FSL1 Lakeland Flying Tigers

Flying Tigers Opening Day Roster Set

Published on April 2, 2008 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Lakeland Flying Tigers News Release


Lakeland, FL - The Lakeland Flying Tigers have announced their 2008 Opening Day roster. It will feature the Detroit Tigers 2007 first round draft pick, Rick Porcello, Tigers Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Duane Below, and several players from the 2007 Midwest League Champions, West Michigan Whitecaps.

Porcello will be making his professional debut for the Flying Tigers. He was named the Tigers top prospect and possesses the best fastball and slider in the Tigers organization according to Baseball America. In his senior year at Seton Hall Preparatory, Porcello compiled a 10-0 record with a 1.18 ERA. He also recorded 112 strikeouts in 71 innings pitched.

Below, the Tigers 19th round selection in the 2006 draft, will begin his third season with the Tigers organization. In 2007, for the West Michigan Whitecaps, he led the Midwest League in strikeouts (160), finished the season tied for the league lead in wins (13), and finished fourth in the league with a 2.97 ERA. Below was named the 26th best prospect in the Tigers organization at the conclusion of the 2007 season by Baseball America.

Andy Barkett will lead the Flying Tigers in the 2008 season. It will mark his first year as manager of the Flying Tigers and second year as a manager within the Tigers organization. In 2007, he managed the Oneonta Tigers to a first place finish in the Stedler Division of the New York-Penn League with a record of 44-32. Joe Coleman (pitching coach), Larry Herndon (hitting coach), and Dustin Campbell (trainer) have returned for the upcoming season.

The Flying Tigers will open the 2008 Florida State League season at the Tampa Yankees on Thursday, April 3rd at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Opening Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 5th at 6 p.m. against the 2007 Florida State League Champions, Clearwater Threshers. Fireworks will follow at the conclusion of the game. Tickets for the 2008 season are available at the Joker Marchant Stadium Box Office. The box office is located at 2301 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland. Box office hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To obtain more information, please call the Flying Tigers at (863) 686-8075 or visit the online home of the Flying Tigers at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

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