Current And Former Top Prospects Square Off In Spring Training Showdown
Published on April 1, 2010 under International League (IL1)
Durham Bulls News Release
Durham, NC - The Durham Bulls and Tampa Bay Rays today announced their starting pitcher's for the Spring Training Showdown presented by Midas on Saturday, April 3rd at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The Rays will send former 1st round pick and Durham Bulls alum Jeff Niemann to the mound while the Bulls will counter with 2009 National Championship Game MVP Jeremy Hellickson.
Niemann, the 4th overall pick in the 2004 draft, pitched for the Bulls from 2007-2008 compiling a 21-11 record in 49 starts. Last season he settled in as the fourth starter for Tampa Bay last season, posting a 13-6 record with a 3.94 ERA and 125 strikeouts against 59 walks. He finished fourth in American League Rookie of the Year balloting.
Hellickson, the top pitching prospect in the Rays organization, led the Bulls to their first National Championship in 2009 after joining the team in late July. "The Silent Assassin" was 6-1 with a 2.51 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 57 innings with the Bulls. Hellickson was named the Rays Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2009 along with winning the Bobby Murcer MVP Trophy at the Triple-A National Championship game. Pitching against Memphis, Hellickson hurled five scoreless innings allowing only two hits in a game the Bulls would win in 11 innings, 5-4.
Few tickets remain for the Spring Training Showdown between the Bulls and Tampa Bay on Saturday. Purchases can be made at www.durhambulls.com or by phone at (919) 956-BULL.
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