Larsen, Jones Receive Demotions

Kyle Larsen and Ben Jones are on their way back to the teams where they enjoyed the most success in their professional careers. Larsen, a key component to the Staten Island Yankees' 2005 title run will likely return to the club when their season begins in June. As for Jones, he now rejoins the RiverDogs after a solid season with them in 2005.

Kyle Larsen began the 2006 season with very high hopes, but after 23 games in Charleston, it was apparent that a change had to be made. The big first baseman was batting only .179 with 13 RBI in his time with the RiverDogs. For now, he'll report to Extended Spring Training in Tampa, but he figures to be an important part of the Staten Island Yankees' squad when they begin their season in June.

Following a strong showing in 2005 with the RiverDogs, Ben Jones received a well deserved promotion to High-A Tampa to begin the 2006 campaign. But, as was the case for Kyle Larsen, things simply didn't go according to plan. With the emergence of a red hot Cody Ehlers at first base, the 24 year old's playing time began to dwindle, as did his batting average. After 13 games, the former 14th round draft pick was batting only .125. On the other hand, he now rejoins a team in which he hit .288 and drove in 77 for in 2005, serving as the team's most consistent run producer.