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 Quad Cities River Bandits

Cards Top Prospect Headlines Bandits' Opening Day Roster

April 5, 2010 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


Fans will see a plethora of talent on the field at Modern Woodmen Park when the River Bandits open the 2010 season next week. Right-handed pitcher Shelby Miller, rated the Cardinals' top prospect according to Baseball America, returns to the Quad Cities after a brief stint with the team at the close of the 2009 campaign. According to the Cardinals officials, Miller is slated to make his first start of the season when the River Bandits open their home schedule on Sunday, April 11.

Highly touted catcher Robert Stock, the Cardinals' second round choice in the 2009 draft, will also join Miller with the River Bandits. Stock spent most of '09 with Johnson City before finishing the season with the Bandits.

"We are very excited about the tremendous group of players the Cardinals are sending us this season," said team owner Dave Heller. "Taken together, this is likely to be the most talented group of players we've had here as a St. Louis affiliate. Shelby Miller and Robert Stock could well be battery mates in St. Louis for years to come. Our fans will enjoy seeing the Cardinals' stars of tomorrow right here all summer long at Modern Woodmen Park."

Of the 27 players assigned to the Quad Cities, 14 are pitchers, 13 of which are right-handers, two catchers, six infielders and five outfielders. Fans will recognize 12 players who had stints with the Bandits in 2009. Pitchers Eric Fornataro, Deryk Hooker, Jorge Rondon, Scott Schneider and Miguel Tapia, all spent time in the Quad Cities last year. New faces on the staff this year are Michael Blazek, Dan Calhoun, the lone lefty in the mix, Joe Kelly, Christopher Corrigan, La Curtis Mayes, Chris Notti, Jesse Simpson and Aaron Terry.

In the outfield, Devin Shepherd will be the only new Bandit as Kyle Conley, D'Marcus Ingram, Frederick Parejo and Ryde Rodriguez all spent time patrolling the Modern Woodmen Park outfield in '09.

The infield is made up of returners Jason Stidham and Niko Vasquez along with newcomers Matthew Adams, Jonathan Rodriguez, Ryan Jackson and Luis Mateo. Ivan Castro will share time as the other backstop with Stock for first-year manager Johnny Rodriguez's squad.

"Our fans are really going to enjoy watching this group of players and it's exciting to see some of the favorites from last season returning to the Quad Cities," said River Bandits General Manager Kirk Goodman. "I think this team is shaping up to give our fans plenty to cheer about this summer."

The River Bandits will open their season on the road against the Burlington Bees on April 8 before opening their home slate on Sunday, April 11 against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Opening Day will feature a giant Wii-ster Egg Hunt on the field, where the lucky youngster who finds the special egg among the thousands on the new playing field at Modern Woodmen Park will win a brand new Nintendo Wii. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., and tickets are available now by calling the River Bandits box office at (563) 3-BANDIT, visiting the Modern Woodmen Park box office or online at RiverBandits.com.

UP NEXT: Monday, April 12, is a book buddies day, with a special 11:00 a.m. start time. Tuesday night, April 13, is free magnet schedule night, where each fan will receive a magnet schedule to display on their refrigerator and one lucky fan will win a brand new refrigerator, courtesy of Zeglin's. Modern Woodmen Park is also staying busy as a special events venue over the off-season, providing the perfect atmosphere for parties, corporate functions and more. Meanwhile, the 2010 baseball schedule has been released and fans can already put down a deposit on season ticket and mini-plan packages - including the brand new Super Seven Plan - right now by calling (563) 3-BANDIT.


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