Cal League is Full of Dirtbags
by Chris Jackson, Daily Breeze
June 19, 2006 The single-A California League has been full of Dirtbags this season.
That's not an insult, it's a fact. The "Dirtbags" in question are six former Long Beach State 49ers with both San Jose (Giants) and Lake Elsinore (Padres).
"Before every game whenever we play against each other we reminisce about our college years," said San Jose closer Brian Anderson, who was drafted out of Long Beach last year. "It definitely brings back some good memories.
"We were all gathered in the outfield before one game, everyone else there avoided us."
Anderson, outfielder John Bowker, shortstop Tim Hutting and catcher Todd Jennings all play significant roles for San Jose. They matched up against Lake Elsinore and starting left-hander Cesar Ramos and closer Neil Jamison in two series already this season.
San Jose took two of three at Lake Elsinore April 21-23 and then swept the visiting Storm May 12-14.
Ramos and Jamison were also drafted last season, while Bowker and Jennings were selected in 2004, and Hutting was a 2003 pick.
Anderson, who served as Jamison's setup man in 2004 and 2005, has come to relish the job of closing. He currently leads the California League with 17 saves while posting a 1.35 ERA.
"I don't think I could ask for a better job than what I have right now," Anderson said. "The mental part of it, I love being able to have the job of going in for the last inning."
San Jose and Lake Elsinore will meet one more time this season, Aug. 11-13 at Lake Elsinore.
All-Stars: Rosters for five of the minor league all-star games have been announced, with a few area players earning invitations.
The single-A Florida State League All-Star Game featured right-hander Carlos Muniz (Banning High, Harbor College, Long Beach State) on the East Division roster. The game took place Saturday in Lakeland, Fla. Muniz has gone 2-2 with a 3.86 ERA and 13 saves for St. Lucie (Mets) this season. |
