By BOB PUTNAM, Times wires
Published July 25, 2003
After starting the second half of the Florida State League season with a 1-6 record, the Dunedin Blue Jays have won 20 of their past 26 games to move into first place in the Western Division.
The Blue Jays can thank timely hitting and a pitching staff that has been the cornerstone of the team's success.
Dunedin ranks second in the league with a .263 batting average and fourth in ERA at 3.09.
All this without right-handed pitchers Dustin McGowen, Jordan DeJong and Dave Bush and shortstop Russ Adams, who were promoted after the FSL All-Star Game in June. The reason there hasn't been much woe is depth. The roster is filled with veterans and prospects.
Among the stars:
Catcher Tim Whittaker, who hit a two-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Jays a 3-2 victory over Daytona last week. Whittaker also drew a walk the night before to bring home the winning run.
Right-handed pitcher Jesse Harper, one of five Jays selected to the all-star game, has allowed two runs or fewer in nine consecutive starts (May 17-July 11). He went 6-3 during that streak.
Right-handed pitcher Neomar Flores, who has won three consecutive starts.
PLAYER PILFERING: Since the season began, Double-A Reading has put 14 players on the disabled list. Even coach John Morris hasn't escaped. He was out a few weeks with a back injury.
What does this have to do with Clearwater? A lot.
Because of the injuries, Clearwater's roster has been raided to fill the voids. Catchers Rob Avila and Edgar Cruz, right-handed pitcher Taft Cable, outfielder Juan Camilo and infielder Jim Deshaine have spent time at Reading.
"It seems like we have a speed train that goes right to Reading," Clearwater ticketing and media coordinator Jason Adams said.
TAMPA: Second baseman Robinson Cano was promoted to Double-A Trenton. Cano played in the all-star game last month and for the World Team at the All-Star Futures game two weeks ago. He was fourth in the FSL in hits. ... Left-handed pitcher Mark Phillips, a first-round pick of the Padres in 2000 (ninth overall) whom the Yankees acquired when they traded Rondell White, was placed on the disabled list. ... Left-handed pitcher Charlie Manning lost four straight from June 28-July 14.
CLEARWATER: Third baseman Sean Walsh hit safely in 13 straight games (July 2-16) and raised his average from .238 to .266.
