51s head home, eager to end early doldrums

After spending its first 32 years in the pitcher-friendly International League, the Toronto Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate has received a rude introduction to the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

But poor defense has been the biggest problem thus far for the 51s, who made 12 errors in their first six games -- the first five of them losses -- and have struggled to adjust to the PCL.

"We haven't played very good defense. That's been our main problem," Las Vegas manager Mike Basso said. "The other thing, too, is (playing in) a new league, the travel and the weather. But it's growing pains, and we're learning how things are out here."

The 51s (1-6), who became Toronto's affiliate this season after spending their first 18 years with the San Diego Padres and the last eight with the Los Angeles Dodgers, will host Colorado Springs (5-2) at 7:05 p.m. today in their 27th home opener at Cashman Field.

"We're looking forward to getting back home and opening up there and seeing how the ballpark plays," said Basso, a former catcher for the Las Vegas Stars. "We'll be playing in front of a nice group of fans, so it will be fun."

Las Vegas, which replaced Syracuse, N.Y., as Toronto's top affiliate, snapped a season-opening five-game losing streak Wednesday with a 6-4 win over the Salt Lake Bees.

Along with their porous defense, the 51s' pitching staff also has gotten off to a slow start, posting a 6.60 ERA, which was second-worst in the 16-team PCL entering Thursday's game at Salt Lake.

"At times, it has struggled and had trouble holding leads. We've got to pitch better," Basso said. "We're swinging the bats well and running the bases aggressively, which is good. It's coming together, but we just need to play better, and everybody knows it."

Playing their first game at Cashman Field historically has helped the 51s, who won seven straight home openers before losing last year's contest, 6-3, to Salt Lake. Las Vegas is 14-12 in home openers overall.

Some teams have been wary of starting their prized pitching prospects at Cashman Field, which is very kind to hitters, but Basso said he isn't concerned.

"The ball flies out of everywhere in this league, so they shouldn't have to change anything," he said. "It was 29 degrees with sleet (Wednesday) night, and balls were flying out of Salt Lake."

Left-hander Brad Mills (0-1, 7.36 ERA), who allowed three earned runs on six hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings in his first start this season, will start today for the 51s against the Sky Sox, who swept a season-opening four-game series from Las Vegas.

"He almost made the major league team. He's got good stuff, and he's been working through our system at a fast pace," Basso said. "He's got to prove himself in Triple-A, and he'll get an opportunity to start on the right track (today)."

First baseman Randy Ruiz leads Las Vegas in hitting with a .423 average (11-for-26) and also has a team-high four doubles, three home runs and 12 RBIs. First baseman Brett Harper is hitting .350 (7-for-20) with three homers and seven RBIs, and shortstop Joe Inglett is batting .333 (8-for-24).

The 51s will face the Fresno Grizzlies -- affiliate of the San Francisco Giants -- Tuesday through April 24 to cap their eight-game homestand.

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.