Meet Mike Loree

At the start of the 2011 season, 26-year-old pitcher Mike Loree was expected to be a contributor out of the Ducks' bullpen. No one, including Loree, expected him to emerge as the staff's ace. Entering the All-Star break, he is 10-1 with a 1.71 ERA in 15 games (10 starts) although he didn't join the starting rotation until mid-May. In 2010, he struggled with the Newark Bears, going 6-9 with a 6.09 ERA in 26 games. In four minor-league seasons entering 2011, the former 50th-round pick of the San Francisco Giants never advanced past Class A.

"We just saw some good potential,'' Ducks manager Kevin Baez said, "but he has done everything else."

How do you explain the success you've had this season?

"It all starts as a team. We have been playing real well, and I've had some great defense behind me. [Catcher] J.R. House has been calling great games."Why have you and J.R. been able to click so well?"His understanding of the game, his professionalism . . . He has great reads on batters and makes it really easy for me to trust him. I have a good understanding of why he calls certain pitches."

Is there something you added to your arsenal during the offseason?"I started throwing a splitter at the end of last year, and it's the first time in my career that I have had a legitimate swing-and-miss pitch."Growing up in Gillette, N.J., were you a Mets or Yankees fan?"Mets."What was it like playing with former Met Edgardo Alfonzo in Newark last year?"Just a great guy, very personable. Obviously, he was a great player, and you could always talk to him."

As a 50th-round pick, how hard was it for you to break into professional ball?"I was just happy I got the opportunity from the Giants and tried to make the most of it every day. The whole thing for me was to keep trying to prove myself."

Starting the season in the bullpen, did you see yourself making the Atlantic League All-Star Game?

"It wasn't a goal of mine. I just wanted to pitch well and make the most of my opportunity."

When did you realize that this would be a special season for you?

"Nothing really sticks out, I think. After the first couple of outings, when I had guys swing and miss at pitches, I knew I could trust my stuff this year and be successful."

THE WEEK AHEAD

Today: Off.

Tomorrow: Off.

Wednesday: Atlantic League All-Star Game at York, Pa., 7 p.m.

Thursday: Off.

Friday: vs. Road Warriors, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday: vs. Road Warriors, 7:05 p.m.

Sunday: vs. Road Warriors, 5:05 p.m.