MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Tigers Announce 'Caps 2004 Roster; Familiar Faces and Top Prospects Lead Team

Published on April 5, 2004 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - With the season opener just three days away, the Detroit Tigers announced the 2004 Opening Day roster for the West Michigan Whitecaps Monday. Third baseman Kody Kirkland and shortstop Tony Giarratano head a roster that includes six players who spent some time in West Michigan last season and three of the Tigers' top 30 prospects, as rated by Baseball America.

Kirkland and Giarratano, a third round pick from last year's amateur draft, are expected to lead the offensive assault. Both Kirkland and Giarratano had outstanding seasons in Oneonta last year, helping their team clinch the division title. Kirkland finished the 2003 season with a league leading 11 triples and a .303 average, while Giarratano was tied for third in the league with a .328 batting average. Baseball America named Giarratano and Kirkland the fifth and sixth best prospects in the Tigers organization respectively.

Joining Kirkland and Giarratano will be 16 of their teammates from Oneonta, including pitcher Eulogio De la Cruz. The 20-year-old closer has a fastball that routinely hits 96 mph and he is ranked as one of the Tigers' top 30 prospects by Baseball America.

Seven members of the 'Caps 2003 team will be back at Fifth Third Ballpark this season, including pitching coach A.J. Sager, who is returning for his third season. Sager will be joined by pitchers Jermy Rodriguez, Matt Pender, Troy Pickford and Chris Steinborn, outfielder Jason Knoedler and infielder Juan Francia. Fans may also remember the man who will be behind the plate for the 'Caps this season. Catcher Alex Trezza played in West Michigan for a brief period in 2002. Trezza spent the 2003 season in Lakeland, Florida with the Tigers' High A affiliate.

Another catcher will play a big role in the Whitecaps 2004 season, but he won't do it from behind the plate. Matt Walbeck, a former Tigers catcher, will begin his first managerial position this season with the 'Caps. Walbeck concluded his 17-year playing career in 2003 after seeing action on the Major League level for 11 seasons with the Cubs, Twins, Tigers, Angels and Phillies. Walbeck will be joined in the dugout by hitting coach Tony Jaramillo.

Be the first to see your 2004 West Michigan Whitecaps at the team's open workout this Wednesday, April 8 at Fifth Third Ballpark from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets are also still on sale for the team's home opener Friday, April 16 against the Battle Creek Yankees. The 6:35 p.m. game will be followed by fireworks.

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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.

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