duncan may be ready for a breakout season.

Weaknesses of the Club: Major League veteran Chad Moeller is a solid catcher, but he has an escape clause in his contract. No one has stepped up as a clear backup to Moeller as of yet, which could be a major concern if Moeller leaves.

SYRACUSE CHIEFS Affiliate: Toronto Blue Jays

Year in IL (Syracuse, NY): 94th Record: 6,289-6,808 Last Governors' Cup: 1976

2007 Finish: 64-80, 5th in North (-20.5)

Manager: Doug Davis (2nd year) Career - 7 yrs. 446-411

Coaches: Rick Langford (3rd year); Al LeBoeuf (2nd year)

Stadium: Alliance Bank Stadium (11,604)

Probable Starters: 1B - Chip Cannon; 2B - Joe Inglett; 3B - Sergio Santos;

SS - Pedro Lopez; C - Curtis Thigpen; LF - Adam Lind; CF - Buck Coats;

RF - Matt Watson; DH - Russ Adams.

Key Pitchers: Starters -RH Josh Banks, RH Kane Davis. Relievers - RH Jordan De Jong,

RH Shawn Camp.

Top Prospects: C Curtis Thigpen begins his second year at the Triple-A level. Thigpen hit .285 last year for the Chiefs in 50 games. He also played 47 games with the Blue Jays in his first taste of the majors, hitting .238 with 11 RBI. Thigpen is no stranger to the spotlight, thanks to three trips to the College World Series with the Texas Longhorns...Thigpen will be backed up by another up-and-coming young backstop, Robinzon Diaz. Diaz, who can also play third base, has a strong throwing arm and makes good contact at the plate, as evidenced by his .306 average over seven pro seasons. The 24-year-old hit .338 in 93 games for the Chiefs last season, and should see plenty of playing time in Syracuse in 2008.

Other Organizational Prospects: LHP David Purcey posted a 1.23 ERA in six Arizona Fall League starts. He is likely to start 2008 in New Hampshire where he was slowed last season by cysts in his throwing arm...LHP Ricky Romero was Toronto's top draft pick in 2005. Romero went 3-6 with a 4.89 ERA with Double-A New Hampshire last season...OF Ryan Patterson suffered a broken arm after being hit by a pitch last April, but he returned to hit .267 with 18 HR and 68 RBI for New Hampshire...OF Travis Snyder is regarded as one of the top prospects in the Toronto system. Last year he hit .313 with 16 HR and 93 RBI at Class-A Lansing in his first full professional season.

Veterans to Watch: OF Matt Watson is back in the United States after spending the last two seasons in Japan. Watson is a career .307 hitter in the Minor Leagues, and he has also played 34 games in the Major Leagues with the Mets and A's...Russ Adams, after playing 155 games for Syracuse the last two seasons at second base, will have to adjust to being the club's utility man in 2008. Adams hit .262 with 11 HR and 54 RBI for the Chiefs last season...2B Joe Inglett is a career .301 hitter in the Minor Leagues. He also has 66 Major League games under his belt, combining to hit .291 with Cleveland and Toronto.

Items of Interest: The Astroturf at Alliance Bank Stadium has been replaced with a grass playing surface. The Astroturf was in place since the park opened in 1997. The left-center field wall has also been pushed back from 380 ft. to nearly 400 ft.

Strengths of the Club: The Chiefs will begin the year with a strong outfield. Lind, Coats, and Watson will provide solid defense and speed on the basepaths...Syracuse will also have a deep bullpen.

Weaknesses of the Club: Infield defense will be a big question mark heading into the 2008 season. Sergio Santos, a career shortstop, will make the move to third base this year...The starting rotation doesn't match up with others around the International League.

International League West Division

COLUMBUS CLIPPERS Affiliate: Washington Nationals

Year in IL (Columbus, OH): 48th Record: 3,574-3,208 Last Governors' Cup: 1996

2007 Finish: 64-80, 4th in West (-18.5)

Manager: Tim Foli (1st year) Career - 3 yrs. 174-177

Coaches: Steve McCatty (3rd year), Rick Eckstein (1st year)

Stadium: Cooper Stadium (15,000)

Probable Starters: 1B - Larry Broadway; 2B - Bret Boone; 3B - Kory Casto;

SS - Pete Orr; C - Wil Nieves; LF - Ryan Langerhans; CF - Garrett Guzman;

RF - Jason Dubois; DH - Yurendell de Caster.

Key Pitchers: Starters - LH John Lannan, RH Collin Balester, RH Garrett Mock,

RH Tyler Clippard, LH Michael O'Connor. Relievers - LH Mike Bacsik, LH Arnie Munoz,

RH Rob Bell, LH Eude Brito, RH Brian Sanches, LH Jason Stanford, RH Chris Booker.

Top Prospects: RHP Collin Balester has consistently improved since his professional debut in 2004. At 21, Balester was the youngest player on the Columbus roster last year, where he went 2-3 with a 4.18 ERA after being promoted from Double-A Harrisburg in July...RHP Garrett Mock's career has been something of a roller coaster ride. Hampered by injuries, he made 14 starts at three levels of the Washington system last year. Mock has a fastball that clocks in the low to mid-90's, a power slider, and a jumpy curveball, but his change-up still needs work. His personality has made him a favorite among his teammates and fans at every stop along the way...OF Garrett Guzman hit .222 with a double, a homer, and 2 RBI in 12 games with the Nationals this spring. Guzman hit .312 with a 14 HR and 88 RBI for Double-A New Britain last year. Guzman suffered a broken neck in 2005 in a serious car accident.

Other Organizational Prospects: C Jesus Flores was a Rule 5 pickup before the 2007 season, and spent all of last year as the backup to Brian Schneider, playing in 79 games and hitting .244 with 25 RBI. Flores is expected to start this year in Washington, but once Johnny Estrada is healthy Flores will head to Double-A Harrisburg...Speedy OF Roger Bernadina made his International League debut in 2007, playing 13 games with the Clippers. He spent most of the season in Harrisburg, where he hit .270 with 6 HR, 36 RBI, and 40 stolen bases. He is expected to begin the 2008 season back in Harrisburg.

Veterans to Watch: 2B Bret Boone, a three-time Major League All-Star, will be the Clippers' second baseman to begin the 2008 season. He has not played since 2005. Boone received only 37 at-bats with the Nationals this spring and is looking to play everyday to regain his swing and overall consistency.

Items of Interest: The Clippers will celebrate the final season at Cooper Stadium this year, with the new Huntington Park scheduled to open in 2009. The facility on Mound Street first opened in 1932 and has hosted several professional Columbus baseball teams.

Strengths of the Club: The starting rotation should be one of the youngest but best in the International League. John Lannan and Collin Balester only have five Triple-A wins between them, but both young prospects continue to excel in the Nationals system. Garrett Mock is healthy for the first time in two seasons, and Tyler Clippard is only 22 years old but has already reached the Major Leagues.

Weakness of the Club: The Clippers lineup will, most likely, be without a major base-stealing threat. Last year Bernie Castro led the International League in stolen bases, but with a veteran lineup and a few more power hitters, the 2008 Clippers will have a more difficult time swiping bases.

INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS Affiliate: Pittsburgh Pirates

Year in IL (Indianapolis, IN): 12th Record: 805-781 Last Governors' Cup: 2000

2007 Finish: 70-73, 3rd in West (-12.0)

Manager: Trent Jewett (4th year) Career - 14 yrs. 921-914

Coaches: Hensley Meulens (4th year), Ray Searage (1st year)

Stadium: Victory Field (14,500)

Probable Starters: 1B - Adam Boeve; 2B - Josh Wilson / Jorge Velandia;

3B - Neil Walker; SS - Brian Bixler; C - Carlos Maldonado; LF - Andrew McCutchen;

CF - Chris Duffy; RF - Steve Pearce; DH - Kevin Thompson.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Bryan Bullington, RH John Van Benschoten,

RH Ty Taubenheim, RH Luis Munoz, LH Phil Dumatrait. Relievers - LH Juan Perez,

RH Romulo Sanchez, RH Marino Salas, RH Jonah Bayliss, LH Dave Davidson,

RH Brian Rogers, RH Adam Bernero, RH Jesse Chavez.

Top Prospects: OF Andrew McCutchen is the top prospect in the Pittsburgh farm system. He is a five-tool outfielder who was Pittsburgh's 1st round draft pick in 2005...This time last year Neil Walker was in the midst of a conversion from catcher to third baseman. With a little more instruction at Triple-A, Walker is nearing the date of his Major League debut...Brian Bixler is the natural successor to Jack Wilson as the Pirates shortstop. A so

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