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.