2008 Tornadoes Have Red Sox Flavor
August 20, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release
Worcester, MA -- The 2008 edition of the Worcester Tornadoes has a distinct Boston Red Sox feel to it, as three current Tornadoes have spent time playing ball in the Red Sox organization in their professional careers.
Tornadoes Shortstop Chuck Jeroloman was a 21st-round Red Sox draft pick out of Auburn University in 2004. He spent four years in the Red Sox system from 2004-2007 and played for five different Boston affiliates (Lowell, Greenville, Wilmington, Lancaster and Pawtucket). Jeroloman had the distinction of playing at the highest level of minor league baseball, when he saw action with Pawtucket (AAA - International League) in 2005 and 2006. Jeroloman recorded two career hits at the Triple-A level, including an inside-the-park home run on the last day of the 2006 season. Jeroloman currently leads all Can-Am League shortstops in fielding percentage.
Worcester Lefthanded Pitcher Tom Cochran was Boston's 18th-round selection out of Middle Georgia Junior College in the 2003 draft. Cochran pitched at two levels (Lowell and Sarasota) in the Red Sox organization during the 2003-2004 seasons. He played with Jeroloman while the two were with Lowell (A- - New York-Penn League) in 2004. Cochran currently leads the Can-Am League in Wins (13 - a Tornadoes franchise record for victories in a single season), while ranking 3rd in ERA (2.31). Cochran was named the Cam-Am League Pitcher-of-the-Month for June, when he went 5-0, 1.42 in his five starts that month.
Tornadoes Righthanded Pitcher Kyle Jackson is the newest member of the team, signing with Worcester on August 15. The Red Sox took Jackson out of St. Petersburg Junior College with their 32nd-round pick in the 2001 draft. Prior to joining the Tornadoes, Jackson spent his entire six-year professional career pitching for five different Boston affiliates (GCL Red Sox, Lowell, Greenville, Wilmington and Portland) in the Red Sox minor league system. Like Cochran, Jackson also played with Jeroloman in the Red Sox minor leagues in '05 and '06. Jackson was named the Gulf Coast Red Sox Pitcher-of-the-Year in 2003, when he went 5-2, 1.85 in 12 starts. He had a stellar 2006 season, splitting the year between Wilmington (A+ - Carolina League) and Portland (AA - Eastern League) and posting a 9-1 record with a stingy 1.98 ERA in 46 relief appearances. That fine performance convinced the Red Sox to add Jackson to their 40-man roster on November 20, 2006. Jackson made his Tornadoes debut as a starter on Tuesday night, pitching 6.2 strong innings in a no-decision. He has averaged nearly a strikeout per inning pitched over his pro career.
In addition, Zak Farkes, the older brother of Tornadoes Outfielder Josh Farkes, is currently playing for Lancaster (A+ - California League) in the Red Sox organization. Carlos Pena, the older brother of Tornadoes Second Baseman Omar Pena, played with Boston in 2006 and is now the starting first baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Worcester Coach Roger LaFrancois spent six seasons in the Red Sox system from 1978-1983, including the entire 1982 season with the big club. And of course, Tornadoes Manager Rich Gedman was one of the finest catchers in Red Sox history, playing with the club from 1980-1990, making two All-Star Teams and starring in the 1986 World Series. With all of the Red Sox connections on this year's Tornadoes team, there is reason to be optimistic that Boston and Worcester will share something else in common at the end of the season: a championship!
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