Clark's consistency is speaking volumes

By DAVE RASBACH
Valley Press Staff Writer

Although the Seattle Mariners don't announce their minor league most valuable players until next spring, it would be difficult to overlook second baseman Jermaine Clark.

Though Clark may not be the flashiest player on the team, he put up solid seasons both offensively and defensively in 1999.

"I've had him the last two seasons in instructional league, and he's come a long way," JetHawks manager Darrin Garner said.

At the plate, Clark's .315 batting average entering the final game was the highest by any JetHawk with at least 300 at-bats, even though it was the lowest average of his career. His 110 runs scored were far and away the most on the team, while he matched a career high with six home runs and drove in a career-best 61. He also added 27 doubles, a team-best eight triples and his 32 steals were the second-most in the Mariners' organization. He also had a teamhigh 57 walks.

But it was in the field where the Vacaville resident made his biggest strides.

Clark entered play Saturday leading all California League second basemen with his .983 fielding percentage. The 5-foot-10, 175pounder committed only 10 errors all season, and had none in the last 51 games entering Sunday.

That came after a shaky start.

"He has really worked hard and made improvements," Garner said. "He's improved his range a bit. It shows what you can do if you invest the time and effort to improve."
Finally

It didn't come until the final weekend of the season.

But Zach Stark finally notched his first California League win in Lancaster's 7-3 extra-inning victory at San Bernardino on Saturday.

Stark saved his best for last, striking out six and not allowing a baserunner in 3 outstanding innings. He picked up the win when Lancaster scored four runs in the top of the 11th to improve his season record to 1-2.

With the performance, Stark also ensured the JetHawks will have one pitcher with a sub-4.00 ERA as his average dipped to 3.99 in his 49 appearances, which is second-most on the team. The only left-hander currently on the Lancaster staff allowed 75 hits and 29 walks while striking out 72 in 79 innings of work in 1999.
Saving the day

San Bernardino closer Bill Everly used a 22-point August to take the lead in the Rolaids Minor League Relief Man of the Year award. He had a seven-point lead over Class A Clinton's Brandon Puffer entering the final week of play.

Everly entered September with a 7-3 record and 33 saves. He has since added one save, which tied him for the Cal League record with High Desert's Rafael Chaves, who had 34 saves in 1992.
Turnaround

Two weeks ago, the Lancaster JetHawks had the worst record in minor league baseball. Now it seems they can't lose.

Lancaster, which couldn't get hot through the first 4 1/2 months of the season, suddenly is one of the hottest teams in baseball. The JetHawks entered the season's final day having won 10 of their last 13 games.

Every victory has come against a team that will play in the California League playoffs, including five against San Bernardino. The Stampede are having problems locking up the South Division second-half title because of the JetHawks.

"It's always good whenever we beat these guys," Garner said.

Uploaded September 7, 1999