The Dutch Hoofdklasse club Hoofddorp Pioniers has to make major changes this offseason. Honkbalsite.com reports on Monday that main sponsor Konica Minolta ends its partnership with the team after 32 years. Additionally they are revamping the roster for new head coach Robert Klaver.
It was already known that pitchers Arshwin Asjes (Neptunus) and Jurien van Zijl (UVV) will not come back in 2011. Their best hitter in the 2010 season Lennart Koster (Mr. Cocker HCAW) is not returning as well. Also Maarten Mulder (HCAW), Shurty Tremus (UVV), Jakub Malik (remains in Czech Republic), Jourick Blanco (Sparta/Feyenoord), Tjerk Hogervorst (RCH), Wouter Kamstra (DSS) and Jeffrey de Vrieze will leave the club.
On the plus side the Pioniers were able to sign the American infielder Nik Gumeson, who is coming from the University of Utah, where he batted .326 with twelve homeruns in 44 games. He will be joined by fellow newcomers Jason Orman (Almere Magpies) and Conrad Orman, who is coming back. Hoofddorp also will promote youth players Lars Huijer, Kjeld de Lincel, Zerzinho Croes and Skip Vasser to the Hoofdklasse team. Furthermore De Flanegin will continue his career and Robin van Doornspeek is expected back after missing the entire 2010 season due to an elbow injury.
Meanwhile the staff of manager Robert Klaver was confirmed with assistant coaches Peter Barentsen and Theo Geerman. Dave Draijer is going to serve as pitching coach. The Pioniers finished fourth in the regular season this summer and reached the semi-finals in the Hoofdklasse, where they got swept by DOOR Neptunus.