Even though Neptunus Rotterdam celebrated its 13th Dutch championship in September, they are looking at a few changes for the upcoming season in the Hoofdklasse. Head coach Steve Janssen, pitcher Dushan Ruzic, catcher Martijn Meeuwis, outfielder Danny Rombley and infielder Roy Seltenrijch will leave the club. New on board will be pitchers Arshwin Asjes and Tim Roodenburg as well as catcher Sape Wagenaar.
Steve Janssen can no longer work at the helm in Rotterdam due to a clause in his contract as pitching coach for the Dutch National Team. The EBCA coach of the year 2009 had led Neptunus to consecutive championships, but had joined the coaching staff of manager Jim Stoeckel at the beginning of the 2010 season. According to the report by Honkbalsite.com the previous assistant coaches Jan Collins, Wim Martinus and Adonis Kemp will take over for Janssen.
Dushan Ruzic split time between the starting rotation and the bullpen this year. He was named MVP of the 2010 Holland Series. The 28-year-old Australian right-hander had a 9-0 record with an ERA of 1.56 this year during the regular season. He is transferring to another club, most likely in the Italian Baseball League.
Martijn Meeuwis is joining the second division club Twins due to professional reasons. Danny Rombley and Roy Seltenrijch will stay in the Hoofdklasse. The National Team outfielder is making the trip to Utrecht for the promoted UVV. The 18-year-old infielder has agreed to play for Corendon Kinheim next season. Neptunus also will not have Jeroen Sluijter (retirement) and Marvin Bleij (shoulder surgery) available next year.
However they are not only losing personal. They already were able to sign Arshwin Asjes (Konica Minolta Pioniers) and Tim Roodenburg (Sparta/Feyenoord) to strengthen the pitching staff and Sape Wagenaar (Sparta/Feyenoord) to replace Meeuwis. Additionally they need to find a new head sponsor after ending their partnership with DOOR.