Naquin, Aguilar among ex-Scrappers expected

January 28, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

NILES

Top Cleveland Indians prospects and former Mahoning Valley Scrappers Tyler Naquin and Jesus Aguilar are among the players expected to attend a hot stove banquet Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ciminero’s Banquet Center in Niles. The event, which will be emceed by former Indians pitcher Jason Stanford, will include dinner, auctions, a question-and-answer session and autograph sessions.

Other prospects/former Scrappers expected to appear are Joey Wendle, Kyle Crockett, Erik Gonzalez, Bryson Myles and Giovanny Urshela.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under and are available at the Eastwood Field box office, the Scrappers store in the Eastwood Mall or by calling 330-505-0000.

The event is being presented by the Scrappers, the MVPBA Scrappers Backers and Sports Radio 1240.

Indians, INF Johnson agree to minor deal

CLEVELAND

Versatile free agent infielder Elliott Johnson has agreed to a minor league contract with the Indians that includes an invitation to big league spring training camp. The 29-year-old split 2013 between Kansas City and Atlanta. He batted .261 with five doubles, two triples and 10 RBIs as the Braves regular second baseman over the final five weeks. A switch-hitter, Johnson has played every infield position.

Mickelson sees doctor, might play Phoenix

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.

Phil Mickelson flew to Georgia to see a specialist about the pain in his lower back, hopeful of defending his title in the Phoenix Open. Mickelson withdrew after making the 36-hole cut in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. He said he did not want to risk getting into bad habits by compensating for the pain. Mickelson plans to fly to Arizona on Wednesday with the intention of playing.

Philadelphia acquires Edu from Stoke City

PHILADELPHIA

Maurice Edu is the latest U.S. national team player to return to Major League Soccer. The Philadelphia Union said Monday they had acquired the 27-year-old American midfielder from Stoke of England’s Premier League and have an option to purchase his rights. Attacker Clint Dempsey left Tottenham and rejoined MLS with Seattle last summer, and Toronto acquired midfielder Michael Bradley from Roma this month. Also, defender Michael Parkhurst joined Columbus last week from Germany’s Augsburg.

Western Reserve’s Ferrando all-PAC

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.

Western Reserve High graduate Claire Ferrando was named honorable mention all-Presidents Athletic Conference for her efforts last fall with the Westminster College volleyball team.

Ferrando, a senior, one-year starter, placed third in the PAC with 593 digs in her first year as a starter. The Titans were 26-9 overall and 12-6 in the PAC.

Vienna team places 1st in shooting competition

NILES

The Vienna Cougars 1 team was nearly perfect during a competitive shooting event Saturday at the Western Reserve Fish and Game Association indoor range. Six teams of school-aged participants shot at targets in four positions: prone, standing, sitting and kneeling. The winners scored 1,542 points out of a possible 1,600. Other team scores: Niles Eagles, 1,493; Vienna Cougars 2, 1,483; Howland Black, 1,334; Howland Orange, 1,233; Mill Creek Marksmen 1,072.

For more information about the program, contact Ralph Nudo at 330-652-9201, or stop at the indoor range, 1058 W. Third St., Niles, Monday evenings at 6.

Correction

In Friday’s edition of The Vindicator, it was mistakenly reported that Canfield’s Jacob Esarco was pinned in his regional quarterfinal match against Howland in the state team tournament. In fact, Esarco pinned his opponent in the 220-pound weight class.

Staff reports/Associated Press