From Deseret News archives:
Birds of play
Orem Owlz show prowess as they soar to the top of Pioneer League
Not much, if you're talking about the Orem Owlz.
After spending four years in Provo, the Los Angeles Angels' rookie-level farm club moved to Orem after last season and changed its name. The results, however, stayed the same.
Just like the Provo Angels in 2004, this year's Owlz emerged Pioneer League champions.
About a month ago, however, such an outcome seemed downright improbable.
In late August, Orem and its 10-14 second-half record were mired at the bottom of the Pioneer League southern division standings.
Superb starting pitching and an anchor in the bullpen, though, saved the Owlz' season. Led by starters Jose Arredondo and Nick Adenhart and closer Kevin Lynch, Orem won five in a row and 10 of 12 to qualify for the playoffs.
"Hitting was obviously not our strong point," Owlz manager Tom Kotchman said. "Our pitchers were outstanding during that stretch — pitching is the reason you win. The game is set up for hitters to fail and pitchers to win if pitchers throw strikes."
In the postseason, the strong pitching continued. Behind the bats of Mark Trumbo and Dallas Morris, the Orem offense heated up at just the right time. Orem took two of three from Ogden in the divisional series.
Against Helena in the Pioneer League championship series, Morris tripled three times in two games, and the Owlz swept the Brewers in two games by scores of 6-3 and 3-2.
But that's not what the 2005 Orem Owlz will be best remembered for. Unlike almost every other sport, the defining characteristic of minor league baseball is not present production or this year's results. No, the minors are all about abstract things such as possibility, potential and talent ceilings.
No one will know what history will have to say about these Owlz until it becomes clear who will break through to become household names in the major leagues. In the meantime, here are a few players to remember from this year's edition of the Orem Owlz.
JOSE ARREDONDO, STARTING PITCHER: A shortstop before this season, Arredondo came on strong at the end of the year. In his final three starts, he totaled 25 strikeouts over 21 innings while giving up just one earned run. His fastball touches 97 mph, and he consistently hits 93 on the radar gun.
