Voyagers Invited to Spring Training with White Sox
Published on January 10, 2013 under Pioneer League (PL)
Great Falls Voyagers News Release
(Great Falls, MT) - The Great Falls Voyagers, the Advance Rookie affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, learned today that several former Voyager players have been invited to major league camp with the White Sox. Right-hander Erik Johnson, left-hander Scott Snodgress, catcher Kevan Smith, and outfielder Keenyn Walker were all part of the 2011 Championship season for the Voyagers. Catcher Michael Blanke, infielder Andy Wilkins played on the 2010 Voyager team, and Trayce Thompson was part of the 2009 Voyager team.
"It is exciting to see these former Voyagers advance in their careers and know they got their start here in Great Falls," stated general manager Kattie Meyer. "We are all extremely proud of them and wish them the best of luck as they continue to try and make the big leagues."
Johnson, 23, enters the season ranked by Baseball America as the No. 4 Prospect and possessing the Best Slider in the White Sox organization. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder combined to go 6-5 with a 2.34 ERA (24 ER/92.1 IP) and 87 strikeouts over 17 starts between Class A Kannapolis and Class A Winston-Salem last season. He was selected by the White Sox in the second round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.
Snodgress, 23, enters the season ranked by Baseball America as the No. 6 Prospect in the organization. The 6-foot-6, 220-pounder went a combined 7-3 with a 3.00 ERA (47 ER/141.0 IP) and 128 strikeouts over 27 starts between Kannapolis and Winston-Salem last season. He led all White Sox farmhands in strikeouts and ranked second in ERA.
Thompson, 21, enters the season rated by Baseball America as the No. 2 Prospect in the White Sox organization. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound outfielder led the CL in RBI (90) and extra-base hits (55) and tied for the league lead in home runs (22) in 2012. Thompson was selected by the Sox in the second round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. His brother, Klay, currently plays in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors. His father, Mychal, was selected by the Portland Trailblazers with the number one pick in the 1978 NBA Draft.
Walker, the White Sox first pick in 2011 (47th overall), enters the season ranked by Baseball America as the No. 5 Prospect and fastest base runner in the organization. The 22-year-old combined to hit .267 (109-409) with 22 doubles, six triples, four home runs, 55 RBI and 56 stolen bases over 111 games with Kannapolis and Winston-Salem last season. Walker's 56 stolen bases were the most by a Sox minor leaguer since 2003.
White Sox pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Tuesday, February 12, with physicals and a workout scheduled for the same day. Position players will report and undergo physicals on Sunday, February 17. The first full-squad workout also will take place on that day.
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
