Saltdogs Set to Open Camp
Published on May 1, 2009 under American Association (AA)
Lincoln Saltdogs News Release
LINCOLN, NE - The boys are back in town.
Spring training for the 2009 Lincoln Saltdogs begins on Saturday, May 2, with an evening practice at Haymarket Park. The team will take part in seven workouts, one scrimmage and four exhibition games between Saturday and May 13, before traveling to Wichita to open the regular season on May 14.
"I'm anxious to get started," said new Saltdogs manager Marty Scott. "It's been a long six months since I was hired, but we've already accomplished a lot, and now's the time to start turning the offseason work into success on the field. We have a great group of players to work with this year, and I know they're just chomping at the bit to get going."
Lincoln's spring roster currently includes 26 players. American Association teams may carry as many as 28 players during spring training. The regular-season roster limit is 22 players, although teams may carry up to 24 players for the first two weeks of the season.
"We'll have some good competition in camp," Scott said. "I know a lot about what these guys have done in the past, but now, it's all about Matt Nokes, Chris Miyake and me getting to see what the players can do firsthand. We only have 12 days or so to evaluate everyone before Opening Day, so I'm sure all the players will have a sense of urgency in camp. Our goal is to take the best team possible with us when we head down to Wichita."
Of the players in camp, 14 of them spent all or part of last season in a Saltdogs uniform. Those include two-time Saltdogs Pitcher of the Year Jarrett Gardner, record-setting catcher Shawn McGill and longtime fan favorite Albenis Machado. The ranks of the newcomers include Phil Hawke, the 2008 Frontier League Most Valuable Player, and Carlos Guevara, who pitched last season in the major leagues for the San Diego Padres.
The Saltdogs' preseason practices are closed to the public, but open to the media. Fans in Nebraska will get two chances to see the team in action during the preseason. Lincoln opens its exhibition schedule at home on May 7, with a 7:05pm contest against the Kansas City T-Bones of the Northern League. The Saltdogs' May 10 preseason game against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the Northern League takes place in Beatrice, and will start at 4:05pm.
The 2009 Lincoln Saltdogs season begins on May 14 in Wichita, with the home opener scheduled for May 22 against Fort Worth. For more team and ticket information, go to www.saltdogs.com.
American Association Stories from May 1, 2009
- Saltdogs Set to Open Camp - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Pelicans Announce 2009 Spring Training Schedule - Pensacola Pelicans
- Captains' rookies bring a wealth of experience - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
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