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PCL: Andino, others focus on playing in the big leagues
A look back
The good: The emergence of Valentino Pascucci, who came to Albuquerque after spending two seasons in Japan and became the league's top home run threat. . . . The Triple-A All-Star Game went off without a hitch. Former Isotopes slugger Rob Stratton won the PNM Power Derby. . . . Albuquerque stayed in the playoff chase until the last day of the season.
The bad: Pitching. Isotopes hurlers set club records for hits allowed (1,409), walks issued (516) and fewest strikeouts (835). . . . Average attendance dropped below 8,100 for the first time since 2003. It was a franchise-high 8,295 last season and dropped to 8,053 this year.
The ugly: Albuquerque lost two games to weather, they were canceled and never made up. . . . Isotopes manager Dean Treanor flung several items onto the field during a tirade that cost him four games.
Team awards
As voted upon by the Isotopes players except where indicated.
MVP: Scott Seabol - The first Isotopes player to finish with triple-digit RBIs (105) also set team records in runs (100) and hits (151). He added 32 homers, second most in Albuquerque history.
PNM Power Hitter of the Year: Valentino Pascucci - "The Italian Bazooka" smacked a club record 34 homers. No Isotopes player has ever drawn more walks (67).
Defensive Player of the Year: Robert Andino - The shortstop won this for the second consecutive year for his spectacular plays despite 34 errors.
Pitcher of the Year: Roy Corcoran - The right-hander led Albuquerque with 15 saves and boasted a 3.54 ERA.
Mr. Hustle: Brett Carroll - Known for his head-first slides, he hit .314 with 19 homers and 70 RBIs.
Most Community Minded: Carroll - This was given by the front office for his frequent volunteering.
Fan Favorite: Eric Reed - The speedy center fielder wowed fans with his catches, triples (12) and bunt singles.
More Isotopes
- Roster moves bring young faces to 'Topes
- Borchard paces Isotopes to 10-0 win
- PCL: In division lead, 'Topes try to rally for playoff spot
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He knows a potentially exciting career change looms, but all Robert Andino could think about as he prepared to leave the Albuquerque Isotopes clubhouse for the final time in 2007 was Renee, Taj and Alijah.
"I can't wait to see my family," Andino said. "I haven't seen them since July."
Andino's wife and two small children live in Miami, where he and three other Isotopes will be today. All four - Brett Carroll, Ross Wolf and Reggie Abercrombie are the others - were promoted after Albuquerque's 9-7 season finale win over Oklahoma.
Andino was the lone member of that quartet not to spend any time with the Isotopes parent club during the season. But Albuquerque manager Dean Treanor has a difficult time picturing Andino, a shortstop with Spider-Man range, in Triple-A next summer.
"He really established himself offensively, I think," Treanor said. "He showed he's an every day shortstop in the big leagues. I have got to believe, with him out of options, (the Marlins) have got to take a good look at him. . . . This guy is the best I've been around, simple as that. I have to believe Andino is on a big league team next year."
Whether that's in Florida or elsewhere remains to be seen. The Marlins already have two proven, young infielders - Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla. Treanor says the club has a decision to make about the 23-year-old Andino.
Based only on the deftness of his glove, Andino already could have been in the major leagues. Perhaps no Isotopes infielder drew more "ahhs" or "ohhs" than Andino.
But his offense needed work. And he needed to display the durability to endure a 162-game schedule.
Andino, who set a team record for triples (13), raised his batting average to a respectable .277, which is 22 points higher than last season.
He also finished strong at the plate, hitting .308 through August and September. Andino played in every Isotopes game this season.
"I just tried to come out here and have a good season and stay strong throughout the season," Andino said. "You can always say you want to do better but I'm happy. It was a fun season."
Abercrombie said Andino's increased maturity led to his offensive gains.
"It's just learning the game," Abercrombie said. "He does what he has to do (to improve)."
This learning also applies to clubhouse pranks. As Carroll spoke on camera to a television reporter, Andino sneaked behind him and smeared his face with a shaving cream-covered towel.
Andino and many of his teammates howled. Abercrombie laughed while helping Carroll wipe his face.
Said Andino: "This is a great group of guys and I'm going to miss them."
