All-star Cobb ranks high on manager's praise list

Of all the players on the Kane County Cougars' roster, manager Aaron Nieckula said outfielder Larry Cobb is the one who hustles, grinds and plays the hardest.

The 5-foot-9 Midwest League all-star is among the team leaders in batting average at .309. along with 75 hits, 8 home runs and 40 RBI.

"He's a gamer," Nieckula said."What he does on a daily basis is gives the best effort he can give, and that's all I can ask for as a coach."

Richard rolling on: Cougars infielder Michael Richard is fast, always has a spot near or at the top of the lineup and appears to be well on his way to recovering from a bone spur in his right thumb, which kept him on the disabled list for a good portion of the season's first half.

Richard leads the Cougars in batting average at .329.

"Right now, he's probably our most consistent hitter," Nieckula said. "He's putting up good (at-bats). He's putting up a professional (at-bat). What I mean by that is that he's putting up a big-league at-bat. He's going up there and working the count, grinding it out. When he swings, he swings with authority."

Ex-Cougar Cahill's success: After a successful season with the Cougars in 2007, pitcher Trevor Cahill was recently selected to play for Team USA and will play in the Beijing Olympics Aug. 13-23. The 20-year-old plays for the Midland RockHounds, the Class AA affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.

Pillow fighting at Elfstrom: After Saturday's game against the Lansing Lugnuts, Cougars fans will attempt to set the record for the World's Largest Pillow Fight. Last August, 3,085 fans took part in a spirited attempt to set the mark following a Cougars game. Fans are encouraged to pre-register on the Cougars' Web site at kccougars.com and complete a waiver. Fans may also register at the stadium on Saturday. Fans are asked to bring their own pillows.