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Mavs 2009 Roster Released

April 7, 2009 - California League (CalL1)
High Desert Mavericks News Release


With opening day on the horizon, the High Desert Mavericks are pleased to announce the 25 players who will be donning a Mavericks jersey to start the season.

Six of the top 30 prospects in the Seattle Mariners system according to Baseball America will start the season as Mavericks, including three in the top 10. The group is headlined by the 11th overall pick in the 2007 draft, pitcher Phillippe Aumont, The Quebec native had a solid debut season last year at Low-A Wisconsin, going 4-4 with two saves while posting a 2.75 ERA.

Michael Pineda, the 2008 Mariners Minor League Pitcher of the Year, will look to build upon his breakout season as he moves up to the California League. Pineda was second in the Midwest League with both a 1.95 ERA and a .216 opponent batting average last season.

Pineda, however, is not the only Maverick who took home an award in 2008. Infielder Edilio Colina (Wisconsin) and outfielder Tyson Gillies (Everett) were both named their respective team's offensive MVPs.

As has been the case during the three seasons the Mavericks have been affiliated with the Mariners, the 2009 team will have a distinct international feel. Seven countries outside of the United States will be represented, including Italy, Taiwan, Nicaragua, and Ecuador. Also of note is how young the Mavericks will be to start the year. Seven players will be 20 or younger on opening day.

Although the Mavericks will start 2009 with a fresh slate on April 9, several players on this year's roster are no strangers to the High Desert. Of the 25 players on the opening day roster, 17 have spent time with the Mavericks in either 2007 or 2008, including 13 who played for the Mavs at one point last season.

Slugging outfielder Carlos Peguero returns to the Mavs after a successful 2008 campaign. Peguero hit .299 with 12 home runs and 74 RBIs last season, but he missed most of the second half of 2008 while recovering from wrist surgery. Other mainstays from the 2008 lineup who will return include catcher Travis Scott and outfielders Jamie McOwen and Kuo Hui Lo. Pitchers Donnie Hume, Travis Mortimore, Steve Richard, Anthony Varvaro, Alfredo Venegas, Jake Wild, and Juan Zapata return as well.

With all of the returning players, it is only appropriate manager Jim Horner returns as well. Horner will be the first manager in the 19-year history of the Mavericks to be at the helm for more than one season. He will be joined on the bench by pitching coach Jaime Navarro and hitting coach Tommy Cruz, both in their first season with the Mavs.

The Mavs kick off a jam-packed promotional schedule on April 9th with a postgame fireworks show presented by O'Doul's. The first 2,000 fans through the gate will receive the 2009 Mavericks Magnet Schedule sponsored by the Red Roof Inn, and it's a Thirsty Thursday as well with 12oz. beers for just $2 through the 5th inning. Friday the 10th is the first Midway Home Solutions Family Feast Night of the year featuring $1 hot dogs and sodas all night, and remember to come out to the game on Easter Sunday where all kids 8 and under will participate in an Easter Egg Hunt! Season tickets are still the lowest in the Cal League at $300 for all 70 games so call the Mavs office today at (760) 246-6287 or check us out online at www.hdmavs.com. Thanks again for your continued support of High Desert Mavericks Baseball - A Big League Experience Right in Our Own Backyard!



California League Stories from April 7, 2009


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