Ticked Off, He May Go on Vacation

Rancho Cucamonga first baseman Mike Mitchell (Rio Mesa High), who was originally snubbed for the California League all-star team despite being among the league leaders in batting, runs batted in and slugging percentage, was selected Friday as a last-minute replacement.

Problem is, now he’s not sure he wants to play.

“Talk to me [today],” Mitchell said before the Quakes’ game Friday night in Lancaster. “I have to talk it over with my wife.”

After getting over the bitterness of not being voted on to the team by the managers, Mitchell planned to spend the three days off with his wife, who is 6 1/2 months pregnant.

The opportunity for Mitchell arose Thursday when the Arizona Diamondbacks announced High Desert first baseman Travis Lee would be promoted to triple A. Lee, who is hitting .370 with 17 home runs and 62 RBIs, was voted to the team as the first baseman.

Mitchell (.346, 11 homers, 60 RBIs) was left off the team, probably because some managers voted for him at first base and some at designated hitter.

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Scanning Thursday box scores: TRIPLE A--Outfielder Jacob Cruz (Channel Islands) had three hits for Phoenix.

DOUBLE A--Former JetHawk outfielder Scott Smith had three singles for Memphis, Tenn. . . . Right-hander Matt Apana, promoted from the JetHawks earlier this week, gave up one run in five innings for Memphis, picking up a victory. . . . First baseman Del Marine (Canoga Park, Moorpark College) had three hits for Jacksonville, Fla. . . . Outfielder Scott Richardson (Cal State Northridge) hit his first two home runs for San Antonio. . . . First baseman Frank Charles (Montclair Prep) had two hits, including a triple, for Tulsa.

CLASS A--Mitchell had three hits for Rancho Cucamonga. . . . Catcher Casey Snow (Crespi) had two hits, including his first home run, for San Bernardino. . . . First baseman Eric Gillespie (Northridge) had two doubles for Cedar Rapids, Iowa. . . . Right-hander Brendon Cowsill (Crescenta Valley) retired one batter to record his third save for Cedar Rapids. . . . First baseman Robert Fick (Newbury Park, Ventura College, Northridge) had three hits, including his 27th double, for West Michigan. . . . Outfielder Darrell Dent (Montclair Prep) had two hits, including a double, for Delmarva, which plays in Salisbury, Md. . . . Shortstop Dennis Konrady (Pepperdine) had three hits for Columbus, Ga., raising his average to .314.