So, how do we find our players?

Professional scouts! Mike Pinto was a Professional scout in Kansas City prior to coming to the Miners. His contacts from other professional scouts via phone and email are how he gets help finding players. I asked Mike how he went about scouting players, he said "My cell phone is on fire and emails pour in telling me about the next great player, or that player we have to have, or should get. I've got contacts all over who keep me in the loop as to players that would be great for the team, I am the whole scouting department for the team, I do the work." As we can see he's not afraid to cut a player that's not up to par.

Mike Pinto - Manager
Mike Pinto, the first manager for the Southern Illinois Miners, comes to the team after spending two years at the helm of the Sioux Falls Canaries of the American Association. Prior to managing the Sioux Falls franchise, Pinto spent three seasons with the Joliet Jackhammers (2002-2004) of the independent Northern League in various coaching capacities.
In addition to his managerial experience with the Canaries he also served as the head coach of Oakton Community College for two seasons (2003-2004).
During his time with the Sioux Falls Canaries, Pinto had the pleasure to work with several players such as Chad Hermansen and Ralph Santana who would finish the season in the top 10 in various statistical categories. Under the tutelage of Pinto, former major leaguer Hermansen finished the 2006 season as the league leader in slugging (.579) and extra-base hits (57), while Santana would go on to finish third in the league with 40 stolen bases.
As head coach of Oakton Community College, Pinto set several records including most wins (41) and lowest team ERA (1.99) in a season while winning the Skyway Conference Tournament championship and the Region IV Sectional Championship in 2003. In the 2004 season Pinto was responsible for coaching his squad to a second straight sectional championship and advancing to the Region IV championships in Moline, Iowa.
In addition to coaching, Pinto played center field on four national championship senior league baseball teams. He played alongside former major league players Jose Cardenal of the St. Louis Cardinals.
June 21st
Signed OF Willie Keene, SS Bryant Perdomo, and 1B Scott Simon; reinstated LHP Chris Tierney from the Injured Reserve List; released RHP Roy Irle and RHP Josh Ward.
Signed LHP Brian Logan (from May 19th); announced retirement of RHP Jon Qualls (from May 21st); released OF Zach Archer, LHP Steve Ferguson, RHP Jamie Ganz, INF Matt Guiliano, RHP Joey Martinson, LHP Kevin Peller (all from May 21st); released LHP Jonathon Tapper