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Northwest League

The Tri-City Dust Devils and the City of Pasco agreed to an extension of the team's lease with the city last week. The lease will keep the team in the city-owned stadium for at least the next ten years.

"The City has been great to work with, and we look forward to being a part of this community for the next ten years and beyond," says Dust Devils President Brent Miles. "By locking up professional baseball and the positive economic development and quality of life it brings to the area, this lease extension makes the Tri-Cities a better place to live, work, and play."

The team has played in the stadium since arriving in the Tri-Cities in 2001. The existing lease, which had one year remaining, was signed in 2004 when Hall of Famer George Brett purchased the team.

The Dust Devils will open the 2008 season at Vancouver on June 17 before returning to Pasco for the home opener against Salem-Keizer on June 22. Ticket packages are on sale now and can be ordered at the stadium box office, by phone at (509) 544-8789, or online at HYPERLINK www.dustdevilsbaseball.com www.dustdevilsbaseball.com.

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Northwest LeagueBaseball America released its list of top prospects and 'best tools' list for the Kansas City Royals organization and several players mentioned may see some time with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals during the upcoming 2008 season.

The Royals $6.6 million expenditure to its selections during the 2007 draft was the seventh biggest outlay in all of baseball, representing Royals' General Manager Dayton Moore's commitment to rebuilding and strengthening its farm system. $4 million of that went to slugger Mike Moustakas, a 6-foot tall, 195 pound Chatsworth, CA prep selection taken in the first round. Moustakas is already the Royals top minor-league prospect and is regarded as having the potential to hit for high average and above-average power, while bringing a strong arm to the table defensively. The 19-year old Moustakas is likely to draw an assignment to one of Kansas City's two full-season Class-A clubs to start 2007 but will be a great bet to be with the Naturals sometime in late 2008 or 2009.

The top prospect that would likely see time with the Naturals this season is right-hander Daniel Cortes, rated as the Royals' second-best prospect. A Pomona, CA resident, Cortes, 20, spent all of last season with the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the Royals Advanced-A club, where he posted an 8-8 record to go along with a 3.07 ERA. Most impressively, the 6-foot-5, 205-pound righty fanned 120 batters in 123 innings, while allowing only 102 hits. Cortes was acquired in a midseason trade in 2006 that sent reliever Mike MacDougal to the Chicago White Sox. Cortes possesses a fastball that tops out in the mid-90's, and Baseball America regards Cortes as having the best fastball and best curveball in the entire organization.

RHP Blake Wood, RHP Carlos Rosa, and RHP Julio Pimentel are ranked as the Royals fouth, sixth, and seventh-best rated prospects in the organization, respectively, and all are candidates to begin the season with the Naturals in a prospect-laden rotation. Of the group, Rosa, 23, is the only one with Double-A experience, having pitched most of last season for the Wichita Wranglers, posting a 6-6 record and a 4.36 ERA. The Dominican native was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2001. Wood, a 22-year old Suwanee, GA resident, was the Royals' third-round selection in the 2006 draft, and split last season between three levels of the Royals farm, topping out with Wilmington. Pimentel was acquired from the Dodgers in a mid-season trade in the 2006 season. The 22-year old resident of La Romana, Dominican Republic was an impressive 12-4 last season for Wilmington, where he posted a 2.65 ERA in 152 2/3 innings.

Baseball America also released with the list its 'best tools' list for the Royals organization, and it includes several players who Naturals fans may see at Arvest Ballpark in 2008. First baseman Kila Kaaihue, 23, who split the past season between Advanced-A Wilmington and Wichita, is regarded as having the best strike-zone discipline within the organization. Indeed, the 6-foot-3, 233-pound Honolulu, HI resident struck out 78 times last season in 451 at-bats between the levels, but was issued 76 free passes as well.

Chris McConnell, 22, who served as Wilmington's primary shortstop last season is regarded as the Royals' best defensive infielder in the minors. McConnell, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound resident of Franklinville, NJ hit .236 last season for Wilmington, but may be given the opportunity to advance up a level to Northwest Arkansas in 2008.

Rowdy Hardy is listed as having the best control in the Royals system. Hardy, 25, was named yesterday as a recipient of the Royals 2007 Minor League Pitcher of the Year award. The 6-foot-4, 170-pund lefty led the organization in wins with 15 for the Blue Rocks, and the Bethel Springs, TN resident walked just 16 batters over 167 innings of work.

Lastly, Baseball America notes Jose Duarte as the best defensive outfielder and also the best outfield arm within the system. Duarte, the 22-year old resident of Santa Lucia Edo Miranda, Venezuela, is also fleet-footed on the basepaths, and stole 34 bases last season while serving as the primary leadoff batter for Wilmington. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound outfielder also hit .290 for the Blue Rocks.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and will begin play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale, on Thursday, April 10th against the San Antonio Missions. You can purchase season tickets and group outings with the Naturals by calling (479) 927-4900. There are 77 DAYS REMANING until Opening Day!

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American Association

With the Pensacola Pelicans Opening Day on May 8 only 107 days away, the team has announced they have signed former Major League third baseman Wilton Veras to a contract for the 2008 season. The Pelicans received Veras in a trade from the New Jersey Jackals of the Can-Am League for a player to be named later.

Veras played parts of the 1999 and 2000 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Boston Red Sox. While in the Majors, Veras posted a .262 batting average with 12 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs, and 27 RBI in 85 games.

"Wilton is the reason why we were able to trade Trino Aguilar," said Pelicans Manager Mac Seibert. "Anytime a team is able to get a player of Wilton's stature, you've got to find a way to make it happen."

The Santo Domingo, D.R. resident brings 12 years of professional baseball experience to the Pelicans. He played the majority of his career in the Red Sox organization including three years in triple-A and three in double-A. In 2003, he played with the Milwaukee Brewers triple-A team and part of the 2004 season in the triple-A Mexican League before signing with New Jersey.

"We like what he can bring to our team," added Seibert. "Both his ability on the field and his presence and leadership in the club house will make him an excellent model for our younger players this coming season."

His career minor league numbers include a .272 batting average, 527 runs, 235 doubles, 17 triples, and 68 home runs in 1,199 games. In 2004 with the Jackals, Veras hit a league best .369 with one triple, five home runs, and 59 RBI in 82 games. He also led the league in hits (118) and doubles (29).

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

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American AssociationST. PAUL, MN (January 22, 2008) - The playoff runs are fun. The sellout crowds are a testament to the great fans. For the St. Paul Saints, however, it is work in the community that has made the ballclub so successful for over 15 seasons. Today the Saints were recognized for that work by joining the prestigious Minnesota Keystone Program.

Through time, money and donations of tickets and merchandise the Saints have been giving back to the community since day one. When President Mike Veeck opened the doors in 1992 he made sure the Minnesota community knew who he and his club were. Veeck continues that today with numerous community speaking engagements while every Saints staff member is required to donate their time to charities and non-profit organizations.

The Saints help many organizations raise money for their causes through manning the ball club's concession stands during games and keeping a percentage of the profits. Non-profit groups include Como Area Hockey Association, St. Bernard's High School and For the Kid's who donate their profits to Second Harvest. Following the bridge collapse the Saints raised $5,000 and donated half to the Red Cross and the other half to an education fund for a family who lost their baseball-loving dad. Finally, each Saints special event, such as the Golf tournament, 5K run and hot stove banquet raises money for a charity.

The Saints annually donate tickets to games and promotional items to Twin Cities organizations for auctions to help them raise money for their worthy causes. The Saints offer many unique ballpark experiences for these groups as well as sending the mascot, Mudonna, to local functions, schools and organizations. During the 2007 season the Saints did over 1,000 of these types of donations.

"To join a program that honors businesses for giving back means a lot to the Saints ownership group and staff," said Saints Executive Vice President and General Manager Derek Sharrer. "There are some impressive businesses that are a part of this program and to have our name next to businesses like Target, Wells Fargo of Minnesota and General Mills shows how far we have come as an organization."

The Minnesota Keystone Program recognizes and honors companies that donate at least 2% of their pre-tax earnings to the community. Over 30 years ago, 23 Minnesota companies created this program to recognize and encourage charitable giving and set an example for their business colleagues.

The original companies gave at least 5% of their pre-tax earnings to the community, but to incorporate more businesses in the area the Minnesota Keystone Program added the 2% level.

'A community doesn't need a ball club," says Veeck. "But a ball club cannot survive without a community."

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American Association

SIOUX CITY, IA - The Sioux City Explorers announced today that they have finalized their coaching staff for the 2008 season with Billy Williams returning for a 4th season as the team's hitting coach and the hiring of Jim Allen as the team's new pitching coach. The 2008 season will mark Williams 4th with the Explorers while Allen comes to the X's after spending the past three seasons with the Lincoln Saltdogs.

Manager Les Lancaster comments, "Billy has worked very well with the players in the past. Having him back with his knowledge of the pitchers in the league will help with the transition of our new players coming into the league for the first time. He will have full control of the hitters this year." Lancaster goes onto say," Having the luxury of signing Jim as our pitching coach really boosts our pitching staff up a notch. I'm very excited to have him on board as he has great knowledge of the hitters from seeing them the last few seasons and this is a big plus for our pitching staff."

Williams, a native of Newberry, S.C., brings an impressive resume to the Explorers coaching staff. In addition to spending the last three seasons with the X's, Williams spent five seasons (2000-2004) with the Sioux Falls Canaries. With the Canaries, Billy served as the hitting instructor and third base coach, while also focusing on outfielders and base runners. Prior to Williams' time with the Canaries, he spent 11 seasons with the Cleveland Indians organization. With the Indians, he mentored such Major League players as Albert Belle, Sean Casey, and Russell Branyan. The high point of his coaching career came in 1990 and 1991 when he served as a coach at the Major League level under John McNamara.

Williams' playing career spanned 17 years with 16 of them coming as an outfielder in the Cleveland Indians minor league system. In 1969, Billy finally got his chance in the big leagues when he played in four games with the Seattle Pilots. In those four games, Billy got 10 at-bats and scored one run. Billy currently lives in Oakland, CA with his wife Christine.

"It is a pleasure to return to Sioux City where the fans have made me feel like I have a home away from home," comments Williams. "I'm looking forward to working with Les, Jim and the entire front office staff. With the players returning from last year and the new players we are bringing in, we anticipate having a successful season. Let's have September baseball this year! Go Explorers!!"

Allen joins the Explorers after serving in a similar role for the Lincoln Saltdogs the previous three seasons. With the Saltdogs, Allen led arguably the best pitching staff in the league. In 2006, they posted a league best 65-31 record with a 3.51 earned run average. They followed that up in 2007 with a 57-36 record which again was tops in the league. In three full seasons, the Saltdogs pitchers posted a 174-111 record under Allen's watch with a 4.05 earned run average.

Prior to working with the Saltdogs, Allen spent 31 years with the San Diego Padres organization as a batting practice pitcher along with working with the Padres extended spring training program. The Padres signed Allen out of Cal Western as a player. After one season in the Padres organization, Jim then spent seven years as a player in the Los Angeles Dodger's organization.

"I'm really excited to get to Sioux City and hit the ground running from day one. My job is to get the pitchers to throw strikes. They all have the ability to be quality pitchers, sometimes they just need to be taught a few mechanical things in order to get that done while also assuring they having the right mental attitude every time they step out on the mound," comments Allen.

Former Chicago Cubs Pitcher and current Sioux City Explorers manager, Les Lancaster will be holding a (1) day baseball clinic for Youth Baseball Players ages 10-18. The clinic will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2008. More information can be obtained by calling (712) 277-WINS (9467) or visiting Sioux City Explorers

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Atlantic League

The Long Island Ducks today announced the date and starting time for their annual job fair at Citibank Park. On Saturday, March 1, the organization will be accepting applications and interviewing candidates beginning at 9:00 a.m. for positions during the 2008 season.

For the first time at the job fair, the Ducks will be interviewing for exciting opportunities with the team's promotional crew. The organization will be accepting applications for on-field host, music coordinator, public address announcer and other promotional positions. This is a great chance to become part of the team responsible for bringing so much of the family fun and entertainment to Citibank Park each night.

Applications for 2008 seasonal positions will be available at the ballpark. The Ducks will be interviewing for the following gameday positions: ushers, ticket takers, vendors, Waddle In Shop, parking lot attendants, box office assistants and clubhouse assistants. All applicants must be 16 years of age or older. The job fair will be held until 2:00 p.m. with those in attendance receiving first consideration for employment during the 2008 season.

CenterPlate, the food service provider of the Long Island Ducks, will also be interviewing candidates for the following positions: seasonal interns, stand managers, servers, cashiers, warehouse workers, cooks, dishwashers, vendors and administrative help.

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.

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Atlantic League The 2007 Atlantic League Champion-Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club announced today the hiring of new hitting coach Ryan Jones. The hiring of the 33 year-old Jones completes manager Wayne Krenchicki's coaching staff for the 2008 campaign, as Steve Foucault will return to the Bears as pitching coach once again in '08.

Jones will replace Lipso Nava, who will coach in the San Francisco Giants organization with Single-A Augusta in the South Atlantic League this season. Last year the Bears established a new Atlantic League record by batting .302 as a team under the tutelage of Nava.

"We are confident that Ryan will be able to pick right up where Lipso left off last season," said Bears Assistant General Manager of Baseball Operations Jim Cerny. "Ryan has a tremendous work ethic, strong leadership and teaching skills, and an excellent relationship already in place with Wayne and Steve, which should serve him well this year."

Jones was originally selected by the Toronto Blue Jays organization in the second round of the 1993 draft. His 14-year baseball playing career featured stints in both the minor leagues and independent baseball. Jones had a lifetime .253 batting average in 1,514 games played. A slugging first-baseman by trade, Jones hit 204 career home runs and batter better then .270 on four different occasions, including a career-best .297 for the Camden Riversharks in 2004. During that All-Star season in '04, Jones also hit 15 home runs and drove in 85 runs.

The native of Irvine, CA spent seven seasons in the Blue Jays organization and reached the Triple-A level with them in 1997, playing in the International League with the Syracuse Chiefs. He hit 20 home runs and drove in a career-high 97 runs at Double-A Knoxville in 1996. Jones also has spent time playing for the Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Diego Padres organizations.

Jones spent the last three seasons of his career playing in the Atlantic League with Krenchicki as his manager in Camden. After his retirement in 2006, Jones has been teaching baseball to younger players and children in California.

The Newark Bears will begin their tenth season at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium on Tuesday, April 29 against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Fans attending all home games may park in the spacious parking garage located behind the wall in right field. For more information and up-to-date news on the Bears, log on to the team's official website newarkbears.com: Home or call 1-866-55-4BEAR.

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Atlantic League

NEWARK, NJ, Jan. 23 -The 2007 Atlantic Champion-The Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club today announced they will be hosting their annual Drug Awareness Days at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. This event will take place on May 1st and May 22nd, to educate children outside the classroom on the dangers of drug and alcohol use.

Gates open at 10:05am as students are invited to partake in the Anti-Drug Fair hosted on the stadium concourse. The following groups and organizations are expected to attend: Mother's Against Driving (MADD), Newbridge Services, Partnership for a Drug Free America, Essex County K-9 Unit, and many more! In addition, special anti-drug presentations by Mother's Against Drunk Driving and Mrs. NJ America 2006: Christina Rak-Samson will highlight the event (pre-registration required).

All students in attendance are encouraged to submit an entry into the annual Drug Awareness Poster Contest. All submissions will be displayed around the stadium during the game and a selected winner will be honored on the field and awarded the opportunity to be the bat boy or girl during a future 2008 home game!

Discount Rates:

§ 2008 special: $10 per person, includes box seat & FOOD VOUCHER*

§ Box Seat: $8 per person

*Food voucher includes: hot dog, drink & chips. Pizza is available upon request.

*Free Bus Parking!

For more information or to book your outing, please contact the Bears hotline at 1-866-55-4BEAR.

The Newark Bears will begin their tenth season at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium on Tuesday, April 29 against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Fans attending all home games may park in the spacious parking garage located behind the wall in right field. For more information and up-to-date news on the Bears, log on to the team's official website newarkbears.com: Home or call 1-866-55-4BEAR.

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Canadian American League

In preparation for their Inaugural 2008 season, Ottawa's Can-AM baseball team is pleased to present their front office staff.

Miles Wolff - PRESIDENT

Miles Wolff, the Can-Am League commissioner, founded the first modern independent league when six cities in the Upper Midwest and Canada began play in the Northern League in 1993. Under his leadership the Northern League grew to 18 teams by 2002. He is currently also commissioner of the American Association, a 10-team independent league. Wolff served as the commissioner of the Northeast League from 2003-2004, and commissioner of the Central League from 2002-2005. Mr. Wolff also owns the Quebec Capitales of the Can-Am League and was instrumental in bringing the League to the Nation's Capital for the 2008 season.

Don Charrette - GENERAL MANAGER

After a lengthy career in sales and as founder of College Baseball Connect (a service that connects elite high school players with scholarship opportunities in the US) Don joins Ottawa's latest addition to the Can-Am League as its first General Manager. He looks forward to a very successful season and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

François Marchand - SALES DIRECTOR

Francois will draw on the sales experience he acquired working as a sales representative for the Ottawa Senators and as the Director of Sales for the Ottawa Lynx in 2007 and as their Marketing and Promotions Assistant in 2006. Fluently bilingual, Francois is able to deal with clients in either official language.

Mike Kusciewicz - DIRECTOR OF PLAYER OPERATIONS

As a member of Team Canada, a former Olympian and former player with six different major league organizations, Mike brings a wealth of experience to our team. Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 1994, Mike was named the 2006 Ottawa Baseball Player of the Year and most recently played for Team Canada at the 2007 World Cup of Baseball.

Lorraine Charrette - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

Lorraine was the first employee of the new Can-Am team and is happy to continue her employment in the baseball world which began with the Ottawa Lynx. Overseeing the financial and administration end of the operation, Lorraine looks forward to an exciting season.

Josh Teuscher - HEAD GROUNDSKEEPER AND STADIUM OPERATIONS

Josh returns for his second year as Head Groundskeeper, tending to the turf and basepaths at the Stadium. Prior to coming to Ottawa he was assistant grounds keeper at Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs. Josh played college baseball at Paine College in Georgia - his Little League days were played locally in Petawawa.

Richard Poulin - SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Richard brings a wealth of sales experience to the newest Can-AM team. Richard was the Regional Sales Manager for two local radio stations, has 15 years of experience in real estate management and 10 years working with the Telemedia Broadcast Network. Fluently bilingual, his list of credentials also include working as a National Executive Representative, representing the Montreal Expos, Quebec Nordiques and Toronto Blue Jays.

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