MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Jacobson, Avila, Dirks Join 'Caps

Published on June 19, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps, in conjunction with the Detroit Tigers, announced today that 2008 draftees Brett Jacobson, Alex Avila and Andy Dirks will join the Whitecaps for their first professional assignment.

Jacobson, a 6-6, 205-pound right-handed pitcher drafted by the Tigers in the fourth round earlier this month, pitched the last three seasons at Vanderbilt University. He posted a 6-3 record with 3.15 ERA in 74.1 innings in 2007 and then went 2-4 with 5.09 ERA in 20 appearances and fours starts this year for the Commodores. Jacobson hails from Carefree, Arizona and was an EA Sports All-American at Cactus Shadows High School.

Avila, a 21-year-old catcher from Pembroke Pines, Fla., spent the past three seasons at the University of Alabama and was drafted in the fifth round. In 2008, Avila led the Crimson Tide in home runs with 17 and RBI with 62 while batting .343 (82-for-239) in 61 games. Alex is the son of Tigers Vice President and Assistant General Manager Al Avila.

Dirks, a left-handed, 22-year-old outfielder from Wichita State University, was drafted by the Tigers in the eighth round of the 2008 draft. He hit a blistering .388 (97-for-250) with a team-high 11 home runs, 62 RBI and 26 stolen bases in 65 games during his senior year at WSU. Dirks is from Burrton, Kansas and went to Haven High School in Kansas.

The three players will take the roster spots of OF Hayden Parrott, INF Joaquin Guzman and catcher Angel Flores. Parrott and Guzman were transferred to short-season Oneonta and Flores was sent to Double-A Erie prior to the All-Star break.

In addition, the Tigers announced today that first baseman Chris Carlson has been placed on the disabled list. At the end of the first half, Carlson was hitting .290 with seven home runs and 37 RBI. The Topeka, Kansas native also started in the Midwest League All-Star Game on Tuesday.

The Whitecaps active roster is at 24 players. For more information on the roster move, contact the Whitecaps PR Department at 616-726-7065. An updated roster is attached.

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