Sand Gnats set opening day roster
April 3, 2007 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Today the New York Mets officially announced the Sand Gnats official 25-man opening day roster a day after the team arrived in Savannah. Manager Tim Teufel will have a young team featuring five players under the age of 20 and eight players under the age of 21.
Headlining the list of prospects on the roster is 17-year-old Francisco Pena, who will be one of the youngest players in the South Atlantic League this season. Ranked as the 12th best prospect in the Mets organization by Baseball America, he is the son of former major league All-Star and current Yankees first base coach Tony Pena.
Four more Sand Gnats are ranked by Baseball America as among the top 30 in the organization. They are right-handed pitchers Josh Stinson (#17) and Tobi Stoner (#22), left-handed pitcher Todd Privett (#24) and outfielder Dan Stegall (#29).
The rest of the pitching staff includes right-handers Matt Durkin, Emary Frederick, David Koons, Jeremy Mizell, Greg Mullens, Nelson Portillo, Jorge Reyes and Tim Stronach. Julio Polanco joins Privett as the only other lefty on the staff.
In addition to Pena behind the plate, the Gnats will have catcher Sean McCraw. The infield will consist of Juan Lagares, Hector Pellot, Luis Rivera, Josh Thole, Gregory Veloz, Leivi Ventura and D.J. Wabick. In the outfield Elvis Cruz, Brahiam Maldonado and Jonathan Sanchez will join Stegall.
The Gnats will open the season at home on Thursday, April 5 with a 7:05 p.m. game against the Asheville Tourists. It will be a Thirsty Thursday with half-price beer and Cokes and $1 Papa John's pizza slices presented by Connect Savannah, Rock 106.1 and Papa John's. Tickets and a complete schedule are available at www.sandgnats.com or by calling 912-351-9150.
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