NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Mavs 2010 Roster Released

April 5, 2010 - California League (CalL1)
High Desert Mavericks News Release


After a stellar 2009 season, the 2010 edition of the High Desert Mavericks have some big shoes to fill. The transition will be a bit easier, as nine players who spent time with the Mavericks in 2009 return to open the season in the High Desert. Among those players is 2009 California League All-Star, shortstop Juan Diaz.

Infielder Edilio Colina will join Diaz up the middle again. Fellow infielder Kyle Seager, who was briefly with the Mavericks at the end of the regular season and during the playoffs, starts his first full season in the High Desert. Catcher Jose Yepez returns as well.

Pitching is the toughest thing to do at Mavericks Stadium, but fortunately the Mavs will get some help from five pitchers who know what to expect. Those pitchers includes Jake Wild, who was valuable as both a starter and reliever in 2009, and Steve Richard, who racked up a team-leading 13 saves last season. Other returning pitchers include Travis Mortimore, Stephen Penney, and Marwin Vega.

The pitching staff will also get a boost from Mariners pitcher Ryan Feierabend. The lefty, who has appeared in 25 Major League games, missed all of 2009 while recovering from Tommy John surgery and will continue his rehab with the Mavericks. A third-round pick in 2003, Feierabend last appeared in the California League with Inland Empire in 2005.

Four 2009 draft picks will start their first full season in the Minors with the Mavs. In addition to Seager (3rd round, North Carolina), this group includes first baseman Rich Poythress (2nd round, Georgia), catcher Trevor Coleman (9th round, Missouri), and pitcher Andrew Carraway (12th round, Virginia).

The bulk of this year's Mavericks spent last season at Low-A Clinton. Pitcher Kenn Kasparek was named the LumberKings' Most Valuable Pitcher by the Mariners after going 10-6 and leading the league with a 2.41 ERA. Infielder Scott Savastano was honored as the team's Offensive Player of the Year. Outfielder Denny Almonte, infielder Nate Tenbrink, and pitcher Cheyne Hann were all named 2009 Midwest League All-Stars as well.

Manager Jim Horner returns for his third consecutive season. He was named California League Manager of the Year in 2009 after leading the Mavs to a 83-57 record as well as first- and second-half titles. He will be joined on the bench by hitting coach Tommy Cruz, who returns for his second straight season. The lone new member of the coaching staff will be pitching coach Tom Dettore, who spent last season at Double-A West Tenn.

The Mavs kick off a jam-packed promotional schedule with an Opening Night Fireworks Show after the game on April 15th. The first 2,500 fans through the gate will receive the 2010 Mavericks Magnet Schedule sponsored by The Oil and Water Store, and it's also a Thirsty Thursday sponsored by Skidmark's Caf at the Apple Valley Airport. Friday the 16th is the first Midway Home Solutions Family Feast Night of the year featuring $1 Hebrew National hot dogs and 16oz Pepsis all night. The weekend is also loaded with events for the kids including the Aquafina Hit, Pitch, and Run Competition Saturday from 12 - 5pm, and Sunday is the first Valentini Pizza Little League Clinic of the year at 10am. Please call the Box Office for all the details on these two fantastic family promotions. Season tickets are still the lowest in the Cal League at $300 for all 70 games so call the Mavs office today at (760) 246-6287 or check us out online at www.hdmavs.com. Thanks again for your continued support of High Desert Mavericks Baseball - A Big League Experience Right in Our Own Backyard!

• Discuss this story on the California League message board...

California League Stories from April 5, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central