SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Kannapolis 2012 Roster Announced

Published on April 2, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (April 2, 2012) -- The Kannapolis Intimidators 2012 squad has arrived in town, and the Chicago White Sox have designated 25 players, including 13 pitchers, to begin the season with Kannapolis. The Intimidators, now entering the 12th season as the Class A Affiliate of the White Sox, will feature four of the top 30 prospects in the organization, according to Baseball America.

Outfielder Keenyn Walker, the White Sox top draft pick of 2011 (47th overall) and the No. 5 Prospect in the organization, returns to Kannapolis after finishing last season as a member of the Intimidators. Walker is one of seven players returning to Kannapolis in 2012 after spending time with the Intimidators in 2011, including fellow outfielders Collin Kuhn and Dusty Harvard, infielders Leighton Pangilinan and Rangel Ravelo, and relief pitchers Terance Marin and Steven Upchurch.

The Intimidators starting rotation will include 2011 Pioneer League Pitcher of the Year Blair Walters, who went 9-0 for Advanced Rookie Great Falls last season while leading the league in wins. Walters is rated the No. 26 Prospect in the White Sox system. Jefferson Olacio, a 6'7" left-handed hurler and No. 15 Prospect in the organization, will also take the mound for Kannapolis this season.

Last June's seventh round selection, catcher Kevan Smith, will don an Intimidators uniform this season after batting .355 in 56 games between Advanced Rookie Bristol and Great Falls in 2011. Smith is the No. 28 Prospect for Chicago. In total, 15 of the 25 players who will open the year in Kannapolis are 2011 White Sox draft picks.

Julio Vinas takes over as manager of the Intimidators after serving as skipper for the White Sox Class A-Advanced Affiliate in Winston-Salem in 2011. Vinas led the Dash to a 69-71 in his first year as manager Before coming to the White Sox, he spent 10 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, including six as the team's minor league hitting coordinator from 2005-2010.

Pitching Coach Jose Bautista returns for his second year in Kannapolis, and Hitting Coach Robert Sasser is in his first year with the Intimidators. Tim Rodmaker is the team's Strength and Conditioning Coach after serving in the same role with Advanced Rookie Great Falls last season. Athletic Trainer Scott Johnson returns for his second year in Kannapolis and 24th in the White Sox organization.

The Intimidators open the 2012 season - the 18th year of professional baseball in Kannapolis - at home on Thursday, April 5, 2012 against the Hickory Crawdads. The organization drew 138,359 fans in 2011, setting a new franchise attendance record. For ticket information or for more details on group pricing, please call the box office at (704) 932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 2, 2012


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