Rookie pitchers impress

Revenge Factor Alert: Newark's Javier Valentin went 5-5 vs his former team, the Arkansas Golden Falcons.

Marietta's Francisco Liriano pitched a complete game against Carolina, and is now an impressive 3-0 in preseason. Marietta acquired the young hurler in the offseason from Las Vegas and is counting on the rookie to be their ace.

Sardine City's Andruw Jones had a big day against South Boston yesterday. Jones was 3-3 with 2 home runs against the Gang. Jones was the second player taken by Sardine City in the dispersal draft.

Hillsborough's John Lackey had some control problems against Newark but otherwise turned in a solid effort. Lackey walked eight batters in his seven innings of work, but only surrendered one run and four hits. "Everybody is trying to gain their command in the spring" said Lackey after the game.

Rookie Tom Gorzelanny was once again impressive for New Jersey. Gorzelanny pitched seven strong innings in a bid to make the team's starting rotation. So far he is 2-1 with a 1.96 ERA in the spring. Meanwhile, in the same game, Vancouver's Chad Billingsley worked his way out of a possible rotation spot. With fellow rookie Scott Olsen struggling, Billingsley has not taken advantage of the opening. "We feel that Chad will do better in AAA" said team pitching coach Dennis Eckersley. Billingsley's next turn in the rotation will be taken by Randy Wolf.

Newark and Arkansas made some roster shakeups yesterday. Newark released outfielder Ryan Church and rookie reliever Kurt Birkins to make room for a couple of middle relievers. Arkansas once again gave up on young shortstop Bobby Crosby. Arkansas had hoped that Crosby would be their shortstop of the future two years ago, but Crosby has not progressed as they had hoped. "We may yet see Crosby back in Falcon gold" said owner Stump Matiash, "but for now we need to go in a different direction."