MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Dragons Announce Opening Night Roster

Published on April 5, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


DAYTON, OH-The Dayton Dragons announced their 2009 opening night 25-man roster today. The Dragons will open their 10th season in the Midwest League on Thursday, April 9th at 7:05 p.m. against the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field.

The Dragons roster includes a strong outfield that features two hitters who topped the .325 mark with the Billings Mustangs (Reds Rookie affiliate) in 2008, a third player who finished at .299, and an additional player who led the Mustangs in home runs.

Three members of the Dragons, pitchers Aguido Gonzalez, (pronounced OGG-ee-doe), Mace Thurman, and Curtis Partch, were members of the Reds Futures Team on Saturday in Dayton. All three also played for the Dragons in 2008. Outfielder Brandon Menchaca also returns from the 2008 Dragons, while pitchers Andrew Bowman and Josh Ravin and first baseman Humberto Sosa saw limited time in Dayton in 2008.

The following players will be on the roster for new Dragons manager Todd Benzinger on Thursday:

Outfielder Tyler Stovall, a product of Moeller High School in Cincinnati, hit .333 at Billings last season in 38 games. He was the 2007 Mid American Conference Player of the Year at Central Michigan University.

Outfielder Byron Wiley hit .328 at Billings in 2008 and added 27 extra base hits in 39 games.

Outfielder David Sappelt batted .299 at Billings after being recognized as a semi-finalist for the 2008 Golden Spikes Award (best player in college baseball) at Coastal Carolina University.

Outfielder Tony Brown belted 12 home runs in 65 games last season to lead the Billings team. He hit a solid .283.

Relief pitcher Aguido Gonzalez tied for the Dragons team lead in saves in 2008 despite not joining the club until mid-July. For the year, Gonzalez allowed runs in only two of his 27 appearances out of the bullpen and posted a 0.98 earned run average.

Relief pitcher Mace Thurman enjoyed an outstanding first professional season in 2008 after completing his college career at Baylor University. At Billings, Thurman allowed just one run in 16 and two-thirds innings, earning a promotion to Dayton where he turned in some strong performances.

Starting pitcher Matt Fairel went 12-2 at Florida State University in 2008 and emerged as one of the top hurlers in college baseball. He did not play professionally last summer.

Perhaps the most intriguing prospect on the Dayton roster is shortstop Miguel Rojas, a 20-year-old native of Venezuela. He is considered a defensive wizard on the infield and was described by Reds Director of Player Development Terry Reynolds as possessing "the quickest hands I've seen in my 30 years in baseball." Stovall described Rojas on a website blog as having hands so quick that his fielding skills resemble a magic trick. However, Rojas struggled mightily at the plate last season, hitting just .183, and new Dragons hitting coach Tony Jaramillo will work closely with the youngster.

A limited number of lawn tickets remain available for Thursday's opening night game. Lawn tickets are $7.00 and can be purchased at the Fifth Third Field Box Office, by calling (937) 228-BATS (2287), or by emailing dragons@daytondragons.com. More information is available at www.daytondragons.com. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday's game will be televised on WHIO Digital Channel 7.2 (708 on most Time Warner cable systems. Check your local listings). Former Reds second baseman Bill Doran will join Dragons Director of Broadcasting Tom Nichols on the telecast. The game can be heard on radio on ESPN Radio 1410 AM WING.

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Midwest League Stories from April 5, 2009


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