Pheasants Announce 2011 Opening Day Roster
Published on May 11, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants are thrilled to announce their 2011 Opening Day roster. The Pheasants have brought back 14 members of their division champion and record-setting 2010 team. The 23-player roster features playing experience from veteran to rookie status. The histories of the players range from true rookies to major-league experience.
Notable returners include six of the Pheasants' seven postseason all-stars in 2010. Three of the most powerful hitter in team history are back: Reggie Abercrombie (OF), Trevor Lawhorn (3B), and Brandon Sing (1B). The three Pheasant arms that swept the postseason pitching awards will again be on the mound -- Aaron Cotter (RHP), Ben Moore (RHP) and Chris Salberg (LHP). Abercrombie brings the only major league experience to the roster. He played for the Florida Marlins and Houston Astros.
Among the newcomers is right-handed pitcher Brad Stone. He brings a wealth of professional experience after five seasons in the Florida Marlins organization, including two stints at their Triple-A level. His impressive career numbers include a 3.00 ERA in 170 games and a strikeout-to-walk ratio over two to one.
Outfielder Franciso Leandro is new to Sioux Falls this year but very familiar to the American Association. He is one of four veteran-status players on the Pheasants squad. Leandro is known for his remarkably consistent bat and keen ability to reach base. Last year with the Pensacola Pelicans, he hit .293 while setting a new league record for single-season walks (83). He is a career .290 hitter with a .405 on-base percentage. The Venezuelan native was a 2004 draft pick of the Tampa Bay Rays.
American Association roster rules allow for a 23-player roster for the first two weeks of the regular season after which teams may only carry 22 players.
The Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants begin their 2011 season against the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 at Midway Stadium in St. Paul. The Pheasants home opener is 7:05 p.m. on Monday, May 16, at Sioux Falls Stadium against the Winnipeg Goldeyes. All games are broadcast on Sioux Falls Sports Radio 1230-AM KWSN and www.kwsn.com.
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