A timely turnaround for Cougars

At this time last season, the Kane County Cougars were a struggling team with a less-than-stellar record.

A year later, the Class A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics are in pretty good shape. The Cougars finished the first half of the 2008 season with a 39-29 record and have already clinched a spot in the Midwest League playoffs.

"It's nothing like last year in the first half," said Cougars manager Aaron Nieckula. "People may not remember we got better as the second half of the season went on. We picked up where we left off, even though we have new players.

"This is a great mix of guys. They are ready to prepare and are ready to go out and work hard."

Because of their first-half success, the Cougars will be sending six players to this year's All-Star Game, which is being held Tuesday in Midland, Mich., home of the Great Lakes Loons.

The Cougars' all-stars are a mix of three returning players -- pitcher Craig Italiano and infielders, Greg Dowling and Larry Cobb -- and three new players, Corey Brown, and pitchers Jamie Richmond and Scott Mitchnson.

"I am very proud of all the guys who made the all-star team, especially the returning players," Nieckula said. "Three young men who play the game hard."

Italiano has had the toughest road to get to where he is now. This is his third stint with the Cougars. In 2006, he was sidelined with arm issues, and in 2007, he was out for two-thirds of the season after a line drive hit him in the head.

This year, the 21-year-old has been dominating, with a league-best 7-0 record, a 1.09 ERA and 76 strikeouts.

"For him to come back with the season he's had this year is a pleasure to see," Nieckula said. "It couldn't have happened to a better guy. I'm sure he's going to have a fantastic second half here or at the next level."

Cobb also went through some injuries last year but has made a solid return.

"Larry had a tough year last year, but came back to spring training in great shape," Nieckula said. "He's done a fantastic job at second base and has turned into a nice player."

Dowling had a decent season last year, but really found himself back in Kane County.

"I'm sure he was a little disappointed having to repeat the league, but he's made some adjustments both defensively and offensively," Nieckula said of his first baseman, who is second in the league in doubles and is hitting .264. "He came in with a positive frame of mind and had a fantastic first half."

Even before the season began, Brown was a highly-regarded player -- and he hasn't disappointed. The center fielder is batting .250, leads the team in home runs and has made just 3 errors.

"Corey Brown is a unique player," Nieckula said. "He's got tools. He can run, he has a decent arm, he has speed, he's an excellent defensive outfielder and he plays the game hard."

After the all-star break, the Cougars return home to Elfstrom Stadium in Geneva for a four-game homestand against the Clinton Lumber Kings beginning on Thursday. After that, they leave for an eight-game road trip to the Quad Cities and Peoria.