TROY, N.Y. - The Tri-City ValleyCats have announced their roster for this upcoming season. The group includes a well-rounded mix of 2010 draft picks, returning players, and international free agents.

Six players return from the 2009 squad. First baseman Nick Stanley headlines the names of some of the returnees. Centerfielder Renzo Tello and pitcher Brendan Stines also bring some experience to the ValleyCats. Jorge De Leon, another former 'Cat, played 23 games at shortstop last season. He will return to Joseph L. Bruno Stadium to work as a pitcher this year. First baseman/utilty-man Oscar Figueroa spent most of 2009 with rookie league Greenville, playing in just two games for Tri-City. Rounding out the group is middle infielder Ben Orloff, who batted .150 in 28 games with the ValleyCats before being sent down to Greenville to finish the season. 

The roster includes 14 players who were selected in last week's amateur draft. Heading the list of 2010 draftees is third baseman/utility-man Michael Kvasnicka, drafted in the first supplemental round out of the University of Minnesota. Houston's fourth and fifth-round selections, Texas Tech pitcher Bobby Doran and Penn State catcher Ben Heath, will also be playing in Troy this summer.

Three players from North Carolina State are among 19 college players on this year's team. Pitchers Jake Buchanan and Alexander Sogard played for the Wolfpack this season, while Nick Stanley played for N.C. State in 2009.

Eleven international players round out the roster. Five players each come from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, while pitcher Murilo Gouvea was born in Brazil.
   
ValleyCats Media Day is scheduled for Thursday, June 17 at 2 pm. The team will hold an open practice to the media later in the afternoon. Opening Night is Friday, June 18 at 7 PM as the ValleyCats take on the Connecticut Tigers.