Dukes Add International Flavor, Experience

April 17, 2002 - Northern League (NL)
Duluth-Superior Dukes News Release


(Duluth, MN) Continuing his quest for the Dukes third Northern League Central title in ten years, Dukes Director of Player Procurement, Al Gallagher, announced earlier today the addition of two international players along with a third baseman from Illinois. The acquisitions give Gallagher over 17 years of professional baseball experience on a roster that boasts 7 rookies.

Julio Villalon, 23, signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2000. The Cuban native went 4-9 with a 5.62 ERA for the Bakersfield Blaze of the California League (A) and threw an unbelievable 146 strikeouts in 133 innings pitched.

"He had an outstanding year in Bakersfield," Gallagher said. "Julio shows tremendous ability and should be a mainstay in our starting line-up."

Marlon Roche, a 26 year-old Venezuelan native, signed as a non-drafted free agent in 1992 by the Houston Astros, where he hit .338 with 37 RBI for the Astros' Dominican Summer League team. He played the past three seasons for the Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs of the Northern League East and hit .336 with 14 doubles, 10 homeruns, and 48 RBI last season.

"Marlon is a pure hitter," Gallagher said. "He's hit over .300 the last three years in the Eastern Division and we're looking for him to be the best hitter in the Central Division this season."

Sean Murphy, a 29 year-old third baseman, was acquired as part of a trade agreement with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in exchange for DH Jay Kirkpatrick. Murphy was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 64th round of the 1994 draft. He played for the Sioux Falls Canaries last season batting .241 with 10 homeruns and 50 RBI.

"This trade gives us a solid Northern League player," Gallagher said. "He helped Sioux Falls win the first half last season, and he'll be an asset at third base for us."

With the addition of Roche and Villalon, Gallagher has signed a total of four international players. All players on the 2002 roster will report to training camp on May 10th.



Northern League Stories from April 17, 2002


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