September 21, 2011
Minor league notebook: Howard paved way for N.H. title
by Roger Brown/
Kevin Howard began the 2011 season with the independent league's Lancaster Barnstormers. He ended it by being named the Most Valuable Player in the Eastern League's Championship Series.
Howard, a 30-year-old first baseman, hit a two-run homer to help New Hampshire win the Eastern League title by beating Richmond, 4-3, Saturday night.
New Hampshire, Toronto's Double-A affiliate, won the series in four games.
“I've been playing this game for a long time and never won anything,” Howard said. “If you keep working hard good things will happen.”
After being signed by the Blue Jays, Howard hit .277 with six home runs and 31 RBI in 56 games between Double-A and Triple A this season. He batted .348 with six extra-base hits and six RBI in eight postseason games. His two-run homer Saturday gave him five RBI in the series against Richmond.
The Cincinnati Reds drafted Howard in 2002.
"He's been outstanding," New Hampshire manager Sal Fasano told MiLB.com. "When we got him from Triple-A, we were really happy to have him. He's a good veteran leader, he really helped the kids along. Plus, he proved it in his play. Not only did he talk game, but he walked it, too."
Outfielder Anthony Gose scored what turned out to be the game-winning run on an error in the top of the ninth inning.
The victory gave New Hampshire its second Eastern League championship. The first came in 2004, the team's first season in Manchester, N.H.
The Fisher Cats won three games in a row after dropping the opener, 10-9.
"It's a tremendous feeling," Fasano said. "I'm really proud of the guys and all the work they put in. It's euphoric to a certain extent. To have an opportunity to watch them grow and ultimately hold a trophy over their head is a pretty wonderful experience."
Deck McGuire, the No. 3 prospect in Toronto's organization, was coming back from a strained oblique muscle but pitched the first three innings. McGuire, 22, was told he would throw no more than 60 pitches. He surrendered two runs on four hits.
Five New Hampshire relievers combined to allow one run on six hits over the final six innings. Clint Everts (1-0) earned the win, and Bobby Korecky pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth postseason save.
"I knew once I had scored the game was over because (Korecky) was coming in and there was no chance we would lose that game at that point," Gose said.
Each of New Hampshire's six postseason wins were decided by one or two runs.
"I think a measure of a good team is what you do during those one-run games," Fasano said. "(The team) has a tendency to really know what it takes to come out on top, whether it be a little extra hustling by Anthony Gose or the bullpen coming in and shutting the door. One-run games are a key to being a good team."
Red Sox honor Hottovy
The Boston Red Sox selected left-handed pitcher Tommy Hottovy as the winner of the first Lou Gorman Award, which is given to a Red Sox minor league player who has demonstrated dedication and perseverance in overcoming obstacles while working his way to the Major League team.
Gorman was the Red Sox vice president/general manager from 1984-1993 and later served as vice president of baseball operations and executive consultant until his death in April 2011. He was a strong advocate of player development throughout his professional baseball career.
"Lou Gorman was a force within baseball and impacted the game in so many ways," Red Sox president/CEO Larry Lucchino said in a statement. "His dedication to player development had a significant and lasting effect on both the Red Sox and Major League Baseball. This award will give us an opportunity to annually honor Lou's legacy and to recognize a minor league player who embodies the characteristics that he so admired."
Hottovy made his Major League debut in his eighth professional season at age 29 and has appeared in eight games in relief for the Red Sox. He had a 2.47 ERA with two saves, 47 strikeouts and 13 walks in 32 relief appearances between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket this season.
Hottovy was Boston's third pick (fourth round, 125th overall) in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. He posted a 1.93 ERA with Portland prior to joining Pawtucket on May 14.
