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FL River City Rascals

2015 Position Preview: Infield

March 31, 2015 - Frontier League (FL)
River City Rascals News Release


Entering into the 2015 season, the Rascals infield looks to be the team's biggest strength of the team. With all four of the 2014 starters returning to River City, the infield will provide consistency while the team faces turnover from last year.

Brian McConkey is returning to River City for his first full season with the Rascals. After spending three years in the Marlins system, the big first basemen started last year with the Schaumberg Boomers his second year with the team; after hitting .250 with four homeruns in 46 games, McConkey was released. The Rascals alertly signed him and reaped the benefits. McConkey provided a consistent left-handed bat for the Rascals. He slashed .290/.364/.543 with 11 homers and 34 RBI in just 41 games, playing primarily first base. In a lineup that figures to be heavily right-handed, McConkey will be a key cog in the lineup.

Hector Crespo is the incumbent second basemen and figures to be the everyday starter. The middle infielder started more games at second, 94, than any other Rascal at one position. The Yankees drafted Crespo in the 34th round in 2013, and the righty reached Triple-A in his only season with the Yanks. In his first year with the Rascals, Crespo hit .310/.393/.440 and drove in 47 runs. His 103 hits and 62 runs were both second on the team.

Taylor Ard is returning to River City after playing 50 games at third base. Ard was drafted three times and eventually sign with the Mariners after being selected in the seventh round; he was released after two seasons. The corner infielder signed with the Rascals before the 2014 season and batted .338/.404/.544 with nine homers and nine steals. On July 17, the Diamondbacks purchased his contract from the Rascals. Ard played at three different levels but was released following the season. He returns to River City in 2015 and looks to be the starter at the hot corner this year.

Johnny Morales will start at shortstop for his third consecutive season with the Rascals. He participated in 76 contests in 2013 but improved greatly last year, posting a .302/.387/.380 slash line in 82 games, 80 at shortstop. The Rascal coaching staff singled out Morales as one of the key returning players for the '15 Rascals.

In a league in which players come and go faster than some can keep track of, the Rascals have the luxury of familiarity with the entire starting infield. All four main starters are returning, and they will be expected to set the pace for this season's Rascals club.

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