Worker Bees: Constant callups couldn't stop Salt Lake's run to PCL playoffs

When the 2006 baseball season started in April, the Salt Lake Bees were arguably the most talented Triple-A team in the country.

That couldn't be said when the 2006 season ended with a 10-8 Pacific Coast League semifinal playoff loss to the Tucson Sidewinders last Saturday night at Franklin Covey Field. The Bees' roster had gone trough a nearly complete overhaul. Numerous former Bees had become major contributors to the parent Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, while the team in Salt Lake City had just a handful of players who had started the season as Bees.

Despite the disappointing end, the season had been a success, both on the field and — more important for the Angels — in getting players ready for the big leagues.

"I was proud to be their manager," said first-year skipper Brian Harper. "They showed character in baseball and in life, and if they continue to do like they did, they are going to be successful."

Salt Lake won the PCL's Pacific Northern Division championship with an 81-63 record, which was third-best overall in the league and the second best in Salt Lake history since Triple-A baseball returned 13 years ago.

"Overall, it was a solid season," said Harper.

The Bees opened the year with a roster filled with big-time prospects. Pitchers Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders, infielders Howie Kendrick and Erick Aybar, catcher Mike Napoli and outfielder Reggie Willits all started the season in Salt Lake before being called up to Anaheim where they have all shown, to various degrees, that they can get the job done at the next level.

Weaver, who went 6-1 with a 2.10 earned run average in 12 games with the Bees this season, was the breakout star for the Angels. He won his first nine decisions as a major leaguer. His Salt Lake highlight came when he pitched a complete-game, 14-strikeout, two-hit shutout at Franklin Covey Field on June 23 against Sacramento.

Napoli was with the Bees for a month — playing in 21 games — before getting called up and becoming the Angels' top catcher.

Saunders and Kendrick each earned Triple-A All-Star status with Salt Lake, but shortly thereafter became Angels regulars. Saunders was 10-4 with a 2.67 ERA in 21 games for the Bees. Kendrick, meanwhile, was hitting better than .400 for the season in early June before settling in for a .369 average in 69 games for the Bees. Kendrick was named as the PCL's Rookie of the Year.

Two other Bees earned PCL honors, as Willits and catcher Jeff Mathis were both named to the All-PCL team. Willits hit .327 in 97 games for the Bees, while Mathis hit .289 with 45 RBIs in 99 games for Salt Lake.