22 July, 2005

A's have A+ attitude and talent

The Chatham A's get an A-minus for this season's work so far. They aren't in first place, but they're a strong second to the red-hot Orleans Cardinals.

The A's are 17-12 after beating Wareham 6-4 in a makeup game Wednesday night, the team's third victory over the Gatemen in the last week. They have gotten there by leading the Cape League in hitting (.270), sporting strong defense and some sensational starting pitching.

"We like where we are," said manager John Schiffner. "We would like to distance ourselves away from Y-D (15-14-1) if we can, but our division is tough. Everyone is tough on this side."

The Blue Devils got four two-out hits that knocked in five runs during an 8-1 victory over Wareham Monday. Jared Hughes won his fifth game with seven strong innings.

"Our pitching staff gives us a chance every game," Schiffner said. "I'm really pleased with the way we've won lately."

Hughes (5-0, 0.77) has been the best pitcher in the division, giving up just 20 hits in 35 innings and striking out 37. His ERA is second best in the league, behind Tim Lincecum of Harwich.

Andrew Miller (4-0, 1.24) and Robert Woodard (4-0, 1.74) give Chatham a big three, and Steve Richard (2-2, 3.67) picked up a complete-game, five-inning win Sunday night in a fog shortened 3-1 triumph over Brewster. Anthony Smith hit a homer.

"Our pitching is doing very well with Woodard, Miller and Hughes," Schiffner said. "And the other guys haven't pitched badly. (Brooks) Brown and (Derrick) Lutz haven't blown a save. The entire pitching staff has contributed."

Brown (1.08 ERA in 12 games) is the setup man, and Lutz (0.00 ERA in 11 games) is the closer with six saves.

Evan Longoria homered and drove in four runs in Chatham's 8-4 win over Wareham July 15. Baron Frost had three hits.

Longoria has been splendid, twice winning the Cape League Player of the Week award. Prior to Wednesday's game, he leads in hits (34), RBI (23), home runs (six) and slugging percentage (.594), and is fifth in average (.337). 

Chatham has four of the top five hitters in the league. Frost is second (.383), Chris Coghlan third (.371) and Alex Presley fourth (.354).

"A lot of the credit for that goes to (coaches) Matt (Fincher) and Pat (McGee), who have worked hard with these guys," Schiffner said. "Their hard work is what these guys have accomplished. We're getting 70 to 80 percent of the guys coming to early batting practice, which is optional, and that's quite impressive. It shows the kids are interested."

Frost is fifth in slugging at .469. Josh Morris has four homers, and Smith and Todd Frazier have three apiece.

Schiffner uses his whole roster.

"We like to rotate guys around. I don't bench people," he said. "You play two, take one off, play three, take one off. I don't bring kids here to sit on the bench. We pride ourselves in a team effort. Guys will sacrifice a hit to drive in a run; if the infield plays back, they'll hit a ground ball to second base. That's buying into the concept."