PCL1 Fresno Grizzlies

Espineli headed to Olympic team

Published on July 16, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release


FRESNO, CA - Fresno Grizzlies reliever Geno Espineli was named to the 2008 United States Olympic Baseball Team this afternoon. USA Baseball announced Wednesday 23 of the 24 members of its Olympic squad. The Davey Johnson-led team is set to compete in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Aug. 8-24 (baseball competition Aug. 13-23).

Espineli, who is currently in Lousiville, KY for the Triple-A All-Star Game at Lousville Slugger Field on Wednesday night, has been one of the most dominant relievers in Class AAA this season. The Houston native is 1-1 with a save and a 2.06 ERA in 34 appearances for the Grizzlies this year. He is allowing fewer than a baserunner per inning, and has walked just six batters in 52.1 innings of work in 2008.

The team features 12 pitchers and 11 position players. The 24th member of the Olympic Team will be named in the coming days. The Olympic Team is laden with veteran talent -- 14 players are currently playing at the Triple-A. Seven players are in Double-A, one in Class A and one at the collegiate level.

"We are proud of the ballclub we have assembled," said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler. "The team is strong from top to bottom, and we are confident it will succeed in Beijing. We applaud our coaching staff and selection committee for their tireless work in putting together an excellent team."

In addition to Espineli, the team is loaded with talent including star Indians prospect Matt LaPorta, who was recently traded from Milwaukee in the deal for CC Sabathia, and Buchanan High School (Clovis, CA) product Jason Donald who is in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.

Geno Espineli will represent the Fresno Grizzlies and the Pacific Coast League in the Triple-A All-Star Game on Wednesday night in Louisville, KY. The game will air live on ESPN2 at 4:00pm PDT. Following the all-star break the Grizzlies return to action on Friday night when they host the Salt Lake Bees at Chukchansi Park. For information regarding tickets, promotions, or Grizzlies baseball visit FresnoGrizzlies.com or call 559.320.HITS.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 16, 2008


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