PCL1 Omaha Storm Chasers

Royals Release 2013 Omaha Storm Chasers Preliminary Roster

Published on March 29, 2013 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release


OMAHA, Neb. - The Kansas City Royals have included 27 players on the preliminary roster for the Omaha Storm Chasers, who will look to win their third straight American Conference title and second Pacific Coast League Championship in the last three years. Seventeen of the 27 players posted by the Royals have appeared in the first two seasons at Werner Park with nine returning pitchers and eight returning position players.

Anchoring the starting rotation for the Storm Chasers will be 2012 All-Pacific Coast League Starting Pitcher Ryan Verdugo, who led Omaha in wins (12), games started (24) and innings pitched (136.2), while being the only Chasers pitcher to top 100 strikeouts last season. Returning players from 2012 joining Verdugo on the pitching staff will be Nate Adcock, Francisley Bueno, Chris Dwyer, Donnie Joseph, Michael Mariot, Justin Marks, Will Smith and Everett Teaford.

Headlining the 13 position players will be 2011 Omaha Storm Chasers Player of the Year Johnny Giavotella, the Chasers' career triples leader David Lough and World Baseball Classic finalist Irving Falu (Puerto Rico), who have combined to played more than 1,000 games for Omaha in the last four seasons. Along with these recent standouts, Omaha will welcome back catchers Adam Moore and Max Ramirez, infielders Christian Colon and Anthony Seratelli, and outfielder Paulo Orlando.

Six pitchers will make their Storm Chasers debut in 2013, with one originally drafted by the Royals and the remaining five joining the organization during the offseason as free agent signings. Buddy Baumann will make his Triple-A debut while Blaine Boyer, Anthony Ortega, Brian Sanches and Atahualpa Severino have all spent time in the Major Leagues. Sanches rejoins the Royals organization after he was originally drafted by Kansas City in 1999 and traded in 2003 to San Diego for Rondell White.

Appearing at Werner Park for the first time as Storm Chasers this season will be two Major League veterans and three players with significant Triple-A experience. Xavier Nady and Willy Taveras join Omaha with a combined 1,609 Major League games played in their careers. Infielders Chad Tracy and Brandon Wood both played in more than 100 games last season in the PCL with Colorado Springs. Outfielder Luis Durango spent 2012 in the International League, and has previously played for Portland/Tucson and Oklahoma City.

The first chance to see the 2013 Storm Chasers is Wednesday, April 3 at the fifth annual Family Fest and Media Day from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. The 2013 home opener is Friday, April 12 against the Nashville Sounds. To purchase tickets for Opening Weekend or any game at Werner Park this season, call (402) 738-5100, visit the Werner Park Ticket Office weekdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or online at www.omahastormchasers.com.

Check out the Omaha Storm Chasers Statistics

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



Pacific Coast League Stories from March 29, 2013


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