The Swedes are coming! In preparation for the 2009 World Cup to be played beginning in September, the Swedish National Baseball Team has agreed to play the Madison Mallards in an exhibition game at the “Duck Pond” on Wednesday, May 27.

USA Baseball announced yesterday that future Mallard and current Louisville pitcher Tony Zych is one of five freshmen invited to tryout for the 2009 USA Baseball National Team during trials to be held at the National Training Complex in Cary, NC, June 15-24. The National Team Trials will be comprised of 36 collegiate players vying for a spot on the final 22-man roster to be announced on June 24.

The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of two players for 2009. Junior outfielders Ryan Durant of the University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) and Chris Murrill of Nicholls State University (Thibodaux, LA) have committed to play for the MoonDogs this summer.

Former Eau Claire Express standout starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann is scheduled to make his Major League debut tonight as his Washington Nationals host the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Zimmermann, a month shy of his 23rd birthday, will become the 53rd Northwoods League alumnus to appear in the Major Leagues and the first pitcher to make his debut as a starter since Casey Janssen of the Blue Jays in April of 2006.

Michael Marshall, son of former Major Leaguer Mike Marshall, has signed to play with the Wisconsin Woodchucks this summer. Marshall, a sophomore pitcher for Stanford University, will be playing in Wausau along with his current teammate Chris Reed, a left-handed pitcher for the Cardinal.

The Thunder Bay Border Cats announced the signing of four players, including Brian Chase of Kentucky’s Campbellsville University.

The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced the signing of John Gianis, a 6’2” 177 pound freshman outfielder from North Carolina State University.

The Waterloo Bucks announced the signing of University of Indiana freshman Josh Lyon. The 6'3", 220-pound catcher becomes the second catcher added to the Bucks 2009 roster.

The Madison Mallards added depth to their outfield signing Virginia sophomore David Coleman to a contract for the 2009 season. Coleman, who's hitting .278 with three doubles and 10 RBI this year for the Cavaliers, was named to the 2008 ACC Championship All-Tournament Team for outfielders after batting .385 (5-for-13) with a .500 on-base percentage.

Over the last 3 months, as part of their commitment to being an active and loyal partner in the community, the Bullfrogs have taken an active approach to provide some relief to families facing financial struggles. If you remember, in February the team offered buy a 10-pack of Reserve tickets receive a 6-pack of Reserve tickets free and in March, the offer was buy two Leinies Fan Deck passes and receive two free.