SL1 Jackson Generals

Former Diamond Jaxx outfielder Greg Halman to participate in World Baseball Classic

Published on March 3, 2009 under Southern League (SL1)
Jackson Generals News Release


Jackson, Tenn. (March 3, 2009) - Former Diamond Jaxx outfielder, Greg Halman has been chosen to play for the Netherlands in this year's World Baseball Classic. Halman is rated as the No. 1 prospect in the Seattle Mariners organization according to Baseball America in 2009.

Halman, 21, hit .272 with 95 runs scored, 29 doubles, five triples, 29 home runs, 83 RBI and 31 stolen bases in 128 games combined between Single-A High Desert and Double-A West Tenn last season. His 29 home runs led all Mariners farmhands, while he also ranked second in stolen bases and third in RBI. At 20 years old, Halman, was the youngest position player in the Southern League in 2008.

Halman earned the praise of the Seattle Mariners by being named the organization's 2008 Minor League Player of the Year.

In an interview with Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com, Mariners' Director of Minor League operations Pedro Grifol said of Halman playing in the WBC:

"I think it'll be a great experience for him. He'll face great competition. The things he needs to improve on offensively and defensively, they might get exposed there. That's where the adjustments will have to be made.

"The best in the world will be playing. They will identify and try to take advantage of your weaknesses. How he makes adjustments will determine what kind of experience he'll have. It's a great development tool for us, to put this kid in this kind of environment and let him experience all of this."

Joining Halman on the Netherlands roster will be other Major League players such as Sidney Ponson and Rick VandenHurk. The Netherlands will open up pool play on Saturday, March 7 against the Dominican Republic at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan Puerto Rico.

The West Tenn Diamond Jaxx are the Double-A, Southern League Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The Diamond Jaxx will open the 2009 season on Thursday, April 9 in Montgomery, Ala. The Jaxx home opener will be Monday, April 20 when they play host to the Tennessee Smokies. Season tickets, flex plans and individual game tickets are on sale now by calling (731) 988-JAXX.

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Southern League Stories from March 3, 2009


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