FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Miracle Announce 2008 Opening Day Roster

Published on April 2, 2008 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


FORT MYERS, FL (April 2, 2008)-Eleven familiar faces will return to the Fort Myers Miracle this season. The returnees are headlined by pitcher Jeff Manship. The former 2006 draft pick from Notre Dame, is back after winning eight games for the Miracle last season. The pitching staff includes 11 pitchers, three catchers, seven infielders and four outfielders.

The Miracle open their 17th season in Southwest Florida against the Sarasota Reds at Hammond Stadium on Thursday and Friday at 7:05 p.m.

Tomorrow night's starting pitcher is Francisco Liriano. The 6-foot-2, 225 pound left-hander will be wearing a Miracle jersey for the second time. He started 21 games for Fort Myers in the 2004 season, compiling a 6-7 record with a 4.00 ERA. Liriano struck out 125 batters in 117 innings. He was optioned to Fort Myers by the Minnesota Twins on Friday.

In five starts for the Twins this spring, Liriano was 2-2, 4.02 ERA (15.2 ip, 7 er), allowing 14 hits with nine walks and 15 strikeouts.

The San Cristobal, Dominican Republic native is just 16 months removed from Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on his left elbow. He is expected to make one start with the Miracle and then join Triple-A Rochester five days later for a start in Norfolk, VA. After that start, he's expected to rejoin the Twins.

Naples native Jeff Smith makes his Miracle debut as manager. Smith spent the past two years in Beloit, advancing to the playoffs both seasons. Pitching Coach Eric Rasmussen and Hitting Coach Jim Dwyer both return as does Trainer Larry Bennese.

The Miracle will workout at Hammond Stadium tonight from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

MIRACLE TEAMS UP WITH NORTH TRAIL RV FOR 2008

The Fort Myers Miracle are excited to welcome back North Trail RV as presenting sponsor for the 2008 season.

North Trail RV, Southwest Florida's largest RV dealer, features motor homes, travel trailers, toy haulers and fifth wheels. They also have an award-winning service, sales and complete parts departments.

"North Trail RV has become a good friend of Miracle Baseball. Having such a quality business as presenting sponsor enhances what we do at the ballpark," said Miracle General Manager Steve Gliner.

MIRACLE ON THE RADIO

The sounds of a Miracle summer have a new home in 2008. The Miracle announced an agreement today with Relevant Radio to broadcast all Thursday-Sunday games.

Fans will be able to tune into 1410 AM in the Fort Myers area, or 1660 AM in Collier County to hear all the play-by-play action. Sean Fox returns for his second year as broadcaster.

All 140 games can be heard on the internet at miraclebaseball.com.

TICKETS

Tickets for all 70 home dates are available for purchase in person at the Miracle Spring Training office location or by phone between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Fans also may purchase tickets on-line at www.miraclebaseball.com. The Miracle's on-line ticket system will allow fans to be able to select their exact seat location for each game and print tickets at home.

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Florida State League Stories from April 2, 2008


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