Baseball Season is Here as Spring Training Gets Underway
Published on February 16, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(LANCASTER, CA) - With just 50 days until the start of the Lancaster JetHawks first season as an affiliate of the Houston Astros, players have reported to Kissimmee, Florida for the start of Spring Training. Pitchers and catchers have started throwing sessions while position players have begun checking into camp as well. Former JetHawks all across the baseball world are heading to Florida and Arizona with the goal of making a big league roster. More than 70 players who have called Lancaster home have now made it to baseball's highest levels.
While this will be the first season for the JetHawks as a farm club of the Houston organization, there are two former Lancaster prospects trying to solidify a spot on the Astros roster. Outfielder Reggie Abercrombie hit .342 in 29 games for the JetHawks squad that came within one game of winning the California League championship in 2004. He had his best Major League stint of his career with Houston in 2008, batting .309 with two home runs, five stolen bases, and an OPS of .848. Infielder Matt Kata spent most of the 2001 campaign with the JetHawks, hitting .296 with ten home runs and 30 stolen bases. Kata played in the Major Leagues with Arizona, Philadelphia, Texas, and Pittsburgh before signing with Houston. Both Kata and Abercrombie are non-roster invitees.
Several former JetHawks who have established themselves in the big leagues are spending their springs in new stadiums. All-Star Brian Fuentes recently signed with the Los Angeles Angels to become their new closer. All-time JetHawks ERA leader Greg Smith and star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez were traded together for the second time in their careers, joining the Colorado Rockies organization. Both spent significant time last season with the Oakland A's. In Cincinnati there are three JetHawks looking to make the Reds roster. After a fast start in Arizona, Micah Owings struggled the rest of the season, leading to a trade to Cincinnati in the Adam Dunn deal. Catcher Wilkin Castillo was included in the trade and made his Major League debut with the Reds, batting .281 in 18 games. Infielder Danny Richar is also a newcomer to Reds spring training after a season with the Chicago White Sox.
Meanwhile in Boston the stellar prospects that have led the JetHawks to the winning of four straight Southern Division Half-titles are infiltrating the Red Sox roster. Justin Masterson enters the season as a key member of the pitching staff after serving as both a starter and a reliever in his first season at Fenway. Michael Bowden also seeks a spot on the staff after making his Major League Debut late last season. Reliever Hunter Jones looks primed to join the bullpen at some point this year after a break-out season in Lancaster in 2007 and a strong year in Double-A and Triple-A in 2008. Pitcher Felix Doubront and catcher Mark Wagner were also added to the Boston 40-man roster. In addition pitcher Daniel Bard, first baseman Lars Anderson, and outfielders Zach Daeges and Josh Reddick will be in big league camp as non-roster invitees.
Major League spring training exhibition games begin Wednesday, February 25. Minor league exhibition games, including the JetHawks spring squad, begin later in March after minor league players report to camp.
The JetHawks open the 2009 season, its first as an affiliate of the Houston Astros, on April 9 at High Desert before returning for the home opener on April 13.
California League Stories from February 16, 2009
- Baseball Season is Here as Spring Training Gets Underway - Lancaster JetHawks
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