The Times-Tribune from Scranton, Pennsylvania • 46

C-8 THE SUNDAY TIMES 1990-SCRANTON, PA. Minor-ILecague Bcasebcall Batiste Making Strides with Reading Phillies to take the lead in the slugging battle. Seven rounds later, the guy they refer to as Bat Man has claimed the slugging championship. Its jusT something we do to break up the monotony of the practice, Batiste, who at 22 is one of the systems top prospects, said. It makes it easier when youre out there getting work done while youre having ftin." Batiste may have been a surprise winner of the friendly slugging war, but he hasnt been a surprise this season.

He is finally blossoming into the type of shortstop the Phillies had hoped he would when they made him their third pick in the 1987 draft. Hes playing the kind of shortstop that everyone thought he would, Reading manager Don McCormack said. Hes making all of the plays. That wasnt always the case. During the past two seasons, Batiste struggled defensively.

In the past, he committed a lot of errors early in the season, McCormack said. It wasnt unusual for him to have 30 or so by halfway through the season. But then hed come on strong. Batiste hasnrt had that defensive lull this season in Reading. He had committed seven errors, but McCormack said several of those were questionable scoring decisions to his By LARRY HOLEVA Times Sports Writer READING As members of the maintenance crew spruce up the grandstands, a bunch of relatively generic players gather around the batting cage at Reading Municipal Stadium.

Ramon Aviles, the Reading Phillies coach, is serving as the pitcher and mediator, for The most part in a friendly slugging war going on between Gary Alexander, Jeff Grote-wold, Doug Lindsey, Tom Marsh and Kim Batiste. He tries to keep each of them honest by mixing in the best curve-ball he can grip. Occasionally, Aviles sneaks in his version of a changeup to keep the game as a productive tool in the teams workout drills. Youre not going to get a fat one, Aviles yells toward Alexander, a first baseman picked up from the Texas organization over the winter, who is planted in the batters box. That wouldnt be fair to the rest.

Batiste is hardly the eye-catcher of the bunch. At 6-0 and 165 pounds, he is far from a vision of power. But by using his quick hands, the R-Phillies everyday shortstop captures attention quickly by sailing a shot over the 400-foot sign in centerfield can get in, Batiste said. Im to the point where I know what I have to do. Its just the matter of going out and doing it consistently.

He admits that this season he is playing with confidence that he lacked in past years. The Phillies put him in that frame of mind. It did more for me than youll ever know, Batiste said, talking about playing in the big-league camp this spring with the Phillies. It was treat to be in that spot, around guys ike (Von) Hayes, (Tom) Herr and (Len) Dykstra. It made me realize that Im really not that far away and if I work at it I could be there with them.

Batiste is currently the Double-A shortstop in the system, behind the Red Barons Victor Rosario. He keeps a close eye on what Rosario does as well as Dickie Thon, John Escobar, Corey Thomas and all shortstops in the organization. I watch to see how all of the shortstops are doing, Batiste said. Were all competing for the same thing. We all want to be the Phillies shortstop.

You get to be friends with these guys (in the spring) and want to see them all do the job. But it really comes down to competition with all of them. As Aviles delivered the pitches, Alexander, Lindsey Grotwold and tn (Through Thursday's Gamas) Club Batting AB HR 8 till 196 1227 161 1242 169 1231 190 1052 126 1146 139 1273 1175 144 1 AVG. .269 28 259 35 254 26 251 Rochester Tidewater Toledo Columbus Syracuse ScrantonW-B Richmond Pawtucket 16 32 .248 13 .247 21 .244 41 27 .223 Batting Brantley Promoted to Reading; Clearwater Staff Dismantled Marsh provide the competition for Batiste in the batting cage as he works on getting his swing down. Like the glove work, BatisteYs swing is also coming around.

He carried a .286 average, the tops on the Reading team, into a weekend road trip in New Britain, Conn. The ball seems to jump off his bat naturally, giving the Phillies reason to believe tnat as he matures he will be able to hit the ball for power. Hes still raw and developing, player development director Del Unser said. He may have some power when he learns and develops into a hitter. Batiste has drawn some high praises from the minor-league brass.

He probably has the best all-around talent of anyone weve got, minor-league infield instructor Dave Cash said. He can do an awful lot of things. For now, Batiste Will keep doing things in the minor-league setting of Reading Municipal Stadium. Im doing my time here, hoping to show them that I can play good defense and contribute with my bat, Batiste said. I just want to keep improving and moving up.

Little games around the batting cage just help the time in Reading pass a little quicker for Batiste ana Co. Runs Battsd In Gomez, Roc Fryman, Tol Muelens, Col 28 Stolsn Cuyler, Tol Lusader, Tol Several tied ERA Richmond Columbus Tidewater 16 11 9 Club Pitching 3.41 3.64 3.64 HR BB SO 8 HO SV 333 287 304 135 146 116 232 251 228 2 10 2 11 2 10 Inzer, Tol Olwine, Rmd 1 Stolen Bases Gilkey, Lou Landrum, Iwa Shumpert, Oma Redfield, Den 18 15 11 10 Club Pitching HR BB 2.79 318 15 3 24 302 19 3 64 290 23 3 87 294 25 3 95 293 18 ERA Buffalo Omaha Indianpolis Louisville Nashville SO 8 HO 8V 94 238 100 228 143 196 140 225 130 202 152 224 149 244 167 234 8 10 2 13 3 6 5 11 4 12 1 3 1 5 3 12 Oklahoma City 4 57 393 27 Iowa 4 88 382 34 Denver 6 48 388 20 (Minimum 31 Innings Pitched) placed on the disabled list. It was nice to see that people were looking at more than just the wins ana losses. I had been throwing the ball well all season, but we werent getting the breaks we needed. Brantley, the Phillies second pick in 1986, hopes this is a big break in his career.

Id like to be able to go there and have some success to show that I can handle that level, he said. Brantley started last season at Reading, but was dropped to Clearwater where he developed bursitis in his right shoulder. He finished the season a combined 3-7 with a 4.28 ERA. He feels his is over the effects of the injury. I think Im at 100 percent and just want to go out and prove it, he said.

The Clearwater club also lost four other pitchers this week, Alex Madrid, Shelby McDonald, Lee Langley and Mark Randall. Madrid was promoted to the Triple-A Red Barons to fill a vacancy created when Marvin Freeman was called up to the Phillies. McDonald suffered a shoulder injury and was placed on the disabled list while Langley was assigned to the Reno Silver Sox, an Independent Class A team in the California League. Randall, who led the Appalachian League in saves last season with 13 at Martinsville, was assigned to the Spartanburg team. Jle was 2-3 with three saves and an 8.31 ERA for Clearwater.

Leftfielder Loroy Ventress was also removed from the Clearwater roster. Ventress, who leads the organization with 12 stolen bases, is sidelined with shin splints. Dana Brown was promoted from Spartan- (Nat Including LARRY HOLEVA Road Trip WasCtidnce To Regroup Last season," road trips were nothing more than tireless days away from a hottest fever in all of baseball, Days away-were days when the Red Barons simply slipped deeper in the standings of the Eastern Division of tire International League, This season, however, time spent away from home serves as more of a bonding agent for the Red Barons. I think it helps because you spend some time with the guys and get to know them, first baseman Steve Stanicek said after the Red Barons came off a 4-1 road trip, the best in the franchises brief history. There are a lot of new faces here and no one really knew that much about each other.

Early in the season, the club, quite frankly, lacked any type of closeness. A disrupted spring didnt give the players time to get To know each other. It also didnt give them time to blend as a unit. 1 think that had a lot to do with (the John Gibbons said. A lot of guys didnt even know where they were going.

That brings us to the big question: Why does the team seem to be playing with such unity these days? Could it be that winning on the road brought the club closer? Or did that closeness contribute to the teams success? I think its a little bit of both, Chris Knabenshue said. When youre away, it gives you a chance to get to know some of the rrsonalities and brings you closer. think it helps. But winning does the same. Many of the players now feel that the group of players on the field is finally becoming a team.

Early in the season, you really didnt know what to expect. You didnt know the roles, Keith Miller said. There were a lot of new faces and I think in that situation everyone presses. Gibbons, one of 10 players with the Red Barons who were in different cities last year, thinks that pressure was a factor in the dismal start. When you go to a new team you try to do too much, he said.

You try to impress your teammates and your manager and the fans. And thats not good. Youre playing your best when youre playing relaxed. You have the most success when youre comfortable. When the Red Barons rolled back into town Saturday, poised for their longest home stand of the season, they appeared more releaxed.

There was a general feeling of closeness. There were practical jokes along with some talk of baseball. The atmosphere was much lighter. Stanicek feels that was a product of the last road trip. If you just took 25 people and put them together for six months, youd see that things dont always run smoothly, Stanicek said.

It takes some time to get to know the people. You have to Know when you can bust people and when you should just let them be. Del Unser, who is in charge of the Phillies minor-league department, said he likes the general attitude with the Red Barons. At this point, Im happy with the way things are going, he said. We seem to have the attitude that I think will help us turn around the system.

Unser still feels there are some missing ingredients. It is no secret that he is trying to add some speed for the Triple-A club. He would like to acquire a centerfielder who could be a leadof hitter and steal some bases. The only way were going to be able to get that is through some deals. Weve got something going.

The Phillies are currently talking trades with both the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. Both teams are interested in pitcher Marvin Freeman, who is most likely being showcased with the Phillies. Houston is willing to give up pitcher Mark Portugal, who was considered an untouchable during the spring. Sources in Texas say the Rangers would be willing to deal righthander Bobby Witt. During the Red Barons layover Saturday in Pittsburgh, many of the players had time to visit with old teammates.

Oklahoma City and Denver were also at the airport at the same time, giving Gibbons time to get reacquainted with some of his exmates from last season. Joe Redfield, now playing in Denver, had a chance to renew ties with some of his friends from last season. I was kind of neat to get to talk with Adduci, Stano and Nieto, said Redfield, who set a Denver record by hitting in 18 straight games earlier this season. It was a little strange with all of the teams there at the same time. eyes.

Hes made all of them, McCormack said. Hes handled the ball in the hole and up the middle. Hes playing as good a shortstop as weve seen in a while. Batiste said the improvement is a combination of confidence and repi-tious work. I take as many grounders as I burg to take over for Ventress in leftfield.

Brown was hitting .291 with 10 steals at Spartanburg. A pair of pitchers from Spartanburg were elevated to fill vacancies on the Clearwater staff. Matt Stevens, who had been sharp in relief, and Paul Fletcher were both sent to Clearwater. Stevens had two saves, but was 0-2 with a 2.17 ERA at Spartanburg. He will join Scott Welgandt, who was promoted two weeks ago, as the lefty-righty stoppers for Clearwater.

Fletcher, the Spartanburg team-leader with 53 strikeouts, will fall into the starting rotation. Mauser was placed on the 15-day disabled list at Reading with stiffness in his right shoulder. We really dont think its too serious, pitching coach George Culver said. But we dont want to take any chances. Mauser, placed on the seven-day disabled list, said the shoulder' is feeling much better and hopes to be able to get back into the rotation when the week is through.

Like Mauser, Floyd Youmant has also been shut down. Reading manager Don McCormack said Youmans complained of soreness when he threw on the side once at Reading and has not thrown since. Spartanburg first baseman Tim Churchill is the hottest hitter in the system. Churchill was 7-for-14 during the past week to raise his system-high average to .378. His batting average bottomed out at .350 on May 10, the lowest it has been all season.

Reading outfielder Tom Marsh is currently riding a seven-game hit streak and has raised his batting average to .243. Spartanburgs Mika Sullivan and Readings Mark Sims are tied for the lead in saves in the system with five. Saturday gam) A statistical look at how the Red Barons 1990 season compares with the club's first season In 1989. 1909 1990 37 Garnet Played 37 14-23 Win -Losses 16-21 .37 Percentage 432 3rd Place 3rd 12 Garnet Back 6V4 .237 Batting Average 247 129 Runt Scored 144 13 Home Runs 22 4 71 Earned Run Average 4 43 43 Errors 41 11 Home Dates It 111 Total Attendance 120.005 4.189 Average Attendance 6,667 producing a 1.97 ERA while fanning 17 in 13 innings. Malone earned his first win by allowing just one run in 6 innings.

By LARRY HOLEVA Times Sports Writer When it comes to creating opportunities, pitcher Cliff Brantley has some stories to tell. Brantley was so openly disgusted at the end of spring training when he was sent back to Class A Clearwater that he decided to take matters into his own hands. I wanted to get off to a good start and show that I deserved to pitch at a higher level," Brantley, a 22-year-old righthander, said. The only problem was Brantleys teammates in Clearwater werent too cooperative. Despite pitching five fairly strong games, he was winless for the Clearwater Phillies at 0-3.

In those five games, Brantley allowed just eight earned runs in 33 innings. Those five games were followed by tyo lousy starts in which he gave up six runs in seven innings. I think it was a matter of concentration, Brantley said. I had had some good ones and had nothing to show for it. I think I was trying to do too much and got out of my type of pitching.

Brantleys best game of his career turned around his season. He struck out 16 in a complete-game three-hitter earlier this week against the Osceola Astros to earn a promotion to the Reading Phillies. I just had good stuff that night, said Brantley, who overpowered the Astros Class A club. I was able to keep them off balance. My fastball was the best its been in a while and I had a good curve and change.

That game provided an address change for Brantley. Im sure that game is what did it for me, said Brantley, who was promoted to Reading to fill a vacancy created when Tim Mauser was Power, Relief Sparked Trip By TOM ROBINSON Times Sports Writer The Red Barons went from the worst home stand in the teams two-year history right into what is by far the best road trip the team ever put together. After going 2-5 at home, the Red Barons began a 4-1 road trip that brought the team back into' town Saturday in third place. The Red Barons had fallen into fourth place April 16 and remained there until Thursday night when they won the third of four games on the road trip. They climbed past Pawtucket to end 31 days in the cellar.

The only other time the Red Barons won more than they lost on a trip was when they took two of three games in a two-day excursion to Tidewater. Chris Knabenshues power hitting and Todd Frohwirths relief pitching were the two biggest reasons, but many teammates were also hot as the Red Barons began an effort to turn around their season after a slow start. Knabenshue had back-to-back two-homer games on the trip. The only previous two-homer game was by Joe Redfield last season in Pawtucket. The second of those efforts came Thursday when Ron Jones and John Gibbons also connected for the teams first four-homer effort Last seasons best was three in the season finale when Redfield, Matt Cimo and Keith Miller all went deep.

Frohwirth found his groove dur- Homs Runs Gomez, Roc Naehring, Paw Muelens, Col O' (Through Thursday's Club Batting 1294 217 1182 164 1182 165 1235 157 1284 179 1341 171 1257 165 1366 177 AB Denver Nashville Omaha hdianapolis Iowa Buffalo Louisville Oklahoma City I AVG. 29 .282 29 .274 48 .267 31 .265 33 .262 30 .261 42 .248 29 .242 365 324 316 327 336 350 312 330 11 9 8 ing the trip, pitching four scoreless innings in three games to get two wins and a save while cutting his earned run average in half from 9.00 to 4.50. The other hot batters on the trip included Miller, Mickey Moran-dini and Kelly Heath. Miller went 7-for-20 and drove in eight runs to assume the lead in the category he also led last season. Morandini hit in all five games, going 8-for-21 with two triples and five RBI.

Heath went 7-for-22, including 7-for-19 with hits in the last four games. Brad Moore, Jason Grimslev and Chuck Malone teamed with Frohwirth to help the pitching staff drop its ERA 20 points to 4.43. Moore went 2 innings in two games without allowing a hit or walk. Grimsley started twice, Filson, Oma 7 Reed, Buf Blankenshp, Iwa 5 Taylor, Bid 5 Boskie, Iwa $1 Palacios. Buf 40 Reed, Buf 36 Taylor, Buf 36 Hammond, Nvl 35 Sebra.

Nvl 9 Perez. Lou Easley, Buf 6 Several tied 5 'Howe Sportsdata International Runs Battsd In Merced, Buf Renner, Okc Bier ley, Iwa Several tied.