Rawhide Announce 2014 Opening Day Roster
March 29, 2014 - California League (CalL1)
Visalia Rawhide News Release
VISALIA---The Visalia Rawhide will open at Recreation Ballpark on Thursday with a roster full of talent, Major League potential...and one of the Central Valley's own.
The Rawhide pitching staff will see Fowler native and Fresno Pacific University alum Jesse Darrah toe the rubber every 5^th day, as he returns to his Valley roots. Darrah starred for Fowler High School and then posted a dominant 2011 season at FPU, where he set the school's all-time single-season record for strikeouts. He was drafted by the D-backs in the 8^th round that summer.
Andrew Barbosareturns to the Rawhide starting rotation, as the 6'8" lefty follows up on an extremely solid 2013 season where he emerged as a leader on the club and pitched a postseason gem against Modesto to help lead Visalia to their first playoff series win in 6 years.
Both catchers from last year's postseason team are back for 2014, as Steven Rodriguez (who caught emerging Pirates ace Gerrit Cole at UCLA) and Ronnie Freeman will backstop the club.
The Rawhide feature one of Arizona's Top 10 prospects on the infield, as Brandon Drury prepares to make his Tulare County debut. Drury is lauded for his strength, power, and ferocious work ethic. Visalia will also have 3 returners at the infield position; Ryan Court, who batted .326 in 39 games for the 'Hide last year, will be joined by on-base machine Kevin Medrano (.379 OBP in 2013) and Raul Navarro.
Visalia's outfield sees 4 extremely intriguing prospects join the team, led by returner Evan Marzilli, who closed last season strongly and will look to build on his success. He'll be joined by power-hitters Brandon Jacobs and Alex Glenn (who each hit double-digit home runs last season), and speedy youngster Socrates Brito, who has drawn early prospect comparisons to former Yankees standout Bernie Williams.
A slew of pitchers will be among the returners, as Seth Simmons, Keith Hessler, Anthony Meo, Daniel Watts, Cody Wheeler, andKyle Winkler will throw for the Rawhide again. They will be joined by Jimmie Sherfy, who was a star closer at Oregon and features one of the best sliders in the D-backs system.
The Rawhide will be managed by Robby Hammock, who begins his first season in Visalia and his 2nd managerial year in the D-backs' system. Hammock played in parts of 6 Major League seasons with Arizona, and famously caught Randy Johnson's perfect game on May 18^th, 2004. Gil Heredia returns to the staff as Pitching Coach, and Jason Camilli will be the Hitting Coach.
With Opening Day set for this Thursday, the Rawhide are full of anticipation to begin another thrilling season.
Full Rawhide 2014 Opening Day Roster:
_Pitchers:_
Spencer Arroyo
Enrique Burgos
Andrew Barbosa
Jesse Darrah
Henry Garcia
Keith Hessler
Hector Hernandez
Anthony Meo (Disabled List)
Jimmie Sherfy
Seth Simmons
Brandon Sinnery
Daniel Watts
Cody Wheeler
Kyle Winkler
_Catchers:_
Ronnie Freeman
Steven Rodriguez
_Infielders:_
Ryan Court
Brandon Drury
Rudy Flores
Gerard Hall (Disabled List)
Kevin Medrano
Raul Navarro
Fidel Pena
_Outfielders:_
Alex Glenn
Brandon Jacobs
Even Marzilli
Socrates Brito
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California League Stories from March 29, 2014
- Rawhide Announce 2014 Opening Day Roster - Visalia Rawhide
- Nuts 2014 Roster Unveiled - Modesto Nuts
- San Jose Giants Announce 2014 Roster - San Jose Giants
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