L&D Amsterdam has made the first move in the Dutch Hoofdklasse offseason. The Pirates added pitchers Kyle Ward and Kevin Heijstek plus infielder Michael Duursma according to Honkbalsite.com. Heijstek is coming from DOOR Neptunus, Duursma from the Vaessen Pioniers and Ward from UVV. Additionally prospect Daan Hendrix will be promoted from the Rookie team to the Hoofdklasse selection. Meanwhile Vince Rooi (Vaessen Pioniers), Rik Geestmann (DSS/second division) and Frank van Heijst (remains with Pirates, but no longer on Hoofdklasse squad) are leaving the team. A couple of weeks ago L&D Amsterdam had announced that Sidney de Jong will take over as head coach, assisted by Percy Isenia and Rob Cordemans. De Jong, who has retired from his active career, replaces Charles Urbanus at the helm.