Hall of Famer Sandberg still has time for the fans

Think Ryne Sandberg's popularity has died down in his second year managing the Peoria Chiefs?

Not a chance. The former Cubs Hall of Famer and his Class A team made their first trip to Elfstrom Stadium, home of the Kane County Cougars, on Wednesday. As expected, there were dozens of fans waiting for Sandberg's autograph before the game.

Being the Cubs legend he is, Sandberg said he's used to signing autographs in every Midwest League stadium. He said he spends about 20 to 25 minutes a game doing so.

"It's routine," he said. "There's a lot of great Cub fans out there. It's all fun. It takes me back, looking at all the old stuff people bring out of the closet. Some days, I'm amazed at what I see."

Sandberg said all the attention hasn't been a problem.

"I enjoy taking care of the fans," he said.

Making moves: After Wednesday's 5-1 loss to Peoria, Cougars outfielder Corey Brown, the star of the team, was promoted to high Class A Stockton.

"It's good, he deserves it," Cougars manager Aaron Nieckula said. "He played well. He took advantage of an opportunity to play in Kane County, and he did well. What won't we miss about Corey Brown?"

Brown is the second all-star to get promoted by the Oakland Athletics' organization in the second half of the season. The first was pitcher Craig Italiano.

"What can I say? I'm speechless," Brown said after he heard the good news. "It's a great feeling. There was a great group of guys here in Kane County. I've formed good relationships with some of the players. I'll be staying in touch with a lot of players."

Either Adam Klein or Larry Cobb is expected to take over for Brown in center field.

Welcome, Weeks: Jemile Weeks, the 12th overall pick by the Oakland A's in the 2008 MLB draft, arrived in Geneva just one hour before Wednesday's game. The infielder was in the No. 2 spot in the lineup, and drew a walk in his first at-bat with his new team.

The University of Miami star had a crazy Wednesday, but by the end of the day, it was worth all the trouble he went through to make his debut with the Cougars.

"It was a little bit of a rush, but I came out here to play, and I did," said Weeks, who began his day in Oakland.

Said manager Aaron Nieckula, who expects Weeks to bat near the top of the lineup: "He's a very talented young man."