Riversharks Add Thirteen Players To Roster
Published on April 13, 2009 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Camden Riversharks News Release
CAMDEN - The Camden Riversharks announced today that they have signed thirteen players to their roster, all of whom will join the team as it gathers in Lakeland, Florida for Spring training. The group of players signed includes four pitchers, five infield player, and four outfielders.
Joining the team's pitching staff this season will be right handed pitchers Nathan Bump, Thomas Davey, and Matthew Flannery, as well as lefty Shaun Parker. Both Bump and Davey have pitched in the major leagues before. Bump appeared in 113 games for the Florida Marlins between 2003 and 2005, and Davey has seen action in 114 major league games. He pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners in 1999, then for the San Diego Padres from 2000 to 2002.
Of the four pitchers signed by the Riversharks, only Michael Flannery has pitched for the team before. He worked out of the bullpen for the Riversharks last season, appearing in 44 games and compiling a 5.82 ERA. He gave up 44 earned runs and struck out 65 batters in 2008.
Shaun Parker joins the Riversharks as a local product from Westhampton, New Jersey. He played college baseball for nearby Rutgers University, and was then signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Yankees in 2004. He has spent the last two years pitching in the minor leagues at the single A level.
"I feel very comfortable with the pitchers that we signed today," said Riversharks Pitching Coach, Jeff Scott. "Nate and Tom bring a lot of major league experience with them, and we know what we can expect from Flannery, so I like where we're at right now," he added.
Also signing with the Riversharks today were five infield players. Michael Abernathy, Vito Chiaravolloti, Kyle Haines, Manuel Mejia, and Jason Jacobs will cover the bases for the team in 2009. Abernathy, Chiaravolloti, and Mejia are familiar faces around Campbell's Field, as they have all played against the Riversharks in the past, as members of other Atlantic League teams. Haines and Jacobs join the team after spending last season in the minor leagues.
Of the infielders signed, Michael Abernathy is the most decorated player, as he brings several years of major league experience to the Riversharks lineup with him. He made his major league debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2001, where he started 79 games at second base. The following season, he was the team's everyday starter for the entire season. Since 2002, Abernathy has seen major league action with the Kansas City Royals in 2003 and with the Minnesota Twins in 2005. Most recently, he played in 21 games for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.
"Winning in this league is about more than just scoring runs. You have to be able to play defense if you want to be successful," said Riversharks Manager, Joe Ferguson. "The players we added to our infield are guys that can swing the bat and play the field well. That will be crucial to our success this season."
The Riversharks also signed four outfielders today, as the team's roster is beginning to come into shape. Brian Burgamy, Wayne Lydon, Val Majewski, and Chris Walker will roam the outfield for the team this season.
Of the outfielders signed, Chris Walker is the only one returning for a second stint with the Riversharks. Last season, he appeared in 29 games for the team, and compiled a .290 batting average while driving in 20 runs. He was then signed by AAA Salt Lake of the Pacific Coast League during the 2008 season.
Brian Burgamy and Val Majewski will reconnect as teammates with the Riversharks, after spending the 2008 season playing together as members of the Newark Bears. Last year, Burgamy appeared in 30 games for the Bears before signing with the single A St. Lucie Mets of the Florida State League. Similarly, Majewski played in 50 games for the Bears, before signing with the AA Chorpus Christi Hooks of the Texas League. He then went on to play for the AAA Round Rock Express.
Wayne Lydon is perhaps the fastest of the outfield players currently on the Riversharks' roster. Last season, he stole 43 bases for the AAA Chiefs of the International League, and went on to score 71 runs during the season. His speed will be an asset for the team this year.
"We should have some pretty stiff competition for the starting outfield positions this season," said Joe Ferguson. "We know how good Burgamy, Majewski, and Walker are, and we've seen what they can do in this league, but I expect Lydon to push all three of them for a starting spot on our roster," he added.
The Riversharks begin Spring training in Lakeland, Florida on Tuesday, April 14th and open the 2009 season on Thursday, April 23rd, against the Somerset Patriots. The team's home opener will be on Friday, May 1st, at 7:05 PM, against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Individual and group tickets are on sale online at www.riversharks.com or by calling 1-866-SHARKS-9.
Atlantic League Stories from April 13, 2009
- Barnstormers Manager Von Hayes Statement On Harry Kalas - Lancaster Stormers
- Bluefish Announce 2009 Broadcast Schedule - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Riversharks Add Thirteen Players To Roster - Camden Riversharks
- Preseason Roster Complete: Revs Add Seven on Eve of Spring Training - York Revolution
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