Aces slugger Justin Huber will kick off his Australian Baseball League campaign tonight at Melbourne Ballpark. Picture: SMP Images Source: Herald Sun
MELBOURNE has bolstered its power hitting stocks with the arrival of Major League prospect Carlo Testa.
The 25-year-old, signed to the Kansas City Royals, joins Australian Baseball League home run recordholder Brad Harman, Justin Huber and Elliot Biddle on the roster to take on Adelaide tonight at Melbourne Ballpark, Laverton.
Melbourne led the league in home runs last season with Harman, Huber and Biddle combining for 34 of the team's 68 bombs -- one clear of reigning champion Perth Heat.
Testa is looking forward to suiting up after flying in last Saturday.
"I'm really concentrating on hitting line drives, but I'm getting under a few which are going out, it's really surprising because I don't feel like I'm getting them that good," he said.
Aces relief pitcher Zach Arneson, on loan from the New York Yankees, said rivals should expect a challenge.
"I don't really care who it is, what their name is, I go in there and I'll attack them," said Arneson, who tops about 150km/h.
A white elephant on the road to Geelong, Melbourne Ballpark has had a $350,000 -- mainly State Government funded -- facelift which includes artificial turf, bigger dugouts and corporate seating.
Aces manager Phil Dale said the players were looking forward to getting out on the diamond after a long pre-season.
"We've got a very good club this year, a lot more depth," Dale said. "It's tough to make the team, hopefully that can translate to a lot of wins for us."
The Aces moved to Melbourne Ballpark after two seasons at the Showgrounds.
The Merton St ballpark was the former home of the Melbourne Monarchs.
The Melbourne Aces play Adelaide tonight at 7.35; tomorrow at 5.05pm and Sunday at 1.05pm.
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