SCRAPPERS NOTEBOOK From Eastwood Field

Stadium comparison: Scrappers manager Mike Sarbaugh spent the last four years as hitting coach with the Double-A Akron Aeros. The Aeros play in Canal Park, which draws plenty of positive reviews. What were Sarbaugh's impressions of Eastwood Field? "This is better than a couple of ballparks in the Eastern League," he said of Akron's league. "This is more than you can expect for rookie ball. They get spoiled being here because it's so nice."
Opening-night starter: Sarbaugh said Monday that Richard De Los Santos, a native of the Dominican Republic, is scheduled to pitch the season opener Friday against Auburn. De Los Santos, 20, is a right-hander who spent last season at Rookie-League Burlington, where he was 3-4 with a 6.41 ERA. De Los Santos didn't pitch in 2002 after undergoing surgery on his right elbow. He's anxiously awaiting his chance to pitch in front of a big crowd at Eastwood Field. "I'm waiting for them [the fans] to say, 'Come on, Richard!' " he said. Because he's been pitching throughout the spring, De Los Santos should be able to work five innings Friday, Sarbaugh said. "He's a strike thrower, and he has good command of all his pitches [changeup, slider, fastball, two-seam fastball]," Sarbaugh said. "He has a real good presence on the mound."
Speaking of pitchers: Matt Knox, of Lebanon, Pa., has returned to Mahoning Valley after playing 14 games with the Scrappers in 2002. Knox was a third baseman then, but the Indians are now grooming him to be a pitcher. He'll work out of the bullpen, Sarbaugh said, beginning Wednesday in the team's exhibition game (7 p.m.) against the Youngstown Express at Eastwood Field. "That's going to be his first time under the lights in a competition other than in Florida, on a field with nobody watching," Sarbaugh said. "That will be a good test for him."
Behind the scenes: Members of the Scrappers' front office are Dave Smith, general manager; Jim Riley, marketing and promotions; Jordan Taylor, ticket operations and sponsorship sales; Joe Gregory, business development; Jeff Meehan, concessions; Chris Walsh, stadium operations; Mike Brent, client services; Heather Safarek, box office manager; Scott MacDonald, senior account executive; Mike Link and Brad Hooser, group sales; Debbie Primmer, accountant; and Greg Gania, media relations.
-- Brian Richesson