Pheasants Set Opening Day Roster
Published on May 16, 2012 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
SIOUX FALLS - In preparation for Thursday's season opener, the Sioux Falls Pheasants trimmed their roster on Tuesday to 23 players, releasing catcher Matt Powell and pitchers Ben Tootle and Josh Walker.
Three returning players and a slew of new faces comprise the 2012 edition of the Pheasants. Veteran Trevor Lawhorn plays third base for his fifth season in Sioux Falls while Joe Anthonsen will field second base for the fourth year. Hartford native and rookie Rob Lind, who joined the club in August last season, will serve as a utility infielder. Three other veterans will help lead the Birds in 2012: outfielders Cristian Guerrero, outfielder Jonny Kaplan and infielder Cesar Nicolas. Kaplan played in Sioux Falls in 2005 and briefly in 2006.
Pheasants manager Steve Shirley has named right-hander Mark Michael as the starting pitcher for Opening Night against the Sioux City Explorers at Sioux Falls Stadium. Michael went 8-2 last season with the now-defunct Calgary Vipers. He was sixth among independent North American League pitchers with a 4.17 ERA.
The remainder of the starting rotation for the four-game series features Andrew Liebel on Friday, Mitchell Clegg on Saturday and Alan DeRatt in Sunday's finale.
The Pheasants roster may list 23 active players through the 10th day of the season, at which time the roster may have a maximum 22 players.
The Sioux Falls Pheasants begin their 20th season at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, when they host the Sioux City Explorers, featuring a First Premiere - Premiere Bank Card Magnetic Schedule Giveaway. Game two of the four-game series is at 7:05 p.m. Friday night and is followed by a postgame fireworks show, sponsored by Sanford Health. Sioux City hosts the third game of the home-and-away series on Saturday, and the Pheasants host the conclusion at 2:05 p.m. Sunday, when they salute area educators with Teacher Appreciation Day.
More information about tickets and group outings is available by calling (605) 336-6060 or visiting www.sfpheasants.com.
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