FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                      Media Contact: Jon Versteeg
April 17, 2008                                                                                                815-774-2881

                                                                                jversteeg@jackhammerbaseball.com

 

JACKHAMMERS ANNOUNCE ROSTER UPDATES

Veterans Harris and Diaz Depart; 12-Year Major League Vet Joins Rotation

 

JOLIET-With spring training a few weeks away and just under a month until the 2009 season opener, Joliet JackHammers manager Wally Backman has been making plenty of moves to mold his roster for the upcoming campaign. RHP Aaron Trolia (9-6, 3.97) and LHP Brad Mumma (3-0, 4.67 with Joliet; 9-6, 5.15 combined with Joliet and Schaumburg) are signed for 2009 and slated for the starting rotation along with 12-year major league veteran RHP Pat Mahomes. The JackHammers begin the 2009 season on May 15 with a 7:05 p.m. game against the Schaumburg Flyers at Silver Cross Field in Joliet City Center.

 

“This team has and will continue to be built around speed,” said JackHammers manager Wally Backman. “We hit plenty well enough to win last year but we led the league in grounding into double plays.”

 

Backman explained the recent decisions to trade two veterans from the 2008 season: OF Cory Harris (March 30 to Sioux Falls of the American Association for Mahomes) and IF Juan Diaz (April 13 to Sussex of the Can-Am. League for a player to be named later).  

 

“I felt it was time to move Cory to another team and for us to move forward without him,” said Backman. “As far as Juan is concerned, we simply could not come to terms with him financially.”

The 2009 Joliet JackHammers roster features nine pitchers under contract. Trolia, Mumma, and Mahomes headline the starting rotation. Mahomes played in the big leagues for six different teams: Minnesota, (1992-1996); Boston, (1996-1997); New York Mets, (1999-2000); Texas, (2001); Chicago Cubs, (2002) and Pittsburgh, (2003).  In the bullpen, veteran Jason Richardson has spent the last two seasons with Somerset of the Atlantic League and has pitched at the AAA level with the Boston Red Sox organization. RHP Drew Shetrone returns to the JackHammers in 2009 after spending a majority of last summer with the New York Yankees organization at short-season A Staten Island. Shetrone picked up six saves in just 13 appearances before the Yankees purchased his contract on June 18.

“Our starting pitching didn’t hurt us last year but our bullpen really was a problem,” said Backman. “We’ve taken steps to hopefully fix that.”

The JackHammers offense is also taking shape. Freddie Thon will return to play first base. Fans familiar with the Northern League over the last few years may remember OF Mike Coles from his time with the Gary SouthShore RailCats in 2006. IF Michael Garcia and IF/OF Wally Backman, Jr. are also returning for spring training.

 

2009 single game tickets are currently on sale! To purchase tickets, or for more information, please feel free to contact the JackHammers at (815) 726-BALL (2255), go to www.jackhammerbaseball.com to browse the 2009 schedule and purchase tickets, or stop by the Box Office at Silver Cross Field during normal business hours.

 

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(PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF THE SIOUX FALLS CANARIES). (MAHOMES ACTION SHOT FROM 2008)