Jarvis Merchants Signings
The Jarvis Merchants management has been busy this fall and would like to take this opportunity to announce the signing of the following players for the 2007 season:
1) Andrew Phibbs (P) returns for his forth year with the Merchants. A strong start to the 2006 season was ended with an early June injury that kept Andrew out of the line-up until the WT in Kitchener. The Merchants are expecting Phibbs to be the work-horse in 07 and build on his strong WT where he posted a 1.88ERA.
2) Brian Urquhart (P) comes to the Merchants in ’07 after two strong seasons with the Heflin Builders. Urquhart had a 4&2 record at the 2006 WT in helping Heflin to their 7th place finish. Brian joins Phibbs to give Jarvis two of the top young throwers from the eastern half of Canada.
3) Scott Wagar (P) returns for his third season for the Merchants. Wagar will be looking to build on a strong finish to the 2006 season that saw him named Top Pitcher during the round robin portion of the Senior National tournament.
4) Greg Courneyea (C) entering his forth season with the Merchants, Courneyea will be the spark plug of the Merchants’ offence. Courneyea plays with an edge and does all the little things that will help the Merchants improve on their 2006 season.
5) Allan Phibbs (C) returns for his forth season behind the dish for the Merchants. Phibbs’ size and strength provides the Merchants with a HR threat every time he comes to the plate.
6) Adam Smith (2B) returns for his 4th season with the Merchants. A steadying influence on the young Jarvis roster, Smith continues to provide great defense at 2B and timely hits at the plate. A multiple ISC Champion and All-World selection, Smith is looking to help the Merchants take another step forward in 2007.
7) Ryan Thompson (SS)is back for his second full season with the Jarvis Merchants. A veteran of ten ISC World tournaments, he is considered one of the top defensive short stops in Canada. Thompson will be paired with Adam Smith in the middle of the Merchants infield. Staats feels that Thompson is a stabilizing factor on the Merchants infield while providing a strong offensive presence at the plate.
8) Matt Lyon (3B) returns in 2007 for his forth year. Lyon has become a top flight defensive 3B and will be looking to build on a strong season at the plate. At the young age of 27, Lyon’s best is yet to come and could be ready for a breakout season in 07.
9) Pat Graham (1B) returns to his home town after spending the past two seasons with the Quaker Riversharks. With Graham’s return, the Merchants feel they have one of the top defensive players in the game that will also bring a consistent bat to the top of the Merchants line-up. A 3-time national champion with Owen Sound, Graham will be expected to provide leadership and bring a professional attitude to the young Merchants line-up.
10) John Brunton (OF) joins the Merchants in 2007 after a year off from the senior circuit. Brunton is a 2-time national champion and was last seen suited up with the Quaker Riversharks and Heflin Builders. Brunton is expected to provide solid defense in the OF and brings another young experienced bat to the Merchant line-up.
11) Brad Robinson (DP/OF) returns to the Merchants in 2007 and looks to build on his break out season of 2006. Robinson led the Merchants in most offensive categories and finished strong by hitting 5 HRs during the 2006 Senior Nationals in Prince George. Robinson will be counted on to anchor the middle of the Merchants order in 2006.
12) Bob Gillow (OF) is coming off an injury plagued 2006 which limited his availability through most of the season. Gillow returned to form in time for the senior nationals in Prince George and provided a solid bat at the bottom of the Merchant line-up. The Merchants are looking forward to having Gillow back at 100% come 2007.
13) Chad Staats (OF/IF) is the youngest member of the Merchants but also the most versatile. With the ability to play all three OF positions and both middle infield positions, Staats’ versatility is a valuable asset to the Merchants line-up.
14) Rino Dambrosio (OF) was the latest addition to the Merchants line-up. Dambrosio, a 2003 All World Selection with Owen Sound, played with the Hallman Twins in 2005 and the Midland Explorers in 2006. Dambrosio possess a strong arm from the outfield and will provide both speed and power to the top of the Merchant line-up.
15) Brian Roote (OF/IF) returns to the Merchants for his second season. Roote possess a strong arm and power from the left side of the plate. Roote is another of the young Merchants that will be looking for a break out season in 2007.
The Jarvis Merchants plan on announcing their full schedule in January. Their tournament schedule will kick off with their annual Fastpitch Challenge which is scheduled for May 18-20. A formal announcement is expected before Christmas.
