After the news earlier this week that Wichita, Kan., has decided to pursue a franchise with the America Association independent baseball league, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks President Bruce Thom said it's doubtful the Northern League will add teams for the 2008 season.
Wichita was a Northern League expansion target.
"We wanted them, you bet," Thom said. "We worked hard to try to land them. But it didn't work out that way. There are a lot of expansion possibilities out there. This is the one that was the closest as far as time."
Geography is one reason Wichita picked the American Association, which has teams in Fort Worth, Texas, Lincoln, Neb., St. Joseph, Mo., Sioux City, Iowa, and Sioux Falls, S.D. Kansas City, Kan., is the only Northern League city near Wichita.
Mathis having strong season
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RedHawks leadoff hitter Joe Mathis ranked second in the league with 14 home runs entering Wednesday's game against Schaumburg.
The All-Star center fielder is on pace to crack a career-high 21 home runs this season.
Mathis' current best single-season total is 16 home runs, which he hit with Newark of the Atlantic League in 2002.
"The key for me is to try to not hit home runs," Mathis said. "I know I don't have the power to hit 40 (in a season), but I can get you 10."
Fastballs
RedHawks manager Doug Simunic said left-handed pitcher Mike Peschel, who has been out with a sore back, is scheduled to pitch a bullpen session today. "We're optimistic," Simunic said. When Peschel returns, he will likely be used out of the bullpen. ... The RedHawks are 19-6 with a team ERA of 3.05 in catcher Adam Shorsher's first 25 starts. Prior to that, F-M was 21-19 with a 4.68 ERA.
RedHawks report
- Up next: Schaumburg at RedHawks, 7 p.m. today, Newman Outdoor Field
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- Scheduled starters: Schaumburg: RHP Nat Harris (6-4, 4.93 ERA);
RedHawks: RHP Mark Michael (4-3, 4.40 ERA)
Readers can reach Forum reporter Eric Peterson at (701) 241-5513.
Peterson's prep sports blog can be found at www.areavoices.com
