Pioneer preview: Big changes in Billings

The news that Cincinnati Reds top Draft pick Tyler Stephenson will make his professional debut in Billings was gladly received by the Mustangs' new ownership.

"The Reds see Billings as an integral part of their player development chain," said Dave Heller, who finalized the purchase of the Mustangs with business partner Bob Herrfeldt in December. "The fact that they would send a No. 1 Draft pick here to start their career without any hesitation speaks volumes."

But Stephenson, a high school catcher from Marietta, Georgia, picked 11th overall by the Reds in the MLB Draft in June, will be only one of the new attractions at Dehler Park. As the owners of three other Minor League outfits, Heller and Herrfeldt are known for big ballpark ideas. Their Class A franchise in the Midwest League, the Quad Cities River Bandits, boasts one of the truly charming amenities in the Minors -- a 110-foot Ferris wheel beyond left field at Modern Woodmen Park.

Dehler Park has provided a traditional fan experience during its seven-year history, but Mustangs games are now likely to include more promotions, more fan interaction and more on-field entertainment. Even a zip line is in the works. But Heller also said that the Mustangs organization is "first and foremost a baseball team, and we will always be first and foremost a baseball team."

Billings ended its title drought last season by sweeping Orem in the best-of-3 championship series. It had been since 2003 that the team had won a Pioneer League crown. With Stephenson on board, Heller, Herrfeldt and the city hope for another season like it.

"Cincinnati gave us the Pioneer League champions last year, and clearly they're committed to making sure that we have a winning team again this year," Heller said.

Door swings open for Armstrong: If Great Falls' streak of making the playoffs is to reach a ninth consecutive season, it will happen under another new manager -- Cole Armstrong, who was named Voyagers skipper in January. The Surrey, British Columbia, native is just 31 but is a veteran of 11 Minor League seasons.

The Voyagers have seen heavy turnover with their managerial position in recent years. Armstrong is the team's third manager in a three-year stretch: Pete Rose Jr. held the post in 2013, followed by Charlie Poe last season. Both Rose Jr. and Poe guided the club to the postseason, and its eight-in-a-row playoff streak is the longest active run in the Pioneer League.

Armstrong, a catcher, was taken in the 32nd round of the 2001 Draft by the Mets but chose not to sign, instead opting to play collegiately. Armstrong was picked again in 2003 by the Braves in the 16th round. His career never went beyond Triple-A.

Despite the revolving door to the manager's office, one constant in Great Falls is pitching coach Brian Drahman, who has crafted some of the league's top staffs in his seven years with the organization. In the previous seven seasons, Voyagers pitchers combined to win 40 or more games five times, led the Pioneer League in ERA three times, finished in the top three in shutouts five times and issued the fewest walks four times.

First-time All-Stars classic: Whoever is named to the Pioneer League All-Star team in 2015 will indeed be pioneers. This is the first year that the league will participate in an All-Star Game vs. the Northwest League. There was plenty of excitement when the announcement was made last August, and the leagues are hoping the excitement carries over into the game itself, which is Aug. 4 in Spokane, Washington.

"The All-Star Game between both leagues brings notoriety to all 16 teams and their affiliates," said Jim McCurdy, president of the Pioneer League. "The game enables fans to gain a great view of the prospects during their early years in Minor League Baseball."

Prospect you have to see in person: Five players drafted in the top 15 were selected by parent clubs of Pioneer League teams, including Vanderbilt shortstop Dansby Swanson, who was picked No. 1 overall by Arizona, the parent club of the Missoula Osprey. But Swanson is playing in the College World Series and has yet to sign, so the nod here goes to Grand Junction shortstop Brendan Rodgers, the No. 3 overall pick by Colorado.

The heavily touted Rodgers, selected out of Lake Mary High School near Orlando, Florida, was dubbed by Baseball America as the top talent available in the run-up to the Draft. He signed with Colorado on the eve of the Pioneer League opener and, according to published reports, will play his first games with Grand Junction next week. Rodgers hasn't seen live pitching since his high school season ended on April 20 but has been staying in shape with regular workouts and batting practice. The 18-year-old met the Denver media on Wednesday and said he's looking forward to regaining in-game timing and isn't worried about the transition from high school metal bats to professional wood, a challenge for many young Minor Leaguers.

"In BP before high school games and stuff, I would hit with wood and metal just to keep the feel because I play 70-80 games with wood over the summer. I'm pretty comfortable -- I'm actually more comfortable with wood."

Series you need to watch: It was a battle last season whenever Ogden and Idaho Falls got together, and the South Division rivals will tangle in a four-game series beginning June 22 at the Raptors' home park of Lindquist Field. The teams split 16 games a year ago, including a July 29 tilt that included a bench-clearing melee in the 10th inning of a 16-inning, 9-8 Chukars victory that produced 10 ejections. Five of the teams' matchups last season were decided by three runs or fewer.

Last things last

Here's a look at some significant lasts around the Pioneer League:

• Last season's Championship Series: Billings over Orem in two games
• Last perfect game: Jason Robbins, Billings vs. Medicine Hat, Aug. 1, 1994
• Last no-hitter: Scott Snodgress, Blake Drake and Joe Dvorsky, Great Falls vs. Casper, Aug. 18, 2011 MiLB.com Coverage » 
• Last 100-strikeout pitcher: Greg Smith, Missoula, 2005
• Last cycle: Trevor Mitsui, Missoula vs. Grand Junction, July 17, 2014 MiLB.com Coverage » 
• Last three-homer game: Justin Chigbogu, Ogden vs. Great Falls, July 19, 2014 MiLB.com Coverage » 
• Last 20-homer hitter: Justin Chigbogu, Ogden, 2014
• Last .400 season: Travis Vetters, Ogden, and Roberto Lopez, Orem, 2008
• Last triple play: Jake Lamb, Daniel Pulfer, Tyler Bream, Missoula vs. Billings, Aug. 11, 2012
• Last alum to win NL MVP: Ryan Braun 2011 (Helena '05)
• Last alum to win AL MVP: Jose Canseco 1988 (Idaho Falls '82)