5/24/2008: Laredo, TX – Struggling Carlos Aquino has been demoted to AAA Joplin to get his stroke together.  Expect to see him back at the PEBA level in a month or so if all goes well.  If Víctor Martínez doesn't raise the batting average soon he may join him.

In the meantime, Pearson, Yo and Cliche will form a three-headed DH/RF platoon.  Pearson was recalled when the Gregg Jordan experiment went horribly wrong.  Jordan was 3-for-27 with 1 HR in his brief stay at the major league level.

Also demoted was left-handed starting pitcher Yukio Fujita.  With the upcoming off day, the Calzones will only need four starters and Fujita was sent down to keep him on schedule.  Recalled to replace Fujita on the roster was right-handed reliever Francis Phillips.  Phillips was 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA in 15 games at AAA Joplin before his recall.

Also recalled was SS Stephen Everett, who will get a look as the utility infielder.  Expect Kunimichi Kato to continue collecting splinters.  Everett was batting .323 with 12 doubles, 20 RBI and a .387 OBP before his recall.  Everett is slated to take over the starting shortstop position if IL Player of the Week Marcos Sotelo can be traded.  Short of that, Everett will work the utility infield position for now with an eye towards becoming the everyday shortstop next season.

1B/DH Alberto Benítez continues to sting the ball, going 10-for-26 this past week.  Benítez is batting .358 on the season, 2nd in the IL behind New Orleans Jeff Cline and ahead of the Trendsetters over-hyped Todd Hansen.

The Calzones will send ace right-hander Kirby Gibson to the mound in the rubber match of the 3-game set with New Orleans.  Gibson (6-2, 3.35) will face off against Trendsetters right-hander Alfredo Pinto (5-2, 3.38).  Game time is 1.05 pm.