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**truebluefan** · 10-21-2007, 01:29 PM

Fort Worth Cats acquire Allen, Reilly from Brockton

The Fort Worth Cats have acquired outfielder John Allen and right-handed pitcher Matt Reilly in a trade from Brockton in the Can-Am League. In exchange, the Cats sent relief pitcher Ryan Burnau and outfielder John Molyneux to Brockton.

Allen, 26, started the 2007 with the Cats batting .248 with two homers and 21 RBI in 38 games before being traded to Brockton on July 6. With the Rox, he batted .275 with five home runs and 29 runs batted in. He played in 55 games, mostly as the DH with Brockton.

Allen had a stellar season with Fort Worth in 2005, leading the league with 38 doubles before missing the entire 2006 season because of injury.

Reilly, after spending 10 games in 2006 with the Los Angeles Angels' Arizona League affiliate, worked in 28 games for Brockton in 2007. He posted a 3-2 record with a 1.87 ERA in 43 1/3 innings of work.

The 23-year-old right-hander was originally selected by the Angels in the 27th round of the 2006 draft out of Pace University.

Burnau and Molyneux each contributed to the Cats' 2007 championship run. Burnau during the regular season permitted just one earned run in 13 1/3 innings after being acquired from Brockton on July 31. He permitted just one run in 5 1/3 innings in three post-season appearances.

Molyneux started the season in the New York State League before the Cats signed him on Aug. 10. He hit .271 in 16 games with five runs batted in for Fort Worth. He also had 10 hits and four RBIs during the playoffs.

**truebluefan** · 10-21-2007, 01:31 PM

Pensacola Pelicans Sign Former League Champion Outfielder

The Pensacola Pelicans announced today that they have signed left-handed outfielder Matt Spencer for the 2008 season.

Spencer split the '07 season with the American Association Champions Fort Worth Cats and the Coastal Bend Aviators. He finished the year with 25 runs, 21 doubles, 2 triples, 3 homeruns, and 40 RBI. In 2006, Spencer earned a American Association championship ring with the Fort Worth Cats.

"Matt will bring some play-off experience to our club having played with Fort Worth during their 2006 championship season," said Pelicans Manager Mac Seibert. "He's a solid defensive outfielder but more importantly, he's a guy that can provide some extra base hits for us."

Pensacola is glad to get Spencer in a Pels uniform rather than playing against them. In 16 games versus Pelicans pitching last season, he hit .269 with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 homerun, and 12 RBI.

In other transactions, the Pelicans released OF Andrew Revall.

**truebluefan** · 10-21-2007, 01:33 PM

Canaries Ink Manager To New Contract

SIOUX FALLS, SD (October 18, 2007) - The Sioux Falls Canaries and manager Steve Shirley have come to terms on a new contract which will keep Steve as the team's skipper and player procurement director through the 2009 season.

"Steve did a tremendous job for us in 2007," said Canaries General Manager Matt Hansen. "We feel it is important to secure Steve as our manager, as we look to build on our winning season and provide our great fans with a consistent winner on the field."

Shirley managed the Canaries to a 53-43 season in 2007. The season was the Canaries second winningest season in club history, and featured the team's best half, as the Birds went 31-17 in the first half.

"I am delighted to be spending, at least, the next two years as the manager of the Sioux Falls Canaries," said Shirley. "The passion of Canaries fans drives our organization as we work everyday to provide them with a product that evokes community pride."

Shirley was appointed the club's manager exactly one year ago today. Prior to joining the Canaries, Steve spent the 2005 season as the manager of the Sioux City Explorers and the 2006 season with the Northern League's Winnipeg Goldeyes, where he served as both a pitching coach and player procurement director. Shirley spent fifteen years as a professional baseball player, after being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1974. In 1982, Shirley pitched eleven games in the Major Leagues for the Dodgers, finishing the year with a record of 1-1 and a 4.36 earned run average. His professional career includes time in the organizations of the Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, and Montreal Expos, as well as time playing internationally in Japan, Korea, and Mexico.

Steve and his wife Laura reside in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They are the parents of four children, Jessica, Kyle, Keith, and Kate.

**truebluefan** · 10-21-2007, 01:34 PM

Somerset Patriots Place 2008 Season Ticket Packages On Sale

Bridgewater, NJ - The Three-Time Atlantic League Champion Somerset Patriots have placed 2008 Season Tickets on sale for the upcoming year.

The Patriots have different ticket options available, ranging from Full and Half Season Tickets to Mini-Plans.

Full and Half Season Ticket Holders receive exclusive benefits including 2008 Atlantic League All-Star Game Tickets, a discount off tickets, early entry to enjoy batting practice on select dates and giveaway nights, invitations to special Patriots events, pre-paid credit to use at the ballpark, team merchandise, and more.

Season Ticket packages will remain at the same prices as the 2007 season. Premium Field Box seats are $828 a seat for Full Season Tickets and $414 for Half Season Tickets, Field Box Seats are $648 a seat for Full Season Tickets and $324 for Half Season Tickets, and Upper Box Tickets are $576 a seat for Full Season Tickets and $288 for Half Season Tickets.

The Somerset Patriots Mini-Plans, which consist of 12 games each, are $114 a seat for Field Box tickets and $102 a seat for Upper Box tickets. The Patriots offer three set plans and a Pick Your Own Plan for Mini-Plan Packages.

"Season Ticket Holders have always been our most valued guests at the ballpark. They are the ones who cheer the loudest and support our team whether we are at the very top or bottom of the standings. We have a lot planned for our Season Tickets Holders this year to make sure they know just how much they mean to our team," said Patrick McVerry, President and General Manager of the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club.

For more information regarding 2008 Season Ticket Packages, stop by the Ticket Office located at Commerce Bank Ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit the Patriots on-line at somersetpatriots.com: Home.

**truebluefan** · 10-21-2007, 01:36 PM

Florence Freedom Season Tickets and Ticket Mini Plans on sale now

Florence, KY - The 2007 Freedom season may have just finished up, but the Florence Freedom are already looking to 2008. Fans can catch all the fun from the first pitch with Florence Freedom season tickets, which are officially on sale today.

Freedom fans can look forward to another summer full of family entertainment with the best fireworks show in the Frontier league and the craziest promotions in baseball. 2008 Freedom season ticket holders can manage their accounts online, use the "Never a wasted ticket" policy, have their names on their seats and get 20% off in The Bank of Kentucky Florence Freedom Gift Shop. Season ticket holders also have the first opportunity to book their very own "ultimate fan experience" as well as purchase Freedom playoff tickets. Fans can reserve their season tickets by calling 859-594-HITS.

Loge table season ticket packages are also on sale. New for 2008 are two new premium loge tables behind home plate and seven new loge table sections along the foul walls. The Loge Table ticket package includes 4 season tickets for the table and chairs as well as a 3'x 9' sign on the railing of the owner of the table. Loge table buyers also get a sign on the back of their section. "Loge table season tickets are a great option for local companies," mentioned Freedom General Manager Kari Rumfield, "businesses can use the tickets to reward their employees and have signage in the stadium."

Fans can pick their favorite Freedom games with ticket mini plans. The Weekends-Only season ticket includes all Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games along with Opening Night Thursday, May 22nd. Thirsty Thursday and Fireworks Friday mini plans are also available for the Freedom's most popular nights.

Fans can reserve their season tickets and ticket mini plans by calling (859)594-HITS.

Florence Freedom is a member of the Frontier League, a 12-team Independent Professional Baseball League established in 1993. The Freedom play a 96 game schedule with 50 home games between late May and early September.

**truebluefan** · 10-21-2007, 01:38 PM

Arizona Winter League Expands to Palm Springs

The Arizona Winter League (AWL) announced today that an agreement has been reached with Andrew Starke, owner of the summer collegiate Palm Springs Power and the city of Palm Springs to bring an Arizona Winter League expansion team to the city for the 2008 season which begins in this coming January.

"This is an exceptional opportunity to bring professional-level baseball to Palm Springs," said Andrew Starke, Owner of the Palm Springs Power and the Palm Springs Chill. "I am very pleased that we could add an AWL team here and think it will be great for the players, community, and fans. Fans will experience the same fun and excitement they have come to expect at Palm Springs Power games, but with pro baseball and cooler weather. It's a win-win all the way around."

Playing as the Palm Springs Chill and managed by former major league all-star and former Los Angeles Angels Triple-A manager Garry Templeton, the team will play every Friday and Saturday night at home during the 35 day season running from January 28th to March 2nd. They will be on the road during the week in Arizona. With rosters filled with experienced professional and collegiate players the Chill will play their home games at Palm Spring Stadium, former long-time spring training home of the California Angels.

"We're very excited to add Palm Springs as a member of the AWL," said David Kaval, CEO of the Arizona Winter League. "This is a great baseball town with a fine tradition, Andrew Starke is a very experienced and successful operator, and the weather is some of the finest in the country during the time we will be playing. I am really looking forward to bringing the greatest game ever invented as an entertainment option to this community in the winter."

The Arizona Winter League is comprised of players with professional experience or prospects that are hoping to sign professional contracts. Last year over 62% of all Arizona Winter League players left with professional contracts for the 2007 season. Three were signed by major league organizations including the San Francisco Giants, the Kansas City Royals, and the Baltimore Orioles. Arizona Winter League managers, coaches, and instructors are all former major league players and include, besides Templeton, Mike Marshall (L.A. Dodger All-Star and member of the 1988 World Series Championship team), Cory Snyder (former Cleveland Indian star slugger), Les Lancaster (former Chicago Cub pitcher and All-Rookie team), and many more.

For a complete schedule, games times, or ticket or sponsor information please contact the Palm Springs Chill at 760-854-6278.

About the Arizona Winter League

The Arizona Winter League is an off-season league for professional baseball players and prospects to improve and showcase their skills as they prepare for the upcoming summer season or acquire a professional contract. Formed in 2006 for the inaugural season played in Jan - Mar of 2007, the AWL is considered the premier winter league in the U.S. and had over 50 players last year signed to professional contracts. Operating out of the Ray Kroc complex and Desert Sun Stadium in Yuma, Arizona the league was comprised of four teams last year -- The Yuma Scorpions, Canada Miners, Sonora Surf Dawgs, and Snow Falcons. Teams for 2008 will be announced soon as the 2008 AWL will field 4-6 teams.

**truebluefan** · 10-21-2007, 01:40 PM

Vipers and Cracker-Cats out of Northern League

The Calgary Vipers and Edmonton Cracker-Cats have been notified that they will not be included in the 2008 Northern League schedule. Both teams were informed on Thursday of a Friday deadline to post a $1,000,000 bond or be excluded. As a result of irreconcilable differences, the Calgary Vipers and Edmonton Cracker-Cats are no longer a part of the Northern League.

Based on this decision the two Alberta teams today announced they are pursuing discussions with the Golden League to join their expanding roster of teams for the 2008 season and beyond.

The Golden League, with headquarters in the Bay area of California, has teams in Long Beach, Orange County and Chico, California; Yuma, Arizona; Reno, Nevada and St. George, Utah. Their plans for expansion include a new team in the Bay area in 2009 plus northern locations in Washington, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Back to Baseball

The Vipers and Cracker-Cats both had major announcements in the past week. Vipers star Darryl Brinkley was named All-Independent Baseball Most Valuable Player. He and third baseman Carlos Duncan were named to the Baseball America Independent Leagues First All-Star team. Both have made verbal commitments to play in Calgary in 2008. In addition Edmonton pitcher Scott Richmond and catcher Brian Munhall were both signed by major league organizations in the past month.

The Golden League had 15 players signed by organizations this past season and placed three of the first six players on the Baseball America top 10 prospects list.

Off the field the Vipers announced today that field manager Mike Busch has agreed to a guaranteed two year contract extension. Busch, who led the Vipers to the NL championship series last month, was already under contract through 2008 but now will be with the team through at least the 2010 season. Vipers president and Chief Operating Officer Peter Young also agreed to a new three year contract. "Buschy and I started this entire venture on behalf of Jeff Gidney", said Young. "Now I know he'll be with us for at least three more years to bring a championship to Calgary".

Edmonton, meanwhile, announced the hiring of Brent Bowers as their new field manager and of The Capacity Group. Darren Parker, son of former Cannons owner Russ Parker, will act as Edmonton's new Chief Operating Officer. The Capacity Group (Parker, Craig Burak and Travis Tinning) also worked with the Vipers this past season.

**truebluefan** · 10-21-2007, 01:41 PM

Artz and Gaines featured in Baseball America

SAN ANGELO, Texas - Baseball America recently released their top ten independent league prospects, and the Colts are well-represented. Former Colts and current Yankee farmhand Stephen Artz placed second, and current Colt Ronnie Gaines was ninth on the list. They are the only two from the United League on the list.

Artz, 23, joined the Colts in 2006 out of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. In his first professional season, the Stone Mountain, Georgia resident went 3-2 with a 4.35 ERA and eight saves. He posted 47 strikeouts and 15 walks in 68.1 innings. 2007 was a breakthrough season for Artz as he saved ten games with a 1-4 record and a 2.86 ERA. In 28.1 innings, he struck out 46 batters and walked only 3.

In July, Artz was signed by the Yankees, and reported to the Class A Charleston River Dogs of the South Atlantic League. Artz continued putting up great numbers as he went 2-1 with a 2.91 ERA and 27 strikeouts and 6 walks in 21.2 innings. Opposing batters could only muster a .137 average against Artz.

A former ASU Ram, Gaines, 23, also signed with the Colts in 2006. The Temple native posted a .417 batting average and swiped 27 bases in his senior season at Angelo State. Batting primarily out of the leadoff spot, Gaines hit .334 with 19 home runs and 29 stolen bases with the Colts this season.. Gaines was voted the team MVP of the 2007 season.

Baseball America's list of top ten independent league prospects can be found at: BaseballAmerica.com: Minors: Independent Leagues Top 10 Prospects

The San Angelo Colts are a part of a six-team league that make up United League Baseball. The independent league has teams located in San Angelo, Laredo, Amarillo, Edinburg, and Rio Grande Valley, Texas as well as Alexandria, Louisiana, and began play in the 2006 season.

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