Thread Tools

Display Modes

**truebluefan** · 01-16-2008, 10:21 AM

The 2007 Northern League Champion Gary SouthShore RailCats Professional Baseball club announced today that the contract of manager Greg Tagert has been extended through the 2010 baseball season. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Tagert and his wife and children will also relocate their permanent home to Northwest Indiana from their longtime residence in Vacaville, California. Tagert will assume a year-round position with the RailCats administrative staff at U. S. Steel Yard and participate in the club's community service campaign, speaking to schools, service organizations, and other groups.

Tagert joined the RailCats in January of 2005. At the time, the new RailCats team was coming off a year in which it had set the Northern League record for most losses in a season. Upon his arrival, the club's on-field fortunes immediately changed as the RailCats won the 2005 Northern League championship, reached the league finals in 2006 before settling for a runner-up finish, and captured another league title in 2007 while posting the circuit's best regular season record and winning division titles in both halves. Tagert was selected Northern League Manager of the Year in 2007.

Tagert's career record with the RailCats is 163-126 (.564) during the regular season. The RailCats have won 16 of a possible 18 post-season games during Tagert's tenure, posting a record of 16-13 (.552).

Tagert's success on the field has also fueled the continued momentum of attendance growth. The RailCats set attendance records for season total and average per game in 2007, marking the fourth consecutive year that crowds at U. S. Steel Yard have increased.

"Our agreement with Greg Tagert through the 2010 season represents not only a commitment between the RailCats and Greg, but also a commitment to our fans and supporters throughout Northwest Indiana to continue down a path that has proven to be successful," said George Huber, Chairman of Southshore Baseball, LLC, the RailCats ownership group.

"Since Greg joined the RailCats prior to the 2005 season, he has developed a winning program that has included two championships and a team of high-character players that the community can be proud of. The great support from our fans and sponsors has made it possible for the RailCats to be in a position to compete with top clubs for the services of the best manager in independent baseball and keep him with the RailCats for many seasons to come. Greg's record speaks for itself."

"This organization has been everything I could have hoped for," said Tagert. "Working for this ownership group, with the front office, the whole environment has been a wonderful experience the last three years. I'm looking forward to the same enjoyment over the next three years and fulfilling the goal of helping the RailCats become the most successful franchise in independent baseball and one of the finest in all of professional sports."

RailCats Vice President & General Manager Bill Terlecky spoke at Tuesday's news conference announcing the extension.

"If you play for Greg, you had better respect the game, play hard at all times, and first and foremost, be a team player" said Terlecky. "While Greg's ability to manage our club during the season is certainly a key element to our success, his ability based on his many years of experience to recruit and sign players that are winners both on and off the field sets him apart from the competition."

GREG TAGERT BIOGRAPHY

Tagert will return for his fourth season as RailCats Manager and Director of Player Procurement in 2008. He has built what Baseball America has termed a "mini-dynasty" in his three years with the RailCats, capturing two Northern League titles and making three consecutive trips to the league finals.

Greg was honored as Northern League Manager of the Year in 2007. The personable northern Californian with the friendly smile has won more than 550 games in his career and has enjoyed 12 winning seasons in 12 years as a manager.

Tagert led the RailCats to a 58-38 record in 2007 as the club won both the first half and second half South Division titles, posted the league's best overall regular season record, and battled back from two-games-to-one deficits in both the post-season semi-finals and Northern League Championship Series (both best-of-five sets) to earn the title.

The RailCats led the league in both team pitching and team fielding in 2007. They started the year by going 14-3 in their first 17 games, 20-6 over their first 26, and 27-11 over their first 38 to clinch the first half divisional title with nine games to play in the half. Their 30-18 record in the first half established a new club record for wins in a half, topping the 27 wins they totaled in both halves in 2005.

The second half was much more difficult for the RailCats, but the end result was the same. Despite sitting in fourth place, three and one-half games out of first with 17 games to play, the RailCats captured the second half flag by going 14-3 over their final three weeks of the season.

Tagert joined the RailCats in 2005, taking over a club that had set the league record for losses the previous season. He guided the club to the 2005 league title, posting a regular season record of 54-42. The RailCats gained the franchise's first-ever post-season appearance on the final weekend of the regular season as the second half division champions. The RailCats battled back from a two-games-to-one deficit in the first round of the playoffs to defeat defending league champion St. Paul. After falling behind powerhouse West Division champ Fargo-Moorhead two-games-to-none in the league finals, the RailCats won three straight over F-M at the Steel Yard to earn their first title.

Greg led a rebuilt 2006 RailCats club that nearly enjoyed the same kind of storybook finish as the '05 edition, overcoming tremendous odds to come within two victories of another league championship. The RailCats won their final eight games of the season including a special Eastern Division Second Half tie-breaker against Joliet to earn a post-season berth. Then, after losing the first two games of their best-of-five Eastern Division Championship Series at Schaumburg, the RailCats won three straight, all at home, to go on the league finals. After winning game one and leading game two with two outs in the ninth inning, the RailCats fell to Fargo-Moorhead three games to one. Gary finished the regular season with a 51-46 record.

Greg is the all-time Frontier League leader in career victories and spent nine years in the F.L. before coming to Gary. He led his team to six consecutive playoff appearances while posting a record of 412-336 (.551) in the Frontier League.

Tagert, 44, managed the Springfield-Ozard Ducks in 2004, leading the club to a 52-44 record. The franchise operated as the Kenosha Mammoths in 2003 and as the Dubois County Dragons in 2001-'02 under Tagert's leadership. Previously, he managed in Evansville (1997-'00) and Ohio Valley (1995) in the Frontier League.

Tagert has demonstrated the ability to pay immediate dividends wherever he has managed. When he joined Dubois County in 2001, the club had finished in last place in five of the previous six seasons. However, Tagert led the Dragons to a 48-36 record in his first season, claiming a Western Division title and earning Frontier League Manager of the Year honors.

Prior to Tagert's arrival in Evansville in 1997, the club had never posted a winning record. In his first year as manager, he led the team to the league's best record and a berth in the Frontier League Championship Series.

Tagert has also served as a scout with the Detroit Tigers and as pitching coach at the University of New Mexico. He was a pitcher at San Francisco State University.

Tagert and his wife Mary are the parents of sons Ben (20), Josh (18), Sam (16), and daughter Elaine (12). Tagert is a native of Vacaville, California.

The RailCats begin defense of their 2007 Northern League title on May 15th when they host Joliet in the 2008 season opener. Call (219) 882-2255 for ticket information.

More Info: The Gary SouthShore RailCats are a Professional Minor League Baseball Team serving Northwest Indiana and Chicago's south suburbs. The RailCats won the Northern League championship in 2005 and 2007 and for each of the last four years, they have been chosen "Best Local Spectator Sport" by Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly. Their 96 game schedule includes 48 home games at beautiful U. S. Steel Yard, an award-winning 6,000 seat state-of-the-art facility located next to the Indiana Toll Road (I-90) with easy access to I-65

**truebluefan** · 01-16-2008, 10:22 AM

Reed Dickert of Orange County Flyers Acquired by Milwaukee Brewers

The Golden Baseball League (GBL) announced today that the Milwaukee Brewers have purchased the contract of RHP Reed Dickert of the Orange County Flyers. Dickert will report to Milwaukee's spring training next month and is slated for the High-A Brevard County Manatees in the Florida State League. The big right-hander has two years in the Golden Baseball League and this will be his first opportunity with a major league organization.

Dickert, 23, a right-handed starting pitcher for the Orange County Flyers, was one of the top pitchers in the Golden Baseball League in 2007. He finished 2nd in strikeouts and in the top five in games started, wins, and shutouts as he posted a 6-3 record while striking out 112 batters in 85 innings pitched. The second year Flyer, out of Oklahoma City University, was used primarily in relief in 2006 but moved into the starting rotation early in 2007..

Dickert is the first GBL player in 2008 to be acquired by a major league organization followng the 17 players sold in 2007. He is the second pitcher off the 2007 Orange County Flyers staff to be acquired as teammate Alex McRobbie went to the Los Angeles Angles last July during the season.

**truebluefan** · 01-16-2008, 10:24 AM

CHICO, CA - The Chico Outlaws Monday announced the addition of two new players to the team's 2008 roster - catcher Jerry Verastegui and catcher-infielder Shane Cronin will help the Outlaws defend its Golden Baseball League crown when the '08 season begins in May. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

This is actually the second time Verastegui has been part of the ballclub, though he's never worn an Outlaws uniform. The left-hand hitting catcher was signed by Chico after participating in the GBL's league-wide player tryouts in December, 2005, but had his contract purchased by the Atlanta Braves three months later. Jerry has been in the Braves farm system the last two seasons; in 2007, he split time between two single-A teams, the Rome Braves and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, appearing in a combined 52 games and batting .220 with no home runs and 11 runs batted in. Prior to turning pro, the 25-year-old starred for four seasons for St. Mary's University in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas, where he was a three-year All-Heartland Conference selection.

A seven year veteran, the 32-year-old Cronin is making his return to pro ball after a five-year absence. After reaching the double-A level with the Norwich Navigators in 2002, the former San Diego Padres and New York Yankees farmhand left baseball to join the Army. Shane has served in the military for the last five years including a tour of duty in Iraq, where he was awarded an Army Achievement medal for his efforts. A lifetime .277 hitter, Cronin has hit over .300 three times in his career and was named the Arizona League's Most Valuable Player in 1996. He hails from Washington State.

Outlaws manager Jon Macalutas will continue to build the team roster in preparation for the 2008 season, which begins May 22 in Yuma, Arizona. The Outlaws home opener is slated for May 30 against the Long Beach Armada. Full- and mini-season ticket plans are currently available; for details, call the Outlaws at 345-3210 or stop by 208 Salem St. in downtown Chico.

**truebluefan** · 01-16-2008, 10:24 AM

Fullerton, CA (Jan 15th, 2008) -Darrell Evans, 2-Time Major League Baseball All-Star and former Long Beach Armada Manager, will be the Orange County Flyers' hitting coach in 2008.

Evans knows all about big hits. He collected 414 career home and was the first player in MLB history to hit more than 40 home runs in both leagues.

In his three season in Long Beach, Evans led the Armada to two Golden Baseball League Championship Series appearances. Evans and Gary Carter (announced in December as the Flyers manager), will begin building their 2008 roster on January 26th at the Flyers open tryout.

What: Orange County Flyers Open Tryout presented by Residence Inn Placentia

When: January 26, 2007 - Registration and Warm-Ups @ 7:30 AM

Where: Hornet Field at Fullerton College in Fullerton, CA

Positions Available: All

Fee: $45 Online Pre Registration (Click Here: OC Flyers '08 Tryout)

$55 Day of Event Registration (based on availability)

**truebluefan** · 01-16-2008, 10:26 AM

Atlantic City, N.J. - The Atlantic City Surf of the Canadian-American League will be playing on an entirely new infield surface for the 2008 season.

The previous dirt will be removed and replaced with Turface MVP, a premium calcined clay manufactured by the Profile Corporation and used at several Major League Baseball venues, including Wrigley Field in Chicago, Shea Stadium in New York, and the new Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. The pitcher's mound, bullpen mounds and batter's box will also be re-done to MLB specifications, and will be built out of a clay brick foundation that will not erode.

Fans will notice a richer, better-looking playing surface, while the new dirt will dramatically improve the quality of play and create a safer field.

"This is going to be a major-league quality infield," Surf head groundskeeper Chris Ulerick said. "The eye appeal for our fans is going to be great, while our players are also going to enjoy a vastly improved playing surface."

Much of the renovation will take place on April 9. The day will include a seminar for area groundskeepers on field maintenance and upkeep, led by area turf management professionals. More information on the event will be released shortly.

**truebluefan** · 01-16-2008, 10:28 AM

Davis And Fussell To Report To Major League Camps

CAMDEN, NJ- The Camden Riversharks are proud to announce that catcher Ben Davis and closer Chris Fussell have both signed minor league contracts with major league baseball. Last season, both players split time between the Riversharks and the Las Vegas 51s, the AAA Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate.

Davis, 30, is a Malvern, Penn., native. He signed with the Baltimore Orioles and will report to Spring Training to compete for a big league position. In 1995, Davis was a first round pick for the San Diego Padres. He spent seven seasons in the majors since with the Padres, Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox.

Davis signed with the Riversharks last season after being cut by the New York Yankees during the final weeks of Spring Training. He hit .218 in 36 games for the 51s after batting .331 in Camden.

Fussell, 31, was resigned by the Dodgers and is expected to return to the 51s this season. He was a ninth-round pick in the 1994 draft by the Orioles and spent three seasons in the majors with the Orioles and Kansas City Royals. Fussell was on the major league roster and pitching when Cal Ripken Jr. ended his consecutive games played record in 1998 with Baltimore.

Fussell led the Atlantic League with 17 saves in 22 appearances with a 1.23 ERA and 22 strikeouts last season-his third with the Riversharks. He posted a 6.39 ERA in 24 appearances for the 51s.

David Keller, Riversharks Director of Baseball Operations, congratulated both players on their success.

"Chris and Ben were key contributors to the Riversharks organization on and off the field," Keller said. "We couldn't be more excited about their future opportunities and wish them the best when they report to camp next month."

The Riversharks open their 2008 campaign at home on Friday, April 25th at 7:05pm against the York Revolution. Individual and group tickets are on sale now by logging onto Camden Riversharks - riversharks.com or calling 1-866-SHARKS-9.

**truebluefan** · 01-16-2008, 10:29 AM

Halama Drafted By Blue Crabs

Atlantic League officials today announced the results of the 2008 expansion draft. The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, who begin league play this season, selected one player from each of the other seven ALPB organizations. Among those players drafted was former Long Island Ducks starting pitcher John Halama.

"John was an important part of our team last season, and we're disappointed to see him go," says Ducks general manager Michael Pfaff. "At the same time, we're excited for John and this new opportunity, and we look forward to seeing him again when we play Southern Maryland for the first time on May 8 here at Citibank Park."

Halama spent the entire 2007 season in the Ducks starting rotation, earning eight wins in 26 starts. The Brooklyn native allowed just 77 runs in 167.1 innings of work, posting a 4.14 ERA. The southpaw's highlight outing of the season came in a Thursday matinee in Somerset on July 26, when he went a season-high eight innings, allowing just two runs on six hits in a 3-2 Ducks victory. He struck out 93 batters against 46 walks on the year. Halama owns a 53-34 record as a minor league pitcher, and recorded 56 wins over nine seasons at the big league level.

The Blue Crabs selected four other pitchers in the expansion draft in addition to Halama, claiming the rights to Bridgeport's Eric Junge, York's Frank Castillo, Camden lefthander Anthony Ferrari and Newark's R.J. Swindle. The only two position players drafted were outfielders Eric Crozier from Lancaster and Somerset's Mike Lockwood. The seven clubs were each given the opportunity to protect up to 13 players from their 2007 rosters. Southern Maryland acquires exclusive Atlantic League negotiating rights to the players chosen in the draft.

The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are entering their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, please visit Long Island Ducks Official Site or call (631) 940-3825.

**truebluefan** · 01-16-2008, 10:35 AM

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Professional Baseball Club has acquired the Atlantic League negotiating rights to seven players, including former Orioles pitcher John Halama and four other former Major Leaguers. The transactions were made during Tuesday's Atlantic League expansion draft by Blue Crabs Manager and Director of Baseball Operations Butch Hobson.

Halama, a left-handed pitcher, has nine years of Major League experience with the Orioles, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals. In 262 Major League games, he has compiled a 56-48 record and 4.65 ERA. Halama was originally drafted by the Astros in 1994 and picked up ten or more wins with the Mariners in three straight seasons, 1999-2001. With the Orioles in 2006, Halama went 3-1 in 17 appearances. The 35-year-old pitched in the Atlantic League with the Long Island Ducks last season and went 8-10 with a 4.14 ERA.

"This is an exciting start to the process of putting together our first-ever roster," said Hobson. "I am excited about the level of experience that these players have and I am hopeful that we will be able to sign several guys before spring training begins in April."

RHP Frank Castillo, who pitched for the York Revolution last season, has 20 years of professional playing experience, including 13 seasons at the Major League level with the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Florida Marlins.

In 297 big league games (268 as a starter), Castillo, 38, has gone 82-104 with a 4.56 ERA. He notched ten-plus wins in 1992 and 1995 (Cubs), 2000 (Blue Jays) and 2001 (Red Sox). He went 8-4 with a 3.75 ERA in York last season.

LHP Anthony Ferrari was second in the Atlantic League with 13 wins for the Camden Riversharks last season. He went 13-5 with a 4.82 ERA in helping Camden to a first-half division title and playoff berth. The 29-year-old was originally drafted by the Montreal Expos on 2000 and pitched in four Major League games for Montreal in 2003. Ferrari has a career ERA of 3.74 in 268 minor league games.

1B/OF Eric Crozier spent part of the last two seasons with the Lancaster Barnstormers and helped the club to a 2005 Atlantic League championship. Originally drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2000, Crozier worked his way through the organization before being claimed on waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2004. That season, the 29-year-old played 14 games in the big leagues for Toronto. He had a career high 20 homers for Triple-A Buffalo in 2004.

RHP Eric Junge was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 11th round of the 1999 draft and spent time in the Majors with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2002 and 2003, going 2-0 with a 2.21 ERA in ten games. Last season, Junge split time with the Bridgeport Bluefish and in Triple-A Scranton.

The Blue Crabs also acquired the negotiating rights to OF Mike Lockwood from Somerset and LHP R.J. Swindle from Newark during the expansion draft. Lockwood was originally selected by the Oakland Athletics in 1999 and has four seasons of Triple-A experience with Sacramento and Pawtucket. He has a career average of .277 and hit a career-high 23 homers (5th in Atlantic League) for Somerset last season. Swindle was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and has a record of 20-11 with 16 saves and a 2.45 ERA in 98 games over the last four seasons.

"I am encouraged by the possibilities that exist in starting to build our roster as a result of this expansion draft," said Hobson. "We have an opportunity out of the gate to sign some high-quality ballplayers, five of which have Major League experience."

**truebluefan** · 01-16-2008, 10:36 AM

Former Devil Ray/ Pelicans Hired at Pels Training Academy

The Pensacola Pelicans announced today the hiring of Hunter Vick as the Pelicans Training Academy new Lead Instructor.

Vick is responsible for scheduling and instructing individual and group lessons, clinics, and camps throughout the year. His specialty is hitting and fielding, having been a switch-hitter and an outstanding defensive infielder.

"We look forward to what Hunter can bring to the Academy," said Pelicans General Manager Talmadge Nunnari. "With youth baseball just around the corner and his baseball experience, he is a valuable resource for athletes of all ages."

Vick, now residing in Pensacola, began his professional career with the Pelicans in 2004 after finishing his college eligibility at the University of West Florida. In 2005, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays signed Vick to a contract where he advanced to the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits. He played the past two seasons in Tampa Bay's organization before retiring.

Pelicans Manager Mac Seibert knows Vick well, having scouted him in college and signing him with the Devil Rays.

"Hunter has a vast knowledge of the game of baseball," commented Seibert. "He works well with kids and can present the fundamentals and techniques in an effective way to various ages."

To schedule lessons with Hunter Vick or for more information on the Pelicans Training Academy, call 850-332-6274.

Pels Notes: * Season ticket packages are available starting at $120 * Call now to reserve your suite and party deck group outing.

**truebluefan** · 01-16-2008, 10:37 AM

Pelicans Receive Two Players for One in Trade

The Pensacola Pelicans announced today the acquisition of two players from the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Northern League. Right-handed pitcher Ben Moore and first baseman Aaron McEachran will report to Pelicans spring training in April.

Moore began his professional career with the New York Yankees organization in 2003 where he played for two seasons. Since the Yankees, Moore has played for several teams in the Northern League. His career numbers stand at 30-25 with 5 saves, a 4.47 ERA, 339 strikeouts, and only 138 walks in 429 innings pitched.

In 2006, the Prescott, WI resident was seventh in the league ERA (3.30) and in 2007, was fourth in strikeouts (101.) His highlight season came in 2006 where he posted a 7-4 record, 2.51 ERA, 58 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 97 innings pitched.

McEachran is a two-time all-star ('05 and '06) in the Northern League. He has a career .288 batting average with 117 doubles, 5 triples, 45 home runs, 311 RBI, and 299 walks in 560 games played over his seven-year career.

"We got better with the acquisition of these two players," said Pelicans Manager Mac Seibert. "Ben is a proven starting pitcher that can log a lot of innings and Aaron is a professional hitter. He has hit everywhere he has played."

In exchange for Moore and McEachran, Winnipeg receives Pelicans third baseman Trino Aguilar. Aguilar has been a fixture at third base for the Pelicans since he signed out of the league draft in 2005. While with the Pelicans, the Venezuelan native was selected to four mid-season and post-season all-star teams and led the league in home runs in 2007 (16).

"We wish Trino the best," said Seibert. "His contributions to the Pelicans organization are appreciated and we thank him for his efforts. Obviously, this leaves a hole at third base. We anticipate another major announcement this week as we prepare for the 2008 season."

Pensacola's roster now sits at 28 players: 12 pitchers, 4 catchers, 7 seven infielders, and 5 outfielders.

Pels Notes: * Season ticket packages are available starting at $120 * Call now to reserve your suite and party deck group outing

Thread Tools Display Modes

Thread Tools

Display Modes