I can't expresses go out auburn bulldogs interprets there and pitch every game. "Although Clint Hurdle's Rockies have dominated Melvin's team in the postseason, Melvin did better in balloting for the Sporting News Manager of the Year, earning six of 16 votes from rival NL managers to edge out Philadelphia's Charlie Manuel for the award. "Because of the fact that it's voted on by the managers, it's an honor," Melvin said. "But for me it ends up being a group award in that you've got to have great players, which we do. We have a great coaching staff that prepares the players to play every day, so it's a credit to them. And a front office that gives us the right tools and players to be successful with. "Kaz Matsui and Yorvit Torrealba, who went into the postseason with the fewest RBIs in Colorado's starting lineup, went into Monday's NLCS game leading all NL players with seven playoff runs batted in each. For Matsui, the postseason has been a continuation of a breakout regular season after three disappointing years with the New York Mets. "Maybe he's a little more comfortable here," pitcher Jeff Francis said of Matsui, who batted a career-high . 288 in his first full season with the Rockies. "I've played with teammates who are maybe journeyman types who have played on a lot of different teams and they say how important it is to be comfortable where you are and how much of an effect that can have on your performance. "Hurdle agreed. "Obviously the environment is much different here," he said of the second baseman, who came to Colorado in a midseason trade in 2006 and batted . 345 in 32 games last summer. "So I think it was just a very good fit at a pivotal time in his career and it's worked out very well. "--kevin. baxter.

MIAMI — If all goes according to the Dodgers' plan, Julio Lugo will spend his first week with the team as the starting second baseman and the rest of the season as a reluctant utility man. "I don't like it," Lugo said . "But I just came here to try to help this team win. "The Dodgers expect to activate second baseman Jeff Kent and first baseman Nomar Garciaparra from the disabled list within a week, Manager Grady Little said, at which point the team would shuffle Lugo among second base, shortstop, third base and all three outfield positions. Little met with Lugo on Friday and told him to start taking fly balls in preparation. "He wouldn't be an everyday center fielder," Little said "He could be an everyday something At this time of year . . baseball bulldogs Butler Bulldogs . there will be times people need some rest. "Lugo has made 14 outfield appearances, none since 2001 basketball . He said he would use his infield glove there since he does not have an outfield glove basketball bulldogs . He was the shortstop for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays until the Dodgers acquired him this week, and he says he plans to sell himself as a shortstop in free agency this fall. "Everybody knows I'm a shortstop," he said. "It doesn't matter where I play here. "If Little can keep him in the lineup, Lugo says he'll make the best of it. "It's a different team It's a different situation," Lugo said. "I just came here to play and make a good team a better team.

As long as I'm in there, I'll be happy. "*Rookie outfielder Cody Ross hopes he has found a home In April, the Dodgers traded him to the Cincinnati Reds . In May, the Reds traded him to the Florida Marlins, for a player to be named or cash brad stevens Butler Bulldogs - butlersports . The Reds no longer needed him as insurance against another injury to Ken Griffey Jr. , and Cincinnati General Manager Wayne Krivsky told Ross he owed him the chance to play, somewhere. "Wayne Krivsky did me the biggest favor," Ross said. Ross is hitting . 240, with eight home runs in 57 games bulldogs athletic . He has hit one home run every 18. 8 at-bats, a better ratio than any Dodger except Olmedo Saenz Butler Bulldogs - butlersports . *The Dodgers, unable to trade outfielder Jose Cruz Jr after designating him for assignment, released him . They owe him $1. 2 million, including a $300,000 buyout of his 2006 option, although any team that signs him would pick up about $100,000. . . . Butler Bulldogs tickets Reliever Elmer Dessens was not available Friday after he sprained his left ankle while chasing a fly ball during batting practice. He left the field on a golf cart and was taken for X-rays, which were negative. . . .