Trio of Players Return to Osprey for 2012 Season
Published on June 12, 2012 under Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
MISSOULA, MONT - Justin Bianco, a third-round selection in the 2011 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, is among three returning players who will be on the 2012 Missoula Osprey roster, the club, in conjunction with the D-backs, announced today. Bianco will be returning to Missoula along with fellow outfielder Ty Linton and right-handed pitcher Dexter Price.
"It is exciting to start building our roster for this season. Having Ty Linton and Justin Bianco cornerstone our outfield is a great start," explained Osprey Executive Vice President Matt Ellis. "Both players are great individuals with a ton of baseball talent and skill. I expect both to have solid years for the Osprey this season. Dexter Price had periods of success with us last year and we expect him to be a solid addition to our pitching staff in 2012. Our fans will be excited by these returning players."
Bianco hit .206 in 54 games with the Osprey in 2011, with eight doubles, a triple, two home runs and 20 RBIs, as well as five stolen bases. Bianco also made just one error in the field, and was named the top defensive outfielder in the Pioneer League last season. He was one of the mainstays in the lineup that helped Missoula win the North Division First-Half title and its fifth playoff appearance as a franchise last season.
Linton, a 14th round pick in 2010, has seen limited playing time in his first two seasons in Missoula. After signing late in the 2010 season, Linton was limited to just one plate appearance, in which he drew a walk. An outfield collision cost Linton over a month of playing time in 2011, but he bounced back to hit .257 in 39 games with seven doubles, four triples, three home runs and 17 RBIs.
Price bounced between the starting rotation and the bullpen early in the summer before becoming a mainstay in the starting staff by season's end. The right-hander out of Colorado Springs, Colo., a 30th round pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, posted a 3-2 mark with a 4.96 ERA, but was 2-2 with a respectable 4.10 ERA in the second half of the season. He is expected to be in the starting rotation this season.
The Osprey will be announcing more players on their roster as the week progresses. The team is expected to arrive late Friday to Missoula, and will have workouts on Saturday and Sunday before the club leaves for its season opener in Billings.
The Osprey will open the 2012 season on June 18 in Billings, and open the home schedule on June 22 against Great Falls. Tickets are available now at the MSO Hub Box Office, located at 140 North Higgins in Downtown Missoula, online at MissoulaOsprey.com and by phone (406) 543-3300.
Pioneer League Stories from June 12, 2012
- Trio of Players Return to Osprey for 2012 Season - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Tickets Going Fast for Osprey Opening Weekend - Missoula PaddleHeads
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