SL1 Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Blue Wahoos Initial Roster Set

Published on April 2, 2018 under Southern League (SL1)
Pensacola Blue Wahoos News Release


The 2018 Pensacola Blue Wahoos initial roster has been set by the Cincinnati Reds. The roster features seven players in the Reds' top 30 prospects according to the 2018 Baseball America Prospect Handbook.

Returning infielder Shed Long (#8) tops the list. Long was part of a group that featured fellow infielder Gavin LaValley (#21) that got called up last season at the All-Star Break and helped the Wahoos to the team's first ever Southern League title. Also cracking the list is infielder Alfredo Rodriguez (#13). The made a significant financial commitment to sign him out of Cuba by the Reds in 2016. He was part of three Cuban signees the Reds exceeded their international pool limit for.

There are two outfielders on the list with returners Aristides Aquino (#14) and Nick Longhi (#23). Both played with the Wahoos last season. Aquino led the Wahoos by matching a club record with 17 home runs. Longhi joined the Wahoos after getting acquired from the Boston Red Sox, but played in just seven games before an injury to his elbow sidelined him for the rest of the season. The Blue Wahoos will also get a boost in the lineup from 2017 Southern League Home Run Derby champion Gabriel Guerrero. He is coming off a strong 2017 campaign with a .273 average, seven home runs and 50 RBI.

There are two pitchers on the list with newcomer Vladamir Gutierrez (#9) and Keury Mella (#22). Gutierrez also signed out of Cuba in '16 and played his first season in the United States last year with Daytona. He posted a 7-8 record with a 4.46 ERA in 19 starts. He finished with 94 strikeouts against just 19 walks. The Reds have a proven track record of successful Cuban signees with the likes of Aroldis Chapman and more recently Raisel Iglesias. Mella helped anchor the Wahoos pitching staff last season. After which, he earned a September promotion to Cincinnati where he made his Major League debut pitching in two games for the Reds.

In total the current roster sits at 27 with 14 pitchers, two catchers, six infielders and five outfielders. There will be additional roster moves made prior to the league mandated roster deadline on Opening Day. The full roster is attached.

The Blue Wahoos open play on the 2018 season on Thursday, April 5 on the road against the Mobile BayBears at Hank Aaron Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:35 and can be heard on 97.1 The Ticket.




Southern League Stories from April 2, 2018


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