RiverDogs roster announced

Published on April 4, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Richmond RiverDogs News Release


(Charleston, SC) – The Tampa Bay Devil Rays Sunday announced the names of 27 players who will travel to Charleston to begin the 2004 season. The list is highlighted by the Rays' top two picks in last year's June Amateur Draft and a core of returning RiverDogs.

The roster features the first overall pick in the draft, Delmon Young, two second round picks, James Houser (2003) and Jason Pridie (2002), a third round selection, Elijah Dukes (2002), and fourth-rounders Travis Schlichting (2003) and Wes Bankston (2002).

Pridie, Dukes and Bankston are among nine players who spent time with the RiverDogs in 2003. Charleston finished 77-62 a season ago, its best record since 1988.

Bankston makes a move from the outfield to first base for the 2004 campaign. Last season, Bankston had an impressive 16-game hitting streak and batted .411 in the month of June. Dukes, Pridie and Young will comprise one of the most talented outfields in baseball this summer.

The RiverDogs pitching staff is anchored by two returning right-handers, Jason Hammel and Brian Bulger. Hammel compiled a 6-2 record with a 3.40 ERA for the RiverDogs a season ago. He is expected to be the team's Opening Day starter. Bulger tied for the staff lead with 11 victories in 2003, at one point reeling off wins in six consecutive starts.

Joining the veterans on the RiverDogs pitching staff, are youngsters James Houser and Chad Orvella. Houser was recently named the Rays' 4th best prospect and the pitcher with the best control in the organization by Baseball America. Orvella, the closer for short-season Class A Hudson Valley in 2003, did not allow a run in 12 1/3 innings pitched, and was successful in all eight save opportunities.

Infielders Elliot Johnson and Jason St. Clair, outfielder Nate Dion and pitchers Ryan McCally and Scott Vandermeer all played for Charleston in 2003.

The 27 players will be in uniform Tuesday night for the 2nd Annual "Coastal Clash" Exhibition Game vs. Myrtle Beach presented by Rice Planter Carpets. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

The RiverDogs roster will be finalized on April 8, prior to the regular season opener vs. Greensboro at Riley Park. Game time Thursday is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Season tickets, mini-plans and individual game tickets are available in person at the RiverDogs Box Office, by phone at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) and online at etix.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



International Hockey League 2 Stories from April 4, 2004


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.

OurSports Central