Oilers Corner

University of Houston catcher Brett Logan has signed for the 2003 season.

Logan sat out the school's 2002 season as a redshirt and is expected to handle the majority of the Cougars' catching chores for 2003.

Brett is from Brenham, Texas, and his father, Terry, is a former professional baseball player.

Randy Beam, a junior pitcher at Florida Atlantic University, also has signed for 2003.

The 6-foot-4 left-hander is a transfer from Manatee Junior College, where he was named Most Outstanding Pitcher in the 2002 JUCO World Series and also at the Florida State JUCO Tourney.

Beam, who also was named SunCoast Conference's player of the year, is from Sarasota, Fla., and is majoring in criminal justice.

Six former Oilers have declared themselves free agents in baseball's six-year renewal program. Included on the list are: Mike Saipe (Oilers 1993), Jon Zuber (1989), Luis Estrella (1995), Robbie Crabtree (1994, 1995), Jamie Gann (1995) and Brandon Marsters (1995).

Forrest Johnson (1999) recently was released by the Detroit Tigers.

Mickey Callaway (1995) was named pitcher of the year in the Anaheim Angels organization. Callaway had a 9-2 record with a 1.68 ERA at the Angels' Triple A Salt Lake City team.

Callaway had several good outings as a late-season call-up for the World Series champion Angels but was not on the post-season roster. Callaway is expected to join the Angels pitching rotation in 2003.

Dave Magadan (1982) has been promoted by the San Diego Padres to the position of Major League hitting coach. Magadan was the team's 2002 minor league hitting instructor.

For more information regarding the Alaska Baseball League and the Peninsula Oilers see the team's Web site at www.oilersbaseball.com or visit the team's office on the corner of Cook and Main streets in Kenai.

Oilers Corner is provided during the off-season by Mike Baxter, the baseball operations manager for the Alaska Baseball League team.