Dunedin must keep winning with new players

By BOB PUTNAM

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 28, 2000

There hadn't been much change with Dunedin this season.

Aside from the occasional player promoted or put on the disabled list, the Blue Jays had cruised along with the same roster they had from the start.

That was an advantage as Dunedin developed its prospects. As a bonus, the team also was winning. The Blue Jays won the Western Division's first half title, lead in the second half (20-13) and are 60-42 overall. Dunedin manager Marty Pevey said he knew it wouldn't last, though. He knew the same thing the Blue Jays have been devoid of -- promotions and injuries -- could catch up to them.

Sure enough, it has.

The pilfering of Dunedin's roster has begun.

Tuesday, pitcher Ryan Spille, catcher Joe Lawrence, third baseman Orlando Hudson and centerfielder Ryan Fleming were promoted to Class AA-Tennessee.

"Those moves really didn't surprise me," Pevey said. "It's what minor league baseball is all about. We lost some good bats and some good arms. It hurt even more because we lost guys right in the middle of our defense. But I'm thrilled they're getting their chance at a promotion. That's what we're here for, to try to get them ready."

Now Dunedin must replace them.

It won't be easy considering their credentials. Lawrence and Hudson were all-stars, Spille was the leader in wins and Fleming had the second-highest batting average.

Those aren't the only players missing, either. Scott Cassidy, who led the FSL in ERA (1.33), was promoted to Tennessee earlier this month.

Then there are the injuries.

Pitchers Scott Porter and Taylor Smith and catcher Paul Chiaffredo are on the disabled list. Still, the Blue Jays aren't in dire straits. Reinforcements have arrived. Aaron Dean, a pitcher, and Reed Johnson, an outfielder, were promoted from Class-A Hagerstown.

Dunedin also got catcher Josh Phelps, who spent two weeks earlier this season in Toronto and recently played in Tennessee. He was sent down to get more playing time.

"I think some of these guys will step to the forefront and become leaders," Pevey said.

Even with the losses, Pevey said he still believes the team can thrive. After all, Dunedin is tied with Port Charlotte for the lead in team batting (.278) and fifth in team ERA (3.60).

"We're not going to do anything different," Pevey said. "We're just going to do everything it takes to win. We'll do it as a team. Look at the New York Yankees. Name a player who is a league leader. They don't have one. We don't either.

"We play National League style baseball, move runners around, that sort of thing. It's what we need to do. It's the small things that make you a winner."

CLEARWATER: Curt Schilling, traded Wednesday to the Diamondbacks, might be gone from the big-league squad, but the Phillies are developing another workhorse in Carlos Silva.

Silva, a right-hander who played for the world team in the Futures Game, has been a steadying influence for a staff that has been depleted by injuries. Silva is tied with Tampa's Alex Graman for the league lead in complete games (three) and is fourth in innings pitched (1271/3).

TAMPA: Ramiro Mendoza, who is on the 15-day disabled list for weakness in his right shoulder, is pitching for Tampa on rehab assignment.

The 28-year-old right-hander made his second start Tuesday against St. Lucie. He went three innings, allowing three runs and six hits while striking out five and walking none.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

Headlines

Americans Lose in 1st Round of Davis Cup

---