Sooners Heat Up Spring Training

Twenty-two former Sooners return to the diamond this week in preparation for spring games beginning Thurs., March 5, for Major League Baseball clubs in Arizona and Florida.

Seven former Sooners begin 2004 on teams' 40-man rosters. Russ Ortiz (Atlanta Braves) and Mark Redman (Oakland Athletics) are veterans eager to improve on last season. Geoff Geary returns to the Philadelphia Phillies after five games at the mound last season. Jason Bartlett (Minnesota Twins), Greg Dobbs (Seattle Mariners), Val Pascucci (Montreal Expos) and Tommy Whiteman (Houston Astros) are all working towards their first career appearances in "The Show."

Ortiz returns to the Braves following a career season when he led the National League with 21 wins, three more than any other pitcher. He tied for second in the league with a .750 winning percentage and was the Braves' first 20-game winner since Tom Glavine won 21 in 2000. He ended the season pitching 14.0 consecutive scoreless innings.

Redman joins his new club after spending last season with the World Champion Florida Marlins, going 14-9 with 3.59 ERA. He pitched 18.0 innings in four games versus the New York Yankees in the World Series, striking out 10 batters.

Fifteen other former Sooners are on major league affiliates to begin the new season. They include Jeff Bajenaru, Charlotte Knights (AAA, White Sox); Buddy Blair, Peoria Chiefs (A, Cardinals); Rocky Cherry, Lansing Lugnuts (A, Cubs); Austin Coose, Orlando Rays (A, Devil Rays); Eddie Cornejo, Vancouver Canadians (A, Athletics); Kyle Denney, Buffalo Bisons (AAA, Indians); Jason Fransz, Clinton Lumberkings (A, Rangers); Evan Gruesel, Jupiter Hammerheads (A, Marlins); Damon Minor, Fresno Grizzlies (AAA, Giants); Greg Norton, Toledo Mud Hens (AAA, Tigers); Kevin Olsen, Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA, Marlins); Brian Shackelford, Louisville Bats (AAA, Reds); Derek Wathan, Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA, Marlins); Reggie Willits, Provo Angels (A, Angels) and Spencer Wyman, Jamestown Jammers (SS, Marlins).

The most notable Sooner from this group is Norton. He is a veteran of eight seasons at the major league level with the Chicago White Sox (1996-2000) and Colorado Rockies (2001-03). In 2003, Norton led all major league pinch-hitters with 23 hits and 17 RBI, while his four home runs tied for the most. Overall, he batted .263 with 15 doubles, six home runs and 31 RBI in 114 games with the Rockies last season.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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