Bulls Announce Opening Day Roster
Published on April 8, 2010 under International League (IL1)
Durham Bulls News Release
Durham, NC - The Durham Bulls today announced their Opening Day roster for the 2010 season. 15 players return from their 2009 National Championship season as they begin the quest to duplicate last season's success starting tonight against the Norfolk Tides.
Of the 24 active players on the roster, 18 have big league experience. The Bulls will carry 12 position players and 12 pitchers.
Tampa Bay's top pitching prospect Jeremy Hellickson anchors a staff that includes several returnees, including Heath Phillips, Jeff Bennett and Carlos Hernandez. Newcomer Virgil Vasquez rounds out the Bulls' starting rotation.
Right-handers Dale Thayer and Winston Abreu return at the back end of the Durham Bulls bullpen along with returning pitchers Joe Bateman, Richard De Los Santos and Heath Rollins. They'll be joined by rookie Brian Baker and free agent acquisition Joaquin Benoit.
Two-time American League All-Star Hank Blalock leads a powerful group of position players for the Bulls, including three players beginning their fourth season in Durham. The infield includes fan-favorites Chris Richard and Elliot Johnson along with returning veterans Joe Dillon, John Jaso and Dan Johnson. Angel Chavez and Alvin Colina join Blalock as the only other newcomers to the infield.
The entire Durham Bulls outfield consists of returning stars, including four-year starter Justin Ruggiano, He'll be joined by speedster Fernando Perez and National Title Game hero Rashad Eldridge.
Durham begins the season with several players on the disabled list, including outfielder Desmond Jennings who Baseball America tabbed as the sixth best prospect in Minor League Baseball. Pitchers Jason Cromer and R.J. Swindle and infielders Chris Nowak and J.J. Furmaniak also begin the season on the disabled list.
Outfielder Matt Joyce joins the club on a Major League rehab assignment from Tampa Bay today. The 25-year-old Joyce played in 111 games with the Bulls last season, hitting .277 with 16 home runs and 66 RBI.
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