Hooks Announced for Astros Exhibition
April 1, 2009 - Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
CORPUS CHRISTI - As spring training continues for both the Major Leagues and the Minor Leagues, the Astros have revealed the players who will represent the Hooks in Thursday's historic exhibition game at Whataburger Field. Starting pitchers for the game have also been announced.
A total of 27 players are slated to suit up for the Hooks Thursday, including 11 who have played previously in Corpus Christi. Felipe Paulino, a member of Houston's 40-man roster and former Hook, will start for Corpus Christi, while Wandy Rodriguez is scheduled to make his fifth appearance this spring for the Astros.
Those with previous experience with the Hooks include pitchers Brad James, Polin Trinidad, Andy Van Hekken, Sergio Perez, Casey Hudspeth, Paul Estrada and Chris Salamida, along with shortstop Wladimir Sutil and outfielders Mitch Einertson, Josh Flores and Jimmy Van Ostrand.
The Astros play Cincinnati today in Kissimmee and head to Corpus Christi Thursday morning. According to today's game notes provided by the Astros, first baseman Lance Berkman, suffering from biceps tendinitis, is available to pinch hit today against the Reds and may serve as the DH in Thursday's exhibition against the Hooks.
Thursday's game at Whataburger Field begins at 6:05 p.m. Corpus Christi's Opening Day roster will not be finalized until after the two scheduled exhibition games against the Round Rock Express. The list of Hooks:
Pitchers - Erick Abreu, Douglas Arguello, T.J. Burton, Paul Estrada, Casey Hudspeth, Brad James, Jeremy Johnson, Felipe Paulino, Sergio Perez, Chris Salamida, Rob Semerano, Polin Trinidad, Andy Van Hekken, Chad Wagler
Catchers - Brian Esposito, Lou Palmisano
Infielders - Jhon Florentino, Mark Ori, Drew Meyer, Felix Molina, Chad Spann, Wladimir Sutil
Outfielders - Collin DeLome, Mitch Einertson, Josh Flores, Andrew Locke, Jimmy Van Ostrand
Astros and Hooks Fans:
Whataburger Field gates open at 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon for the historic exhibition game between your Corpus Christi Hooks and Houston Astros, presented by ValueBank Texas. All fans receive a 2009 Hooks magnetic schedule, compliments of CPL Retail Energy.
Come early to take it all in! Here's a look at pregame festivities:
3:20-4:10 Hooks Batting Practice
4:00 Gates Open
4:10-5:00 Astros Batting Practice
5:05-5:15 Hooks Infield
5:15-5:25 Astros Infield
5:51 Ceremonial First Pitches
?Scott Heitkamp, ValueBank Texas
?Drayton McLane, Houston Astros
?Don Sanders, Ryan Sanders Baseball
5:53 Umpires Meeting (John Brammer, HP; Barry Larson, 1B; Jeff Latter, 3B)
5:55 Team Introductions (Scott Johnson)
6:01 National Anthem (Texas A&M-CC Camerata Isle)
6:03 Hooks Take Field
6:05 Play Ball!
The game will be televised live on FSN Houston and FSN Southwest. Matt Hicks, Mike Capps and Skip Baldwin comprise the telecast team.
Texas League Stories from April 1, 2009
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