Newest Spokane Indians slated to hit town today

Members of the 2005 edition of the Spokane Indians begin arriving today with the first minicamp workout under new head coach Greg Riddoch scheduled for tomorrow at Avista Stadium.

Riddoch, formerly the minor league defensive coordinator for the Texas Rangers, the Indians’ parent organization, managed the San Diego Padres from 1990 to 1992. Riddoch had a winning record (200-194) as the Padres’ manager.

Riddoch’s staff includes hitting coach Mark Whiten, who hit 105 home runs in 11 seasons for eight different teams, and pitching coach Glenn Abbott, who won 62 games in 11 years with Oakland, Seattle and Detroit.

Texas has already assigned 19 players to Spokane, with relief pitcher Jarrod Burcie, who had eight saves and a 1.74 ERA for last year’s team, the lone returnee.

Spokane also welcomes center fielder K.C. Herren of Auburn, the Rangers’ second-round draft pick in the 2004 draft, and a couple of players with familiar baseball surnames – third baseman Walter Backman, Jr. and first baseman Freddy Thon, the nephew of 15-year MLB veteran Dickie Thon.

Spokane opens the season June 21 at Eugene, Ore., beginning a five-game series against the Emeralds. The Indians’ home opener is June 26 against the Everett AquaSox at 6:30 at Avista Stadium.

Last year, Spokane finished 40-35, tied for second in the Northwest League’s East Division behind the league-champion Boise Hawks.