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**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:42 PM

Carolina League

Frederick, MD - The Frederick Keys, Advanced Class-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles have announced their 2008 roster as they break camp from their spring training complex in Sarasota, FL. The Keys roster will feature each of the Baltimore Orioles last three first round selections including the #5 pick of the 2007 draft, C Matt Wieters. The team will have continuity from their 2007 championship run with nine players who spent time with the Keys last season returning to the club. Six of the Orioles top-ten prospects deemed by national publication Baseball America will break camp with the Keys.

"The 2008 Frederick Keys are one of the most talented squads to have ever played in Frederick," Keys General Manager Dave Ziedelis said. "The excitement from our fanbase as we approach opening day is palpable."

The starting pitchers are led by a young crop of power pitchers including Jake Arrieta, Pedro Beato and Brandon Erbe. Arrieta was drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 draft and stunned many in the prestigious Arizona Fall League by not allowing a run in 14 appearances. Beato, the 32nd overall pick of the 2006 draft, represented the Orioles in the Future's Game in 2007. Erbe, a 20-year old local product from Owings Mills, MD, was Frederick's opening day starter in 2007. All three pitchers are listed as top-ten prospects in the Orioles organization by Baseball America.

Behind the plate the Keys will have the prized prospect Wieters, a two-time collegiate All American out of Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jacket was just the second All-American catcher in Georgia Tech history joining Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. Wieters signed too late to play in the regular season in 2007 for an Orioles record six million dollars. Although he played in the professional Hawaiian Winter Baseball League, Wieters will make his official professional debut with the Keys.

The infield will feature top prospects Brandon Snyder and Bill Rowell who will man the corner infield spots in 2008. Snyder, who hails from Centreville, VA, was the Orioles first round pick in 2005. He led the Hawaiian Winter Baseball League this off-season batting .378. Rowell was selected with the ninth overall pick of the 2006 draft, a high school player with exceptional power. Last year Rowell battled through an early season oblique strain but he has regained the power that saw him launch a 480-foot home run for the Aberdeen Ironbirds in 2006.

The outfielders include the Orioles Minor League Player of the Year Brandon Tripp and speedster Danny Figueroa. Tripp rebounded from a sub-par 2006 to bat a stellar .288 with 19 home runs and 79 RBI with Delmarva last season. Figueroa, whose brother Paco played with the Keys in 2006, will give the Keys line-up needed speed. Figueroa stole 35 bases in Delmarva in 2007.

The reigning Carolina League Champion Frederick Keys open their 2008 season Friday, April 4th at 7:00 p.m. against the Lynchburg Hillcats. For information regarding season ticket or group plans for the 2008 season contact the Keys at 301-815-9900.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:42 PM

Carolina League

With spring training 2008 in full wrap-up mode, most assignments have been determined for this season. Still, this past week has seen some opportunities for some very familiar names to fans in Winston-Salem.

Micah Schnurstein - 1B Micah went in for Paul Konerko at first base on Thursday March 27 against the Diamondbacks and went 1-for-3 with a single. This just seems to be an attempt to get Micah some at-bats as these were his first plate appearances all spring.

John Lujan - RP John pitched two scoreless innings of relief Thursday against the Diamondbacks. He struck out two and gave up one hit. The appearance was Lujan's second of the spring and brings his ERA to 3.00. He has struck out 4 in 3 innings of work.

David Cook - OF David also got substituted into the White Sox game Thursday and went 1-for-2 with a single. He is now 1-for-3 this spring and will start in the minors this season.

Brian Anderson - CF Brian was a member of the Warthogs in 2004 and is getting an extensive look from the White Sox this spring. He hopes to make a run at the wide open race to be the starting centerfielder. Key Stats: .344 avg. (22-for-64), 4 HR, 10 runs scored, 12 RBI, 5 2B

Ehren Wassermann - RP Ehren was a reliever for the Warthogs in 2004 and 2005 and is one of two relievers still in the running for the final bullpen spot for the White Sox going into the final couple games. Key Stats: 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA in 11.2 innings, 6 K, .162 OPP. BA

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:43 PM

Carolina League

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Advanced-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, announced their opening day roster for the 2008 season today. The Pelicans will open the 2008 Carolina League season on Friday, April 4th at 7:05 PM on the road against the Wilmington Blue Rocks.

Headlining the Pelicans opening day roster is recent Braves' acquisition Gorkys Hernandez. The 20-year-old outfielder, who was acquired by the Braves during the off-season in a trade with the Tigers that sent Edgar Renteria to Detroit, was named the Midwest League's Most Valuable Player following the 2007 season. Currently rated by Baseball America as the #5 prospect in the Braves organization, Hernandez hit .293 for the West Michigan Whitecaps in 2007, while stealing 54 bases. In 2006, he won the Gulf Coast League batting title by hitting a robust .327 for the GCL Tigers.

Also on the 2008 opening day roster from Baseball America's top-30 prospect list are RHP Tommy Hanson (#9), C Tyler Flowers (#12), SS Brandon Hicks (#14) and C Phillip Britton (#30). Hanson spent part of the 2007 season with the Pelicans, appearing in 11 games with a record of 3-3 and an ERA of 4.20. Hicks has made a rapid ascension to the advanced-A level after being selected by the Braves in the third round of the 2007 draft. The 22-year-old had tremendous success in his first professional season, hitting .313 in 37 games for the Rome Braves after a mid-season promotion to the South Atlantic League.

"The Braves have always done a tremendous job cultivating talent through their minor league system;" said Pelicans' General Manager North Johnson. "We couldn't be more excited for the prospect-laden group that will open the season on the Grand Strand."

The Pelicans will have a familiar feel on opening day as 14 of the 25 players on the active roster appeared for the Pelicans in 2007. Joining Hanson in a return to the Grand Strand are: RHP Brett Butts; LHP Bryan Dumesnil; LHP Kevin Gunderson; RHP Deunte Heath; RHP Jeff Lyman; RHP Ryne Reynoso; LHP Carlos Sencion; RHP Chris Vines; INF Derrick Arnold; INF Paul Bennett; INF Robert Marcial; OF Roberto Alvarez and OF Willie Cabrera.

The Pelicans opening day roster also includes: RHP Kyle Cofield; RHP Nick Fellman; RHP Gonzalo Lopez; RHP Ferdin Tejeda; INF Travis Jones; INF Ernesto Mejia and OF Jon Mark Owings.

In addition, the Pelicans roster includes five players that will begin the season on the disabled list. Myrtle Beach fan favorite OF Quentin Davis leads the list, which also includes: LHP Lee Hyde; RHP Jose Santiago; LHP Jon Venters and LHP Tyler Wilson.

Returning for a third season at the helm of the Pelicans is manager Rocket Wheeler. Wheeler, who took over as Pelicans' manager in 2006 is 131-138 over the course of his first two seasons. Legendary pitching coach Bruce Dal Canton returns for a 10th season along with hitting coach Rick Albert who will spend a second season with Myrtle Beach. The trio is joined by first-year trainer Greg Hall, who joins the team after serving in the same capacity with Rome during the 2007 season.

Wheeler, the coaching staff and players will be available to the media as the Pelicans hold 2008 Media Day on Tuesday, April 1st. Media Day will begin with media lunch at BB&T Coastal Field from Noon-12:45 PM. Players and coaches will be available at 1 PM following a short welcome from Pelicans' General Manager North Johnson.

A complete Pelicans opening day roster has been attached to this release.

The Pelicans open the 2008 season on Friday, April 4th on the road against the Wilmington Blue Rocks at 7:05 PM. They return home to celebrate their home opener on Friday, April 11th at 7:05 PM against the defending Carolina League champion Frederick Keys. Tickets for the Pelicans home opener and the entire slate of 70 regular season home games are currently available. The Pelicans are also pleased to offer season tickets, mini-plans, flex books and a variety of group outing options for the 2008 season. For more information call (843) 918-6000 or toll-free at (877) 918-TIXX, visit the Pelicans box office at BB&T Coastal Field or log on to MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:45 PM

California League

SAN JOSE, CALIF March 25, 2008 - The inaugural San Jose Giants FanFest is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1st at Municipal Stadium. The FanFest begins at 5:30 P.M. with FREE admission and parking. New San Jose Giants manager Steve Decker, along with many of his players and coaches will be available to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and answer questions from fans as part of a "Meet and Greet" at 6:00 P.M. on the Martinelli's VIP Deck.

Fans will also have the opportunity to watch the team practice beginning at 6:30 P.M., enjoy their first bite of Turkey Mike's BBQ this season, purchase new merchandise at the Clubhouse Store, and play in the Family Fun Zone.

Fans interested in becoming new season ticket holders are invited to come down to Municipal Stadium to select their seat locations. The San Jose Giants FanFest provides the perfect opportunity to watch the team practice from the new box seats at the ballpark. Giants ticket executives will be available to help anyone interested in full-season, half-season, and mini-plan ticket options.

FanFest Facts:

- Meet & Greet with the 2008 players and coaches.

- First bite of Turkey Mike's BBQ this season.

- Select your new seat for the season as you watch the Giants practice.

- Be the first to see the new merchandise before opening night.

- Kids and kids at heart can play in the Family Fun Zone (inflatable Speed Pitch, Slide, Bounce House, T-Ball, and the Batting Cage).

- Photo opportunities with the Giants and Gigante.

- Enter to win great San Jose Giants prizes.

- No RSVP required, first-come, first-serve basis.

- Admission and parking are FREE.

The San Jose Giants open their defense of the California League title on Thursday, April 3rd at Bakersfield. The home opener at Municipal Stadium is scheduled for Thursday, April 10th against the Blaze. The Opening Night Extravaganza will include a post-game fireworks display presented by State Farm, 2008 magnet schedule giveaway courtesy of AIG, KRTY broadcasting live, the return of Gigante and much more. For more information on tickets for the 2008 season please call (408) 297-1435 or visit San Jose Giants Baseball Club.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:46 PM

California League

Lake Elsinore, CA, March 26, 2008 - The Lake Elsinore Storm will have a special guest on Opening Night, April 3, as Jake Peavy will be honored with the retiring of his number at The Diamond. The 2007 National League Cy Young Award Winner will be on hand for the pre-game ceremony starting at 6:30pm as the Storm celebrate their 15th season in Lake Elsinore. After the unveiling of his number 22 in center field, Jake will kickoff 2008 by throwing out the season's first pitch. The entire Storm team will pay tribute to the hard-throwing right-hander by wearing number 22 Peavy jerseys. Gates open at 6:00pm with the first pitch slated for 7:08pm.

When the Storm became a Padres affiliate in 2001, Jake was the first San Diego prospect to take the mound at The Diamond. He made 19 starts for Lake Elsinore going 7-5 with a 3.08 ERA before a promotion to Double-A Mobile. Along with Oliver Perez and Xavier Nady, Peavy led the Storm to the 2001 California League Championship on their way to being named Baseball America's Minor League Team of the Year. "Jake has been an integral part of Storm history and played a major role in the team being named Baseball America's Minor League Team of the Year. We are happy for his success at the Major League level and are honored to have his number immortalized in center field symbolizing his importance to our team history. As good a baseball player as Jake is, he's an even better person. This will be a great day for Storm baseball," said team President Dave Oster.

Opening Night also marks the season's first Thirsty Thursday, meaning $1 draught beers and sodas all night long, as the Storm commence another season of affordable family fun at The Diamond. Tickets start at just $8 in addition to military discounts and weekly promotions.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:48 PM

California League

The Lancaster JetHawks, Class A affiliate of the 2007 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, have released their opening day roster for the 2008 season. The defending California League South Division first and second half title-winners will feature 11 players who donned the JetHawks uniform in 2007, as well as a strong lineup of players advancing from the lower levels of the Red Sox farm system.

Four JetHawks players are ranked by Baseball America among the top 30 prospects in the Boston organization, topped by third-ranked infielder Lars Anderson. The power-hitting first baseman is considered by Baseball America the 32nd top prospect in all of Minor League Baseball. In a brief ten-game call-up to Lancaster last season, Anderson impressed by hitting .343, driving in nine runs, and walking more than he struck out. Other highly-rated Boston prospects include slick-fielding shortstop Argenis Diaz (12th), an athletic former first-round draft pick in outfielder Jason Place (23rd), and 2007 South Atlantic League All-Star outfielder Reid Engel (28th).

While this year's squad features youth, fans in the Antelope Valley will also see familiar names at each position. Both opening day catchers saw time in Lancaster in 2007. Slugger Jon Still impressed in the AV over the final weeks of the season while Zak Farkes proved a versatile asset defensively and hit ten home runs. Still can also serve as a first baseman while Farkes helped the JetHawks at third base last season.

Anderson and Diaz headline a talented, international infield. Impressive Taiwanese second-baseman Chih-Hsien Chang and power-hitting Puerto Rican third-baseman Jorge Jimenez round out the horn, while returnee Christian Lara will see time at the middle infield positions.

Led by Engel and Place, the outfield will be young as only Mickey Hall has seen regular time at the Advanced-A level. Matt Sheely played briefly in Lancaster last season while Daniel Nava makes the jump from the independent Golden League.

The pitching staff also blends experienced returnees with players moving up on the Red Sox minor league ladder. Travis Beazley leads the way after winning seven of his ten starts with the JetHawks a season ago. T.J. Large leads the bullpen after handling California League hitters last year with a 3.19 ERA and nine saves. Jason Blackey and Blake Maxwell also return to the bullpen.

Among the new pitchers, Josh Papelbon has the most familiar name. The younger brother of star Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, Josh has made his own name as a successful closer with 18 saves in 2007 at Greenville. Brian Steinocher, Jimmy James, Chris Jones, and Richie Lentz move up from Greenville, while Tony Bajoczky, Adam Mills, and Scott Lonergan make the jump from Lowell. The most experienced JetHawks pitcher is Jaymie Russ, who comes to the Red Sox organization after five seasons in the Florida Marlins system, including the last two full seasons at AA.

The JetHawks open the 2008 regular season on April 3 at High Desert before returning to Clear Channel Stadium for the home opener on April 10 against the Lake Elsinore Storm. Tremendous ticket packages starting at only $56 are available for purchase now by calling 661.726.5400.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:49 PM

California League

The 2008 Modesto Nuts home opener, presented by Costco Wholesale, is Monday, April 7th against the defending California League champion San Jose Giants. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at John Thurman Field with the gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Limited reserved seats are available for Opening Night by calling 572-HITS (4487).

Opening Night is always an event at John Thurman Field and the 2008 home opener is no different. The Nuts will have two live local musical acts performing during the pre-game ceremonies. Johnny and Kelly will be performing on the east side of the ballpark while Jazzoni featuring Mary Boutte will be performing on the west side. In addition to the live music, additional entertainment including clowns, face painters and much more will be on hand to celebrate the beginning of the 2008 season.

"Opening Day in baseball is always special," said Modesto Nuts general manager Alex Schwerin. "We look forward to a great night to kick off a great season."

The 2007 Modesto Nuts home opener set a record for the biggest opening night attendance in franchise history (4,589). Opening night was the first of a team-record eight sellouts last year en route to the franchise attendance record of 158,936.

The Modesto Nuts and Prime Shine Express Car Wash have partnered for a unique Opening Day promotion. If the Modesto Nuts have a sellout on Opening Night, all fans in attendance will receive a complimentary car wash at Prime Shine Express Car Wash.

"Prime Shine Express Car Wash is a long-time partner of the Modesto Nuts," said Schwerin. "We are excited to give the community a chance to enjoy Opening Night on April 7th and go home with a free car wash from Prime Shine Express."

The Modesto Nuts regular season opens on Thursday, April 3rd as the Nuts travel to Stockton to face our Highway 99 rival Stockton Ports. The first chance for our fans to meet the 2008 Modesto Nuts will be at the 7th Annual Modesto Nuts Fan Fest on Saturday, April 5th. This free event begins at 11:00 a.m. and includes player autographs, inflatable games for children and live music. Entertainment ends at 2:00 p.m.

**truebluefan** · 03-30-2008, 07:49 PM

California League

The collective exhale of everyone in the Diamondbacks Spring Training camp just whisked through town, and with that gust comes the Oaks Opening Day Roster. Thirteen pitchers and twelve position players will join the previously announced coaching staff of Manager Mike Bell, Hitting Coach Rick "Rooster" Burleson, and Pitching Coach Wellington Cepeda.

With a list that features starters Wes Roemer and Barry Enright, 1st and 2nd round draft picks, and catcher Ed Easley, a 1st rounder, the Oaks battery in 2008 should be nothing short of spectacular. Wes Roemer was a standout at Cal State Fullerton, and brings an aggressive attitude and an above-average fastball to the Oaks mound. Easley was the Johnny Bench Award winner in his Junior Year at Mississippi State, and ranks as the number-19 prospect in the D'backs talent-laden system. Roemer and Easley make the jump to Visalia from the Yakima Bears, the Diamondbacks Short-Season Northwest League affiliate, while Enright returns to Visalia after finishing the 2007 campaign here in Oaks green.

Enright will be joined by five other Oaks who spent time in Visalia in 2007. Cody Evans, Kyle Wright and Kyler Newby make up the hurlers on their second tour of duty, while the "web gems" of Pedro Ciriaco will once again take their place on the left side of the Oaks infield. Gerardo Parra will jog back into the outfield in 2008, after spending the offseason impressing Diamondbacks officials and Baseball America writers. Parra is now ranked the number five prospect in the whole Diamondbacks system, and Oaks fans will have the privilege of seeing him in two straight years. The seventh and final returner, Leyson Septimo, will take his radar gun-frying left arm and shift from the outfield to the mound. Oaks fans will miss Septimo's recognizable open stance at the plate, but his nasty two-seam fastball should more than make up for that loss. Leyson should open the season in the Oaks bullpen as he continues to work on his pitching mechanics.

Visalia fans might recognize another name on the Oaks, though not from his time at Recreation Park. The Oaks pull from the North, as the Fresno native and former Fresno State Bulldog Eddie Romero gets the promotion from South Bend back to his old stomping grounds. A stout 5'10" lefthander, Romero should feel right at home as he takes the hill for the Oaks in front of many of his hometown friends, family, and FANS!

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