2001 SEASON Few peaks and lots of valleys

After two division titles, the Scrappers sank to the bottom of the standings.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
Winning became commonplace for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in their first two seasons. But there was more to overcome in 2001.
The Scrappers, the Pinckney-Stedler Division champions the first two seasons in the Mahoning Valley, sunk to the bottom of the division in 2001, finishing with a 26-49 record.
"I wish we could have mixed in some more wins for these fans," Scrappers first-year manager Dave Turgeon said at the end of the season. "I know they like a winner."
Turgeon was aware of the success former Scrappers manager Ted Kubiak had in the 1999 and 2000 seasons, taking the team to the New York-Penn League championship series twice.
But that didn't faze Turgeon, who each day focused on improving his players, no matter the record. He labeled the season as one of "peaks and valleys."
Rough start
The Scrappers began the season in Utica, N.Y., losing three of four games to the Blue Sox. It didn't get much better as they won six of their first 25 games.
As pitching coach Ken Rowe said, it's hard to catch up when you fall behind early -- especially in a short season.
"These guys should be proud of what they accomplished," said Turgeon. "They have a better idea of what it takes to be a professional baseball player and a professional in this organization."
The Scrappers' class of 2001 was filled with first-year talent and familiar faces of the past.
First baseman Curtis Gay, catcher Angel Bastardo, third baseman Francis Finnerty, outfielder Dennis Malave and pitchers Luke Field and Victor Kleine were the most notable players who spent time previously at Mahoning Valley.
The highest 2001 draft pick at Mahoning Valley was right-handed pitcher Nick Moran, a third-rounder who went 5-2 with a 3.40 earned-run average.
The Scrappers also had ninth-rounder Luke Scott, an outfielder whose season was cut short by injury.
Up and down
First baseman Rickie Morton's 12 home runs broke the team's single-season record held previously by Ryan Church (10).
Turgeon called Morton "a good clubhouse guy."
Miguel Quintana was a mainstay in the outfield and showed his power at the plate, leading the team in doubles (17) and triples (four).
One of Quintana's outfield mates, Jonathan Van Every, got off to a hot start, at the plate and in the field, but his season also was cut short, due to a shoulder injury.
All 5 feet, 6 inches of Bryce Uegawachi was impressive at shortstop.
The player who took advantage of his opportunity late in the season was Chad Peshke, a 33rd-round pick from the University of California-Santa Barbara, who batted .250 in 52 games.
Each year brings many new faces to the Mahoning Valley. The level of talent that comes from the amateur draft is usually high, but how it meshes is always difficult to predict. That was evident by the drop of the 2001 team in the New York-Penn League standings.
At the top of the standings were the Brooklyn Cyclones and Williamsport Crosscutters, who went on to share the league title after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks canceled the championship series.