Three starting pitchers from Montgomery's championship run to start in Durham
Published on April 1, 2007 under International League (IL1)
Durham Bulls News Release
Durham, NC - As the Tampa Bay Devil Rays prepare to open the 2007 Major League season tomorrow against the New York Yankees, the Durham Bulls today announced the names on their first roster of the season. While not official until Thursday when the Bulls open the International League season against Syracuse, it appears Jeff Niemann, Andrew Sonnanstine and Mitch Talbot and several other members of the 2006 Southern League Champion Montgomery Biscuits will start the season in Durham.
Niemann, Sonnanstine and Talbot will join holdovers Jason Hammel and J.P. Howell in the team's starting rotation. Hammel combined with reliever Juan Salas to throw the first no-hitter in the Bulls' Triple-A history last season, while Howell joined the Bulls midway through the year after being acquired from Kansas City for Joey Gathright. Steve Andrade, Tim Corcoran, Scott Dohmann, Seth McClung, Chad Orvella, Tony Peguero and Jeff Ridgeway will form the bullpen this season.
In the infield, Jorge Cantu, member of the Bulls 2003 championship team, returns to the Bulls only a year removed from being the Devil Rays team MVP when he batted .286 with 28 home runs and 117 RBI. Cantu will be joined by returnees Wes Bankston, Joel Guzman, Matt Maniscalco, rookie Elliot Johnson and free agent pick-up Jorge Velandia. Newcomer Raul Casanova joins Shawn Riggans behind the plate for the Bulls.
Outfielder Justin Ruggiano joins 30-somethings Dustan Mohr, Jeremy Owens and Chris Richard in the outfield. Pitchers Jason Grabowski, Shinji Mori and Doug Waechter will begin the year on Durham's disabled list, but will be remaining in St. Petersburg. Raleigh Resident Brent Butler and catcher Josh Johnson will join the Bulls in Durham, but are not on the team's 24-man roster.
Opening Day at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park is set for Thursday, April 5th at 7:00 PM at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Tickets are available at www.durhambulls.com or by phone at (919) 956-BULL.
International League Stories from April 1, 2007
- NL batting champ to join Indians on rehab assignment - Indianapolis Indians
- Three starting pitchers from Montgomery's championship run to start in Durham - Durham Bulls
- Bisons Break Camp to Head to Buffalo - Buffalo Bisons
- Indians Option Catcher Rose to Herd - Buffalo Bisons
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