Opening day roster set, workout open to public
April 4, 2006 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release
OMAHA - The Omaha Royals Opening Day roster has been set by Kansas City. Fans who want to get an early look at the Royals are invited to watch a workout on Wednesday, April 5th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Rosenblatt Stadium.
Omaha's infield features first baseman Justin Huber. The Australian native, who converted from catcher to first base in 2005, is ranked by Baseball America as Kansas City's #3 prospect entering this season. Across the diamond from Huber will be third baseman Mike Aviles, who the same publication tabs as the Royals 23rd-best prospect. Switch-hitters Ruben Gotay and Andres Blanco - who have each seen action with Kansas City the past two seasons - will begin this season at second base and shortstop, respectively, for Omaha.
The Triple-A club's outfield includes Chip Ambres, a high school quarterback who had a scholarship offer from the University of Nebraska before signing with the Florida Marlins as their 1st round pick in the 1998 draft. Aaron Guiel, who was named as Omaha's Player of the Year as well as to the All-PCL team in 2005, is back for his seventh season with the club. Omaha's outfield also includes speedster Kerry Robinson, who stole 39 bases last season for Triple-A clubs Portland and Richmond and Chad Allen, who has spent parts of each of the last seven seasons in the Major Leagues.
Paul Phillips and Jared Price return to handle Omaha's catching chores. Utility players Ricky Bell and Chris Clapinski provide versatility off the bench.
The Royals starting rotation is comprised of right-handers Kyle Snyder, Bobby Keppel, Runelvys Hernandez and Brian Bass (ranked by Baseball America as KC's #12 prospect) along with lefty J.P. Howell, who raced through three levels of the minor leagues in his second professional season in 2005, before making 15 starts for Kansas City. The bullpen includes right-handers Adam Bernero, Derrick DePriest, Dave Elder, Justin Huisman, Joe Nelson, Joel Peralta and Danny Tamayo. Eddie Yarnall is the lone lefty in the âpen.
The roster currently includes 25 players, one above the limit in the Pacific Coast League, with one transaction required to meet that limit by Opening Day.
The Royals open their 2006 Pacific Coast League season at Rosenblatt Stadium on Thursday, April 6th at 7:05 p.m. vs. the Nashville Sounds.
Pacific Coast League Stories from April 4, 2006
- Sidewinders battle Wildcats to a 4-2 win - Tucson Sidewinders
- Stokes' slam sinks Lobos in 6-2 'Topes win - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Sounds warm up for season with 10-0 win over Belmont - Nashville Sounds
- Opening day roster set, workout open to public - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Round Rock Express Announce 2006 Opening Day Roster - Round Rock Express
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