Rogues Sign First 2014 Players
September 5, 2013 - West Coast League (WCL)
Medford Rogues News Release
MEDFORD, OR - The Medford Rogues today announced the commitment of five players to the 2014 roster, the first players to officially sign for next summer. Joining the team are returning pitcher Jeff Hardy (Lane CC), the team's 2013 ERA leader, and six new players: pitcher Tyler Gulbransen and catcher Tyler Gould (both from Lower Columbia JC), outfielder Ryan Otis (Bucknell), and three players from Morehead State (Kentucky), infielder Tyler BIgler, outfielder Clayton Meyer and pitcher Ryan VanSaghi.
"The recruiting process is well under way and we're happy to announce this first group of commitments," Rogues General Manager Chuck Heeman said. "We've reached out to some schools we haven't worked with before, specifically Division I schools that finish their spring sessions early. This helps us to avoid the mid-June roster shuffle and have more Division I guys here from the start of the season."
Information on those signed:
Jeff Hardy, RHP, Sophomore, Lane JC:
6'4", 190, Sunnyvale, CA, bats and throws right
Hardy led the Rogues with a 0.62 earned run average in 11 games in 2013. He returns for his second year in the West Coast League and second with the Rogues after transferring from Nevada-Reno to Lane.
Tyler Gulbransen, RHP, Freshman, Lower Columbia JC:
6'4", 225, Grants Pass, OR, bats and throws right
Gulbransen starred in baseball and football for Hidden Valley High School and led the Grants Pass Nuggets American Legion baseball team to the 2013 State Tournament. He was named Skyline Conference Pitcher of the Year by the Medford Mail Tribune.
Tyler Gould, C, Freshman, Lower Columbia JC:
5'8", 160, Renton, WA, bats and throws right
Gould, who attended North Medford High School until his sophomore year, starred at Lindbergh High in Renton, WA, compiling a .412 career average including .517 as a junior. He projects to start at catcher for Lower Columbia in 2014.
Ryan Otis, OF, Sophomore, Bucknell (PA):
6'0", 170, Ambler, PA, bats and throws right
Otis, whose family is from Medford, was projected to start in center field for the Division I Bucknell Bison before an injury to his non-throwing elbow sidelined him. His LaSalle High School team won the Pennsylvania state high school championship in 2012.
Tyler Bigler, infielder, redshirt Junior, Morehead State (KY):
5'8", 161, Pompano Beach, FL, bats and throws right
Bigler, a transfer to Morehead from Dyersburg State CC, hit .367 in 41 games for DSCC with one home run, 26 RBI and nine stolen bases. He projects to be Morehead State's starting second baseman in 2014.
Clayton Meyer, OF, Junior, Morehead State (KY):
5'10", 180, St. Peters, MO, bats and throws left
Meyer, also a transfer to Morehead State, was named a NJCAA All-American at Southwestern Illinois JC in 2013. He hit .426 in 43 games (168 plate appearances) with 25 RBI and 21 stolen bases in the leadoff spot for SIJC and was fifth in the NJCAA in triples. He will be the Eagles' starting center fielder in 2014.
Ryan VanSaghi, RHP, Junior, Morehead State (KY):
6'4"", 180, Pekin, IL, bats and throws right
The third transfer to Morehead State starred at Illinois Central College, went 4-1, 3.00 in 11 games (10 starts) covering 54 innings for ICC. He struck out 44 and had four complete games with two shutouts.
"It's important to us to bring in Division I players who will be productive for their college teams in 2014, and the four juniors in this group fill that bill," Heeman said. "All four will also be here from the start of the season which should give us a big advantage early in the year. We'll also be bringing about nine players back from this year's team, Jeff Hardy is the first to sign a contract. We're glad to be able to identify local talent like Tyler Gulbransen and give them a chance to shine as well."
The West Coast League is a 12-team collegiate wood-bat baseball league composed of the best college players, coaches, facilities and operators in the industry. Ranging from Medford, Oregon north to Kelowna, B.C., the league has operated as the WCL since 2005. In June, 56 WCL players were selected in the Major League draft. For more information on the WCL, go to www.wccbl.com.
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