L&D AMSTERDAM is probably the busiest Hoofdklasse club during the off season so far. Rogier van Zon of Honkbalsite.com reports on Friday evening that they have completed their roster for the 2010 season. The last piece was the signing of 24-year-old American pitcher Ben Grover, who comes from the farm team of MEDIA MONKS RCH. He attended Cuesta College and Oral Roberts University (NCAA Division I) and moved to the Netherlands this year to live with his girlfriend.
A few days ago they already had announced that Rob Cordemans joins the pitching staff for 2010. Additionally six players get promoted from the PIRATES farm team to the Hoofdklasse roster. Some of them, like Nick Urbanus, Frank van Heijst, Seb Visser and Michael Kramer, already played for the Major League team in 2009. Also back will be the Australian Adam Blackley, a former prospect in the Boston Red Sox organization.
Nick Stuifbergen and Marvin Bleij are the most prominent players, which will leave AMSTERDAM this winter. Besides the two, Maikel Benner, Raban Schalm, Bjoern Henrichs, Pavèl van Zaane and Mark Kan also will not be back. Stuifbergen and Henrichs will join CORENDON KINHEIM. Bleij signed with DOOR NEPTUNUS.
L&D AMSTERDAM also has a new coaching staff. Charles Urbanus Jr. replaces Rikkert Fanyete as skipper. Eric de Vries will be the pitching coach, while Randell Hannah will serve as third-base coach. The first day of winter practice is scheduled for November 10th.
Complete Roster:
Pitchers:
Rob Cordemans, Frank van Heijst, Jos de Jong, Rik Geestman, Pim Walsma, Ben Grover, Adam Blackley, Loek van Mil (will most likely remain in the US for most of the season)
Catchers:
Sidney de Jong, Bas Nooij, Rachid Gerard
Infielders:
Kenny Berkenbosch, Zair Koeiman, Nick Urbanus, Vince Rooi, Seb Visser, Roelie Henrique.
Outfielders:
Michael Kramer, Wesley Connor, Bas de Jong
Designated Hitter:
Fausto Alvarez Rizo
