Suns' roster shaping up
Published on March 30, 2004 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- The Suns came one step closer to being assembled Tuesday. After an intrasquad game pitting the triple-A and double-A playing groups against eachother Tuesday morning at Dodgertown, the minor league staff met to discuss assignments. Their preliminary findings will be finalized in a few days in time for teams' report dates Monday.
Among the developments from Dodgertown:
- Andrew Brown will start the season opener, Thursday, April 8, at the Baseball Grounds. He was limited to one inning last season and is recovering from arm surgery last summer.
- Two-fifths of the Suns' projected rotation will not start the season in Jacksonville. Top pitching prospect Greg Miller, who underwent minor shoulder surgery March 19, will rehab at Vero Beach and will likely return in June. "I should be throwing in two weeks and it should take four to six weeks to build my arm strength," he said. Miller had a bursa and scar tissue removed. Brian Pilkington is suffering from shoulder stiffness and may be held back for the first three weeks of the season.
- Rumors of Edwin Jackson rejoining the Suns are unfounded. Jackson is still scheduled to start Saturday's Freeway Series game in Anaheim and received another vote of confidence from Dodgers manager Jim Tracy in Jackson's quest to become the team's fifth starter.
- Though Tracy expects to take first baseman James Loney to California on Thursday, Loney is still slated to begin the season with the Suns. Loney is batting .414 (12-for-29) with a home run and seven RBI in 17 games with the Major League club.
- The Suns ought to have a formidable offense to begin 2004. Minor League Field Coordinator Terry Collins said the Suns will likely feature Loney, outfielder Franklin Gutierrez and converted second baseman Willy Aybar as the heart of the order. All three have illustrated exceptional ability and are among the Dodgers' top prospects.
- Other moves from Dodgers camp... The team dealt right-hander Jason Frasor to the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday for outfielder Jayson Werth. Werth will make the Dodgers while Frasor will likely be assigned to triple-A. However, Frasor, who set a Southern League record by saving all 17 opportunities last season, will likely have a clearer path to the majors with Toronto. ...The Dodgers traded infielders Mike Collins and David Detienne to the New York Mets. Both spent time in Jacksonville in 2002 and 2003. Collins was a Southern League and double-A All-Star in 2002.
- The Suns' 2004 roster will be finalized Monday and published on the website.
Southern League Stories from March 30, 2004
- Suns' roster shaping up - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Barons back in town - Birmingham Barons
- Adkins, Loveless Charity Concert At Five County May 29th - Carolina Mudcats
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