Grizzlies deal and draft in Windy City
May 8, 2006 - Frontier League (FL)
Gateway Grizzlies News Release
The Gateway Grizzlies were busy again this year at the Frontier League's annual tryout and draft, held Sunday and Monday at Windy City's Hawkinson Ford Field.
The Grizzlies traded their number one pick in 2008 for this year's number two overall pick. They also dealt the 20th overall pick in this year's draft to River City in exchange for a 3rd round pick in 2007. The Grizzlies then selected three players from the tryout camp.
The Grizzlies used the 2nd overall pick in this year's draft to select pitcher Todd Boessen. Boessen, a 6-8, 220-pound right-hander is from Fairfax, VA. Boessen played two seasons at the University of North Carolina. He had shoulder surgery following his sophomore season.
"I'm thrilled to be chosen," Boessen said. "I've been away from the game for a while. Gateway is where I wanted to go. I have family in Missouri and Illinois."
With the 3rd overall pick, the Grizzlies selected outfielder Jerred Novotny. Novotny, a 6-5, 225-pound right-handed hitter, hails from Lost Creek, WV. He played his college baseball at Division II Alderson Broaddus College in Philippi, WV.
"It's exciting having the chance to play," Novotny said. "That's what you're here for. I had a pretty good camp. I am happy."
The Grizzlies also selected infielder Alex Stewart in the second round (14th overall). Stewart is a 6-2, 200-pound switch hitter who played college baseball at Murray State University. He is from Evansville, IN.
"I'm very excited about our draft," Grizzlies Player Personnel Director Phil Warren said. "There was some good talent here and we captured some of it. At the very least Spring Training is going to be very competitive."
All three players will attend Grizzlies Spring Training, which begins Wednesday morning at GCS Ballpark. They will be joined by all of the Grizzlies contract players, as well as all other players that were picked up during the off-season. The Grizzlies will then cut the roster to the maximum 24 players before opening day on May 24.
The Grizzlies begin their sixth season in the Frontier League May 24 on the road at River City. The Grizzlies open the home season May 31 against Florence.
Grizzlies Tryout Camp. . .The Grizzlies invited four players from May 4th's open tryout to Spring Training. Included in the four players taken was Rob Blumberg, right-handed pitcher from Freeburg, IL. The Grizzlies also invited infielder Jace Dennis, outfielder Tyler Faulk, and right-handed pitcher Darrell Garcia. The tryout was held at GCS Ballpark.
Tickets are currently on sale for the entire 2006 season and are available by calling the Grizzlies at 618-337-3000, visiting the GCS Ballpark box office, or online at gatewaygrizzlies.com
Frontier League Stories from May 8, 2006
- Boone County and Ryle to Play Under the Lights at Champion Window Field - Florence Y'alls
- Horizon View to air select Paints games - Chillicothe Paints
- Wild Things Pick Three, Sign Two From 2006 Frontier League Draft - Washington Wild Things
- Grizzlies deal and draft in Windy City - Gateway Grizzlies
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