Here are the players who are spending their first Opening Day with the Las Vegas Hustlers:
Norbert Rich, Relief Pitcher
The 25 year old Rich was acquired at the trade deadline in 2000 from Marquette in exchange for Ian Botham. He's had stints in September in 1999 (MQT), 2000, and 2001. Rich will assume a key bullpen role and is expected to help pick up the role of the departed Santiago Colon (signed with Hawaii in free agency).
Timothy Devinney, Relief Pitcher
Following a 32 save campaign with AAA Milwaukee last year, Devinney cracks the Hustlers bullpen as a second lefthander. He was acquired at the trade deadline in 2000 from California in exchange for veteran closer Marty Powers.
Martin Brown, Relief Pitcher
A third rookie member of the bullpen, Brown is a product of the Las Vegas farm system, drafted in the 3rd round in the 1995 draft. It has taken him a while to make it, but at age 28, Brown is finally a member of an Opening Day roster. Brown finally broke through last year with AAA Milwaukee, going 14-10, 3.51 ERA, and striking out 211 in 215.2 innings pitched. He followed that with a successful four game September cup of coffee with the Hustlers.
Jose Oliva, 3B/IF
When selecting the 27th spot on the roster, the Hustlers thought outside of the box. Oliva wasn't even invited to Spring Training with the big club, but at the last minute he was plucked from AAA Milwaukee and told that he'd be going to Vegas as part of the Opening Day roster. After spending parts of six years in the MBBA, he's posted monster numbers in AAA the past two years. He's looked at as a power pinch hitter, especially against left-handed pitching.
Silvio Garcia, Infielder
The 24 year old Garcia has been in the Hustlers long term plans since being acquired from Greenville for Earl Alleyne in 1996. After batting .303 for AAA Milwaukee last year, he batted .313 in his September stint with the Hustlers. He'll back up all infield positions this year, and get some playing time versus lefties.
Jason "Ogre" Stucky, Outfielder
Stucky signed with the Hustlers later last season, made the postseason roster and ended up being part of the starting lineup against left handed pitching as the rightfielder. He'll have the same role this season, and recently signed a two year extension keeping him with the Hustlers through 2004.
Douglas "Doogie" Howser, Center Field/Utility
The 30 year old Howser was promoted to the big club late last season and carved a niche on the club with timely hitting and fantastic outfield defense. He plays a number of positions and though he's not a great hitter in scouts minds, he is batting an even .300 in 456 career MBBA at-bats.