PCL game postponed because of the flu

Rain and thunderstorms are typically the culprit in the postponement of a baseball game. But another factor caused a delay in the Triple-A ranks last week.

The Portland Beavers were granted permission from the Pacific Coast League to postpone last Friday's scheduled game because of the flu, according to a report on MiLB.com. At least seven of the team's players had become ill, and the team's game against the Salt Lake Bees couldn't be played.

"Player illnesses are being treated and none of the players have needed hospitalization," a statement released by the team read.

"Medical personnel have expressed hope that most of the team will be available for (Saturday) night's scheduled game in Salt Lake City."

The team said its players were not suffering from the H1N1 flu virus. But the illness previously known as swine flu did force the suspension of a week's worth of games in the Mexican League when the country briefly shut down public gatherings in April.

Augusta GreenJackets general manager Nick Brown said he couldn't recall a time when a minor league game in Augusta had been called because of an illness.

"I've never heard of anything like that happening anywhere, especially on a Friday night," he said. "Friday night's big for a home team. I've never seen anything close to that."

GRAND SLAM: GreenJackets fans who witnessed San Fran-cisco Giants prospect Madison Bumgarner pitch in Augusta last season are familiar with the ace's throwing ability.

In a Double-A game last week, the former GreenJacket also showed off his skill with a bat.

The 19-year-old hit a grand slam in a 9-3 Connecticut Defenders victory over Binghamton on Wednesday night. He went 2 for 3 with two runs scored and four RBI to lift his batting average to .429 (3 for 7) with Connecticut this season.

Bumgarner also threw a seven-inning three-hitter to improve his record to 7-1 at the Double-A level. He struck out four and allowed one run.

The home run was Bumgar-ner's first since his final high school at bat in 2007 when he cleared the bases to force the mercy rule in a North Carolina state championship game.

BACK TO THE MINORS: Count Pedro Martinez as the next big league star to make a minor league rehab appearance this season.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner with the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and will continue his recovery from shoulder surgery with an appearance at the Advanced-A level for the Clearwater Thrashers of the Florida State League.

Martinez, 37, is scheduled to pitch in today's game against the St. Lucie Mets.

Former Atlanta Brave John Smoltz made a start against the GreenJackets at Lake Olmstead Stadium in May as a member of the Greenville Drive.

Tom Glavine also faced the GreenJackets in June as a member of the Rome Braves.

GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING: NFL fans continue to wait for a decision from Brett Favre as he mulls returning to the league again.

Meanwhile, the GreenJackets' front office is preparing for another possible Brett Favre Night.

Lake Olmstead Stadium poked fun at the legendary quarterback last season with a Brett Favre Night that included the retiring, then unretiring of his number, Favre-themed games played between innings and a flip-flop giveaway.

GreenJackets general manager Brown said his staff is ready to do it all again if Favre is, but they remain as non-committal as the man of honor.