February 18, 2010 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks are continuing to wheel and deal.
Rockford’s only professional baseball team announced on Thursday that it has acquired outfielder Robert Matlock from the Edinburg Roadrunners of the independent United League in exchange for two players to be named later.
Matlock is the third player the RiverHawks have traded for this week. The team previously announced trades for pitchers Kyle Ruwe and Justin Knoff.
Matlock is coming off the best season of his career. He hit a career-high .327 with no home runs and 33 RBI for Edinburg. Matlock struck out just 14 times in 297 at-bats.
“I think that was the best strikeout-to-at-bat ratio in independent baseball (one strikeout per 21.2 at-bats) and that’s why I traded for him,” RiverHawks co-owner and director of baseball operations Dave Ciarrachi said. “He’s a high on-base percentage guy.”
Matlock had a .399 on-base percentage last year. He also stole a career-high 19 bases.
Ciarrachi said Matlock is projected as a probable leadoff or No. 2 hitter and someone who could play any outfield position.
Matlock, a career .310 hitter, broke into pro ball three years ago with the Northern League’s Schaumburg Flyers.
In an additional move, the RiverHawks released infielder Boomer Berry. The team acquired him in a trade with Sioux Falls of the American Association last month.
The RiverHawks are members of the Northern League, an eight-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 18th season in 2010. The RiverHawks’ ninth season begins at 7:05 p.m. May 20 against the Schaumburg Flyers at Road Ranger Stadium. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Games are broadcast live on ESPN 1380 (WTJK-AM) and the internet. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
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