The Boll Weevil notebook ...

There’s a buzz going through the bleachers at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium these days — about the Buzz on the field.

Buzz Hannahan hit .176 in 22 games here last season and was an afterthought by the fans. This year, he will leave an afterglow.

Hannahan is finally a full-time third baseman for the Boll Weevils. He stepped in when Juan richardson went on the disabled list with a bum wrist and even if Richardson came back, it’s doubtful Legger would replace the Buzzer.

Hannahan was hitting .276 going into the weekend from the No. 2 hole. With Jay Sitzman in front of him and Marlon Byrd and Nate Espy hitting behind him, that’s a pretty good average — considering.

“I take the bat out of Buzz’s hands a lot,” Legg said. “He takes pitches and he gives himself up all the time for this team. He really sacrifices himself.”

And that’s why Legg thinks Hannahan has a shot to keep moving up the ladder.

“It’s good for Buzz to get a chance to play every day,” Legg said. “He has been here all year waiting for his chance. I’m happy with guys who work their butt off.

“Doing the small things, the fundamental things— those are the things that will get Buzz to the higher levels.”

PENNANTRACE:Delmarva just won’t go away — and Piedmont Boll Weevil manager Greg Legg couldn’t be happier.

“Delmarva is a good team and they’ve kept the pressure on us,” he said.

Delmarva was just a half-game back going into Saturday night’s game .

“It teaches you how to be in a pennant race,” Legg said. “I’ve been on the other side. When you’re 15 games out and have no chance, it is not a good environment.”

It should be an exciting last week of the season. The Shorebirds visit here the final four days of the regular season season Sept. 1-4.

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RUBBERBANDMAN: Russ Jacobson is almost ready to get behind the plate again.

The all-star catcher broke his jaw in a home plate collision a month ago and has seen everything from wire to rubber bands keeping his mouth shut.

Legg has used Jacobson as a designated hitter and he has responded. He actually hit two homers last week, bringing his total to 18, which ties him for third in the league behind leader and teammate Nate Espy.

“We don’t want to rush him,” Legg said, “but maybe I’ll let him catch 5-6 innings Sunday.”

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I’MFRESH: The one thing you wonder about pitchers in the South Atlantic League: how will their arms hold up to the stress of more innings than they’ve ever thrown?

Brett Myers, the league’s top winner, went over the 160 mark Saturday. Frankie Brooks has thrown 157. And 19-year old diaper dandy Ryan Madson has 120.

But to a man, they say so far, so good.

“My arm feels better now than when the season started,” said Brooks, a lefty from Brooklyn.

“There’s always that argument that the more you throw, the stronger your arm gets,” Legg said. “That might be the case.I know the more you run, the stronger your legs are. The more you lift weights, the stronger you get.”

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CONSISTENTSITZMAN:Sitzman has been an amazing story. A 32nd-round draft choice, he is hitting .333, third in the SAL. He is among the league leaders in steals (51) and runs scored (89).

“You get locked in at times and he’s also catching a break here and there,” Legg said.

That was evident in a 4-for-4 night on Thursday in a win over Hickory. He bunted one ball that the third baseman let roll ... and roll ... and roll. It stayed fair.

“I knew it was staying fair,” Legg grinned. “Jay owes that one to our groundskeeper Jamie Pruitt. He has been working on (the dirt) over there and he has it just fine.”

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INJURIES: Starting pitcher Matire Franco is on the disabled list with a sore shoulder. He probably won’t throw again this season.

Shomari Beverly came off the DL Friday. His hip is fine.

Jorge Padilla is still being bothered when he bats by a bruised heel.

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BUGBITES: Legg spent a few days in Philadelphia with the Phillies and said he was congratulated by the brass for the great season here. He threw batting practice to the big-leaguers and even did the pre-game radio show to talk about his team. ... Ryan Brookman, a right-hander, has been recalled from Batavia. ... The team is on course to set an attendance record. ... Marlon Byrd is among the league leaders in average (.313), RBI (86), hits (146), triples (12), slugging percentage (.513), extra base hits (53) and runs scored(95). ... The Weevils are home through Friday. They go on a five-game road swing to Cape Fear and then return home Sept. 1. ... Today’s game is scheduled for a 2:05 p.m. start.