Hannibal Cavemen Add Players to Roster
Published on May 18, 2013 under Prospect League (Prospect)
Hannibal Cavemen News Release
HANNIBAL, MISSOURI - The Hannibal Cavemen added several more players to their 2013 roster, including two more 2012 Prospect League All-Star Game starters, Jake Mangler and J. Golden.
Mangler, a sophomore from the University of Iowa, is returning to the Cavemen for his third season. In 2012 he batted .320 with 1 HR and 34 RBI. Golden, who attends St. Ambrose University, batted .320, 1 HR and 14 RBI in 34 games before an injury ended his 2012 season early.
"We are very excited to have both Jake and J. back with us," said Jay Hemond, the Cavemen Manager and Director of Baseball Operations. "We are very fortunate to have two All-Stars who hit at the top of the lineup return together. Along with Zach Nichols who is also a returning All-Star, those three hit 1-2-3 in our batting order last season. "
Left-hand pitcher Josh Tols will also join the Cavemen for his second season. Tols pitched for the Cavemen in 2010, going 0-2 with 15 strike outs in 13 2/3 innings pitched. In 2012 he was lined up to pitch for the Cavemen but, while pitching for Rockhurst University (6-2, 3.36 ERA, 3 saves, and 66 K in 67 IP) and earning All-Ohio Valley Conference honors, he had season-ending elbow surgery.
"Josh is a very versatile pitcher," Hemond explained. "In the past he has started and relieved. And out of the pen he has pitched long relief, set up, and even closed. "
Hemond's own son, Zane Hemond will also pitch for the Cavemen this summer. The younger Hemond was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 40th round of the 2012 MLB Draft, but did not sign. In previous seasons he has assisted the Cavemen coaching staff, serving as first-base coach in 2012.
"Having Zane on the team as a player is almost surreal," Hemond said. "He is a talented pitcher but I have to say that it is a little more special for me."
The Cavemen made other additions to the pitching staff. Travis McDonald, who as with fellow-countryman Josh Tols hails from Australia, is a LHP from Arkansas-Little Rock. The Cavemen also added LHPs Jamell Blue from Texas Southern, Devontae Wilson from Mississippi Delta Community College, Brett Barker from University of California Irvine, and Kyle Kuck (pronounced Cook), who also plays 1B and outfield, from California State University San Marcos.
Right-handed pitching additions to the roster include: Wes Judish, University of San Diego, and Carl Brice, who will attend Grambling State University 2013 after pitching for Holmes Community College this spring.
"What is very important with virtually each of these pitchers is the fact they have had significant impact with their college teams," Hemond explained. "Having that experience in the spring prepares them for important roles this summer."
As for position players the Cavemen again added players with significant playing time with their college teams. From UC Irvine, the Cavemen signed infielder Mike Duarte and outfielder Ryan Cooper. Wichita State University will send infielder Josh Halbert, while University of San Diego will provide infielder Jerod Smith. Infielder/catcher Trevor Kenyon from University of Iowa will also join the Cavemen.
"Just like the pitchers we have coming, most of the position players have played key roles for their school teams," Hemond said, "and these are major programs in the NCAA and NAIA. We are looking forward to all our players contributing to a successful season for the Hannibal Cavemen."
Prospect League Stories from May 18, 2013
- Hannibal Cavemen Add Players to Roster - Hannibal Cavemen
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