Former RiverHawks With Major League Affiliates

LOVES PARK, Ill. – Two former Rockford RiverHawks are beginning the season Thursday with high Class A major-league affiliates.

Catcher Travis Scott, who played for the RiverHawks last season, is with Pittsburgh’s Florida State League affiliate at Bradenton. Scott is not in the starting lineup for the Marauders’ game at Charlotte.

Lefty Taylor Sinclair, who pitched for the RiverHawks three years ago, is with Arizona’s California League affiliate at Visalia. He is slated for the bullpen. The Rawhide open the season at home against Bakersfield.

Scott threw out 34 percent of opposing basestealers, the best percentage in the Northern League, in 2010. Though he didn’t have enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title, Scott hit .300 with five home runs and 29 RBI in 65 games. Scott began last season in the Seattle organization. He hit a combined .254 with five homers and 23 RBI at Class AA West Tennessee and high Class A High Desert.

The Los Angeles Angels signed him in December, only to lose him to the Pirates in the minor-league phase of the Rule 5 Draft.

Sinclair started his pro career with the RiverHawks, but after he averaged a strikeout an inning in four appearances, the Diamondbacks picked him up. Last year at Visalia, he was 8-7 with a 4.74 earned-run average in 27 appearances.

A third former RiverHawk, San Francisco farmhand Justin Dowdy, is in the Class AA Richmond bullpen for Thursday’s Eastern League opener against visiting New Britain.

The RiverHawks open their 10^th season at 7:05 p.m. Friday, May 20, when they host Traverse City. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.