Hot hitting by Stars impresses Simmons

The Las Vegas Stars probably couldn't have picked a better time to go on a three-game winning streak. And hitters such as Dusty Allen and Joe Vitiello couldn't have timed their hot hitting any better.

Sitting in the stands observing at Cashman Field each of the last three days was Ted Simmons, the San Diego Padres' new vice president of scouting and player development.

Simmons, who played 21 seasons in the major leagues and was an eight-time all-star, reports to Kevin Towers, the Padres' general manager, and also to CEO and president Larry Lucchino. He was hired away from the Cleveland Indians last September to try to pump some life into San Diego's underachieving farm system.

This is Simmons' first trip to Las Vegas since assuming his new duties.

"These last three games, these guys have really played," Simmons said. "This is the team that is in first place and I suspect will probably stay there."

Of course, the Stars' title hopes hinge on the health and success of the parent Padres. And thanks to an unusual rash of injuries and a recent losing streak, San Diego has been shuffling a number of players back and forth this season.

"When players are moving like this, it usually means something is bad," Simmons said. "And what has been bad particularly is the last 2 1/2 weeks in San Diego. They have played poorly and they have been losing consistently. When that happens, they start looking for help. That's what has happened here.

"Hopefully, things can settle back down and we can leave this club alone for a little while. This club is very, very competitive. I suspect that if we can stabilize here and San Diego doesn't need very much help, this club will be very competitive. That's what I'm hoping."

Simmons said he expects starting pitcher Carlton Loewer, sidelined since a freak hunting mishap last winter, to make several rehab starts for the Stars soon.

And speculation in San Diego newspapers is that Allen, who went 1-for-4 with two runs scored in Wednesday's 11-8 win over Tacoma at Cashman Field, could be promoted soon.

Allen could get his chance if outfielder Tony Gwynn, plagued all season by a sore knee, undergoes arthroscopic knee surgery.

Logan said Wednesday that he hopes to meet with representatives from the Dodgers and Rangers next week in another attempt to sell his Las Vegas spring training proposal.

"There's a national convention in Las Vegas next week and they'll be here for that," Logan said. "I've called them a couple of times to try and get together and hopefully we will. But nothing has been set up yet."

Logan said he does not believe the Florida legislation would be a setback for his cause.

"Florida's passing that thing isn't going to put any more people in those cities to buy those tickets and go to the games," Logan said. "It'll improve the facilities, but they still won't be the caliber of facility that we'll have here. That is not even a concern."

Logan admits that getting a commitment from the Dodgers, who have also been contemplating a move to a $50 million facility in Mesa, Ariz., is the key to making Las Vegas spring training a reality.

"That is a big key," he said. "And you'd need at least four teams here to make it work."

Logan said the earliest he could envision spring training in Las Vegas would be 2002.

"That's why there isn't any real sense of urgency right now," Logan said. "I don't think any real decisions will be made until after the season."

Steve Guiremand covers baseball for the Sun. Reach him at 259-2324 or steveg@ lasvegassun.com

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