BlueClaws Unveil Opening Day Roster
Published on April 4, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release
LAKEWOOD, N.J. - After much anticipation, the Lakewood BlueClaws have announced the opening 25-man roster that will take the field on Opening Day, April 9th, against the Delmarva Shorebirds at FirstEnergy Park.
Included as part of the roster are three of the top ten and six of the top 30 prospects within the Phillies organization as rated by Baseball America. Catcher Travis D'Arnaud returns to the BlueClaws after playing 16 games in Lakewood last season. He is ranked as the No. 7 prospect in the Phillies organization. Outfielder Zach Collier, a supplemental first round pick in the 2008 draft, is ranked as the No. 8 prospect and LHP Jason Knapp, a second round selection in the 2008 draft, is ranked as the 10th best prospect.
In addition, the BlueClaws also have several high draft picks included on the team. Of note are outfielder Anthony Gose, a second round pick in the 2008 draft and first baseman Jeremy Hamilton, a fifth round selection in 2008.
The BlueClaws will also welcome back several members of the 2008 team, which recorded the second best record in franchise history. Third baseman and the 21st ranked prospect in the Phillies organization, Travis Mattair (3rd round pick, 2007) will return, along with 2006 fourth round selection, outfielder D'Arby Myers. LHP Jacob Diekman, who started 19 games for the BlueClaws last season, will open the year with Lakewood. Jesus Sanchez will also return to the BlueClaws, this time as a pitcher. A former catcher, he played 35 games last season with Lakewood.
Finally, there are twelve players that played all or part of last season with the Williamsport Crosscutters, the short-season the Phillies, playing in Lakewood this season. These players include shortstop Troy Hanzawa, and pitchers Justin De Fratus, Robert Roth and BJ Rosenberg. BlueClaws manager Dusty Wathan managed the Crosscutters last season and guided them to 38-37 record.
To see a complete roster of the 2009 Lakewood BlueClaws, click here.
The BlueClaws will fly up from Florida on Sunday night.
The Lakewood BlueClaws welcomed 425,166 fans to FirstEnergy Park during the 2008 season which upped their eight-season total to 3,595,378. They have led the South Atlantic League in average or overall attendance in each of their eight seasons.
The team recently announced that all children ages 12 and under, will eat for free at every 2009 home game.
South Atlantic League Stories from April 4, 2009
- Hot Rods Release Inaugural Roster - Bowling Green Hot Rods
- BlueClaws Unveil Opening Day Roster - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Power to Face WVU-Tech in Exhibition - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Power Set Roster For Opening Day - Charleston Dirty Birds
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