RedHawks set roster
Published on April 2, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Oklahoma City Comets News Release
With spring training over and baseball season starting this week, the first Oklahoma RedHawks roster for 2007 has been determined.
The Texas Rangers have initially dispatched 21 players to the RedHawks, who begin play Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. at AutoZone Park in Memphis against the Redbirds. Triple-A teams can carry 24 active players throughout the season and additions to the RedHawks' roster are expected by opening day.
Oklahoma's home opener is Friday, April 13 at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark against Memphis at 7:05 p.m.
Bobby Jones, the winningest manager in Oklahoma City Triple-A history with 421 wins in six seasons, returns for his third local managing stint. Jones, 57, spent last season as the Texas Rangers' first base and outfield coach. Jones last managed the RedHawks from 2002-05, earning three division titles.
Former major league pitcher Andy Hawkins returns for his second season as Oklahoma's pitching coach. Randy Whisler, a Broken Arrow resident who played collegiately at Oklahoma State, is set for his first season as the RedHawks' position player coach.
Oklahoma's roster sports prominent pitchers in John Koronka and Francisco Cruceta. The lefty Koronka was Texas' fifth starter for the first four months of 2006, eventually making 23 starts for the Rangers while going 7-7 with a 5.69 ERA.
Cruceta, a righthander led the PCL in strikeouts last year with 185 and in wins with 13 for Tacoma in the Seattle Mariners' organization. Cruceta was 13-9 with a 4.38 for Tacoma in 2006.
In the bullpen, righthander Wes Littleton is slated to begin the season with the RedHawks. Littleton had a superb second half of 2006 with Texas, going 2-1 with one save and a 1.73 ERA.
Jason Botts has been optioned to Oklahoma to start the season. The outfielder/DH has slugged 38 home runs in parts of two seasons with the RedHawks.
Center fielder Freddy Guzman will return to Oklahoma for a second season. Guzman came to the organization in a trade last May and swiped 31 of his PCL-leading 42 stolen bases in an Oklahoma uniform.
Pacific Coast League Stories from April 2, 2007
- Royals Event Sold Out, Gloves Donated - Omaha Storm Chasers
- RedHawks set roster - Oklahoma City Comets
- Beavers announce opening day roster - Portland Beavers
- Grizzlies Ready to Play Ball in Tenth Season's Opening Homestand - Fresno Grizzlies
- Sidewinders tickets to go on sale Tuesday, April 3 - Tucson Sidewinders
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
