Two More Added to Chukars Roster
June 15, 2009 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
The Kansas City Royals have informed the Chukars that infielders Angel Franco and Deivy Batista are expected to play in Idaho Falls this summer. Both players have two years of professional experience, with their first coming in the Dominican League before each player came to America for the 2008 season.
Deivy Batista really came on in his second professional season. With the Surprise Royals, Batista hit .317 with 37 runs and 12 doubles in 49 games. Batista ranked in the top ten in the league in all three of those categories. Defensively, Batista played double-digit games at second base, third base, and shortstop. Born in Matanza, D.R., Batista was signed as a non-drafted free agent in March of 2007.
Angel Franco, originally from Bani, D.R., had very similar and impressive numbers in his first two minor league seasons after signing as a non-drafted free agent in the fall of 2006. Franco was named the Dominican Royals Player of the Year in 2007 and made the Dominican Summer League All-Star team. Splitting his time between second base (34 games) and shortstop (31 games), Franco managed to lead the Royals in batting average (.282), hits (61), and runs (27). Last season, while playing in the Appalachian League, Franco was named the Burlington Royals Player of the Year. Franco played at second base in almost every one of his team leading 62 games and led the team in stolen bases, at-bats, hits, and walks. He finished in the top ten in the league for games, at-bats and stolen bases.
The addition of Angel Franco and Deivy Batista brings the number of expected players on the Chukars roster to 20 players.
The Chukars are currently selling season and single game tickets. Fans can also purchase discounted tickets for group outings or through Bonus Books and the REDICARE Junior Chukars Club. Call the Chukars office at (208) 522-8363 for more information on tickets and go to www.ifchukars.com to see the full promotional schedul
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