Friday, May 14, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

No deal for Sturtze announced yet

51s pull him from rotation, but trade with Yankees doesn't happen

By MATT YOUMANS
REVIEW-JOURNAL

A scout for the New York Yankees showed up at Cashman Field to watch 51s right-hander Tanyon Sturtze make his scheduled start Thursday night. But, apparently, there was a communication breakdown.

Sturtze was removed from the rotation earlier in the day by Las Vegas manager Terry Kennedy and was not in the dugout for the game against the New Orleans Zephyrs.

Amid talk of a possible trade between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Yankees, Kennedy decided not to use Sturtze.

"We thought the deal was going to be done today," Kennedy said. "Whether he's going to be with us or the Yankees in the major leagues, he's going to be needed."

Kennedy said he opted not to pitch Sturtze because the 33-year-old might experience a letdown after anticipating a deal. Sturtze was told by his agent that he was leaving Las Vegas, but that turned out to be a little premature.

"He's got a chance to go somewhere, most likely in the big leagues, and I didn't know if he would be any good to himself or to us," Kennedy said.

"Your guess is as good as mine. This is why I love Triple A. This is intrigue. This is like a spy novel."

Sturtze, who has played eight seasons in the majors, is 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA in six starts for the 51s.

John Shoemaker, who managed Las Vegas last season and is now the Dodgers' minor league assistant field coordinator, also said he's in the dark. "I don't know anything about what's going on," Shoemaker said.

The Dodgers just moved veteran left-hander Wilson Alvarez into the rotation and don't appear to be in need of Sturtze immediately.

In Sturtze's absence, right-hander Mark Johnson made an emergency start -- his first of the season -- and came to the rescue of the Las Vegas pitching staff.

Johnson threw five scoreless innings, but didn't get the decision after the bullpen blew a 3-0 lead in the seventh. Antonio Perez's RBI single in the eighth broke the tie, and the 51s (16-19) defeated the Zephyrs, 4-3.

In 14 previous appearances, Johnson's longest outing was three innings. Even with right-hander Tom Farmer due to come off the disabled list Saturday, Johnson still will start.

"I really like Johnson as a starter anyway. He's got that sinker, which is a great pitch," Kennedy said.

Rodney Myers (4-0) got the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings, and Agustin Montero pitched a perfect ninth for his second save.

Las Vegas first baseman Luis Garcia continued his hitting tear with a solo home run to lead off the fourth inning. He is tied for fifth in the Pacific Coast League with nine homers.