Poldberg Returns As Naturals Skipper

Posted: November 19, 2009 at 4:57 a.m.

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SPRINGDALE — Brian Poldberg has guided Northwest Arkansas to the Texas League playoffs in each of his two seasons as the Naturals manager and the veteran skipper will get another chance at a league title in 2010.

Kansas City announced Wednesday that Poldberg, pitching coach Larry Carter and hitting coach Terry Bradshaw will be back in the Naturals dugout next season. The Naturals are the Royals' Double-A affiliate.

Northwest Arkansas advanced to the Texas League Championship Series last season, but Midland won the best-of-five series 3-1. The Naturals were swept by Arkansas 3-0 in the North Division Playoff Series in their inaugural season in 2008.

"I'm glad to be coming back because Northwest Arkansas is a great place," Poldberg said.

Northwest Arkansas begins its 140-game Texas League schedule April 8 against San Antonio in Arvest Ballpark. While the lineup won't be finalized until the final week of March, it is expected that some of the Royals' top prospects will play for the Naturals this season.

Tops on that list is third baseman Mike Moustakas, who hit 16 home runs and 86 RBIs in Wilmington last year. Top prospects David Lough and Jeff Bianchi could also be back. First baseman Eric Hosmer, a first-round pick in 2008, is a long-shot to play in Springdale but he could play himself into a promotion.

"This could be the most talented roster we have had," Poldberg said. "Moustakas is a good player, but Hosmer is a stretch because he only has one year (of professional) baseball under his belt."

Carter also returns for his third season as the pitching coach. The 2010 Naturals pitching staff has a chance to be one of the best in franchise history.

Blake Wood, the No. 10 rated prospect in the Royals organization according to Baseball America, and left-hander Everett Teaford are expected to return. Danny Duffy, another lefty who is the No. 6 prospect in the organization, is expected to start the year with the Naturals after posting a 9-3 record with a 2.98 ERA with Class A-Advanced Wilmington in 2009.

AT A GLANCE

Northwest Arkansas Naturals

LAST YEAR: 73-67

POST SEASON: Defeated Springfield 3-0 in best-of-five North Division Playoff Series; Lost to Midland 3-1 in the best-of-five Texas League Championship Series.

MANAGER: Brian Poldberg

SEASON OPENER: April 8 vs. San Antonio, Arvest Ballpark

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