Aug. 5, 2008

SPOKANE, Wash. - Ten former Gonzaga University players have continued to climb baseball's professional ranks by producing solid seasons this summer.

Jason Bay and Mike Redmond each continue their big league careers. Bay was part of the July 31 three-team trade that saw him land as the new Boston Red Sox left fielder. He had been patrolling outfield for the Pittsburgh Pirates since 2003. Through 110 games this season, Bay is hitting .284 with 23 homers and 68 RBI. Redmond continues to serve as the backup catcher for the Minnesota Twins, posting a .270 average in 28 games this season.

Three former Bulldogs remain one step away from the big leagues, currently playing at the AAA level. First baseman Nate Gold, drafted in the 10th round of the 2002 draft, is currently second on the Oklahoma Redhawks (Texas Rangers) with 20 home runs and 75 RBI. Catcher Kevin Richardson is also playing for the RedHawks, the 2003 un-drafted free agent entered the month of August with five homers and 20 RBI. Pitcher Clayton Mortensen, the St. Louis Cardinals firs round pick last year, was promoted to the Memphis Redbirds this summer. He entered the month of August with a 5-3 record.

Infielder Scott Campbell also has produced a solid season. The Toronto Blue Jays 10th round pick in 2006 has led the AA Eastern League in batting average for most of the season. Campbell was named to the Eastern League Mid-Season All-Star team and also was selected to play in Major League Baseball's Future's Game that took place during MLB's All-Star weekend at Yankee Stadium.

Infielder Darin Holcomb, a 2007 12th round pick by the Colorado Rockies, earned a spot on the High-A South Atlantic League All-Star team this summer. Entering the month of August, Holcomb was leading the South Atlantic league with 82 RBI and was third in batting average at .325. Pitcher Bobby McEwen is the latest former Zag to join the professional ranks. He recently signed with the Milwaukee Brewers and was assigned to Arizona League.

Two former Bulldogs are currently rehabbing injuries. Outfielder Jeff Culpepper is inactive in the Cubs organization with a leg injury and catcher Kiel Thibault is on the seven-day DL for the AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Kansas City).