Dragons Announce 2013 Roster
The Dayton Dragons announced their 2013 team roster today, as assigned by the Cincinnati Reds.
Click here for a printable roster.
Starting pitcher Robert Stephenson, Baseball America's number-two prospect in the Reds organization, will start the year with the Dragons. Stephenson was taken by the Reds in the first round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft (27th overall). Stephenson made eight starts with the Dragons at the end of the 2012 season. In his first inning with the club, he threw a fastball that registered at 101 mph on the gun at Dow Diamond in Midland, Michigan. Baseball America also credits Stephenson with the best fastball and best curveball in the Reds organization.
The Dragons roster also includes Jesse Winker, a supplemental first round draft pick in 2012 who is ranked by Baseball America as the top corner outfield prospect in the Reds organization and #7 overall prospect. Last season with Billings, Winker ranked third in the Pioneer League with a .338 batting average.
A total of six players who are rated by Baseball America among the Reds top 30 prospects are on the Dayton roster, including three of the top nine. Others include left-handed starting pitcher Ismael Guillen (#9), outfielder Jeff Gelalich (#14), third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean (#19), and right-handed starting pitcher Sal Romano (#30).
Guillon, a member of the Reds 40-man roster, started four games last season for the Dragons last season. He posted a 2-0 record with a 2.55 ERA in Dayton while striking out 27 batters in just 24 innings.
The Dragons roster includes three players who were key performers in the 2012 College World Series. Seth Mejias-Brean was a primary contributor to the University of Arizona's run to the national championship as the Wildcats' third baseman. Mejias-Brean earned first team All-Pac 12 honors in 2012 at Arizona. In his first professional season, Mejias-Brean hit .313 for Billings and enjoyed a 22-game hitting streak that helped earn him the Reds Minor League Player of the Month award in July. Jeff Gelalich and Beau Amaral were important contributors to UCLA's success as the Bruins finished as the #5 team in the country. Gelalich earned some 1st Team All-America honors.
Meanwhile, Zach Vincej joins the Dragons after being selected as the 2012 Brooks Wallace Award winner presented to the top shortstop in college baseball. He played at Pepperdine. Vincej was also named the West-Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-West-Coast Conference. In his first professional season, Vincej excelled with Billings. He batted .338 in 38 games and produced a 14-game hitting streak.
The 2013 Dragons, under manager Jose Nieves, pitching coach Tony Fossas, and batting coach Alex Pelaez, include former NCAA stars from the Big Ten, the PAC 12, the Big East, the West Coast Conference, and Conference USA.
Along with Stephenson and Guillon, the Dragons roster features four more players who were members of last season's Dragons team. Others are catcher/first baseman Nick O'Shea, outfielder Junior Arias, right-hander relief pitcher Wes Mugarian, and left-handed relief pitcher Sean Lucas.
Catcher Joe Hudson will make his professional debut with the Dragons this season. The 21-year-old played collegiately at Notre Dame for three seasons. In 2012, Hudson earned All-Big East honors before his selection in the 6th round of the First-Year Players Draft.
Right-hander Mo Wiley headlines the new additions to the Dragons bullpen. As the closer in Billings last season, Wiley ranked second in the Pioneer League with nine saves.
The Dragons roster also features starting pitcher Drew Cisco, grandson of Galen Cisco, a captain on the 1957 Ohio State University football national champions. Galen Cisco also enjoyed a long career in Major League Baseball as a pitcher and pitching coach. Additionally, the roster includes relief pitcher Joel Bender, a former star at Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati.
Dayton Dragons 2013 Roster (projected starter listed first where applicable)
Catchers: Joe Hudson, Wagner Gomez, and Nick O'Shea
Infielders: Carlos Sanchez (1b), Brent Peterson (2b), Zach Vincej (ss), Seth Mejias-Brean (3b), Robert Ramirez, Humberto Valor.
Outfielders: Jesse Winker, Beau Amaral, Jeff Gelalich, Junior Arias.
Starting Pitchers: Robert Stephenson, Ismael Guillon, Drew Cisco, Sal Romano, Wandy Peralta.
Relief Pitchers: Jesus Adames, Tony Amezcua, Joel Bender, Alejandro Chacin, Sean Lucas, Wes Mugarian, and Mo Wiley.
The Dragons open the 2013 season on Thursday, April 4, on the road, against the West Michigan Whitecaps at 6:35 p.m. The Dragons open the home portion of their schedule on Thursday April 11, vs. the Great Lakes Loons at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field. Call (937) 228-2287 for ticket information.