AquaSox update

Published 12:05 am Saturday, June 23, 2007

Matt Mangini received a not so pleasant welcome to the Northwest Friday night.

The Mariners second selection in the 2007 draft, who was scheduled to make his AquaSox debut, missed his first professional start thanks to heavy Friday traffic. He later pinch-hit in the eighth inning and struck out.

The Oklahoma State product flew into Sea-Tac Airport Friday afternoon, but thanks to heavy traffic on I-5, he didn’t arrive at the ballpark until approximately 6 p.m., after the team had taken batting practice.

Just part of the fun of the first week of short-season A ball.

“It’s part of this level,” said AquaSox manager Mike Tosar. “We don’t get guys out all at one time. They’re coming at different times. Some guys are playing in the college world series, some guys are going to take longer to sign. It’s part of the first couple weeks of the season.”

Tosar is looking forward to seeing Mangini, a third baseman who was drafted in the supplemental round with the 52nd overall pick, in the Everett lineup.

“No doubt, we’re excited to see him play,” he said. “He’s our second pick. He’s got some plus tools. He’s got a big bat.”

Close call: Yakima shortstop Mark Hallberg led off the game with a swollen face and the feeling that he was lucky.

On Thursday, Hallberg was hit in the head by a pitch that cracked his helmet, but didn’t do much other damage.

“My face is just a little swollen,” he said. “I got lucky. A couple of inches lower and it would have been a different story.”

Hallberg said he’s been hit in the head before, but that this was his worst bean-ball experience.

“I’ve been hit in the head before, but I’ve certainly never had my helmet break,” he said. “That’s the closest call I’ve had.”

Flag bearers: The AquaSox sported their patriotic jerseys for Friday’s game, which was followed by post-game fireworks. The white jerseys with navy sleeves have a large American flag across the front.

John Boyle, Herald Writer