Mark Maloney on sports

A trio of former Lexington Legends had their contracts purchased and were added to the Houston Astros’ 40-man roster Wednesday. The promotions were announced by General Manager Ed Wade in a press release.

And the Legends will name their new play-by-play announcer on Thursday.

Lexington fans will easily recall infielders Tommy Manzella and Drew Sutton, but may have to pause when considering outfielder Brian Bogusevic.

Bogusevic, a 2005 first-round draft pick, was a left-handed pitcher during his Lexington days. He began last season as a pitcher but by July he wound up in the outfield. He hit .371 (46-for-124), with three homers and 20 RBI over 42 games for Double-A Corpus Christi. Playing for Scottsdale in the Arizona Fall League, Bogusevic is hitting .329 (23-for-70) with 12 RBI through 12 games.

Manzella, a 2005 third-round draft pick, is a slick-fielding shortstop. He split the 2008 season between Corpus Christi and Triple-A Round Rock, hitting a combined .259 (117-for-452). He earned Texas League All-Star honors with the Hooks, and was named Defensive Player of the Month in April for Corpus and in August for the Express.

Sutton, a 2004 15th-round draft pick, hit .317 (165-for-520), with 20 homers and 69 RBI for Corpus Christi, where he was the team’s MVP and a Texas League mid-season and post-season all-star. He led all Astros minor-leaguers in batting average, hits, runs (102), walks (76), doubles (39) and extra-base hits (63). Also with Scottsdale in the Arizona Fall League, he is hitting .327 (34-for-104), with seven home runs and 24 RBI over 29 games.

Thursday’s announcement by the Legends (Applebee’s Park, 10 a.m.) will reveal the new director of broadcasting and media relations, as well as other staff additions. General Manager Andy Shea said in a press release that the staff has been increased by about 15 percent.

The Legends have the largest radio network in the minors with flagship WLXG-AM and 34 affiliates.

“We are excited to have a longtime Lexington resident, who is already connected with our fans, represent out team on the air,” Alan Stein, team president and CEO, said in the press release.

Larry Glover handled play-by-play for the Legends’ first seven seasons. Rob Gidel took over in 2008, but recently left to take a broadcasting post with the University of Akron. His duties there include several “coach shows” and Zips women’s basketball play-by-play.

The Legends will open their ninth season in the South Atlantic League on April 9, visiting the West Virginia Power at Charleston. Lexington’s home opener, against the Kannapolis Intimidators, is set for Monday, April 13.