New-look 51s not ready to pop cork

Victoria Sun

Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002 | 9:52 a.m.

Following a 4-4 road trip, the Las Vegas 51s return home a much different team as they prepare to open a four-game series tonight against the Memphis Redbirds at Cashman Field.

So while it's true the team holds a commanding 12 1/2-game lead over Tucson in the Pacific Coast League's Southern Division with 36 games remaining in the regular season, manager Brad Mills isn't ready to celebrate.

"I think I'd rather be where we're at than in second place, but at the same time, there is no way this is over with," he said. "There are five games remaining against Tucson in Tucson.

"With the changes we've made, the guys have rallied very well and played well through all the changes. I couldn't be more proud of these individuals. At the same time, the next month is going to be very difficult."

A series of transactions over the last two weeks has jolted the stability the 51s (65-45) had enjoyed most of the season, with the most notable changes occurring within the pitching staff.

Starters Lance Caraccioli and top prospect Ricardo Rodriguez were traded to the Cleveland Indians while reliever Shane Nance, who led the 51s with 11 wins, was dealt to the Houston Astros and Victor Alvarez was recalled by the parent Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I'm really kind of trying to figure out where we're at right now," Mills said.

The team will be bolstered by Dodgers' starter Kevin Brown, scheduled to make a rehab start for the 51s Saturday night at 7:10.

Brown has been on the disabled list since May 27 with a sprained right elbow. He is 2-3 with a 4.06 ERA in nine starts this season.

In 1998, the Dodgers made Brown the highest-paid player in baseball history, signing him to a seven-year, $105-million contract.

"I think they'd like him to start on Saturday and throw 50 pitches," Mills said.

51s left-hander Ben Simon (1-0, 5.35) will start tonight's game against Memphis lefty Darren Oliver (0-0, 5.40). The Redbirds (56-52) trail New Orleans by one game in the Eastern Division.

"Memphis is a good ball club," Mills said. "This is going to be a very good and tough series."

Tickets for the Memphis series are available at the Cashman Field box office from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday or by calling TicketMaster at 474-4000.