The 2007 San Francisco 49ers - Dawn of a TCBA Dynasty?

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A little background - the Transcontinental Baseball League was originally created by Hotblack Desiato as an online league, but fizzled before the first game could be played. By that time, though, I was too attached to my team and it's 130-year history to let it go, so I've converted it into a solo league.

This thread will follow the present day incarnation of the team, but if there's interest I may make a second thread for the team's history.

Also, I realize the dynasty kind of just throws you in there (largely because it was originally written for the other owners in the league) but I do plan to give a more detailed break down of both the 49ers and the entire TCBA before the start of the regular season.

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10/26/06

San Francisco Not Sitting Idle
Off-season won’t be a quiet one
By Mark Folsom / TCBA.com

Coming off of back-to-back TCBA championships, you might expect the San Francisco 49ers to rely on that old adage about not fixing what isn’t broken and take a background role in the coming off-season, but that would underestimate the savvy management team lead by owner Jerry Overhill. With general manager Lon Andriotti retiring after eleven years helming the 49ers his assistant, Jake Scott, will be elevated to GM duties with scouting director Perry Tolliver moving up to take over as assistant GM.

Overhill assured fans that any change in organizational philosophy will not be a change in San Francisco’s winning ways and Scott agreed, saying “It’s an honor to be running a team with as storied a past and exciting a present as the 49ers. I learned a lot working under Lon and I’ll do my best to fill his sizeable shoes.”

Also remaining with the team will be popular manager Tommie Ohlson who has lead the team to a 330-270 record in his four seasons with the club. “He’s a good kid,” Ohlson said of his new boss, “I know people are sad to see Andriotti leave, but I think they are going to be pleasantly surprised with Jake.”

When asked about his philosophy for building a team, Scott explained “It really varies depending on what kind of an organization you have. For example, we’ve got a middle-of-the-road payroll here, so we can’t get ourselves caught in bidding wars with some of the big market teams – but we also can’t afford to be intimidated out of the market. I think you have to be especially aggressive, and I think that’s going to show in the coming off-season.”

Mark Folsom is an associate reporter for TCBA.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the Transcontinental Baseball League or its clubs.

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10/27/06

49ers Notes: Youth movement in the bullpen
Kershaw to play third base; Carn to the bench
By Craig Montgomery / 49ers.com

SAN FRANCISCO – When asked the hardest part about his job leading the 49ers bullpen in his second year as closer, Jorge Villicana quipped “Remembering to be back in by curfew.”

He might be exaggerating slightly, but there’s no denying that the 49ers bullpen is as youthful as it is reliable. Middle-man Kevin Trask is the decrepit veteran at 28 years old and exciting set-up men Alex Caceras and Manuel Saleado are only 22 and 23 respectively - a trend that is unlikely to change soon with some promising arms still down on the farm.

Manager Tommie Ohlson wasn’t surprised when that fact was brought to his attention. “Believe me, they act even younger than that. You hear about Latin players claiming to be younger – there’s no way Georgie (Cuban defector Villicana) is 27 – that guy doesn’t even have any hair on his chest.”

Punk kids or no, San Francisco’s bullpen combined for a 4.33 ERA last season and should only improve as Gary Barnhardt (5.73 ERA) is replaced by 20-year-old Shane Carlisle (30 saves and a 70 Ks/28 BBs at AAA).

Hot corner gets hotter: In a move that had been rumored since the end of last season the 49ers announced that reigning MVP ]Dan Kershaw would return to third base, his natural position, after a season and a half playing shortstop. “Dan’s just a phenomenal athlete,” Ohlson explained, “He was a real sport about moving over and he worked real hard and he became a darn fine shortstop.”

Nobody can deny Kershaw’s improvement – in 57 games at short in 2005 he made 15 errors but in 92 contests last season he made only 10, a .976 fielding percentage. The move returns the 24-year-old superstar to the position where he was named Glovesman of the Year as a rookie in ’03 and one where his 6’0” 215 lb. frame will be a better fit.

The move also lends more credence to rumors that the 49ers have been trying to acquire a starting shortstop – it is unlikely that they would try 24-year-old Jeff Burdine there after he batted only .188 off the bench before a back injury ended his season and neither third baseman Kurt Harvard or second baseman Michael Griswold have any experience at short.

Not every day, Jay: With Tim Bowsfield playing very well, highly-regarded youngsters Mike Pritchett and Tim Mikel ready for the big time and Jim Hile not going anywhere the San Francisco outfield has become rather crowded. The decision of what to do with veteran Jay Carn has already been made as the organization announced a contract extension with Carn that will take him through the next two seasons for $3 million with incentives if he returns to the starting lineup.

“Obviously you’d like to play every day, and I think I’ve earned that, but it’s not my call,” Carn told reporters. “I’ll help the team however I’m able.”

This leaves unanswered the question of which of the four remaining outfielders will get the starting nods. Some sort of platoon may be in order, or one could be traded, the most likely candidates being Bowsfield or one of the youngsters as Hile is due $60 million over the next three seasons.

Craig Montgomery is the beat writer for the San Francisco 49ers. This story was not subject to the approval of the Transcontinental Baseball League or its clubs.

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10/30/06

San Francisco Wheels and Deals
Popular starting pitcher traded to Salt Lake
By Mark Folsom / TCBA.com

In a move that was at the same time shocking and expected, San Francisco pulled the trigger on a deal to bring a starting shortstop to the bay – at the price of 26-year-old sinkerballer Tom Cauthen, a homegrown fan favorite nicknamed “Tiny” who had amassed a 52-49 record for the 49ers since his big league debut in 2001.

“It’s always hard to trade a player like Tom,” Scott told reporters in a press conference. “He’s been a great player for us and a great guy and we wish him the best of luck in Salt Lake.”

“Except when he’s playing us,” he hastily corrected.

Also making the trek east is minor-league third baseman Roark Mortenson, a former 6th round draft pick who has defied scouts by batting .343 over 216 minor-league contests but still doesn’t rank on most top prospect lists.

In exchange, the 49ers fill the void left by Dan Kershaw’s return to the hot corner with 24-year-old Canadian Norbert Hollinger, an excellent defensive shortstop with a projectable bat, but one who had seen his career .245 average push him to the bench last season.

“It’s always a hard thing to be traded,” Hollinger told the media, “but I think this time it was for the best. I’m going somewhere I can play every day and at this point in my career that’s the most important thing.”

The six foot six inch “Tiny” wasn’t nearly as pleased. “I’m really shocked,” he said when reached at his home. “I’d never imagined playing anywhere but San Francisco and I didn’t have any idea this was going to happen.”

Mark Folsom is an associate reporter for TCBA.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the Transcontinental Baseball League or its clubs.

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10/30/06

49ers Bolster Rotation, Bench
San Francisco adds to catching depth
By Mark Folsom / TCBA.com

It still isn’t clear who will be playing behind the plate for the 49ers come Opening Day 2007, but at least we now know who will be backing them up as veteran catcher and likely future Hall of Famer Steve Sturgeon agreed to a one-year deal worth $750,000. A starter his entire career, the 35-year-old Sturgeon is finally ready to take a backseat role, but doesn’t intend to just phone it in, explaining to the media “Playing every day you really know the value of a good backup. If you don’t have somebody behind you who can help the team then you might be pressured to play through some pains that you shouldn’t and wear down late in the year. I hope that I can play that role for San Francisco.”

A career .319 hitter, Sturgeon is still more than capable with a bat in his hands although his defense has declined considerably to the point where runners were able to steal 116 bases with him behind the plate last season, being caught only 34 times.

The bigger news by the bay however came on the other side of the ball: 27-year-old right-hander Tim Carlock, owner of a career 89-87 record and 4.08 ERA for the Packers, Miners, and Greys came to terms with the 49ers late Sunday for a one-year contract that will pay him just over $2 million. He is expected to slot in behind Mark Trevizo, Steve Blogg, and Terry Tipper in a strong rotation.

Also joining the fold was another catcher, 23-year-old John Baker, most recently of the Los Angeles Blue Sox organization, who signed a three-year contract that will pay him close to $2 million in total. General Manager Jake Scott explained why he was willing to pay so handsomely for a player with only four major-league at-bats: “With Baker you aren’t getting so much a free agent,” he told reporters, “You’re getting a draft pick. He’s only 23 years-old and still has a lot of potential, and we’re looking forward to giving him a chance to develop playing every day without feeling like he’s going to be traded or released at any moment.”

”Besides,” he added, “The guy's a career .500 hitter!”

To make room on the 40-man roster for these acquisitions, the 49ers designated second baseman Steve Phair, and relief pitcher Shane Pillar for assignment and granted relief pitcher Gary Barnhardt his unconditional release.

Mark Folsom is an associate reporter for TCBA.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the Transcontinental Baseball League or its clubs.

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11/17/06

49ers Round Out Bench
Rotation, Bullpen Nearly Set
By Mark Folsom / TCBA.com

Soon after news that negotiations with Paddy Derwentwater had fallen through over playing time demands, the San Francisco 49ers finished off their bench by signing utility infielder John Shafer to a one-year contract.

The 29-year-old Shafer is a nine-year veteran for Philadelphia and Dallas, spending most of his career as a part-time player all over the infield. A career .257 batter, Shafer has plus power but has never been able to show it off consistently enough to earn himself a starting job.

The addition leaves the Opening Day roster close to set, only one bullpen spot and one spot in the rotation remain without a clear starter. Candidates for the fifth starter job include 10-game winner Ken Kania, sinkerballer Scott Norton, and 23-year-old rookie Felipe Rosano. The position could also be filled through free agency where the 49ers have been linked with veteran right-hander Len Beliveau or through a trade where San Francisco is rumored to be shopping Michael Griswold and Tim Bowsfield. The final bullpen role is likely to also go to a free agent as the 49ers have been linked to former New Orleans Greys closer Mike Kettler and former Dallas left-hander Mike Miller. If they do choose to look internally for a solution choices range from the veteran Gary Barnhardt to youngsters like Rosano and 24-year-old Sam Hathway.

Mark Folsom is an associate reporter for TCBA.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the Transcontinental Baseball League or its clubs.

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11/26/06

Miller Time In Bullpen
Big deal imminent, sources say
By Mark Folsom / TCBA.com

The San Francisco 49ers continued their trend this off-season of focusing their efforts on second tier players, announcing that they had come to terms on a one-year contract with relief pitcher Mike Miller, most recently of the Dallas Texans.

The 29-year-old Miller has fashioned a 4.22 ERA over six major-league seasons but had seen his stock plummet after a disappointing 6.34 ERA in just under 50 innings in 2006. “Obviously we’ve taken a look at his whole body of work,” Scott told the press after the signing, “and if you do the same I think it’s pretty clear which performance is typical and which is the fluke.”

Miller adds a lefty option to a bullpen that was previously without one, although he has not often been used as a situational pitcher throughout his career pitching to both lefties and righties. Financial details of the deal were not immediately released but it is believed to be in the range of $1 million.

Expected to make a bigger splash than they have, something major may be just around the corner in San Francisco as sources close to the team have revealed that there is a major move yet to be made. With trade rumors involving second baseman Michael Griswold continuing to heat up, many believe that the 49ers will be making their pitch to superstar second sacker Ed Struble who is believed to be looking at offers from multiple teams.

Mark Folsom is an associate reporter for TCBA.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the Transcontinental Baseball League or its clubs.

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11/30/06

49ers Sign Deloney
Surprise addition removes S.F. from Struble sweepstakes
By Mark Folsom / TCBA.com

Everyone expected San Francisco to go after a second baseman in the off-season, but they didn’t expect him to go after this second baseman. GM Jake Scott held a press conference Friday to announce that the 49ers had signed long-time Houston Pelican Tim Deloney to a three-year contract with a total value of $20 million.

The 27 year-old Deloney was a fan favorite in Texas for his hard-nosed play and has fashioned himself into an an All-Star caliber offensive and defensive player in the last few seasons, although he has never actually been named to an All-Star team. A career .284 hitter, Deloney has averaged 37 doubles, 10 homers, 90 runs scored, 51 walks, and 53 stolen bases over the past three seasons and has been the model of consistency with OPSes of .805, .830, and .785.

The move comes a surprise because the 49ers were expected to make a major run at superstar Ed Struble as opposed to the lesser known Deloney. Scott explained the move thusly: “Not to take anything away from Ed, but he’s going to get paid more in a year than we’ll owe over the life of this contract – he’s a great, great player, but is he three times the player Tim Deloney is? I don’t think so.”

Nevertheless, some fans have been irked by what they see as an overly thrifty off-season from new General Manager Jake Scott. Local sports columnist Phil Brasky has become one of the new GM’s most vocal critics, describing his off-season moves as “treading water” where the team should have been spending like the champions they have been in the last two TCBA Series.

Mark Folsom is an associate reporter for TCBA.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the Transcontinental Baseball League or its clubs.

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2/23/07

Griswold Out, Stillwell In
Rotation apparently set heading into 2007 season
By Mark Folsom / TCBA.com

The addition of Tim Deloney to the San Francisco 49ers infield had made last year's second baseman Mike "Grizzly" Griswold expendable, and the 25-year old had made it clear he expected a starting job, so few were surprised to see him shipped off as part of San Francisco's third trade since last year's TCBA Championship victory. The four player deal sees both Griswold and starting pitcher Ken Kania (a 10-game winner last season despite an ERA of 5.20) depart to the Colorado Centennials in exchange for two players on the opposite end of the age spectrum: 39-year old starting pitcher Shawn Stillwell and 17-year-old minor-league closer Eugene Gaul.

Stillwell had spent ten seasons with the Centennials, never winning more than twelve games in a season despite consistently posting ERAs in the mid fours. Last season he made only 20 starts due to a back injury, posting a 5-9 record and a 4.35 ERA. He did however pitch four complete games and his 1.26 WHIP was his lowest since 2001. Eugene Gall, pitching his first full season last year at the age of 16, posted a 1.33 ERA in 20 innings for the rookie-ball Bremerton Seals.

Griswold posted an .826 OPS in his second full season for the 49ers, slugging 12 homers and 23 doubles in only 338 at-bats while playing primarily second base. He had become a fan favorite in San Francisco after working his way through the minor leagues despite signing with the team as an undrafted free agent. Ken Kania was pressed into action last season (his first with the 49ers after spending many years in the Los Angeles Blue Sox organization) after the injury to Steve Blogg and held his own in the regular season although he was rocked in two post-season starts.

Stillwell rounds out a veteran starting rotation that has also seen the addition of Tim Carlock this off-season to supplement the Big Three of Mark Trevizo, Steve Blogg, and Terry Tipper.

Mark Folsom is an associate reporter for TCBA.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the Transcontinental Baseball League or its clubs.

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2/29/07

49ers Notes: Hile preaches patience
Baseball a family affair for Banks'; Scroggins eager to shine
By Craig Montgomery / 49ers.com

YUMA – With the first games of Spring Training looming the 49ers are eager step in at the plate - but don't think that means they'll all be hacking! Since breaking into the big leagues with the Omaha Packers in 1998, few players have been stingier with their swings than right fielder Jim Hile. A career on-base percentage of .436 and triple-digit walk figures for five seasons running will attest to the fact that there aren't a lot of places you can throw the ball to get Hile out. "I don't go up there thinking, I'm gonna get a walk here," Hile cautions, "That's no way to be a hitter. I just go up planning on swinging at my pitch, and if I don't get my pitch, well, I'd rather jog on down to first than swing at his pitch."

Nobody is arguing that strategy's effectiveness. "You really don't want to walk him, you know, because everybody does it," explains one of the 49ers newest additions, starting pitcher Shawn Stillwell, "You go up there telling yourself you're not going to walk him and the first at-bat you throw him some strikes and bam, he lashes a double. Next at-bat, you try to hit the corners, he fouls some off, you give in, bam, another double. By the time you get to that third at bat you don't want anything to do with the strike zone, and he's only happy to oblige. The best thing about coming here? Not having to pitch to him."

"I've had coaches tell me to be more aggressive my whole life," Hile continued. "But there aren't many of them anymore."

No, you wouldn't expect there are.

Three generations: A lot of kids grow up wanting to be astronauts, or firefighters, or, of course, professional baseball players, but thing they all have in common is how often they change their minds. Not so with Jeff Banks. "Oh, I never had any doubt I was gonna be a ballplayer," Banks says, "Most parents ask their kids what job they want to have when they grew up, my dad would sit me down and ask me what position I wanted to play."

That dad, of course, is former Tampa Bay Lions pitcher Ken Banks, a sometimes starter who never made headlines with his play but was well-liked enough by his teammates to have interviewed for the recent Toronto Canadians managerial vacancy and still be considered among the top rookie candidates for the role the next time one becomes available. Of course, that's not the only Banks that bears mentioning: 1944 EL Pitcher of the Year winner Bill Banks won 69 games for the New York Orange in his five-year career.

"Yeah, nobody in my family was surprised where I ended up in life - but I guess they probably were surprised that I'm an outfielder. Two generations of pitchers, I'm surprised they didn't disown me!"

Spring brings a chance to bloom: There's plenty of talent in the 49ers outfield, none will deny, but it may get even more crowded pretty soon as top San Francisco prospect Ryan Scroggins is likely to headline the invitees to his first major-league Spring Training. The 22-year-old Virgina native was the team's first round draft selection in 2005 and has moved quickly through the minor leagues, expected to be the AAA San Jose Snakes starting center fielder after batting .324 across the lower levels of the minor leagues in 2006. A stellar line drive hitter, Scroggins is not expected to be a prodigous power hitter but has the potential to bat .300 at the major league level and has a patient approach at the plate and natural instincts in the field to complement it.

Craig Montgomery is the beat writer for the San Francisco 49ers. This story was not subject to the approval of the Transcontinental Baseball League or its clubs.

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2/30/07

No Risk, No Reward
By Rick Marshall / San Francisco Gazette

Coming off back-to-back championships, nobody expected San Francisco 49ers General Manager Lon Andriotti to announce his retirement, but the mood was still optimistic as the reigns were taken over by his young assistant Jake Scott.

Well, count one sportswriter off that bandwagon.

With attendance (and ticket prices) on the rise, the 49ers should have been spending like the champs they have been, and there was a clear direction to do so: Craig Todd. Dan Kershaw's return to third base was a foregone conclusion - he'd always been more comfortable at his natural position, so the shortstop position was open for grabs.

Instead, Todd signed a six year deal with the St. Louis Steamwheelers (the real stars of this off-season) with nary an offer from the city by the bay.

Well, okay, maybe the strategy was to not fix what wasn't broken, turn to the homegrown players and the veterans who had already proven themselves winners. I could have gotten behind that.

Apparently not.

Instead, fan favorites Tom Cauthen and Michael Griswold were sent packing with Tim Bowsfield likely to follow, along with proven winner Ken Kania (as a throw-in no less), their places taken by an unproven youngster in Mike Pritchett, a whiny shortstop with a career .245 batting average in Norbert Hollinger, and an ancient, broken-down starter who couldn't even win the big games in his prime in Shawn Stillwell. The only signing I like is Tim Deloney, a scrappy young vet who will get a chance to shine on the big stage.

Now, I'm not saying San Francisco will miss the playoffs this year - this team was too stocked with talent to tear down in one winter, but what I am saying is that any success they do have is going to be despite the efforts of Mr. Scott, not because of them.

Rick Marshall has been a sports columnist for the San Francisco Gazette for over ten years. This story was not subject to the approval of the Transcontinental Baseball League or its clubs.

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3/02/2007

49ers Announce Spring Roster

YUMA -- With the first Spring Training game two days away, the San Francisco 49ers have officially announced their 40-man roster for the upcoming season. With most of the starting positions already locked down there aren't too many battles to watch, but there are still interesting storylines to follow; how will the new additions to the 49ers squad adjust; are top prospects Tim Mikel and Mike Pritchett ready for the big time; will last year's season-ending injury have any lingering effects on Steve Blogg, and plenty more.

SP Mark Trevizo
SP Steve Blogg
SP Terry Tipper
SP Shawn Stillwell
SP Terry Carlock
SP Scott Norton
SP Felipe Rosano
RP Alex Caceras
RP Shane Carlisle
RP Kevin Gumbs
RP Ryan McCullers
RP Mike Miller
RP Manuel Saleado
RP Curt Smith
RP Kevin Trask
RP Sam Hathway
RP Jorge Villicana

C Steve Sturgeon
C Greg Janvrin
C John Baker
C Bill Funderburk
1B Javier Anagua
1B Fred Vonohlen
1B Berto Encinia
2B Tim Deloney
2B Jason Kaiser
3B Dan Kershaw
3B Kurt Harvard
SS Norbert Hollinger
SS John Shafer
LF Mike Pritchett
LF Jeff Banks
CF Tim Mikel
CF Omar Alcontara
CF Jay Carn
CF Ryan Scroggins
RF Tim Bowsfield
RF Jim Hile
RF Pat Updegraff

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49ers 18, Centennials 7
at Yuma Ariz.
Saturday, March 3

49ers at the plate: Jason Kaiser lead an unstoppable lineup with three hits and six RBI, including a three-run home run. Jay Carn and Kurt Harvard contribute three hits and three RBI apiece, Fred Vonohlen had two hits and two walks and only Javier Anagua failed to to reach base at least once.

Centennials at the plate: Mark Blackwell went 3 for 5, playing all nine innings and Mark Jeffries drove in three while Troy Van Landingham walked three times. Star first baseman Mike Ledwith didn't look comfortable, going 0 for 3 with a strikeout and never hit a ball out of the infield.

49ers on the mound: Mark Trevizo threw 33 of 49 pitches for strikes, allowing one run over three innings, but it was a bad night for Kevins as Gumbs and Trask combined to allow five runs in two innings. Manuel Saleado had an effective debut, striking out two in one scoreless inning and Jorge Villicana worked a hitless frame as well, striking out one and walking one.

Centennials on the mound: Starter Rick Whitteburg was actually effective, allowing only one run in four innings, striking out five, but the bullpen's combined line was ugly: 5 IP, 15 H, 7 BB, 17 ER.

Spring Training records: San Francisco: 1-0, Colorado: 0-1

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Spikes 6, 49ers 0
at Yuma Ariz.
Sunday, March 4

49ers at the plate: After their 18 hit outburst on Saturday the bats fell silent with only Jim Hile reaching base twice (two walks) and outfielder Ryan Scroggin's double the only extra base hit.

Spikes at the plate: Orlando star Jeff Durrington paced the offense with a single, a double, a homer, and three RBI but former 49er Kevin Estes chipped in a sacrifice fly and eight Spikes players worked at least one walk.

49ers on the mound: Steve Blogg struggled, surrendering four runs on three hits and two walks in his three innings of work and the bullpen couldn't keep it close as Shane Carlisle walked two without retiring a batter and would have been responsible for two runs if Berto Encinia's fielding error hadn't made them unearned.

Spikes on the mound: Bob Penaflor, Edgar Galeria, Mark Corlew, and Alex Fowler combined for a five-hit shutout with Fowler looking the sharpest, fanning three in his two innings of work.

Spring Training records: San Francisco: 1-1, Orlando: 2-0

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Dallas 6, 49ers 2
at Yuma Ariz.
Monday, March 5

49ers at the plate: Another lackluster effort from the bats with only Norbert Hollinger reaching base twice with a single and a walk. Fred Vonohlen and Jay Carn contributed the team's only extra-base hits, a double and triple respectively.

Texans at the plate: Minor league journeyman Jeremy Loveless had two hits and two RBI off the bench but seven of the starting nine reached base at least once and baserunners were again not a problem as five Dallas players had a base on balls.

49ers on the mound: Terry Tipper was sharp, fanning three and allowing one run in his three innings of work but the bullpen struggled with only Kevin Gumbs and Kevin Trask unscored upon as Manny Saleado, Shane Carlisle, and Scott Norton were all charged with earned runs.

Texans on the mound: Bob Seifert was stellar, allowing only one hit in his four shutout innings of work and only Casey Fowler had real trouble, loading up the bases in the eighth with no outs but escaping allowing only one run.

Spring Training records: San Francisco: 1-2, Dallas: 1-2

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49ers 16, Pioneers 4
at Yuma Ariz.
Tuesday, March 6

49ers at the plate: When it rains it pours as San Francisco scored more than ten runs for the second time in four games, lead by Tim Deloney who homered and drove in three and Jim Hile who reached base three times and now has walks and at-bats. Ryan Scroggins had three hits and two RBI and John Shafer had a three-run double to cap off the scoring in the seventh.

Pioneers at the plate: Chris Twinning homered in the second and Portland's lineup combined for nine hits but with only one walk they had trouble stringing anything together as Heinz Blau's two-run double was the only other run-scoring play on the night.

49ers on the mound: Shawn Stillwell allowed only two hits in his three innings of work and only Ryan McCullers struggled, allowing a three spot in the top of the fifth. Jorge Villicana finished off the game in style, striking out three of the four batters he faced.

Pioneers on the mound: Control eluded Portland's hurlers as they issued twelve walks, only Jeff Bourgeois making an appearance without a base on balls (and he surrendered a run on two hits). The worst offenders were starter Greg Trader who walked four in one and two thirds and new addition Phil Simms who walked three in the ninth.

Spring Training records: San Francisco: 2-2, Portland: 0-4

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Packers 6, 49ers 5
at Yuma Ariz.
Wednesday, March 7

49ers at the plate: Javier Anagua smacked his first homer of the spring, a game-tying three-run shot in the sixth, and Norbert Hollinger was 3 for 3 but it wasn't quite enough as San Francisco stranded the tying run in scoring position in the eighth and ninth.

Packers at the plate: Kevin Fortner, Tony Carama, David Wainwright all hit solo homers and Mark Siebert walked twice and had a sac fly to lead Omaha to a slim victory.

49ers on the mound: Tim Carlock was wild in the early going, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks in three innings and the bullpen was equally inconsistent with Mike Miller, Mark Brookins, and Kevin Trask all allowing go-ahead runs

Packers on the mound: Robert Wendt allowed one run in four solid innings and after Scott Swinton blew a three run lead the bullpen was solid with Roger Adams and ace closer Carl Siders turning in shutout efforts.

Spring Training records: San Francisco: 2-3, Omaha: 3-2

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49ers 7, Miners 6
at Yuma Ariz.
Thursday, March 8

49ers at the plate: Tim Mikel and Fred Vonohlen both homered early but it Ryan Scroggins had the biggest hit of the night with a walk-off double in the bottom of the ninth. Mike Pritchett went 0 for 3 to drop his sizzling Spring average to .462.

Packers at the plate: 7 of Minnesota's 13 hits on the evening were of the extra-base variety, including homers from Kevin Gayle, Fritz Tannenbaum, and the pitcher Phil Whiten. Jeff Gibson had a one-run double and a two-run single to round out the scoring.

49ers on the mound: Mark Trevizo had trouble keeping the ball in the park, surrendering three homers in his four innings of work, although he did strike out five without walking a batter. Kevin Trask struck out three over one and a third innings and Jorge Villicana's blown save in the ninth was the only run charged against the bullpen.

Packers on the mound: Newly signed Miner Phil Whitten allowed two runs in his four inning start but the bullpen wasn't nearly as effective as Randy Ballew, Al Leinhauser, and Steve Brown all allowed runs.

Spring Training records: San Francisco: 3-3, Minnesota: 4-1