The upcoming series in New Haven was supposed to be the Sea Dogs’ last regular-season visit to Yale Field.

But the Ravens’ proposed move to Manchester, N.H., has run into a snag.

Renovations were halted at Gill Stadium, which is supposed to be the team’s temporary home next season, as doubts as to whether or not the Eastern League’s owners would approve the move arose.

The owners have expressed concern that the $750,000 yearly rent would make it virtually impossible for the team to have financial success.

Weber plans to move the team from Connecticut and play at a refurbished Gill Stadium next season, before moving into a new 6,500-seat riverfront stadium in 2005.

But the shift must be approved by the league, which will address the issue at a Sept. 2 meeting in Philadelphia.

Eastern League president Joe McEacharn has given the city a list of things the owners would like to see changed in the deal with Weber.

In addition to the lease, another sticking point is said to be concerns over the league’s financial liability should the franchise fail.

McEacharn did not return numerous phone calls.

Manchester’s Board of Mayor and Alderman will vote on some proposed changes Wednesday.

The issue would then fall into the hands of the league.

Weber told Manchester’s Union Leader that ultimately the move would gain approval.

“Of course it’s going to happen. It’s not even a question,” said Weber.

“I’d be hard-pressed to imagine that the Eastern League would say Drew Weber is paying too much rent, therefore he should stay in New Haven.”

Arizona bound

Four members of the Sea Dogs will be playing in the Arizona Fall League, which begins on Sept. 30.

Catcher Kelly Shoppach, infielder Tony Schrager, center fielder Jeremy Owens and pitcher Charlie Zink will all play for the Mesa Desert Dogs.

Pawtucket pitcher Bryan Hebson and Sarasota pitcher Jerome Gamble, who made a spot start with the Sea Dogs last weekend, will be the other Red Sox representatives.

Former Red Sox pitching prospect Josh Hancock, who was dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies for Jeremy Giambi, will also be on the team.

Tee time

Former Sea Dog Tonayne “Tee” Brown is back patrolling left field at Hadlock Field this weekend with Erie.

Brown started the year in Portland, but the Red Sox sent him to Detroit on June 11 for future considerations.

Brown hit just .228 in 53 games with the Sea Dogs.

Since being traded, he has hit .283 with three homers and 31 RBIs.

Included in that is a 4-for-4 night against his former team on June 18, a game which Brown won for the SeaWolves with a walk-off two-run home run.

Brown is one of three SeaWolves who also played for the Sea Dogs.

Pitchers Mark Johnson (1998) and Rob Henkel (2002) also spent time in Portland.

Johnson still holds the franchise record for most losses in a season after going 5-14.

Another step forward

Erie pitcher Adam Pettyjohn, who got a no-decision in Friday night’s game, is trying to work his way back to the big leagues after missing all of last season with ulcerative colitis.

Pettyjohn pitched for the Detroit Tigers in 2001, going 1-6 with a 5.82 ERA, before being diagnosed with the ailment.

He lost over 60 pounds after having three surgeries to remove his colon and reattach his small intestine.

Pettyjohn got his first win on Aug. 11 against New Britain.

His last victory had been on Sept. 22, 2001 against the Red Sox.

It all adds up

Erie used a string of promotions to post a couple of team attendance records last week.

The SeaWolves drew a single-game record 6,952 fans to Jerry Uht Stadium Monday for Buck Night, during which reserved seats, beer, soda, hot dogs and popcorn all cost just a dollar.

They followed that up with 50-cent beer and 50-cent hot dog nights and set the mark for attendance in a three-game series at 17,599.

Erie is ninth in the 12-team league in attendance, averaging 3,188 per game.

Milestone for Stump

Brunswick native and current Trenton manager Stump Merrill recorded his 1,500th professional win last Friday.

Merrill recorded 120 of those victories over a season and a half as manager of the New York Yankees.

He has been part of the Yankees’ organization for 27 years.

Bill Foley is assistant sports editor. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected]