T-Bones Welcome Back Hurba, Add Pitcher04/02/2008 3:00 PM -
T-Bones manager Andy McCauley announced Craig Hurba has re-signed with the T-Bones and also announced the addition of pitcher Derek Blacksher. Hurba, 26, returns to the T-Bones after a one-year absence while he was playing in the Mariners system. With Kansas City in 2006, he played in 95 of the team’s 96 games as a catcher. He hit .269 with 18 home runs and 47 RBI.
“Hurba is coming back to Kansas City after being signed by the Mariners,” said McCauley. “Playing against Craig I thought he was the best catcher in the league in ‘06. I’m looking forward to getting him his at bats in the middle of our lineup and getting him back to where he was in ‘06. Craig has great respect throughout the league, both offensively and defensively, and should be a big part of our success in 2008.”
Hurba was originally picked by the Texas Rangers in the 38th round of the 2004 June draft. Through his four-year professional career he has hit .276 with 26 home runs while driving in 114.
Blacksher comes to the T-Bones after spending his first professional season in the Florida Marlins system. In 20 games last season, he went 3-2 with a 1.75 ERA in 25 2/3 innings. He also notched 11 saves.
“Derek is a young arm that we hope to utilize either out of the bullpen or starting,” said McCauley. “He had good numbers with the Marlins and was just released. We hope to get him back on track and hopefully back with an organization.”
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. Tickets are available now by calling the T-Bones box office at (913) 328-5618.
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