Marauders 2015 Roster Announced
Published on April 7, 2015 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Bradenton Marauders News Release
Bradenton, Fla. - The Bradenton Marauders, High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, today announced the tentative opening day roster for the 2015 season. The Marauders, led by first-year Manager Michael Ryan, travel to Port St. Lucie to open the sixth season in franchise history on Thursday, April 9.
Headlining the roster are a pair of 2014 first round draft picks, outfielder Austin Meadows and catcher Reese McGuire. Both are ranked as top five prospects in the Pirates organization by MLB.com and Baseball America. Both players played for Ryan at Low-A West Virginia in 2014, completing their first year of full-season pro ball as teenagers.
The Marauders pitching staff features four returners from the 2014 team, a group that amassed only 90 total innings in Bradenton: righties Ryan Hafner, Felipe Gonzalez, and Brett McKinney, as well as lefty Andy Otamendi, return to Bradenton in 2014. The rotation will hinge on a pair of left- hander hurlers, 2013 fourth round pick Cody Dickson and off-season trade acquisition Steven Brault. Henry Hirsch, Clario Perez, Issac Sanchez, and Justin Topa all spent last season with the West Virginia Power pitching out of the bullpen. Starting pitcher Frank Duncan makes the leap from Jamestown to Bradenton. Righty Julio Vivas is also slated for the opening day roster.
Behind the plate, Jin-De Jhang returns for a second season in Bradenton. Jhang will share time with McGuire as the team's backstop.
Jose Osuna and Jordan Steranka are back as veteran bats for Bradenton. The duo hit in the middle of the order during last season's playoff chase, with Osuna finishing second in the league in slugging percentage. Shortstop Jacoby Jones mashed 23 home runs for West Virginia last season.
Second baseman Erich Weiss and third baseman Wyatt Mathisen also provided punch for the Power last year. Other new faces are Chris Diaz, Edwin Espinal, and Michael Fransoso,
Barrett Barnes and Justin Maffei are back to roam the outfield with Meadows. Maffei hit .303 for the Marauders in 49 games last season. Barnes showed off power potential and speed in a short stint in Bradenton in 2014.
The Marauders play their first home game on Saturday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. against the St. Lucie Mets. All 140 Marauders games will be streamed online at www.BradentonMarauders.com and via the TuneIn App. For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.
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