The Broncos announced the return of four players on Monday, bringing their roster total to 12.
The four are outfielder Anthony Bennett, infielder Matt Imwalle and pitchers Dan Sausville and Nathan Crawford.
Bennett, a solid guy in the clubhouse who embraces the role of team leader, was a Bronco in 2006, when the team made its playoff run, and 2008.
Last season, he was a starter and hit .263 with 31 RBIs and two home runs.
He led the team in walks (54) and on-base percentage (.408).
Imwalle is expected to slide into the designated hitter role this season.
He joined the Broncos late last year and played in 20 games, hitting .300 with 15 RBIs and two home runs.
“Anthony and Matt provide two big bats in our lineup,” Broncos manager Ricardo Cuevas said in a press release. “They have played in Laredo before and know what it takes to make this team successful.”
Sausville was reliable for the Broncos last season, making 33 appearances, the second most on the team.
He was 3-3 with a 5.40 ERA. This season, he will be a starter, a role Broncos General Manager Jose Melendez said will suit him well.
“I expect him to have a breakout year this season,” Melendez said. “He’ll be a starter, and that’s where he needs to be because he has five solid pitches.”
Crawford returns for his second tour of duty with the Broncos. He made 18 relief appearances last season.
“He’s been throwing harder this year with better control,” Melendez said. “He looks very sharp so I’m expecting good things from him. He has a good arm.”
Melendez said he expects to bring 28 players to the Broncos’ preseason camp, with 22 making the final roster.
While he expects a few more signings within the next two weeks, he also has May 30 circled on his calendar.
That’s when the team will hold local tryouts at Veterans Field.
“We’re going to save a lot of spots for local players,” he said. “That’s what we’re looking for. Most of the guys we take into the season, we hope they’ll be local talent.
“We want a true hometown team. We’re getting a lot of support from the community and we’re getting people excited, so we want to continue in that direction.”
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Broncos personnel update
I forgot to mention this earlier: Ray Brito will return as the Voice of the Broncos this season.
If you heard Ray last season, his first in broadcasting, then I'm sure you're aware of his passion and knowledge of the game of baseball.
He's a class act all the way and I'm sure Broncos fans will be enthused with the return of his hard work ethic and determination to make his broadcasts top notch.
Also, assistant general manager of operations Albert Herrera will not be returning to the team this season. He is now working for the border patrol.
Albert, native of Laredo who lettered in baseball for 3 years at United High, spent all three years with the Broncos, and his love for the game was evident every single day.
He will be missed by the front office, I'm sure.
Mike Mainhart, who currently attends TAMIU and is on the golf team, will assume some of Herrera's duties as an intern. Mainhart was a game operations intern last season and also has a passion for baseball.
He and Brito are hard-working representatives of the team so don't be surprised if see them out often on the streets of Laredo promoting the Broncos name.
If you heard Ray last season, his first in broadcasting, then I'm sure you're aware of his passion and knowledge of the game of baseball.
He's a class act all the way and I'm sure Broncos fans will be enthused with the return of his hard work ethic and determination to make his broadcasts top notch.
Also, assistant general manager of operations Albert Herrera will not be returning to the team this season. He is now working for the border patrol.
Albert, native of Laredo who lettered in baseball for 3 years at United High, spent all three years with the Broncos, and his love for the game was evident every single day.
He will be missed by the front office, I'm sure.
Mike Mainhart, who currently attends TAMIU and is on the golf team, will assume some of Herrera's duties as an intern. Mainhart was a game operations intern last season and also has a passion for baseball.
He and Brito are hard-working representatives of the team so don't be surprised if see them out often on the streets of Laredo promoting the Broncos name.
Broncos name Cuevas as manager; sign Ugueto
The Broncos have been very busy the past few days.
Yesterday, they named Ricardo Cuevas as manager. Cuevas has ties to Laredo.
Here's the story on his signing.
He's a native Nuevo Laredoan and has spent the past four years as hitting coach of the Tecos (2008) and the Triple A affliate of the Cincinnati Reds (2005-07).
His focus is simple: he wants a heavy local influence on the Broncos, and he wants to win.
The Broncos' M.O. this season is to win, and to win with local players. They want a team that is out in the community and they want a team that takes losing personally, something that was foreign to Bronco teams of the past.
Being a local guy, Cuevas knows Laredo is attracted to winners. Win, and they shall come.
How much do they want a local emphasis? Enough to pass over Cecil Fielder, the former big leaguer, for the managerial job.
Broncos GM Jose Melendez knows time is running out to make his team a permanent institution in the Gateway City.
The team is going into its fourth year in Laredo. It has made the playoffs just once.
The Broncos are betting this is the team and direction that will get Laredoans on board for good.
Time will tell.
*****
The Broncos also announced the signing of former Seattle Mariners shortstop Luis Ugueto on Thursday.
Ugueto has speed, great footwork and is a solid defensive player. He's a veteran of the game, having spent two seasons in the major leagues and nine in minor league ball.
Yesterday, they named Ricardo Cuevas as manager. Cuevas has ties to Laredo.
Here's the story on his signing.
He's a native Nuevo Laredoan and has spent the past four years as hitting coach of the Tecos (2008) and the Triple A affliate of the Cincinnati Reds (2005-07).
His focus is simple: he wants a heavy local influence on the Broncos, and he wants to win.
The Broncos' M.O. this season is to win, and to win with local players. They want a team that is out in the community and they want a team that takes losing personally, something that was foreign to Bronco teams of the past.
Being a local guy, Cuevas knows Laredo is attracted to winners. Win, and they shall come.
How much do they want a local emphasis? Enough to pass over Cecil Fielder, the former big leaguer, for the managerial job.
Broncos GM Jose Melendez knows time is running out to make his team a permanent institution in the Gateway City.
The team is going into its fourth year in Laredo. It has made the playoffs just once.
The Broncos are betting this is the team and direction that will get Laredoans on board for good.
Time will tell.
*****
The Broncos also announced the signing of former Seattle Mariners shortstop Luis Ugueto on Thursday.
Ugueto has speed, great footwork and is a solid defensive player. He's a veteran of the game, having spent two seasons in the major leagues and nine in minor league ball.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Broncos to announce new field manager Wednesday
The Broncos will announce their field manager for the 2009 season on Wednesday at Hal's Landing at 7 p.m.
There will be a press conference and refreshments for those in attendance.
There will be a press conference and refreshments for those in attendance.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Dennis returns to manage WhiteWings
ULB Press Release
HARLINGEN – It is probably the worst kept secret in town – but now it is official — Eduardo “Eddie” Dennis is returning to Harlingen to be field manager of the United League Baseball’s franchise here.
Dennis, who managed the ballclub to its only league championship and also won a first-half league title, reported he is on the job and already lining up players from his Florida base, in an effort to again have a team that will be a frontrunner.
He is expected to arrive in Harlingen in early May.
As one of the more colorful and competent managers in minor league baseball, Dennis was very popular during his five years as manager and one year as coach of the WhiteWings.
Word had recently leaked out about the area and elsewhere in the six-team league that Dennis would be back in Harlingen.
ULB executive Byron Pierce said that once he and former U.S. Rep. John Bryant regained control of the league, one of his first moves was to select Dennis to be field manager here.
“I knew that Eddie would be interested in managing a Harlingen team again and I know we are bringing to the area the best of field managers around,” Pierce said.
As it now stands, the league, which will begin play on June 11 – a late start due to federal and state court litigation – has nearly completed its hiring of general and field managers, Pierce said.
In addition to Harlingen, the league franchises are Edinburg, Laredo, San Angelo, Amarillo and Coastal Bend (Corpus Christi-Robstown).
“I love Harlingen, I love the fans and I love managing in the city,” Dennis said. “I will bring the city and area a solid, winning baseball team, you can bet on that.”
Dennis’ first Texas coaching job was with the Texas-Louisiana League in 1994 as coach for the San Antonio Tejanos, with Jose Cruz as manager. He came to Harlingen in 1995 and was coach for then-WhiteWings field manager Alan Ashby.
Dennis returned as manager in 1998 and was in that position for three years, including the 2000 Texas-Louisiana League championship year.
He resigned after the 2000 season, due to the fact that Pierce and Bryant were forced out by the-then new owners of the T-LL. (The league changed its name to the Central League in 2001 and the Wings disbanded in 2003.)
However, when Pierce and Bryant co-founded the ULB, he returned to manage in 2006 and 2007. His 2007 team won the first half ULB championship, but was defeated in the league playoffs by second-half winner Alexandria, La.
Dennis, a native of the Dominican Republic, signed his first professional contract as an 18-year-old second baseman with the Blue Jays in 1977. He spent the next eight years with the Blue Jays, including minor league stints at Medicine Hat, Alberto; Dunedin, Fla., and Kinston, N.C.
He began his coaching career in 1985. He first was player-coach for the Class AA Knoxville Smokies. The following year he became a full-time coach and later manager.
He was released by the Blue Jays in 1988, which he said ‘really hurt,” but he proudly wears his World Series championship ring received while with the Blue Jays.
He later coached in the Dominican Republic, where one of his players in the Dominican Winter League was Sammy Sosa. More recently, Dennis has been coaching and holding baseball clinics in Florida.
The WhiteWings open the 2009 season at home with a four-game stand with Coastal Bend.
HARLINGEN – It is probably the worst kept secret in town – but now it is official — Eduardo “Eddie” Dennis is returning to Harlingen to be field manager of the United League Baseball’s franchise here.
Dennis, who managed the ballclub to its only league championship and also won a first-half league title, reported he is on the job and already lining up players from his Florida base, in an effort to again have a team that will be a frontrunner.
He is expected to arrive in Harlingen in early May.
As one of the more colorful and competent managers in minor league baseball, Dennis was very popular during his five years as manager and one year as coach of the WhiteWings.
Word had recently leaked out about the area and elsewhere in the six-team league that Dennis would be back in Harlingen.
ULB executive Byron Pierce said that once he and former U.S. Rep. John Bryant regained control of the league, one of his first moves was to select Dennis to be field manager here.
“I knew that Eddie would be interested in managing a Harlingen team again and I know we are bringing to the area the best of field managers around,” Pierce said.
As it now stands, the league, which will begin play on June 11 – a late start due to federal and state court litigation – has nearly completed its hiring of general and field managers, Pierce said.
In addition to Harlingen, the league franchises are Edinburg, Laredo, San Angelo, Amarillo and Coastal Bend (Corpus Christi-Robstown).
“I love Harlingen, I love the fans and I love managing in the city,” Dennis said. “I will bring the city and area a solid, winning baseball team, you can bet on that.”
Dennis’ first Texas coaching job was with the Texas-Louisiana League in 1994 as coach for the San Antonio Tejanos, with Jose Cruz as manager. He came to Harlingen in 1995 and was coach for then-WhiteWings field manager Alan Ashby.
Dennis returned as manager in 1998 and was in that position for three years, including the 2000 Texas-Louisiana League championship year.
He resigned after the 2000 season, due to the fact that Pierce and Bryant were forced out by the-then new owners of the T-LL. (The league changed its name to the Central League in 2001 and the Wings disbanded in 2003.)
However, when Pierce and Bryant co-founded the ULB, he returned to manage in 2006 and 2007. His 2007 team won the first half ULB championship, but was defeated in the league playoffs by second-half winner Alexandria, La.
Dennis, a native of the Dominican Republic, signed his first professional contract as an 18-year-old second baseman with the Blue Jays in 1977. He spent the next eight years with the Blue Jays, including minor league stints at Medicine Hat, Alberto; Dunedin, Fla., and Kinston, N.C.
He began his coaching career in 1985. He first was player-coach for the Class AA Knoxville Smokies. The following year he became a full-time coach and later manager.
He was released by the Blue Jays in 1988, which he said ‘really hurt,” but he proudly wears his World Series championship ring received while with the Blue Jays.
He later coached in the Dominican Republic, where one of his players in the Dominican Winter League was Sammy Sosa. More recently, Dennis has been coaching and holding baseball clinics in Florida.
The WhiteWings open the 2009 season at home with a four-game stand with Coastal Bend.
Monday, April 13, 2009
ULB to hold national tryouts May 15-16
ROBSTOWN – The United League Baseball will hold its national tryouts at the Coastal Bend franchise’s Borchard Regional Fairground Field on May 15 and 16, the league has announced.
Each day of the two-day sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and be completed at 4 p.m., according to league President Byron Pierce.
Following the second day of tryouts, there will be a draft and managers will begin signing players that same day.
To be eligible to try out and/or to be signed, a prospect must be at least 18 years or older. He must not be committed to a college scholarship and must be released from any professional baseball contract.
There is no charge for the tryout camp.
The baseball stadium is located off U.S. 77 and Texas Highway 44 just outside Robstown.
For more information, contact Pierce at txproball@aol.com.
Each day of the two-day sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and be completed at 4 p.m., according to league President Byron Pierce.
Following the second day of tryouts, there will be a draft and managers will begin signing players that same day.
To be eligible to try out and/or to be signed, a prospect must be at least 18 years or older. He must not be committed to a college scholarship and must be released from any professional baseball contract.
There is no charge for the tryout camp.
The baseball stadium is located off U.S. 77 and Texas Highway 44 just outside Robstown.
For more information, contact Pierce at txproball@aol.com.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Broncos sign former United standout; ULB news
The Laredo Broncos acquired a former United High standout on Wednesday, inking Andres Santos to a deal.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound left fielder played the last six seasons with the Tecolotes of Nuevo Laredo. He was also a pivotal member of the Longhorns of the late 90s under coach Arturo Contreras.
“I’ve been going after him since our first year (2006) but he always had offers in the Mexican League,” Broncos General Manager Jose Melendez said. “He’s a contact power hitter, which is very rare, and averaged a home run every eight at-bats in the Mexican League.”
The 31-year-old Santos, who also played at Laredo Community College and Northwood College, delivered 15 home runs as a pinch hitter during his first four years for the Tecos.
He is regarded as a pure hitter
“The big thing is that he’s a local kid,” Melendez said. “He’s not just a local kid, though, but he’s a local kid with great talent. He had offers to play with the Tecos this year but he turned them down to come play over here.”
“This is a great signing as we are always looking for local talent that can compete at this level. Santos fits that bill and beyond.”
Dirksen named GM in Harlingen
HARLINGEN — The co-founders of the United League Baseball have selected their original choice for general manager of the Harlingen club to again take over that operation.
Cory Dirksen, who was GM in 2006, the first season of the ULB, and again in 2007, will begin in that same capacity immediately, league executives Byron Pierce and John Bryant said.
“Cory was one of the top general managers in the league during those first two years that Harlingen operated and we have complete faith that he will again excel,” Pierce said.
In his two years as general manager of the WhiteWings, Dirksen helped put together a team that won the first-half league title in 2007.
Prior to his management duties in ULB, Dirksen spent three years as director of Sales and was a scout for the Rockford River Hawks in the Frontier League, helping to start the franchise from the ground up.
He then served as general manager of the Windy City Thunder Balls, also in the Frontier League.
Doug Leary new general manager for Coyotes
EDINBURG — A man with 30 years experience in sports and entertainment fields has been selected by United League Baseball officials to be the new general manager of the Edinburg Coyotes.
Doug Leary, whose background includes having been general manager or assistant general manager for three AAA Pacific Coast League baseball clubs, has assumed his new duties.
League officials John Bryant and Byron Pierce said that Leary was selected over a number of very good management prospects.
“After much consideration and with some solid applicants, it was decided that Doug Leary is the best fit for the Edinburg club,” Pierce said. “Doug has experience in all facets of baseball management.”
Leary, a Chicago native, is a graduate of Arizona State University. He has a degree in Radio and TV Broadcasting.
His Pacific Coast League management experience includes positions at Ogden, Phoenix and Tucson.
He also managed the spring training business for the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s.
In addition to his many years in baseball, Leary has held management positions with NASCAR, professional hockey and professional women’s softball.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound left fielder played the last six seasons with the Tecolotes of Nuevo Laredo. He was also a pivotal member of the Longhorns of the late 90s under coach Arturo Contreras.
“I’ve been going after him since our first year (2006) but he always had offers in the Mexican League,” Broncos General Manager Jose Melendez said. “He’s a contact power hitter, which is very rare, and averaged a home run every eight at-bats in the Mexican League.”
The 31-year-old Santos, who also played at Laredo Community College and Northwood College, delivered 15 home runs as a pinch hitter during his first four years for the Tecos.
He is regarded as a pure hitter
“The big thing is that he’s a local kid,” Melendez said. “He’s not just a local kid, though, but he’s a local kid with great talent. He had offers to play with the Tecos this year but he turned them down to come play over here.”
“This is a great signing as we are always looking for local talent that can compete at this level. Santos fits that bill and beyond.”
Dirksen named GM in Harlingen
HARLINGEN — The co-founders of the United League Baseball have selected their original choice for general manager of the Harlingen club to again take over that operation.
Cory Dirksen, who was GM in 2006, the first season of the ULB, and again in 2007, will begin in that same capacity immediately, league executives Byron Pierce and John Bryant said.
“Cory was one of the top general managers in the league during those first two years that Harlingen operated and we have complete faith that he will again excel,” Pierce said.
In his two years as general manager of the WhiteWings, Dirksen helped put together a team that won the first-half league title in 2007.
Prior to his management duties in ULB, Dirksen spent three years as director of Sales and was a scout for the Rockford River Hawks in the Frontier League, helping to start the franchise from the ground up.
He then served as general manager of the Windy City Thunder Balls, also in the Frontier League.
Doug Leary new general manager for Coyotes
EDINBURG — A man with 30 years experience in sports and entertainment fields has been selected by United League Baseball officials to be the new general manager of the Edinburg Coyotes.
Doug Leary, whose background includes having been general manager or assistant general manager for three AAA Pacific Coast League baseball clubs, has assumed his new duties.
League officials John Bryant and Byron Pierce said that Leary was selected over a number of very good management prospects.
“After much consideration and with some solid applicants, it was decided that Doug Leary is the best fit for the Edinburg club,” Pierce said. “Doug has experience in all facets of baseball management.”
Leary, a Chicago native, is a graduate of Arizona State University. He has a degree in Radio and TV Broadcasting.
His Pacific Coast League management experience includes positions at Ogden, Phoenix and Tucson.
He also managed the spring training business for the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s.
In addition to his many years in baseball, Leary has held management positions with NASCAR, professional hockey and professional women’s softball.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Update
It's that time of year again, as the Broncos are getting a good start on the 2009 baseball season.
But they are not doing it in the Continental Baseball League, which, if you've only been following this blog, is where you'd seen them last.
They are back in United League Baseball after the former owners won the lawsuit to win back the league. With them came all the former teams, excluding Alexandria.
So the Broncos are back in the league which they started.
Their 2009 schedule for this year was released on Wednesday.
Here's how it looks:
2009 Broncos season schedule
June
11-14: @ Edinburg
15-18: vs. San Angelo
19-22: @ Coastal Bend
24-27: vs. Amarillo
June 28-July 1: @ Harlingen
July
2-5: vs. San Angelo
6-9: @ San Angelo
10-13: @ Amarillo
14-17: vs. Harlingen
18-21: vs. Edinburg
23-26: @ Amarillo
27-30: vs. Harlingen
31-Aug. 3: vs. Coastal Bend
August
4-7: @ San Angelo
8-11: @ Edinburg
12-15: @ Amarillo
16-19: vs. Harlingen
20-23: @ Edinburg
24-27: @ Coastal Bend
28-31: vs. Coastal Bend
Playoffs: Sept. 1-8.
Also, the new ULB entry team, Coastal Bend, has named its manager, and it's a familiar one for ULB enthusiasts.
It's Al Gallagher, formerly of the Harlingen WhiteWings. He has spent more than 40 years in professional baseball, including the majors, that dates back to 1965 when he was a first round draft choice by the San Francisco Giants.
Here's the full story on the hiring, courtesy of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
Broncos GM Jose Melendez is expected to name a manager within the next week. He already has his choice in, but the league has to approve it. They are currently processing all the information now.
Once the hiring is made official, Melendez said a flurry of player transactions will be announced.
But they are not doing it in the Continental Baseball League, which, if you've only been following this blog, is where you'd seen them last.
They are back in United League Baseball after the former owners won the lawsuit to win back the league. With them came all the former teams, excluding Alexandria.
So the Broncos are back in the league which they started.
Their 2009 schedule for this year was released on Wednesday.
Here's how it looks:
2009 Broncos season schedule
June
11-14: @ Edinburg
15-18: vs. San Angelo
19-22: @ Coastal Bend
24-27: vs. Amarillo
June 28-July 1: @ Harlingen
July
2-5: vs. San Angelo
6-9: @ San Angelo
10-13: @ Amarillo
14-17: vs. Harlingen
18-21: vs. Edinburg
23-26: @ Amarillo
27-30: vs. Harlingen
31-Aug. 3: vs. Coastal Bend
August
4-7: @ San Angelo
8-11: @ Edinburg
12-15: @ Amarillo
16-19: vs. Harlingen
20-23: @ Edinburg
24-27: @ Coastal Bend
28-31: vs. Coastal Bend
Playoffs: Sept. 1-8.
Also, the new ULB entry team, Coastal Bend, has named its manager, and it's a familiar one for ULB enthusiasts.
It's Al Gallagher, formerly of the Harlingen WhiteWings. He has spent more than 40 years in professional baseball, including the majors, that dates back to 1965 when he was a first round draft choice by the San Francisco Giants.
Here's the full story on the hiring, courtesy of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
Broncos GM Jose Melendez is expected to name a manager within the next week. He already has his choice in, but the league has to approve it. They are currently processing all the information now.
Once the hiring is made official, Melendez said a flurry of player transactions will be announced.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)