The Kansas City T-Bones and manager Andy McCauley announced Wednesday the signing of four players to the 2008 roster.  Rick Hummel and Nick Jaros both spent time with the club in 2007; Tag Horner and rookie Rick Rivas are new additions.

Hummel started the year with Kansas City, appearing in five games before moving to the Frontier League where he pitched in 28 games between River City and Southern Illinois.  In 32 and 2/3 innings pitched he allowed only seven earned runs compiling a 1.93 ERA.

“Rick was with us at the start of last year and wasn’t quite 100% coming off an injury the year before,” said McCauley.  “He had a rehab stint in the Frontier League and posted good numbers.  We’re looking to get him back to where he was and have him compete for a spot in late relief.”

Jaros returns to the T-Bones after finishing his first stint in professional baseball with a .299 average, two home runs and 10 RBI.  Jaros played in 19 games for Kansas City after joining the team on August 5.

“We saw some good things out of Nick in limited time last year,” said McCauley.  “We’re hoping he can compete for a starting job in the outfield.”

Horner will begin his fourth season of professional baseball.  He spent his first three seasons playing in the Baltimore Orioles system compiling a 4.04 ERA in 85 appearances between rookie ball and Class-A.  Opponents have been held to a .260 average against Horner in 124.2 innings.

Rivas last played for the Cowboys of Oklahoma State in 2005 and 2006.  In two Big XII seasons, Rivas went 5-6 with and was named a member of the Academic All-Big XII team in his senior season.

The T-Bones open the 2008 season on the road May 15 in Winnipeg, before the home-opener at CommunityAmerica Ballpark on May 23 against Schaumburg.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.  Season tickets and mini plans are available now by calling the T-Bones box office at (913) 328-5618.