Express Makes Major Roster Moves
April 30, 2003 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
Being in unfamiliar waters, the Houston Astros are making some personnel changes throughout their minor league system, most notably in Round Rock. The Astros have announced five roster changes for the Express, who are off to their worst start in four years. Pitcher Bob Scanlan, who was just signed by the Astros last week, has been promoted to Triple-A New Orleans after four appearances with the Express. Scanlan did not give up an earned run in three innings, striking out four and walking one. Infielder Jason Alfaro, expected to be in Triple A before the season, has been promoted to the Zephyrs along with Scanlan. The 2002 Texas League All Star hit only .148 for the Express in 22 games this year.
Coming back to the Express is one of the organization's favorite sons, Eric Ireland. Ireland started the first game in Express history and threw the first pitch ever at The Dell Diamond. Ireland was in extended spring training with the Astros before starting a game for High-A Salem earlier this week. He pitched four scoreless innings, striking out five and walking one in the victory. Ireland's two career complete game shutouts are the most in Express franchise history, and his 188.2 innings pitched ranks second. He has also thrown the only perfect game in Astros organization history, a 5-0 win over St. Petersburg on June 23, 1999, for Kissimmee.
Also joining Ireland on the Express is 3B Ramon German. German was also in extended spring training with the Astros before being called up. German was named a South Atlantic League All Star in 2001 and 2002 for Single-A Lexington.
In other roster moves, Express pitcher Juan Campos has been sent down to High-A Salem. Campos appeared in nine games for the Express this year and had an 8.53 ERA.
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