Whitesides Signs with Saltdogs

(Lincoln, NE) * Outfielder Jake Whitesides (LS-3) has signed with the Lincoln Saltdogs. Whitesides played for the Bangor Lumberjacks of the Northeast League last season, before being signed by the Chicago White Sox in August. He was granted his free agency this past October.

“Jake is solid defensively and is a good contact hitter,” said Saltdogs Manager Tim Johnson. “He’ll have the opportunity to compete for a starting spot.” Whitesides batted .307 for the Lumberjacks with 6 HR’s and 30 RBI last season.

Whitesides, 23, a native of Columbia, MO, was selected by the Astros in the fifth round of the 2000 draft. He owns a career batting average of .256 with 13 HR’s and 109 RBI.

The Lincoln Saltdogs are scheduled to open the season at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20th in Sioux Falls, SD against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium. The 2005 home opener is set for May 23rd against the Winnipeg Goldeyes at 7:05 pm at Haymarket Park. For tickets call 474-BALL.

#Saltdogs

Embry vs. Clemens ?

Right-Handed Pitcher Byron Embry continues to perform well in the Kansas City Royals spring camp and is expected to pitch in Saturday's exhibition game against the Houston Astros in Houston. Astro's pitcher Roger Clemens is scheduled to start Saturday's game.

Embry is projected to begin the season with the Royals Triple-A affiliate, the Omaha Royals, where he will be groomed as a short reliever. Omaha opens the 2005 season on April 7th at Round Rock.

Embry's spring numbers, as of March 31st, are:

Wins: 0 Losses: 0 ERA: 4.26 G: 7 GS: 0 CG: 0 SHO: 0 SV: 2 IP: 6.1 H: 4 R: 3 ER: 3 HR: 0 HBP: 0 BB: 4 SO: 7

Embry, 28, played for the Saltdogs in 2001 and again in 2004. Last season for Lincoln, Embry has a record of 3-3 with an ERA of 1.46. In 42 games, he pitched 55 1/3 innings striking out 90 and walking 13.

The Lincoln Saltdogs are scheduled to open the season at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20th in Sioux Falls, SD against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium.

The 2005 home opener is set for May 23rd against the Winnipeg Goldeyes at 7:05 pm at Haymarket Park. For tickets call 474-BALL.

#saltdogs

Byron Embry

Byron Embry Watch
3/9/2005
Spring Training Stats through Tues., March 29
Bry0n Embry Watch - Updated March 29th

Wins: 0
Losses: 0
ERA: 4.26
G: 7
GS: 0
CG: 0
SHO: 0
SV: 2
IP: 6.1
H: 4
R: 3
ER: 3
HR: 0
HBP:0
BB: 4
SO: 7

Pre-Season Schedule Announced

The Lincoln Saltdogs have announced the 2005 pre-season schedule. A total of five exhibition games are scheduled, including one at Haymarket Park

"This is a chance to evaluate the talent we signed prior to the season and to look at the progress of returning players," stated Saltdogs Manager Tim Johnson. "We'll get a look at how other teams in our division look this year; get a feel for travel and play at neutral sites (Columbus and Fremont) where there are many Saltdogs fans."

The exhibition schedule begins on Wednesday, May 11th in Sioux City as the Saltdogs play in the Explorers at 7:05 pm. Thursday, May 12th the Saltdogs meet the Explorers in Columbus for a 7:05 pm game. On Saturday, May 14th the Saltdogs will host the Kansas City T-Bones at Haymarket Park at 12:05 pm. The remaining exhibition contests are on Sunday, May 15th in Kansas City, KS for a game with the T-Bones at 1:00 pm and on Tuesday, May 17th in Fremont, NE against the T-Bones at 7:00 pm.

The Lincoln Saltdogs are scheduled to open the season at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20th in Sioux Falls, SD against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Lee Acquired in Trade

The Lincoln Saltdogs have acquired the rights to 6' 4" right-handed pitcher Kevin Lee from the Gateway Grizzlies (Frontier League), in exchange for a player to be named later.

Lee compiled a record of nine wins and five losses last season with an ERA of 5.10. In 100 2/3 innings pitched, Lee walked 46 while striking out 87 and gave up 64 runs, of which 57 were earned.

A native of Wheaton, Illinois, Lee, 23, was originally drafted in the 38th round of the 2000 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Lincoln Saltdogs are scheduled to open the season at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20th in Sioux Falls, SD against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium.

--Saltdogs--

Sports - Post-Tribune (Northwest Indiana)

Sports - Post-Tribune (Northwest Indiana)

Saltdogs Catch Ballesteros

Catcher/Infielder Adrian Ballesteros (Rookie) has signed a professional contract with the Lincoln Saltdogs.

"Adrian is a gamer and wants to take his game to the next level," said Saltdogs Manager Tim Johnson. "He will compliment our team and has the ability to be an impact player."

A native of El Paso, Texas, Ballesteros played collegiately last season at New Mexico State where he batted .320 in 59 games with 18 home runs and 56 RBI for the Aggies.

The Lincoln Saltdogs are scheduled to open the season at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20th in Sioux Falls, SD against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Hola! Humberto Cardenas

Right-Handed Pitcher Humberto Cardenas has signed with the Lincoln Saltdogs for the 2005 season. Cardenas was a member of the Mexicali Aguilas, of the Mexican-Pacific League, this past winter that was managed by Saltdogs Skipper Tim Johnson.

"I saw some natural talent in Humberto down in Mexico," said Johnson. "If he continues to work on his game and takes advantage of Jim's (Saltdogs Pitching Coach Jim Allen) expertise, Humberto can develop into a dominant pitcher."

Cardenas' Mexcian-Pacific League statistics from this past season were, in nine games, 0-0 with a 6.39 ERA; 4 BB and 11 K's.

Cardenas, 22, is a native of El Centro, California. His brother is big league pitcher David Cortes.

The Lincoln Saltdogs are scheduled to open the season at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20th in Sioux Falls, SD against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Trembly Put on the Inactive List

Left-Handed Pitcher Max Tremblay has been put on the 30 day inactive list. Trembley (LS-4) had a record of 1-2 last season with a 2.94 ERA. He appeared in 40 games for the Saltdogs and pitched a total of 33.2 innings, walking 14 batters and striking out 30.

Moreno Traded For Veteran Kevin Grijack

Lincoln Saltdogs Left-Fielder Jorge Moreno has been traded to the New Jersey Jackals (Northeast League) for Veteran Outfielder Kevin Grijak (Grye-jack).

Grijak played for the 2004 Northeast League Champion Jackals for one season, after playing the past three seasons in the Mexican League. Grijack played in 90 games for New Jersey hitting .295 with 13 HR’s and a league leading 77 RBI.

Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 29th round of the 1991 draft, Grijack will begin his 15th season of professional baseball this season. His career totals include a .304 batting average with 202 career HR’s and 925 RBI. Grijak has played for Triple A teams Richmond, Nashville and Albuquerque during his career.

Grijack, 34, a native of Sterling Heights, MI played college baseball at Eastern Michigan University. This past winter he played for Saltdogs Manager Tim Johnson in the Mexican-Pacific League.

Jorge Moreno joined the Saltdogs in July of 2003. In 2004, Moreno batted .285 with 7 HR’s and 44 RBI for Lincoln.

The Lincoln Saltdogs are scheduled to open the season at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20th in Sioux Falls, SD against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Saltdogs Exhibition Schedule Announced

– The Lincoln Saltdogs have announced the 2005 pre-season schedule. A total of five exhibition games are scheduled, including one at Haymarket Park.

“This is a chance to evaluate the talent we signed prior to the season and to look at the progress of returning players,” stated Saltdogs Manager Tim Johnson. “We’ll get a look at how other teams in our division look this year; get a feel for travel with a few of our games (exhibition) on the road and play at neutral sites (Columbus and Fremont) where there are many Saltdogs fans.”

The exhibition schedule begins on Wednesday, May 11th in Sioux City as the Saltdogs play in the Explorers at 7:05 pm. Thursday, May 12th the Saltdogs meet the Explorers in Columbus for a 7:05 pm game. On Saturday, May 14th the Saltdogs will host the Kansas City T-Bones at Haymarket Park at 12:05 pm. The remaining exhibition contests are on Sunday, May 15th in Kansas City, KS for a game with the T-Bones at 1:00 pm and on Tuesday, May 17th in Fremont, NE against the T-Bones at 7:00 pm.

The Lincoln Saltdogs are scheduled to open the season at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20th in Sioux Falls, SD against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Byron Embry Reassigned to Minor League Camp

Ten players were cut by the Royals Monday but that still leaves 46 players in camp.

Pitcher Steve Stemle was reassigned to Omaha; pitchers Byron Embry and Roberto Giron and outfielder Adrian Brown were reassigned to the minor league camp. However, all four will continue to play in Cactus League games as needed.

First baseman Justin Huber and catcher Paul Phillips were optioned to Omaha. Second baseman Donnie Murphy and pitchers Brian Bass, Devon Lowrey and Leo Nunez were optioned to Double-A Wichita. Embry, signed after spending the last five years in independent ball, displayed an impressive fastball. He is learning a split-finger pitch.

"He knows where he's at. He's got nothing to lose and everything to gain," Baird said.
Embry pitched just 2 2/3 innings but gave up one hit and no runs. He relieved with the bases loaded against the Chicago Cubs and, using the split he started throwing just 48 hours earlier, induced an inning-ending double play.

"I don't care if it's A-Rod, Manny Ramirez or Jeter," Embry said. "Get in the box with me and you've got an issue."

2003 Northern League All-Star Signs with 'Dogs

Infielder Frederico “Pichi” Balet (LS-3), who signed with the ‘Dogs and placed on the disabled last August 21st, but never played a game for Lincoln, has signed to play with the club for the 2005 season.

“Pichi is the type of player that comes to play,” said Saltdogs Manager Tim Johnson. “He is fundamentally solid, both defensively and offensively and is a fierce competitor. We are looking at him competing for the starting job at first base.”

Balet, before being signed by Lincoln, played for Inland Empire and Visalia in the California League during the 2004 season. He played for Sioux City in 2003 and was named to the Northern League All-Star team. His contract was then purchased by the Seattle Mariners. Balet’s career totals, spanning four seasons, include a .339 batting average with 15 HR’s and 167 RBI.

Balet, 27, a native of West Palm Beach, FL, originally signed with Dubois County of the Frontier League after playing collegiately at Cumberland (TN) University.

The Lincoln Saltdogs are scheduled to open the season at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20th in Sioux Falls, SD against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Northern League 2005 All-Star Game

U. S. Steel NAMED PRESENTING Sponsor OF Northern League All-Star Game

Gary, Ind.—The Gary SouthShore RailCats Professional Baseball Club announced today that U.S. Steel has been named Presenting Sponsor of the 2005 Northern League All-Star Game. The game will be played at the home of the RailCats, U. S. Steel Yard, on July 19 in Gary.

U. S. Steel has been a strong corporate supporter of professional baseball in Northwest Indiana since the RailCats arrived in 2002. Past support is headlined by the company’s naming rights sponsorship of the RailCats state-of-the-art ballpark and support of youth baseball in Gary through the Home Field Advantage Foundation.

"Once again, U. S. Steel demonstrates why they are such an integral part of Gary and Northwest Indiana," said Mike Tatoian, Chief Executive Officer of Victory Sports Group, owners of the RailCats. "Marquee events such as the Northern League All-Star Game bring national focus and attention to our community. Without U. S. Steel and their incredible commitment as a leading corporate citizen, we would never be able to host events like this and showcase our
ballpark as well as the entire region."

In 2006, U. S. Steel will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its groundbreaking for Gary Works, the largest steel plant in North America. "U. S. Steel is proud to partner with the Gary SouthShore RailCats to present the 2005 edition of this Northern League summer tradition," said Ray Terza, general manager of U. S. Steel’s Gary Works Complex. "We take our role as a community leader seriously, and our sponsorship of this event, along with our continuing support of youth baseball through the Home Field Advantage Foundation, underscores our commitment to both the City of Gary and Northwest Indiana. We look forward to seeing the Northern League’s best players put their talents on display for the enjoyment of the great baseball fans that live and work in our region."

The 2005 All-Star Game will honor the Northern League’s thirteenth year of operations. The game was played in Joliet in 2004 and will be held in Kansas City in 2006.

For tickets to the Northern League All-Star Game or any 2005 RailCats home game, call (219) 882-BALL (2255).

More Info: The Gary SouthShore RailCats are a Professional Minor League Baseball Team serving Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s south suburbs. 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. The RailCats compete in the 12-team Northern League against teams from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota,
North Dakota, South Dakota, and Canada.

Ira Smith Elevated to Hitting Coach

Bench Coach Ira Smith has been elevated to hitting coach for the Lincoln Saltdogs. Smith replaces Mike Busch who left to become the inaugural manager of the Calgary Vipers.

“With “Bushy” going to Calgary, we felt that Ira deserved the challenge to develop our hitters. He brings professional playing experience to the position and has the ability to teach those experiences to our talent. He will be challenged, but we believe he is the best person for the position,” said Saltdogs Manager Tim Johnson.

Smith, who retired in 2003 following 14 seasons as a professional player, joined the Saltdogs coaching staff in late 2003. He led collegiate baseball in hitting for two consecutive seasons at the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, to become the first player in college baseball history to accomplish that feat.

Upon graduation, Smith entered the professional ranks and batted .346 avg. in Class A, .321 avg. in AA and .325 in AAA. He played for affiliated teams until 1998 and then continued his career in the Northern League until his retirement. He is a member of the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore Athletic Hall of Fame.

In other coaching news, Mike Workman will be back as the first base coach for Lincoln. Workman, a native of Funk, NE and University of Nebraska-Kearney product, will begin his third season on the coaching staff. The Saltdogs, last month, also named Jim Allen as pitching coach to replace Kennie Steenstra.

The Lincoln Saltdogs are scheduled to open the season at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20th in Sioux Falls, SD against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium.


--Saltdogs--

Sullivan Re-Signed and Healthy

- The Lincoln Saltdogs have re-signed catcher Kevin Sullivan (LS-3) for the upcoming season. Sullivan is coming off a thumb injury, sustained last July in a series against the Schaumberg Flyers, that kept him out of the line-up for most of the second half of the 2004 season. Prior to his injury, Sullivan batted .268 in 57 games with 5 HR’s and 32 RBI for the Saltdogs, while compiling 38 assists defensively.

Saltdogs Manager Tim Johnson commented on the signing by saying that “Sullivan is the best catcher in the (Northern) League and it’s great to have him back. His injury last year was devastating to our club. He is solid offensively and defensively and can call a game. Having him back healthy and hungry to play will pay dividends this season for us.”

A native of Stevens Point, WI, Sullivan will begin his sixth season in professional baseball. He has a career batting average of .277 with 15 HR’s and 131 RBI. Sullivan had a prior stint with the Saltdogs in 2001 where he earned Northern League “Rookie of the Year” honors.

Sullivan played collegiately at Carthage College (Division III) and was originally signed by the Philadelphia Phillies following his selection in the 32nd round of the 2000 draft. He was also drafted in 1996 by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sullivan signed with the Saltdogs on April 4, 2004.

The Lincoln Saltdogs are scheduled to open the season at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20th in Sioux Falls, SD against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium.


--Saltdogs--

MIKE BUSCH APPOINTED AS MANAGER OF CALGARY VIPERS

The Calgary Vipers announced the appointment of Mike Busch as the team's first manager on Wednesday.

The Vipers join the Edmonton Cracker-Cats as new teams in the Northern League for the 2005 season, which opens on Friday, May 20.

Busch has spent the last three seasons as the hitting coach for the Lincoln Saltdogs. He also played in the Northern League with Fargo-Moorhead and Sioux Falls, hitting 19 homers with the Canaries in 2000.

After earning all-American honors in both football and basketball at Iowa State University, Busch was selected in the 4th round of the June 1990 amateur draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played in the majors with the Dodgers for parts of 1995 and 1996, hitting seven homers in 100 career big league at bats.

Busch was also a tenth round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a tight end in 1990 but chose to play baseball.

Calgary also announced the appointment of Steve Maddock as the team's pitching coach. Maddock joins the Vipers after managing Windy City in the Frontier league in 2004.

The Vipers were purchased by Manitoba businessman Jeff Gidney on February 11. The team opens its first season on Friday, May 20 in Sioux City.

The Saltdogs will play Calgary August 1st-4th in Calgary.