Vipers Sign Four

Published on February 3, 2009 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


The Calgary Vipers have added three players to their 2009 roster including the star of the team that beat them in the GBL League Championship Series in September. Outfielder Mark Okano, who hit 18 home runs and added 52 RBI for the Orange County Flyers in 2008, was acquired Monday via trade. The Vipers gave up left handed pitcher Adam Revelette and outfielder Willie Keene plus a player to be named for Okano. Revelette and Keene were just obtained by the Vipers last week for right handed pitcher Nathan Melek.

"We really liked the way Mark handled himself, on and off the field", said Vipers Director of Baseball Operations Peter Young. "He gives us speed and power in the outfield and obviously compliments our outfield contingent who includes 2008 Rookie of the Year Colin Moro and 18 home run hitter and 2007 MVP Drew Miller.

The Vipers also solidified their infield by purchasing the contract of versatile infielder Ivan Reyes from the Laredo Broncos. Reyes finished last season in St. George hitting four home runs in only 9 games. He can play all four infield positions.

Calgary also added some Canadian continent with the signing of infielder Rob Recuenco of Vancouver. Recuenco played a full season at third base for Edmonton in 2007 before switching to the Frontier League in 2008.

On the mound, pitching coach Evan Greusel has added starter Alan Webb. The left hander was a 4th round draft pick of the Detroit Tigers in 1997. He spent three season in Double-A and part of two seasons in Triple-A with the Portland Beavers.

Arizona Winter League

The GBL's Arizona Winter League has kicked off it's month long season in Yuma, Arizona; Blythe, California and Palm Springs, California. Greusel will be a roving pitching coach in the league this month. He will be joined by Young next week as they look to find a gem among the hundreds of players signed up for the AWL season. The two will also spend time scouting the minor league camps of the teams in the Arizona based Cactus League. The major league players and minor league affiliates report this week.

Snakes and Batters

The Vipers also announced that their Children's Charity, Snakes and Batters, raised over $40,000 through various fundraising endeavours in 2008. The charities' independent Board of Directors will now distribute that amount back into the community in Southern Alberta. Youth baseball and softball organizations and children's charities in the province can apply for grants or donations by addressing their requests to Peter Young, c/o Calgary Vipers Snakes and Batters, 2255 Crowchild Trail N.W., Calgary, AB, T2M 4S7. Deadline for entries is Feb. 15, 2009.

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Golden Baseball League Stories from February 3, 2009


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