Arguably the best starter in team history returned to York on Friday when the Revolution re-signed right-hander Dave Gil. A member of last year's inaugural team, Gil suffered through an injury-plagued 2007.

At the end of spring training, he fell during a family fishing trip, cutting his hand and causing him to miss some time. When he returned to the mound he went 2-4 with a 3.43 ERA in nine games. He struck out 46 and walked 14. But his season ended when a line drive struck him on the foot in a start against Newark on June 30.

Gil, 29, underwent surgery and had a permanent titanium plate and seven screws placed in his foot to stabilize the bone.

To make room for Gil on the 25-man roster, York placed pitcher Pete Munro -- who has not appeared in a game this season -- on the disabled list. According to Revs Director of Baseball Operations Adam Gladstone, Munro will be on the seven-day DL.

Gil delayed re-signing with the Revolution, because he hoped to pitch in Taiwan this year and earn more money than he could by playing in Atlantic League.

"I had a couple things going overseas," Gil said, "but it was taking longer than I expected. It got to the point where I just wanted to go out and pitch."

Some major-league organizations expressed an interest in Gil in the offseason, but he couldn't earn a job -- a common refrain heard throughout independent ball as major-league organizations slashed payroll by releasing Triple- and Double-A players in their late 20s.

"We're

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going to take it slow," Gil said. "I'm going to throw a couple bullpens and build up my arm strength."

That means York will keep Aaron Rakers in the rotation -- at least for a couple weeks. Rakers (1-2, 4.91 ERA) began the season with one career start, but the former major-league reliever has filled in nicely. He allowed two runs in his last outing, an eight-inning performance in a 2-0 loss to Newark on Wednesday.

Munro still hopes to pitch, and has felt improvement in his throwing shoulder after implementing a new stretching program. Hampered by pain behind his right shoulder, Munro said doctors have told him his shoulder is pressing against his labrum. But he threw 20 pitches away from the mound today without pain.

"Right now it feels great," he said. "I've got more range of motion."
jseip@ydr.com; 771-2025