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MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Cardinals Announce Caravan Lineup

January 8, 2010 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


A quartet of highly-touted prospects make up the lineup of active players participating in the Cardinals Caravan stopping at Modern Woodmen Park on January 18th . Former first-round draft picks, pitcher Adam Ottavino and infielder Tyler Greene, headline the list of active players which also includes pitchers Jason Motte and Jamie Garcia. All four players made a stop in the Quad Cities during the 2006 season on their journey through the Cardinals system.

"We're thoroughly excited about the Caravan lineup the Cardinals are sending us," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "It's a great statement about the relationship between the Cardinals and River Bandits, and the importance the Cardinals place on their Minor League affiliates, that all four of these Cardinals played at Modern Woodmen Park as they progressed through the Cardinals system. Now they return to the place they once called home as they prepare to make a Major League impact for the Cardinals."

Ottavino is the lone participant still waiting to make his Major League debut. The right-hander was a first-round selection by the Cardinals in 2006 before starting eight games for Quad Cities. After spending the entire 2009 campaign with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, he is a candidate to make the big league club out of Spring Training. Greene saw action in 48 games for the Cardinals last season, both in center field and at an array of infield positions. He was selected in the first- round of the 2005 draft and played for Quad Cities the following year.

Garcia, a right-handed reliever, debuted with the Cardinals in 2008, appearing in nine games in relief and recording one start. He spent last season recovering in the minor leagues following "Tommy John- surgery. Motte broke in with the Cardinals during the '08 season and appeared out of the bullpen in 12 games allowing just one earned run in 11 innings. Last season was his first full season with the big league club. He made 69 appearances, all in relief.

Three Cardinals alumni will accompany the Caravan for its Quad Cities stop. Ken Reitz (72-75, 77-80), Glenn Brummer (81-84) and John Costello (88-90) will all be appearing at Modern Woodmen Park. Television broadcaster Jay Randolph will emcee the event which will be held in the Suite Banquet Area of Modern Woodmen Park on Monday, January 18th.

Doors open at 11 a.m. for the noon event. A buffet lunch will start the event followed by the players sharing their experiences in baseball and answering fans questions. Following the program, fans will have the opportunity to meet and get autographs from the Caravan participants.

"I know our fans are going to be very excited to see this group of players returning to Quad Cities," said River Bandits Vice President and General Manager Kirk Goodman. "Tickets sold out quicker than ever for this event, and the fans who snapped up these tickets early will be very pleased with the experience the Cardinals bring to Modern Woodmen Park."

UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is 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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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.

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