SAL1 Greensboro Grasshoppers

Marlins shuffle roster in Greensboro

Published on June 30, 2005 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greensboro Grasshoppers News Release


(GREENSBORO, NC) The Florida Marlins announced this week that 15th round draft pick Paul Witt will join the Greensboro Grasshoppers effective today. Witt, 5'11, 180 pounds, recently completed his senior season with Baylor University in Waco TX.

Prior to the 2005 Super Regionals of the NCAA Tournament, the Arkansas native was hitting .256 with a .928 fielding percentage. Witt, a primary shortstop, has also seen time played at second base.

Right-handed pitcher Rick Vanden Hurk has returned to the Greensboro roster effective Thursday, June 30. Vanden Hurk has been involved in many transactions already this summer splitting time between Greensboro and Jupiter. Most recently, he suffered a concussion on a hard hit line drive during his first start for High- A Jupiter and was placed on the disabled list.

While with Greensboro, Vanden Hurk was 1-2 with a 2.45 ERA. He allowed 17 hits and seven runs in four games played. The Eindhover, Holland native struck out 26 batters in 22.0 innings pitched. He was drafted by Florida as a Free Agent in 2002.

Greensboro outfielder Kevin Sewell made the announcement over the All-Star break that he plans to retire from professional baseball. Sewell, who had an amazing April, struggled throughout May and June at the plate. "I originally thought that I would move quickly through the league when the season first started, "said Sewell. "Now, I am struggling to see the ball. It's really frustrating."

In April, Sewell was hitting .400 in 15 games including nine runs, 16 hits, and two homeruns. He led the Greensboro team in RBI with 14. May and June were another story for Sewell as Greensboro's sole left-handed batter combined for a .174 batting average with only 18 hits and 14 runs in 34 games played. Sewell was originally drafted as a Free Agent in 2004. He will remain on the Grasshopper's active roster until further notice.

Greensboro newcomer, catcher Freddie Smolarski, is hitting .182 in three games played for the Hoppers. The 2002 Free Agent has two hits and two strikeouts in his 11 at bats.

The Grasshoppers will return to Greensboro, NC on July 4 to host the Charleston RiverDogs, a single-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. Game time is 7:00PM and gates will open at 6:00PM. The Grasshoppers are planning a spectacular fireworks show following the game in celebration of America's Independence Day. Call 336-268-2255 to purchase tickets or purchase them online at home at www.gsohoppers.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 30, 2005


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