Royals ink five free agents in four days

The Armena Royals re-upped with their all-star, added veteran experience and penned a young prospect for their 2010 campaign, all in the span of four days during Easter Weekend.

Friday night, the Royals came to terms with future PBL Hall of Famer Joel Boettger. However, it’s not certain yet how many games the flame-throwing farmer out of Round Hill will play in.

Long-time friend and fellow part-time Royal Clark Banack smiled in a media scrum at Spruce Grove’s Grant Fuhr Arena following a Twitter posting of the signing by newsman John B. Spigott.

“That’s the first step in getting (Joel) back in Armena blue,” Banack said. “First step!”

Boettger may only play a few games here and there throughout the season.

Knowing this, and knowing the loss of another catcher in Adam Johnson, GM Jason Buzzell acquired the rights to Chad Samoisetti of Camrose.

“I’ve never seen him play, but the guys who coached with him in Camrose say he’s one heck of a catcher,” Buzzell said.

Adding to the weekend blitz of signings was the official announcement of the return of Wes Wilson and Steve Thiessen, both aging veterans who can pitch, play a mean field and hit the ball. Both played during the Armena Axemen years.

“Steve could be our potential closer and he’s a decent hitter with playoff experience,” Buzzell said. “Wes, well what can you say – over a decade in the PBL, multiple championships and he’s older than me – so I won’t be the oldest player on this damn young team finally.”

Quietly, the Royals also signed Ian Sherbaniuk Easter Monday. Sherbaniuk was a farmhand on the Royals’ unofficial farm team of the Camrose Cougars. The knuckleballer and honour student from Bawlf helped guide the Cougars to provincial gold last year.

“I’ve played with Cole (Tomaszewski) and Kyle (Ellis) in atom so I know a couple guys,” Sherbaniuk said.

Buzzell, who says the signings may not be over, including the possibility of a couple more “blockbuster” acquisitions, said he is happy with how the team is shaping up.

“The flurry of signings may be over, I guess. Is this our team for 2010? I’m not sure,” he said. “I’m trying for a couple more, but if it doesn’t work out, then I think this team could be solid and turn heads after we kind of underachieved last year.”

The Royals kick off their 2010 regular season against the Leduc Milleteers at home on May 18. Exhibition games are slotted for May 4 and their home tournament on May 15.

Posted on April 7, 2010 by Jason Buzzell