AA Sioux City Explorers

Explorers roster grows by three

Published on April 11, 2006 under American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release


Earlier today the Sioux City Explorers announced they have re-signed catcher Chris Grossman and RHP Jonathan Wiebe while adding newcomer Robert Mendoza to the mix at shortstop. Grossman joins Mike Richardson as one of the teams top two catchers while Wiebe returns as a key ingredient in the bullpen. Mendoza will enter training camp on April 29th fighting for the everyday shortstop job.

"I am very pleased to have Chris Grossman returning to fight for our starting catcher job," comments manager Ed Nottle. "Chris had a tremendous rookie season last year and we look for him continue improving this season. If he plays like he did last year, there is no doubt in my mind he will get another chance with a major league organization."

Grossman, 25, returns after attending spring training with the New York Yankees organization last month. In his rookie season last year, Chris batted a team high .314 with 48 RBI, 100 hits, and 37 runs. He played collegiate baseball for the University of California where after his junior season was one of 10 semifinalists for the Johnny Bench Award as one of the nation's top collegiate catchers. During that season, Grossman led the Bears in hits (72), multiple hit games (15), doubles (16), and total bases (112). He also had a career best 11 game-hitting streak.

Jonathan Wiebe returns to the X's bullpen for his third season with the team. He has a career 3.76 earned run average while appearing in 71 games. Wiebe is a resident of Madera, CA and played his college ball at Fresno State in Fresno, CA.

Mendoza, 25, enters his second season of professional baseball after appearing in 17 games for El Paso last season. In those 17 games, Mendoza posted a .333 batting average with 5 doubles and 2 triples. In addition to playing the middle infield, Robert has the ability to play all three outfield positions.

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Your hometown Sioux City Explorers will begin their 2006 inaugural season as a member of the American Association of Professional Baseball at home on Friday May 12th, 2006 with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 P.M. The X's will welcome the St. Paul Saints to town for game one of a scheduled three game series followed by a day/night doubleheader versus the Sioux Falls Canaries.

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