Miners
Miners
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
KEENE, SUTTLE SET TO RETURN
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners are announcing the return of outfielders Eric Suttle and Willie Keene for the 2008 season. Both players were members of the Miners 2007 inaugural team.
In 57 games Keene hit .263 with 12 doubles, three triples and four home runs. He drove in 31 runs. He was hitting over .300 as late as Aug. 5 but recorded just four hits in his final 14 games.
“Willie and Eric both did a nice job for us last season,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “Willie hit a wall late in the season after a full college and pro season, and I know he has worked hard to get ready for a full pro season this year. He adds plus power to the outfield mix.”
Suttle played in 56 games, hitting .252 with 10 doubles, two home runs with 18 RBI. The strong-armed outfielder recorded five assists.
“Eric was hitting near .300 before running into the right field wall,” Pinto said, “which really affected him the last few weeks of the season. He runs well, plays excellent defense and adds some speed to our outfield mix.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
In 57 games Keene hit .263 with 12 doubles, three triples and four home runs. He drove in 31 runs. He was hitting over .300 as late as Aug. 5 but recorded just four hits in his final 14 games.
“Willie and Eric both did a nice job for us last season,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “Willie hit a wall late in the season after a full college and pro season, and I know he has worked hard to get ready for a full pro season this year. He adds plus power to the outfield mix.”
Suttle played in 56 games, hitting .252 with 10 doubles, two home runs with 18 RBI. The strong-armed outfielder recorded five assists.
“Eric was hitting near .300 before running into the right field wall,” Pinto said, “which really affected him the last few weeks of the season. He runs well, plays excellent defense and adds some speed to our outfield mix.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Frontier League Tryout Camp And Draft to be held at Rent One Park
On Sunday, May 4th and Monday, May 5th, the Frontier League will host its annual Tryout Camp and Draft at Rent One Park in Marion, IL. The Southern Illinois Miners, the League’s newest member, will serve as the host team.
“We are ecstatic to be partnering with the Miners to host this event,” Commissioner Bill Lee said. “They are a first class organization and they have a first class facility.”
The Tryout Camp and Draft is open to all baseball players who were 27 years old (or younger) on January 1, 2008 and over the age of 18.
“This is the best way for aspiring players to make a Frontier League roster,” Lee said. “All twelve teams will be represented. Each club will draft at least two players to take to spring training.”
Players interested in trying out can register online at www.frontierleague.com/tryouts.php Registration will also be available in person at 8am on Sunday, March 4th at Rent One Park. For more information, contact Kevin Rouch at the Frontier League office via e-mail at krouch@frontierleague.com or telephone at (614) 203-7911.
“We are ecstatic to be partnering with the Miners to host this event,” Commissioner Bill Lee said. “They are a first class organization and they have a first class facility.”
The Tryout Camp and Draft is open to all baseball players who were 27 years old (or younger) on January 1, 2008 and over the age of 18.
“This is the best way for aspiring players to make a Frontier League roster,” Lee said. “All twelve teams will be represented. Each club will draft at least two players to take to spring training.”
Players interested in trying out can register online at www.frontierleague.com/tryouts.php Registration will also be available in person at 8am on Sunday, March 4th at Rent One Park. For more information, contact Kevin Rouch at the Frontier League office via e-mail at krouch@frontierleague.com or telephone at (614) 203-7911.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
MINERS INK BIDDLE FOR '08 SEASON
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have signed right-handed pitcher George Biddle for the 2008 season. Biddle spent the 2007 season with the Kansas City Royals organization.
Biddle, 23, split time between three teams in the Royals system in 2007 reaching as high as the Burlington (Iowa) Bees of the Midwest League. Overall, he posted a 3-4 record with a 4.55 ERA in 14 games, four of them starts. He struck out 25 batters in 31.2 innings.
“George is a command pitcher who will work with his sinker in the upper 80s to low 90s,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He is efficient on the mound, controls the strike zone and keeps the ball on the ground. We see him as a guy in the rotation for us.”
Biddle finished his impressive college career at Eastern Michigan University ranking second all-time in EMU history with 327.1 innings pitched, sixth all-time with 20 wins and 10th all-time with 172 strikeouts. In 2007, he made 15 appearances and put together an 8-4 record (7-1 conference) and a team best 2.42 ERA. He was also a first team All-Mid-American Conference selection as he finished the season ranked second in the MAC in ERA (2.25), wins (7) and shutouts (2) and ranked third in games started (13) and complete games (2).
Following his 2006 college season, Biddle pitched for the Edenton (N.C.) Steamers of the Coastal Plain League along with current Miners teammate Ben Norton. For Edenton he carried a 1.85 ERA, striking out 33 and walking 18 over 43 innings. Opposing hitters hit .238 against him. He and Norton helped lead the Steamers to a Division Championship.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Biddle, 23, split time between three teams in the Royals system in 2007 reaching as high as the Burlington (Iowa) Bees of the Midwest League. Overall, he posted a 3-4 record with a 4.55 ERA in 14 games, four of them starts. He struck out 25 batters in 31.2 innings.
“George is a command pitcher who will work with his sinker in the upper 80s to low 90s,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He is efficient on the mound, controls the strike zone and keeps the ball on the ground. We see him as a guy in the rotation for us.”
Biddle finished his impressive college career at Eastern Michigan University ranking second all-time in EMU history with 327.1 innings pitched, sixth all-time with 20 wins and 10th all-time with 172 strikeouts. In 2007, he made 15 appearances and put together an 8-4 record (7-1 conference) and a team best 2.42 ERA. He was also a first team All-Mid-American Conference selection as he finished the season ranked second in the MAC in ERA (2.25), wins (7) and shutouts (2) and ranked third in games started (13) and complete games (2).
Following his 2006 college season, Biddle pitched for the Edenton (N.C.) Steamers of the Coastal Plain League along with current Miners teammate Ben Norton. For Edenton he carried a 1.85 ERA, striking out 33 and walking 18 over 43 innings. Opposing hitters hit .238 against him. He and Norton helped lead the Steamers to a Division Championship.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Monday, April 7, 2008
MINERS LOGO VOTED BEST IN MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
MARION, Ill. – After a grueling tournament, Big John the Miner can enjoy his one shining moment. The Southern Illinois Miners logo was voted to be the best in all of Minor League Baseball Wednesday morning after defeating the Wichita Wingnuts in the championship match.
Winners in the 64-team tournament were determined by fan voting on CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell’s Sports Biz blog on the CNBC website.
“It was a long road to the end of the tunnel,” said Rovell. “But it comes as no surprise that it was Big John, with his big muscles, pick axe and trusty light, who moved his way through to CNBC.com's Minor League Baseball Logo Championship.”
Over 170,000 votes were cast in Tuesday’s finale, and the Miners logo garnered 55 percent of the vote. The team will receive a plaque this season from CNBC for winning the first CNBC.com Minor League Baseball Logo Championship.
“This is a great honor for the team to receive this recognition,” Miners GM Tim Arseneau said. “We had a lot of fun with this competition, and we just want to thank Darren for coming up with the tournament and all the people who voted for our logo.”
For more on the competition, fans can visit Rovell’s blog on the CNBC website at http://www.cnbc.com/id/15837629.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m.
Winners in the 64-team tournament were determined by fan voting on CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell’s Sports Biz blog on the CNBC website.
“It was a long road to the end of the tunnel,” said Rovell. “But it comes as no surprise that it was Big John, with his big muscles, pick axe and trusty light, who moved his way through to CNBC.com's Minor League Baseball Logo Championship.”
Over 170,000 votes were cast in Tuesday’s finale, and the Miners logo garnered 55 percent of the vote. The team will receive a plaque this season from CNBC for winning the first CNBC.com Minor League Baseball Logo Championship.
“This is a great honor for the team to receive this recognition,” Miners GM Tim Arseneau said. “We had a lot of fun with this competition, and we just want to thank Darren for coming up with the tournament and all the people who voted for our logo.”
For more on the competition, fans can visit Rovell’s blog on the CNBC website at http://www.cnbc.com/id/15837629.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
FORMER SLU PITCHER JOINS MINERS
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have signed right handed pitcher Ryan Bird for the 2008 season. Norton, 23, spent the 2007 season with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.
In 22 total relief appearances with the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays and Auburn Doubledays, Bird went 5-3 with a 1.80 ERA. He struck out 43 and walked only 11 in 35.0 innings. Opposing hitter hit a paltry .172 against him.
“I had a chance to see Ryan throw last summer before he signed with Toronto,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “I liked his approach on the mound. He throws strikes and has a great out pitch in his breaking ball. This is a very nice addition to the Miners staff.”
Prior to his year with the Jays, Bird played four years at the University of St. Louis where he was one of the most dominant pitchers in school history. A two-time All-Conference selection and an ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American, Bird holds school records for career strikeouts (286), innings pitched (374.2) and games started (56). For his career, Bird posted a career 3.60 ERA with the Billikens, striking out 286 and walking only 133. He is second in SLU history in career ERA (3.48), fourth in wins (16), 10th in complete games (8) and 14th in appearances (58).
In 2007 Bird ranked 10th in the Atlantic 10 Conference with a 3.33 ERA. He was named Most Outstanding Player in the 2006 Atlantic 10 Tournament, delivering wins in the first and final games of the Billikens championship run.
“Mike wasn’t kidding when he said he was going to go out and find some pitching,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “He’s done a great job going out and signing some quality arms for the team.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
In 22 total relief appearances with the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays and Auburn Doubledays, Bird went 5-3 with a 1.80 ERA. He struck out 43 and walked only 11 in 35.0 innings. Opposing hitter hit a paltry .172 against him.
“I had a chance to see Ryan throw last summer before he signed with Toronto,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “I liked his approach on the mound. He throws strikes and has a great out pitch in his breaking ball. This is a very nice addition to the Miners staff.”
Prior to his year with the Jays, Bird played four years at the University of St. Louis where he was one of the most dominant pitchers in school history. A two-time All-Conference selection and an ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American, Bird holds school records for career strikeouts (286), innings pitched (374.2) and games started (56). For his career, Bird posted a career 3.60 ERA with the Billikens, striking out 286 and walking only 133. He is second in SLU history in career ERA (3.48), fourth in wins (16), 10th in complete games (8) and 14th in appearances (58).
In 2007 Bird ranked 10th in the Atlantic 10 Conference with a 3.33 ERA. He was named Most Outstanding Player in the 2006 Atlantic 10 Tournament, delivering wins in the first and final games of the Billikens championship run.
“Mike wasn’t kidding when he said he was going to go out and find some pitching,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “He’s done a great job going out and signing some quality arms for the team.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
MINERS RE-SIGN BAILEY, VICTOR
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have re-signed infielder Mike Victor and right-handed pitcher Griffin Bailey for the 2008 season.
Victor, 24, hit .243 with five doubles and seven home runs as a rookie with the Miners in 2007. He posted an impressive .538 average in 13 pinch hit at bats. After starting the season at third base in place of an injured Chris Hall, he went on to play six different positions including designated hitter.
“Mike played a number of important roles for us last season,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He is a big, strong guy who showed power, and as a pinch hitter in critical spots for us, he was tremendous. Mike is a quality guy and a quality player. We are glad to have him back with us.”
Bailey appeared in 15 games, eight of them as a starter, for the Miners in 2007. He finished the season ranked third on the team in strikeouts (45) and fourth on the team in innings pitched (56.0). The 24-year-old former Louisville Cardinal signed with the Houston Astros after college, and recorded a 4.50 ERA in one season with the Astros organization.
“Griffin has a live arm with better than average velocity,” Pinto said. “He worked hard on his mechanics and his approach last season. We believe that Grif has the ability to help this staff this season.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Victor, 24, hit .243 with five doubles and seven home runs as a rookie with the Miners in 2007. He posted an impressive .538 average in 13 pinch hit at bats. After starting the season at third base in place of an injured Chris Hall, he went on to play six different positions including designated hitter.
“Mike played a number of important roles for us last season,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He is a big, strong guy who showed power, and as a pinch hitter in critical spots for us, he was tremendous. Mike is a quality guy and a quality player. We are glad to have him back with us.”
Bailey appeared in 15 games, eight of them as a starter, for the Miners in 2007. He finished the season ranked third on the team in strikeouts (45) and fourth on the team in innings pitched (56.0). The 24-year-old former Louisville Cardinal signed with the Houston Astros after college, and recorded a 4.50 ERA in one season with the Astros organization.
“Griffin has a live arm with better than average velocity,” Pinto said. “He worked hard on his mechanics and his approach last season. We believe that Grif has the ability to help this staff this season.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
MINERS SIGN TOP ILLINI PITCHER
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have signed right handed pitcher Tanner Roark from the University of Illinois. Roark went 12-2 in his two seasons with the Illini.
The six-foot-two-inch righty was named to the All-Big Ten team when he posted an 8-2 record in 2007. His eight wins and 54.2 innings pitched both ranked second in the Big Ten last season. Roark, 21, will be eligible for the 2008 Major League First-Year Player Draft, which is scheduled for June 5 and 6.
“Tanner is coming here to highlight his skills before the major league draft this June,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He can have an above 90 (miles per hour) fastball with good sink. Tanner is a battler and is very mentally tough on the mound. He will be a great addition to the staff.”
A native of Wilmington, Ill., Roark led Wilmington High School to state championships in 2003 and 2005. He was named the MVP of the tournament in both years.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
The six-foot-two-inch righty was named to the All-Big Ten team when he posted an 8-2 record in 2007. His eight wins and 54.2 innings pitched both ranked second in the Big Ten last season. Roark, 21, will be eligible for the 2008 Major League First-Year Player Draft, which is scheduled for June 5 and 6.
“Tanner is coming here to highlight his skills before the major league draft this June,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He can have an above 90 (miles per hour) fastball with good sink. Tanner is a battler and is very mentally tough on the mound. He will be a great addition to the staff.”
A native of Wilmington, Ill., Roark led Wilmington High School to state championships in 2003 and 2005. He was named the MVP of the tournament in both years.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Friday, March 7, 2008
MINERS DEAL SIMON FOR INFIELDER ROTH
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have acquired infielder Tony Roth from the Evansville Otters in exchange for first baseman Scott Simon and a player to be named later.
Roth hit .378 with a .439 on base percentage in 10 games with the Otters in 2007. The former Yankees prospect spent the majority of the 2007 season with the Texas Rangers organization where he advanced as high as Triple-A.
“Tony is the definition of a ‘gamer’,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He can play excellent defense at multiple positions on the infield, and he plays the game all-out all the time. His ability to hit to all fields and his strike zone discipline gives us a lot of options. We really liked what we saw in him on the field against us at the end of last season. He is a great addition to the Miners lineup and I believe he has the skills to be an all-star caliber player for us.”
At Creighton University, Roth hit .322 over his four-year career with a .411 on base percentage before signing with the Yankees. He was twice named first team All-Missouri Valley Conference, an All-MVC Tournament selection in 2005 and Freshman of the Year in 2002. In 2007 he was named to the All-Time MVC Team along with fellow Miner Drew Moffitt.
Simon hit .264 for the Miners in 2007. He played in 62 games and his time was spent between DH and first base. It was the former Northern Illinois Husky’s first season in professional baseball.
“With Tim Dorn coming back from the Cardinals and Joey Metropoulos returning,” Pinto said, “it left Scott without a position here. I really wanted to find him a place to play every day. He is a wonderful young man and a very good hitter. I am proud that he wore our uniform and our entire coaching staff wishes him well.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Roth hit .378 with a .439 on base percentage in 10 games with the Otters in 2007. The former Yankees prospect spent the majority of the 2007 season with the Texas Rangers organization where he advanced as high as Triple-A.
“Tony is the definition of a ‘gamer’,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He can play excellent defense at multiple positions on the infield, and he plays the game all-out all the time. His ability to hit to all fields and his strike zone discipline gives us a lot of options. We really liked what we saw in him on the field against us at the end of last season. He is a great addition to the Miners lineup and I believe he has the skills to be an all-star caliber player for us.”
At Creighton University, Roth hit .322 over his four-year career with a .411 on base percentage before signing with the Yankees. He was twice named first team All-Missouri Valley Conference, an All-MVC Tournament selection in 2005 and Freshman of the Year in 2002. In 2007 he was named to the All-Time MVC Team along with fellow Miner Drew Moffitt.
Simon hit .264 for the Miners in 2007. He played in 62 games and his time was spent between DH and first base. It was the former Northern Illinois Husky’s first season in professional baseball.
“With Tim Dorn coming back from the Cardinals and Joey Metropoulos returning,” Pinto said, “it left Scott without a position here. I really wanted to find him a place to play every day. He is a wonderful young man and a very good hitter. I am proud that he wore our uniform and our entire coaching staff wishes him well.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
MINERS RE-SIGN DREW MOFFITT
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have re-signed outfielder Drew Moffitt for the 2008 season. Moffitt joined the Miners for the final 18 games of the 2007 season and immediately made an impact, hitting .288 with eight extra base hits. It was his first season in professional baseball since 2005.
“Bringing Drew back is a big thing for us,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He brings another big power source to the middle of our lineup. With an off-season spent preparing to play baseball, I think Drew will have a big impact for us. He is a professional and brings a veteran approach to his efforts.”
Moffitt played his college baseball at Wichita State. In three seasons with the Shockers he hit .301 with 60 home runs and a .439 on base percentage. He led the Missouri Valley Conference in home runs for three consecutive years, was a two time All-MVC first team selection and was named to the MVC All-Centennial Team.
Moffitt was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the tenth round of the 2004 draft. In 75 games over two years with the O’s organization, he hit .258 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI. He was released following the 2005 season and did not play in 2006.
After taking more than a year and a half away from the game, he joined the Havasu Heat to play in the NBC World Series. He hit .315 with three home runs, seven RBI and eight runs scored for the national champion Heat. He was also named to the All-American team in 2007 before joining the Miners.
“The lineup is really starting to take shape with these important players returning,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “I can’t wait to get these guys on the field with Mike and get this season started.”
Moffitt enters the season with a one-year status with the Frontier League. He will turn 27 during the season so this will be his final year of eligibility in the league.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
“Bringing Drew back is a big thing for us,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He brings another big power source to the middle of our lineup. With an off-season spent preparing to play baseball, I think Drew will have a big impact for us. He is a professional and brings a veteran approach to his efforts.”
Moffitt played his college baseball at Wichita State. In three seasons with the Shockers he hit .301 with 60 home runs and a .439 on base percentage. He led the Missouri Valley Conference in home runs for three consecutive years, was a two time All-MVC first team selection and was named to the MVC All-Centennial Team.
Moffitt was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the tenth round of the 2004 draft. In 75 games over two years with the O’s organization, he hit .258 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI. He was released following the 2005 season and did not play in 2006.
After taking more than a year and a half away from the game, he joined the Havasu Heat to play in the NBC World Series. He hit .315 with three home runs, seven RBI and eight runs scored for the national champion Heat. He was also named to the All-American team in 2007 before joining the Miners.
“The lineup is really starting to take shape with these important players returning,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “I can’t wait to get these guys on the field with Mike and get this season started.”
Moffitt enters the season with a one-year status with the Frontier League. He will turn 27 during the season so this will be his final year of eligibility in the league.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
