His job is to develop prospects that will fit in on the big-league level. But he can certainly sympathize with Aeros manager Jeff Datz. The leap is considered one of the more difficult in baseball. Now, in the second month, the get-acquainted period is over. Players must adjust.
Some players already appear to have made the necessary adjustments.
Reliever Tony Dougherty has emerged as Akron's top pitcher out of the bullpen. He's worked so hard to get to this point. He's always been a diligent worker. That's after he hit only .239 with three home runs in 84 games at Canton-Akron last year and missed nearly two months with a sore elbow. And of course, there is top pitching prospect Jaret Wright, the Indians' No. 1 draft pick in 1994.