Calgary Vipers Field Manager Mike Busch has headed to Mexico to assist a good friend.  Busch, who recently signed a two year contract extension with the Vipers, will act as hitting coach for skipper Tim Johnson with the Algodoneros de Guasave (Guasave Cotton Growers) of the Triple-A Mexican Winter League.  Johnson, the former Toronto Blue Jays manager, is also the field boss of the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association.  Busch was the Saltdogs hitting coach before becoming the Vipers first ever manager.

“This is a great opportunity for Mike”, said Vipers President Peter Young.  “He will not only get to work with the Guasave batters but will have an incredible chance to scout players for the Vipers for the 2007 season.  Each team has a 40 man roster so Mike is going to be seeing a wealth of talent.”

At the moment the Cotton Growers are at the bottom of the eight team league but are only 4 games out of a playoff spot.  The regular season runs until Dec. 30 with a two week playoff window to follow.

The Vipers have also exercised their contract option on 21 of the players from their 2006 roster.  However, one of those, pitcher Jon Huizinga is close to signing with a major league organization.  The Vipers expect five starting pitchers from the 2006 roster at training camp.   That includes ace Evan Greusel, fellow right handers Ryan Jamieson, Tom Lyons and Phil Sobkow along with left handed rookie Scott Sarver.  Veterans Carlos Duncan and Nelson Castro, MVP Drew Miller and Northern League Rookie of the Year Manabu Kuramochi will also return.  Two players from the Vipers inactive list, infielders Samuel Rosario and Olmo Rosario are also expected in training camp.

The Vipers will open training camp on Thursday, May 3, 2007 at Foothills Stadium.  Stadium and concourse construction will force the Vipers on the road for their entire preseason schedule before they open the regular season in Joliet.  The JackHammers will also provide the opposition for the Vipers when they host their home opener on Friday, May 25 in the completely renovated Foothills Stadium.

The Vipers should also have an immaculate field on which to play in 2007.  The club recently added a man with plenty of major league experience to the organization.  Josh Teuscher never played in the bigs but joins the Vipers as head groundskeeper after spending the past two major league seasons as groundskeeper for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.  Teuscher joined the team in October and will oversee the construction of the new club seating area and the new lower level seating project as well as the new suspension backstop.  All areas of the stadium in the home plate bowl with feature chairs in the 2007 season and fans will get an unobstructed view of playing surface.

For information of Season Tickets or U Pick Em packs call 277-2255.