From Deseret News archives:
Around the Minors
The Lancaster JetHawks are getting a major boost just in time for their pennant push.
Shortstop Stephen Drew, the 15th overall pick in last year's Major League Draft, has been assigned to the Diamondbacks' Class-A Lancaster affiliate.
His assignment comes less than 24 hours after he signed a five-year contract, reportedly for $5.5 million with $2 million in additional incentives.
The younger brother of Dodgers outfielder J.D. Drew, Stephen Drew was ranked the No. 1 position player in last year's draft by Baseball America.
Drew hit 44 homers in a three-year career at Florida State. He batted .402 (82 for 204) with 16 homers in 2002, his freshman year, and .344 (78 for 227) with 17 homers last season.
He's expected to join the JetHawks by early next week, after completing a physical administered by Diamondbacks physicians in the Phoenix area.
"We're excited to have him," Diamondbacks farm director Bob Miller said. "We think he was the best position player in the draft last year. We're looking forward to getting him out playing and becoming a Lancaster JetHawk and helping them win the first half" (in the California League's Southern Division).
The JetHawks (29-23) took a six-game game winning streak into Tuesday's home game against the High Desert Mavericks, moving into first place, a half-game ahead of the Lake Elsinore Storm (28-22).
Drew's left-handed bat figures to provide additional punch to a formidable lineup on one of the California League's hottest teams.
"He's supposed to have some big pop," JetHawks manager Bill Plummer said. "Hopefully, he can help us, but I haven't seen him play."
His assignment to Lancaster means someone will be displaced, a notion that brought mixed emotions to the JetHawks' clubhouse.
Utility infielder Derek Bruce, who tied a California League record Sunday by hitting safely in 10 consecutive at-bats, and Danny Richar, who is batting .285 (37 for 130), could lose significant playing time.
"I'm sure he's a great player," JetHawks first baseman Chris Carter said. "It's just tough because there's a lot of good players on our team. (Richar and Bruce) have been hitting really well, and I'm not sure how much more he can do for us than they already are."
Jered Weaver, brother of Los Angeles Dodger right-hander Jeff Weaver and also a client of Boras, was a long holdout with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, recently signed with the Angels and will be assigned to Rancho Cucamunga.
Gideon Rubin, Los Angeles Daily News
ROUNDING FIRST
Dusty Wathan had a career day in the minors with his major league dad in attendance.
