AA Sioux City Explorers

X's roster continues to grow

Published on March 19, 2007 under American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release


SIOUX CITY, IA - The Sioux City Explorers announced today that they have re-signed INF JJ Burress and RHP Rory James for the 2007 American Association season. Burress enters the 2007 as the Explorers everyday shortstop while James is expected to fit into the X's bullpen. With the signings, Sioux City now has nine players (five position and four pitchers) under contract for the 2007 season.

"JJ did a good job for us last season," comments manager Ed Nottle. "He has a tremendous upside and we look for good things out him this season. Rory James comes highly recommended to us from a couple of reliable sources. He is big kid who will fit well in the bullpen."

Burress signed with the X's last season on June 8th and immediately became the teams starting shortstop. In 71 games, Burress posted a .274 batting average with 26 RBI's, 7 doubles, 2 triples, and 11 stolen bases. Prior to joining the X's in June; Burress completed his final season of play at Newman University in Wichita, KS. JJ finished the 2006 spring season with a .370 batting average in 53 games. He was one of four players from Newman named to the all-conference first team and was later selected to the all-region team.

Rory James enters his first season of professional baseball after playing college ball for the University of Utah in 2006. With the Utes in 2006, James appeared in 11 games and posted a 2-0 record with a 3.64 earned run average. In 29.2 innings of work, he held opponents to a .254 batting average and struck out 20 while walking only 10. Prior to his time at Utah, Rory played one season at Pasco Hernando Community College in New Port Richey, Fla. Prior to college, James was a standout pitcher for Oshkosh West High School in Oshkosh, WI.

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American Association Stories from March 19, 2007


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