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**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:55 PM

Texas League

The Springfield Cardinals are proud to officially announce their 2008 exhibition roster, heading into this evening's exhibition game with the St. Louis Cardinals. A total of 26 players are listed on the exhibition roster. Two moves will be made prior to Thursday's regular season opener in order to finalize the 24-man roster.

Returning to Springfield for a second season is Catcher Bryan Anderson, who led last year's pennant-winning club with a .298 average. Anderson is one of eight returning position players to the 2008 roster. Also returning to Springfield will be Infielders Allen Craig, Tyler Greene, Mark Hamilton, Jose Martinez and Casey Rowlett. Outfielders Cody Haerther and Jon Jay also return to Springfield.

Jaime Garcia and PJ Walters, a pair of highly rated pitching prospects, are both back in Springfield to lead the pitching staff. They are joined in the rotation by left-hander Adam Daniels, another returnee from last year's team. Back for another year in the Springfield bullpen are closer Luke Gregerson, Cory Rauschenberger, Matt Scherer, Nick Webber and Zack Zuercher.

Assigned to the Springfield roster for the first time and working out of the bullpen are Jon Mikrut, Fernando Salas and Bob Zimmermann, the first former Missouri State Bear to ever suit up for the Springfield Cardinals.

In the rotation will be another pair of highly touted prospects, as 2006 first-rounder Adam Ottavino and 2007 first-rounder Clayton Mortensen fill out the starting rotation.

Catcher Brandon Yarbrough, Infielders Dan Nelson and AJ Van Slyke and Outfielders Luke Gorsett and Shane Robinson fill out the remainder of the 2008 roster.

The Springfield Cardinals take the field tonight at 7:10pm, as they open up a two-game exhibition series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The series will conclude on Saturday afternoon at 1:10pm. Both games are sold out. Friday's game can be seen live on KY3, while Saturday's contest will be televised on the Ozarks' CW. All Cardinals' games can be heard live on JOCK 98.7 FM as well as online at Springfield Cardinals.

Tickets still remain for Opening Day, as the Springfield Cardinals take on the Frisco RoughRiders next Thursday night at Hammons Field. Game time is 7:10pm and everyone will receive a 2008 Magnet Schedule thanks to Great Southern, as well as enjoy a Post-Game Fireworks Spectacular thanks to AM Pyrotechnics. Tickets are still available by calling the Cardinals Ticket Line at (417) 863-2143 or on the website at Springfield Cardinals. To reach the Cardinals Front Office, please dial our new number at (417) 863-0395. We hope to see you at Hammons Field very soon. Go Cards and Get Your RED On!

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:57 PM

Texas League

The Tulsa Drillers 24-man roster for the start of the 2008 Texas League season has been set for manager Stu Cole. The squad has an average age of 23.7 and includes 11 players that have played previously for the Drillers.

The roster is highlighted by five players that made Baseball America's list of Top 10 Prospects for the Colorado Rockies' minor league system. The five are outfielder Dexter Fowler (#3), shortstop Chris Nelson (#7), starting pitcher Brandon Hynick (#8) and relief pitchers Casey Weathers (#6) and Pedro Strop (#9).

The players returning to Tulsa include pitchers Adam Bright, Matt Daley, Jarrett Grube, Alan Johnson, Ching-Lung Lo and Ryan Mattheus. Returning position players are infielders Jeff Dragicevich, Duke Sardinha and Corey Wimberly and outfielder Matt Miller.

On paper, speed appears to be a common characteristic for the squad. Fowler, Nelson and Wimberly all stole at least 20 bases last season, while second baseman Eric Young Jr. tallied a California League-leading 73 steals for Class A Modesto. Young is the son of former major league player Eric Young.

First baseman Jeff Kindel completes the group of infielders, while Daniel Carte and Justin Nelson fill the other two outfield slots.

Catching duties will be handled by Neil Wilson and Brian Esposito.

Hynick, Johnson and Lo will be joined in the starting pitching rotation by Xavier Cedeno and Tomas Santiago. Hynick led the California League last season with 16 wins and a 2.52 ERA, while Johnson was a combined 16-7 between Modesto and Tulsa. The right-hander did not allow a run in two starts for the Drillers.

Mattheus moves to the bullpen this season after making 26 starts for Tulsa in 2007, while Bright returns to his role has a left-hander reliever.

Strop is a hard-throwing former infielder who collected 75 strikeouts in 55 innings for Modesto last year.

Weathers was Colorado's first-round pick (8th overall) last summer out of Vanderbilt.

Completing the bullpen will be Luis Gonzalez, who split time between Double A Jacksonville and Triple A Las Vegas in 2007. The lefthander has made 53 appearances in Triple A over the last three seasons.

The Drillers defeated Birmingham on Friday in Tucson, Arizona in their next-to-last exhibition game this spring. On Saturday, they will face Triple A Colorado Springs before departing for Tulsa.

The Drillers are slated to open the 2008 regular season on Thursday, April 3 in Corpus Christi against the Hooks. Following a six-game road trip, Tulsa will play its home opener at Drillers Stadium on Thursday, April 10 against the Hooks.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:58 PM

Southern League

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Family entertainment heats up again as the Suns begin their 2008 season Thursday, April 3 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Fans can enjoy the action against the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, Southern League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, with the best entertainment value in Jacksonville!

The Suns kick off the 2008 season in search of another Southern League Championship under manager John Shoemaker on Thursday night, April 3, at 7:05 PM. The first 3,000 fans through the gates will receive a Suns Schedule Poster, courtesy of UF&Shands, First Coast News 12 & 25 and 102.9 The Point. These posters are the perfect accessory to keep track of all 140 games this season! Also, Sam's Club members and associates can show their ID cards at the box office to receive a $2 discount off any regular price ticket.

Friday night features magnet schedules for all fans through the gates, sponsored by AIG, WJXT TV-4 and 99.1 WQIK. One lucky fan will win a team-autographed refrigerator! After the game, Boy and Girl Scouts will spend the night on the first Scout Campout Night of the season. It's also the first Friday Family Fireworks of 2008, brought to you by NAPA Auto Parts and your local NAPA Autocare Center Dealers!

Saturday night is a Replica Cap Giveaway! The first 3,000 fans through the gate will receive a replica cap, sponsored by Jiffy Lube and 96.9 The Eagle.

On Sunday, the Suns are proud to honor military families in Jacksonville with Family Photo Day and Military Appreciation Day! Come early to take a photo on the field before the game, and stay to honor Jacksonville's military community. Also, stop by any Navy Federal location for a special Military Appreciation Day discount coupon, courtesy of Navy Federal Credit Union and Lite 96.1. After the game, the first Kids Run the Bases of the season, sponsored by MetroPCS!

Monday morning is the first Celebration of Reading Day, with schoolchildren from across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia attending this special alcohol-free afternoon game! After the game, Edward Waters College will take the field for a special baseball double-feature.

With the new season, the Suns will be pushing back the gate times for weekday games in 2008. Monday through Friday games will see the gates opening one hour prior to gametime, while Saturday and Sunday games will still open gates an hour and a half prior to gametime.

Tickets for all 70 home games are currently on sale through the Suns Box Office at (904) 358-2846, or online at Jacksonville Suns: Home. Tickets are $6.00 for general admission, $9.00 for reserved seating and $12.00 for Homeplate Box seating. Sponsorships, season tickets and group packages are still available.

April 3

Vs. West Tenn 7:05 Opening Night Schedule Poster Giveaway! Your Jacksonville Suns take the field in search of another league title under Jacksonville's all-time wins-leading manager John Shoemaker. The first 3,000 fans get a Suns Schedule Poster, perfect for keeping track of the team's schedule all season! Sponsored by UF&Shands, First Coast News 12&25 and 102.9 The Point. It's also Sam's Club Night - show your Sam's Club membership card to receive a $2 discount off any regular price ticket!

April 4

Vs. West Tenn 7:05 Refrigerator Magnet Schedule Giveaway! All fans will receive a free magnet schedule for the 2008 Suns season, plus some lucky fan will win a team autographed refrigerator! Sponsored by AIG, WJXT TV-4, 99.1 WQIK and WFXJ 930 The Fox. Plus, it's the first Scout Campout Night! Boy and Girl Scouts are invited for a special Scout night featuring a post-game campout and midnight movie! After the game, Friday Family Fireworks, courtesy of NAPA Auto Parts and your local NAPA Autocare Center Dealers.

April 5

Vs. West Tenn 7:05 Replica Hat Giveaway! The first 3,000 fans will receive a replica of the Suns' on-field home cap. Sponsored by Jiffy Lube and 96.9 The Eagle.

April 6

Vs. West Tenn 3:05 Family Photo Day and Military Appreciation Day! Come early for a family photo on the field before the game, presented by Navy Federal Credit Union & Lite 96.1. All kids will receive a softee baseball. Also, stop by your local Navy Federal location for a $5 discount coupon. After the game, Kids Run the Bases, sponsored by Metro PCS!

April 7

Vs. West Tenn 11:05a Celebration of Reading Day #1. Schoolkids from all over the Jacksonville area are invited to enjoy this special late morning game! No beer will be sold this day.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:59 PM

Southern League

The Milwaukee Brewers have set their Minor League clubs' rosters for the beginning of the 2008 season, and the Stars will open with five of Milwaukee's Top 10 prospects according to Baseball America.

Matt LaPorta, Milwaukee's first pick in the 2007 MLB Draft and their top prospect, will begin his first full season of professional baseball in Huntsville. Last season between Rookie League Helena and single-A West Virginia, LaPorta hit .304 with 12 home runs and 31 RBI in 30 games.

Other top prospects joining LaPorta will be Alcides Escobar (#3), Mat Gamel (#5), Cole Gillespie (#6), and Angel Salome (#8). Escobar spent the second half of the 2007 season as the Stars' everyday shortstop, and Gamel was promoted to Huntsville for the '07 SL Championship Series in September.

The Stars will also welcome back nine other players who spent time in Huntsville last year. Steve Hammond, Derek Miller, and Sam Narron, key members of the Stars' starting rotation in '07, will return to anchor a rotation that features five left-handed pitchers.

The Stars will begin the 2008 campaign Thursday, April 3rd at Joe Davis Stadium against the Mississippi Braves, the double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm, and the first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a 2008 Stars Schedule T-Shirt, presented by Buffalo Rock & WTAK 106.1 FM.

For more information, visit the Stars' newly redesigned web site, Huntsville Stars: Home.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:59 PM

Southern League

Mobile, Ala. - The Mobile BayBears, in conjunction with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the American Library Association (ALA), have announced that Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith will kick off season three of the national Step Up to the Plate @ your library® program in Mobile on Friday, April 4.

Step Up to the Plate teams up two American classics - baseball and libraries - to increase awareness of the library as an essential information resource and the importance of information literacy skills, which include knowing how to find, evaluate and use information.

At a morning library event at the Baker High School library, Smith will lead a group of students through a series of baseball trivia questions developed by librarians at the Hall of Fame for the Step Up to the Plate program. Later in the evening, Smith, ALA and Hall of Fame and local library representatives will be recognized on field during a pre-game ceremony promoting the program.

Season three of the Step Up to the Plate is a whole new "ball game," celebrating the 100th anniversary of the song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." People of all ages are encouraged to use the print and electronic resources available at their library to answer a series of trivia questions designed for their age group (10 and under, 11-13, 14-17 and 18 and over) and inspired by the iconic song. Categories of questions include ballparks, baseball in popular culture, fan experience and baseball pioneers. Questions are available in both English and Spanish.

One grand-prize winner will win a trip for two in October to the Hall of Fame's World Series Gala event in Cooperstown, N.Y., including a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum. The grand-prize winner also will receive an Ozzie Smith autographed baseball. Smith spent the majority of his Hall of Fame career with the St. Louis Cardinals after first reaching the major leagues with the San Diego Padres. Nicknamed "The Wizard," he earned the National League Gold Glove Award in 13 consecutive seasons.

The American Library Association, the "voice of America's libraries," is the largest library association in the world. The ALA has 66,000 members who are primarily librarians, but also trustees, publishers and others who support the work of the association. The mission of the ALA is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the historical development of the game and its impact on our culture by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting its collections for a global audience, as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to our National Pastime.

Step Up to the Plate @ your library is part of The Campaign for America's Libraries, a national public awareness advocacy campaign about the value of today's libraries and librarians.

On Friday, April 4, the BayBears will host the Carolina Mudcats at 7:05 p.m.

Hank Aaron Stadium is located at 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd. in Mobile, Ala off Exit 1 on I-65. For tickets or more information, contact the BayBears at (251) 479-2327 (BEAR) or log on to Mobile BayBears: mobilebaybears.com

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 08:01 PM

Southern League

Mobile, Ala. - On Thursday, April 3, the Mobile BayBears will begin the 2008 season at Hank Aaron Stadium against the Carolina Mudcats at 7:05 p.m. To celebrate the opening week of the baseball season, many can't-miss events have been organized by the BayBears to start the season with a bang.

On Sunday, March 30 and Monday, March 31, the players will begin to arrive in Mobile. For some, it's their second season as members of the BayBears. For others, it will be their first look at the beautiful Port City.

On Tuesday, April 1, the 2008 Mobile BayBears will be introduced to the city at the annual "Meet the Players" Luncheon at 12 p.m. inside the Harbor Center at Hank Aaron Stadium. Following the luncheon, the players will take the field at "The Hank" for the first time as they will hold a practice at 4 p.m. On Wednesday, April 2, the BayBears will again practice at 4 p.m. Players will be available for interview during both sessions.

Players will also be available in the morning and for pre-game on Thursday, April 3, prior to the first pitch of the 2008 season at 7:05 p.m. Former BayBears manager Brett Butler will also be available from Friday, April 4 through Monday, April 7 as he will be in town for the opening weekend as part of duties as roving outfield and baserunning instructor for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

For more information on the 2008 season, contact the BayBears at (251) 479-2327 (BEAR) or log on to Mobile BayBears: mobilebaybears.com.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 08:01 PM

Southern League

MONTGOMERY -- The Montgomery Biscuits will return 15 players to their roster from the 2007 Southern League championship squad. The team's initial 2008 roster was announced today.

Top prospects Wade Davis and Jake McGee will anchor the pitching rotation, along with lefty James Houser, Jr. Jon Barratt, Richard De Los Santos, Jeremy Flanagan and Jino Gonzalez also return from the 2007 club. The presumed closer is Eduardo Morlan, the 22-year-old righthander acquired from the Minnesota Twins in the trade for Delmon Young earlier this year. Left-hander Roger Deago, a former Southern Leaguer with some major league experience, also joins the staff. Also joining the Biscuits are lefties Jeffrey Kamrath and Mike Wlodarczyk and first-rounder Wade Townsend.

Championship heroes will return to the lineup as well. Championship Series Most Valuable Player Chris Nowak returns, changing positions from first base to third base. Outfielder Sergio Pedroza, who provided the game-winning home run in Game Five, returns to the outfield, along with Erold Andrus.

Catcher John Jaso, who finished second in the league with a .316 batting average, brings his bat back to the middle of the Biscuits' lineup. Catcher Matt Spring also returns.

Johnny Raburn, a Biscuit in 2005 and 2006, returns to the Biscuits after spending a season in the Florida Marlins' organization. Most of the remainder of the infield is back, as well. First baseman Rhyne Hughes, second baseman Josh Asanovich and third baseman Pat Cottrell are back. Ronnie Merrill, who played for three years against the Biscuits as a member of the Mobile BayBears, comes to the Biscuits to play shortstop.

Gabriel Martinez is back for his fourth year to play the outifeld, while Rashad Eldridge joins Montgomery from the Twins' organization.

Manager Billy Gardner and pitching coach Neil Allen return, joined by coach Ben Oglivie, trainer Joel Smith and Strength and Conditioning Coach Eric Boyd.

No. Pitchers B/T Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2007 Season

XX Jon Barratt R/L 5-9 165 March 19, 1985 Springfield, Missouri Montgomery

XX Wade Davis R/R 6-5 220 September 7, 1985 Lake Wales, Florida Vero Beach / Montgomery

XX Roger Deago R/L 5-10 180 June 21, 1977 Mongarillo, Panama San Antonio / Portland (SD)

XX Richard De Los Santos R/R 6-0 183 June 1, 1984 Elias Pina, Dom. Rep. Montgomery / Durham

XX Jeremy Flanagan R/R 6-3 225 April 14, 1981 Richmond, California Montgomery

XX Jino Gonzalez L/L 6-2 210 September 5, 1982 Henderson, Nevada Vero Beach

XX James Houser, Jr. L/L 6-4 202 December 15, 1984 Sarasota, Florida Montgomery

XX Jeffrey Kamrath L/L 6-3 210 April 6, 1982 Houston, Texas Vero Beach

XX Jake McGee L/L 6-3 190 August 6, 1986 Sparks, Nevada Vero Beach / Montgomery

XX Eduardo Morlan R/R 6-2 220 March 1, 1986 Miami, Florida Ft. Myers / New Britain (MIN)

XX Wade Townsend R/R 6-4 230 February 22, 1983 Dripping Spring, Texas Columbus

XX Mike Wlodaczyk L/L 6-5 230 Decmber 2, 1982 Marlton, New Jersey Vero Beach

No. Catchers B/T Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2007 Season

XX John Jaso L/R 6-2 194 September 19, 1983 McKinleyville, California Montgomery

XX Matt Spring R/R 6-2 215 November 7, 1984 Peoria, Arizona Columbus / Montgomery

No. Infielders B/T Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2007 Season

XX Josh Asanovich R/R 6-2 192 January 31, 1983 Apache Junction, Arizona Montgomery

XX Patrick Cottrell R/R 5-11 170 March 16, 1982 Frankville, Alabama Vero Beach / Montgomery

XX Rhyne Hughes L/L 6-2 175 September 9, 1983 Picayune, Mississippi Southwest Michigan

XX Ronnie Merrill S/R 6-1 185 November 13, 1978 Tampa, Florida Mobile / Tucson (ARI)

XX Chris Nowak R/R 6-5 232 February 21, 1983 Pewaukee, Wisconsin Visalia

XX Johnny Raburn S/R 6-0 164 February 16, 1979 Plant City, Florida Carolina / Albuquerque (FLA)

No. Outfielders B/T Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown 2007 Season

XX Erold Andrus S/L 6-2 170 July 16, 1984 Maracay, Venezuela Vero Beach / Montgomery

XX Rashad Eldridge S/R 6-1 185 October 16, 1981 Macon, Georgia New Britain (MIN)

35 Sergio Pedroza L/R 6-1 180 February 23, 1984 Covina, California Vero Beach / Montgomery

XX Gabriel Martinez L/R 6-2 213 May 17, 1983 Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico Montgomery

No. Field Staff Position Hometown 2007 Season

24 Billy Gardner, Jr. Manager Naples, Florida Montgomery

16 Neil Allen Pitching Coach Sarasota, Florida Montgomery

XX Ben Oglivie Coach Tempe, Arizona Vero Beach

Joel Smith Athletic Trainer St. Petersburg, Florida Vero Beach

Eric Boyd Strength Coach Boiling Springs, N. Car.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 08:03 PM

Eastern League

ALTOONA- The Altoona Curve today announced new and enhanced items for the 2008 season in the areas of Fan Promotions, Ballpark Atmosphere and Entertainment, Ballpark Sights, Concessions, Ticketing, Merchandise, Community Outreach, On the Field and Ballpark Staff. The Curve's Tenth Anniversary 2008 Season opens next Thursday, April 3rd, at 6:35 p.m. against the Reading Phillies.

CURVE PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

􀂉 More fireworks shows, giveaway items, special ballpark appearances and fun, theme nights than ever before

--23 Fireworks Shows (up from 20 in 2007)

--26 Fan Giveaway items (up from 23 in 2007)

--25 Appearances by former Curve players and sports celebrities like Jerome Bettis, Refrigerator Perry, Rocky Bleier and Louis Lipps

--15 Headline-Grabbing Theme Nights such as "Awful Night VI", "Leip Year With Leiper", "Salute to Tools Night", "Please Come to Altoona Will Ferrell" and "Salute to Procrastination Night" (haven't gotten around to getting a date or having details)

􀂉 New, Unique Promotions Never Before Held at BCB

--Kitchen Sink Giveaway for Opening Night (April 3) - symbolizes that the Curve are "throwing the kitchen sink at fans in 2008"

--Refrigerator Giveaway (April 4), given away by William "The Refrigerator" Perry

--"Kids Eat and Play Free" (April 6)

. --"We Win You Win Night (April 7) - free tickets to April 8 game for fans in attendance if the Curve win the game

--"Dime a Degree Night" (April 8) - Grandstand/Outfield Bleacher tickets cost a dime for every degree at 9 AM that morning

--$5 Gift Card Gift Card Giveaway to first 1,000 Fans (April 20) - Curve are giving away $5000 in free money to fans

--Money Drop (July 5)

--Four nights in which lucky fans can win getaway vacations to Myrtle Beach, including April 9th when 20 winners receive trips to Myrtle Beach

􀂉 First-Ever Food and Beverage Discount Promotions (using the great Blair County Ballpark food as a main promotion)

--15 Nights featuring either $1 Hot Dogs or Half-Price Curve Burgers

--3 Food Frenzy Nights featuring BOTH $1 Hot Dogs & Half-Price Curve Burgers on the same day

--Mini-Burger and Mini Beverage Discount Night (April 9)

--$1 Chili Bowls and ½ Price Coffee and Hot Chocolate on (April 18)

--Every Thursday is "Thirsty Thursday" featuring soda and beer specials

􀂉 Kids and Family Promotions

--Thomas Automotive Kids Run the Bases is now every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (previously only on Sundays)

--Pre-Game Family Catches prior to ALL Sunday home games

􀂉 Brand-new Daily Ticket Packages and Special Ticket Promotions

--Ponderosa Steakhouse Family 4-Pack Mondays (4 Tix, 4 Hot Dogs and 4 small sodas for only $40 each Monday)

--Giant Eagle Advantage Card Wednesdays (Show Advantage Card and receive "Buy One, Get One Free" Outfield Bleacher ticket)

. --April Student Spirit Nights (Kids 18 & under get $3 GS ticket when showing ticket office their school logo)

--"Season's Heating Up Package" (In April for $10, fans will stay warm in the "Tropical Zone" with one Grandstand Ticket, a hot dog, hot chocolate and Hawaiian Lei)

--First-ever "Dollar Day" on April 22 ($1 Grandstand and OF Reserved tickets)

IN-PARK ATMOSPHERE AND ENTERTAINMENT

􀂉 On-Field, Between-Inning Contests

--At least 30 new on-field contests which will be rotated nightly so that fans attending a 3-game series will never see the same contest twice

--New props and toys to be used during on-field contests such as bungee tug-o-war chord, big gloves boxing, inflatable jumbo dice, build-a-burger suits, "Wheel of Chance"

􀂉 Pre-Game Entertainment

--Totally revamped -- no more boring PA announcements and commercials taking up large periods of time

--Ringmaster will host pre-game starting when gates open and be the center of attention during pre-game, in

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