Patriots Notebook
by Mike Ashmore

It was a week filled with transactions, trials and tribulations for the Somerset Patriots.

The team lost catcher Michel Hernandez to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization, with the former Yankees backstop being assigned to Triple-A Durham.

"We knew he wouldn't last long," said Patriots manager Sparky Lyle.

Many team insiders were surprised he lasted as long as he did, considering his .342 batting average and incredible total of 19 walks compared to just 3 strikeouts.

The move happened while the team was in Lancaster, and the team lucked out by acquiring then-Barnstormers catcher Manny Santana for future considerations.

"I think we're very lucky that they were on the verge of releasing him, because we still wouldn't have anybody," Lyle said.

Although the manager was upbeat during a conversation in his office on Friday, he still expects to lose several more players before the All-Star break, specifically pitchers Brian Adams and R.D. Spiehs.

"If they go to Mexico, they're not going to get signed," he said.

"But they'll get signed here. But if we can stay intact until the All-Star break, I think we have a good shot of winning the first half."

Two For The Price of None

The Somerset Patriots have given away six bobbleheads in their ten-year history, but never anything like the one they're prepared to give away on Saturday.

The first 1,500 kids at the ballpark will receive a dual bobblehead featuring current Patriots third baseman Jeff Nettles and his father Graig Nettles, who became a legend manning the hot corner for the Yankees.

Also, Jeff will be signing free autographs on the concourse before the game, while Graig will be signing for $5 a piece starting at 7:15.

Previous bobbleheads issued in team history include: Two Sparky Lyle issues, John Montefusco, Billy Hall, Michael Warner and Sparkee the mascot.

Notes: Tonight, TGI Friday's in Flemington is hosting "Dine to Donate" from 5PM to 9PM. 20 percent of all sales will be donated to the Michael S. Pohle, Jr. Scholarship Fund. Pohle, one of the victims of the shootings at Virginia Tech, played on the Hunterdon Central football and lacrosse teams.

Around the Atlantic League: The York Revolution will open their new ballpark, Sovereign Bank Stadium, tomorrow night. While many key elements of the park won't be ready for the first pitch, team officials are opening the park anyway...The team recently signed two new players who'll be able to participate in the opening ceremonies at the new park; pitchers Frank Castillo and Steve Smyth. Smyth appeared in eight games for the 2002 Chicago Cubs, while Castillo is a 13-year Major League veteran who's pitched for the Cubs, Red Sox and several other teams.

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