SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Intimidators Release 2008 Roster

Published on March 31, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


Kannapolis, NC - The Kannapolis Intimidators and their Major League Affiliate, the Chicago White Sox, announced the release of the Intimidators' 2008 Opening Day roster. Kannapolis welcomes back three players from last season and features one player listed in Baseball America's Top 10 prospects for the White Sox.

2008 marks the third straight season RHP Jason Rice has spent time with the Intimidators. Last season, Rice pitched in 12 games (seven starts) compiling a 3-2 record with a 4.54 earned run average. Another right-hander, Charlie Shirek, is back in Kannapolis after a brief 2007 professional debut with the Intimidators. Shirek pitched in six games last season after being drafted in the 23rd round out of Nebraska in June. And IF Mike Grace returns to the Intimidators after batting .252 in 120 games last season.

OF Jose Martinez makes his full season debut with the Intimidators in 2008. Martinez is listed by Baseball America as the fourth best prospect in the White Sox system entering the season. The Venezuelan native will play most of the season at the age of 19. He hit .282 with seven home runs and 37 runs batted in with Rookie-Bristol last season.

The 2008 Intimidators feature 12 players drafted last June. RHP Leroy Hunt (4th round) leads the way. RHP Nate Jones (5th), RHP Johnnie Lowe (6th), OF Jim Gallagher (7th), C John Curtis (14th), IF Greg Paiml (15th), IF Dale Mollenhauer (17th), RHP Levi Maxwell (18th), RHP Henry Mabee (19th), IF Logan Johnson (20th), RHP Justin Klipp (22nd) and RHP Charlie Shirek (23rd) were all selected by the White Sox last June.

The Intimidators welcome back their coaching staff from last season. Manager Chris Jones, pitching coach Larry Owens, hitting coach Andy Tomberlin and trainer Chris McKenna are all back from last year's 69-70 club. One new addition was made to the field staff with strength coach Tim Rodmaker.

Kannapolis opens the 2008 South Atlantic League season on Thursday, April 3rd in Greenville, SC against the Drive. The Intimidators return for the home opener Monday, April 7th versus the Asheville Tourists. Game and season tickets are available by calling (704) 932-FANS or logging on to www.intimidatorsbaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from March 31, 2008


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