Returning?

[Thorp]

Any idea who the returning players are going to be for the ULB teams?

[Thorp]

Just checking to see if anyone is ready for baseball?

[Scooterman]

We have the worst news and sports coverage in the country here in the Alexandria area. All we know for sure is the Aces were suppose to have a tryout camp the begining of March. Also I have heard that a number of players from last years team have signed to play this year I will try to find out something ablut names.

[Scooterman]

Here is a press release from the Aces:



ACES SELL SMITH TO WHITE SOX


February 12, 2007 - ACES SELL SMITH TO WHITE SOX
Fourth ULB Player to be Sold During Off-season

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chet Carey

Alexandria, LA: February 12, 2007 – The Alexandria Aces and United League Baseball (ULB) announced today that they have sold the contract of catcher Ryan Smith to the Chicago White Sox. Smith becomes the fifth player in the history of United League Baseball to be sold to a Major League Organization.

Smith, a native of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, will report to the White Sox Minor League Spring Training facility in Tucson, Arizona where he is expected to compete for a job for the White Sox Double-A affiliate the Birmingham Barons. Smith threw out nearly 30 percent of would be base stealers in 2006 for the Aces leading all ULB catchers. Smith also started all four games of the United League Championship Series for the inaugural United League Champion Alexandria Aces.

The 27-year old backstop was a seventh round selection of the New York Mets in the 1998 Draft. He spent four seasons in the Mets organization before being released after the 2001 season. He made his independent debut in the 2002 season with the Berkshire Bears of the now defunct Northeast League. Recognized for his defensive prowess he was signed back into affiliated baseball for the 2003 season with the San Diego Padres organization. Smith played parts of four seasons in independent baseball after his stint with the Padres.

“We are extremely proud of, and happy for, Ryan to be able to further his professional career with the White Sox,” Aces General Manager Chet Carey said. “Ryan is an outstanding receiver who has a strong and accurate arm and handles the pitching staff very well. With his abilities, I have no doubt he will be a tremendous asset to the White Sox organization. We wish him all the best.”

Smith joins former Laredo second baseman Edwin Maldonado (Astros), former Edinburg catcher Robinson Cancel (Mets), and former San Angelo 1st Baseman Kevin Bass (White Sox) as former ULB players sold during the off-season. Former Edinburg right-hander Edwar Ramirez was sold to the New York Yankees during the 2006 regular season.

United League Baseball is an independent league of six professional baseball teams located in Texas and Louisiana. The United League is preparing for its second season this summer with teams located in Amarillo, Edinburg, Laredo, Harlingen, and San Angelo, Texas; and Alexandria, Louisiana. The ULB will play a 100-game schedule between May and August 2006. Opening Day for all of United League Baseball is May 8, 2007.

[Thorp]

Thanks for the updates. Any other news?

[BroncoBill]

Our website has up to date news for our team. I imagine the other teams are bringing their websites up to date as well (if they aren't already).