Victorino called to
the show after winning
International League MVP

Maui's Shane Victorino capped his seventh year in professional baseball by being named the International League's Most Valuable Player on Tuesday in voting by managers, coaches, the media and club representatives.

"I was definitely surprised at the selection," said Victorino.

Yesterday, there was even more good news from his manager, Gene Lamont.

"I got called up and report to the (Philadelphia) Phillies in New York tomorrow (today) morning," said Victorino from Rochester, N.Y., last night following a rainout.

"I was working out when Gene came in and told me. That was a surprise too. I have no idea how the Phillies are going to use me."

Victorino, who has a 22-game hitting streak, second longest in the IL, has not played the last two games because of a slight hamstring pull in his right leg.

The center fielder for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Pa.) Red Barons has been on a torrid pace ever since his batting average dropped to .243 the third week of June. He broke out of the slump with five consecutive multi-hit games.

Since then he has been named IL Player of the Week twice and is among the league leaders in several offensive categories.

The St. Anthony graduate is eighth in batting (.310), third in hits (153) and slugging percentage (.534), first in runs scored (93) and tied for first in extra-base hits (59).

He leads the league -- and all of pro baseball -- with 16 triples.

"I think you get better each year and the biggest difference is my confidence," said Victorino. "I only started switch-hitting two-and-a-half years ago and they say it takes three years to really get used to it. I'm feeling real good right now from both sides of the plate. I won't say I'm 100 percent, but it is a lot better."

Victorino was a Rule 5 selection last December by the Philadelphia Phillies. He did not have a great spring training and the Phillies offered him back to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers declined and Victorino accepted an assignment to Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre.

That proved to be the correct decision for Victorino, known for his defensive abilities and speed. He has put together his best season as a pro with the Red Barons, hitting for average and power.

"Hands down, this is my best season ever," he said.

He had 25 doubles and 18 home runs, one short of his career high. He turned in a career-high 70 RBIs, and has been successful on 17 of 26 stolen-base attempts this season.

This will be Victorino's second stint in the major leagues. He started the season with the San Diego Padres in 2003 and played in 36 games, hitting .151 before being sent to the minors.

Crosby out a month: Oakland Athletics shortstop Bobby Crosby went on the disabled list for the second time this season yesterday, this time with a broken left ankle.

The move is retroactive to Aug. 28. The A's recalled infielder Keith Ginter from Triple-A Sacramento to take his roster spot.

Burroughs rejoins Padres: Third baseman Sean Burroughs rejoined the San Diego Padres for the stretch drive yesterday, 5 1/2 weeks after being demoted to Triple-A.

Burroughs, whose average had dropped to .255 when he was sent down to the Portland Beavers on July 23, will be used as a pinch-hitter and to give third baseman Joe Randa an occasional rest.

Wood has shoulder surgery: Cubs right-hander Kerry Wood underwent arthroscopic surgery yesterday to clean out his right shoulder, putting an end to a season riddled by injuries.

The hour-long operation included reinforcement of the labrum, as well as a debridement of the rotator cuff and bursa.

Zimmerman to get chance: The Washington Nationals said yesterday that they will call up top prospect Ryan Zimmerman today.

Zimmerman, a shortstop and third baseman, was the fourth overall pick in the June amateur draft. He has been playing at Double-A Harrisburg.