April 3, 2007

A total of 13 players from Conference USA schools appeared on the opening day rosters of Major League Baseball teams as the American and National leagues began regular season play this week. Seven of C-USA's nine baseball schools are represented, with players appearing on 10 different big league teams. Six of the 13 players are pitchers, while three are outfielders.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are the only major league team with three C-USA players on its opening day roster. Former East Carolina star Chad Tracy starts at third base, ex-Houston standout Chris Snyder starts at catcher and former Tulane two-way star Micah Owings, the 2005 C-USA Player of the Year, has earned a spot in the Diamondbacks starting pitching rotation.

Houston has the most major league players with five, followed by cross-town rival Rice with three. In addition to Snyder, the Cougars pro standouts include Astros veteran starting pitcher Woody Williams, Twins reliever Jesse Crain, Nationals reliever Ryan Wagner and Phillies reserve outfielder Michael Bourn. Padres outfielder Jose Cruz, Jr. and White sox relief pitcher David Aardsma join Berkman among Rice's current major leaguers.

Memphis is represented by Marlins starting second baseman Dan Uggla, a runner-up for National League Rookie of the Year last season. UCF's current major league rep is Mike Maroth, a regular in the Detroit Tigers rotation, while former Southern Miss sidewinder Chad Bradford begins his first season in the Baltimore Orioles bullpen.

Here's a look at all of the C-USA players on current MLB rosters.

Player	  Position	  MLB Affiliation	C-USA School
Chad Tracy	3B	Arizona Diamondbacks	East Carolina
Michael Bourn	OF	Philadelphia Phillies	Houston
Jesse Crain	RHP	Minnesota Twins	        Houston
Chris Snyder	C	Arizona Diamondbacks	Houston
Ryan Wagner	RHP	Washington Nationals	Houston
Woody Williams	RHP	Houston Astros	        Houston
Dan Uggla     	2B	Florida Marlins	        Memphis
David Aardsma	RHP	Chicago White Sox   	Rice
Lance Berkman	OF	Houston Astros	        Rice
Jose Cruz, Jr.	OF	San Diego Padres	   Rice
Chad Bradford	RHP	Baltimore Orioles	   Southern Miss
Micah Owings	P	Arizona Diamondbacks	Tulane
Mike Maroth	LHP	Detroit Tigers	       UCF