Starting Rotation Announced
Published on April 1, 2003 under California League (CalL1)
Visalia Rawhide News Release
VISALIA â Left handed pitcher Jeff Francis has been named the starter for Visalia's season opener at Modesto on Thursday. He is one of three left-handers in the Oaks' five man starting rotation.
Oakland's continued affiliation with Modesto presents a unique set of circumstances as the first three starting pitchers that the Oaks will face this season played for Visalia in 2002.
The opening night starter for Modesto will be former Fresno State Bulldog Ben Fritz, who joined the Oaks for the final two weeks of the regular season last year and won two key games down the stretch to help Visalia make the playoffs.
Jeff Bruksch will be Modesto's starter for the second game of the year on Friday. Bruksch was the only pitcher to be a part of Visalia's 2002 starting rotation for the entire season. Lefty Zack Parker will get the nod Friday for the Oaks.
On Saturday, the Oaks will put right-hander Michael Esposito on the hill to face Stephen Obenchain. Like Fritz, Obenchain was drafted by Oakland in 2002 and joined the Oaks for the stretch run.
Sunday's starter for Visalia will be left handed pitcher Justin Hampson. Modesto's starter will be either Luke Robertson or Derell McCall, which will likely be determined on Wednesday.
All five members of Modesto's starting rotation are right handed.
On Monday, in the first of four games at San Jose, right-handed Gerrit Simpson will be on the hill for Visalia. The Giants starting pitcher for Monday remains to be announced.
Games at Modesto on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Sunday's contest will begin at 1:05 p.m. The radio broadcast presented by the Radisson Hotel Visalia will begin at 6:40 p.m. on AM 1270 KJUG and will include a special expanded pre-game show. On Friday and Saturday, the Radisson Pregame Show will begin at 6:52 p.m.
All four games in San Jose will begin at 7:00 p.m. Visalia's home opener and debut of the renovated Recreation Park will be Friday, April 11 at 7:05 p.m. against the Bakersfield Blaze.
Worth a Look: Renovation work is moving rapidly as opening day at Recreation Park approaches. On Tuesday, the picnic deck covering and main entrance supports were installed. Most asphalt work should be complete by Wednesday. Seat anchors have been drilled in the stadium and the new stadium seats should be installed by early next week.
California League Stories from April 1, 2003
- Starting Rotation Announced - Visalia Rawhide
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