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04/05/2009 10:45 PM ET
Vitters, Flaherty, Shafer Headline 2009 Roster
Ridling, Andersen & Flores Lead Returnees
By Nathan Baliva / Peoria Chiefs
Rebel Ridling rounds the bases after homering at Wrigley Field on July 29, 2008. Ridling is one of 11 returnees to the Chiefs 2009 roster. (Dennis Sievers)

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The Chicago Cubs have announced the players who will comprise the 2009 Opening Day roster for the Peoria Chiefs. Headlining for the Chiefs this year are Cubs top overall prospect Josh Vitters, 2008 2nd round pick Aaron Shafer, Cubs #8 prospect Ryan Flaherty, and hurlers Chris Huseby and Chris Archer. Rebel Ridling, Luis Flores and Josh Harrison highlight the returning Chief players from 2008. The 2009 roster includes 11 players who played in at least one game with the Chiefs last season.

Among the infielders Rebel Ridling will play first base while Josh Harrison and Junior Lake will split time at second. Ryan Flaherty will be the shortstop with Josh Vitters at third base. David Macias rounds out the infield as a utility player.

The 2009 outfield includes Cliff Andersen, Kyler Burke, Tony Campana and Nelson Perez. Both Ridling and Harrison could also see time in the outfield as they did for the Chiefs last season.

The opening day roster contains two catchers who were with the Chiefs last season: Luis Flores and Mario Mercedes.

The 2009 Opening Day roster consists of 13 pitchers: Chris Archer, Jeffrey Beliveau, Ryan Buchter, Alberto Cabrera, Chris Carpenter, Erik Hamren, Marcus Hatley, Chris Huseby, Kevin Kreier, Mike Perconte, Jose Pina, Aaron Shafer and Josh Whitlock.

The Chiefs players and their coaches will arrive in Peoria Monday night April 6 and will practice at O'Brien Field on Tuesday April 7. The season opener is Thursday April 9 at 6:30 pm at home against the Kane County Cougars. Gates will open at 4:00 with a live broadcast of ESPN Radio's The Show with Doc and Tim on the concourse.