Fossum, Other New Beavers Come Up Big

2 of the more recent ex-major leaguers to sign with the Padres organization played major roles in the Beavers win on Wednesday night. Brady Clark contributed 3 hits as Casey Fossum, whose signing went under the radar threw 4 1/3 of 1 run ball.

The lefty starter was 5-8 with a 7.70 ERA in 40 games with the Devil Rays before being released on Aug. 10. Fossum, who has a career record of 37-52 with a 5.46 ERA in the Major Leagues, has pitched for Tampa Bay, Boston and Arizona.

Portland's 2nd baseman Craig Stansberry, who Kevin Towers said would see time with the big boys this summer also drilled his 14 bomb of the year. It should be interesting to see how the second base position unfolds through this year and into next season. The Padres currently carry 4 players who have logged MLB time at the position in Blum, Giles, Hairston, and Mackowiak. With youngsters like AAA All Star Stansberry and 2006 1st round pick Matt Antonelli on the horizon it would be surprising to see Marcus back with his home town team in 2008