Flying Squirrels Set Opening Day Roster
RICHMOND, VA - In conjunction with their parent-club, the 2012 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants, the Richmond Flying Squirrels have set their opening day roster for the 2013 season. Among the 25 active players on the opening day roster, 10 players have appeared as members of the Flying Squirrels previously, while 15 will play for Richmond for the first time. Additionally, five players are considered among the top-30 prospects in San Francisco's system by Baseball America.
Among the returning players, six are pitchers including; RHP Justin Fitzgerald, LHP Chris Gloor, RHP Daryl Maday, RHP Edwin Quirarte, LHP Tom Vessella and RHP Craig Westcott. The additional four players that will return to Richmond are; SS Ehire Adrianza, OF Ryan Lollis (2011), UTIL Mark Minicozzi and UTIL Skyler Stromsmoe (2010, 2011).
Headlining the group of newcomers and prospects is 2B Joe Panik, who is rated by Baseball America as the #2 prospect in the Giants' chain and also as the top position prospect. The Giants first round selection in the 2011 draft, Panik will make his Double-A debut in his third professional season. He will be joined in an all-prospect infield by Adrianza (#24 - BA), 1B Ricky Oropesa (#27 - BA) and 3B Adam Duvall (#11 - BA). Andrew Susac, the Flying Squirrels' primary catcher, also rates as the #13 prospect in the system and will also appear at the Double-A level for the first time.
Also joining the Flying Squirrels, while returning to his native state of Virginia, is OF Jarrett Parker. Parker, who was selected out of the University of Virginia in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft, will ascend to the Double-A level for the first time after two seasons with San Jose (A+).
The 2013 Flying Squirrels will be led by veteran manager Dave Machemer, who returns to the RVA for a third season. "Mac" returns nearly his entire staff from 2012, as Pitching Coach Ross Grimsley (4th Season), Hitting Coach Ken Joyce (3rd Season) and Athletic Trainer L.J. Petra (2nd Season) also return. The only new member of the Richmond field staff will be Strength & Conditioning Coach Brad Lawson, who takes over for Jim Bose.
2013 Flying Squirrels Roster (Alphabetically by Position):
Pitchers:
Ryan Bradley (Newcomer)
Fabio Castillo (Newcomer)
Justin Fitzgerald (Returnee)
Chris Gloor (Returnee)
Omar Javier (Newcomer)
Daryl Maday (Returnee)
Phil McCormick (Newcomer)
Edwin Quirarte (Returnee)
Scott Shuman (Newcomer)
Jack Snodgrass (Newcomer)
Jose Valdez (Newcomer)
Tom Vessella (Returnee)
Craig Westcott (Returnee)
Catcher:
Andrew Susac (Newcomer)
Mark Wagner (Newcomer)
Infielders:
Ehire Adrianza (Returnee)
Adam Duvall (Newcomer)
Mark Minicozzi (Returnee)
Ricky Oropesa (Newcomer)
Joe Panik (Newcomer)
Skyler Stromsmoe (Returnee)
Outfielders:
Javier Herrera (Returnee)
Brett Krill (Newcomer)
Ryan Lollis (Returnee)
Jarrett Parker (Newcomer)
Field Staff:
Dave Machemer (Manager)
Ross Grimsley (Pitching Coach)
Ken Joyce (Hitting Coach)
L.J. Petra (Athletic Trainer)
Brad Lawson (Strength & Conditioning Coach)
The Flying Squirrels will arrive in Richmond on Monday, April 1st. They will hold two workouts at The Diamond prior to their Eastern League opener on April 4th against the New Britain Rock Cats (Minnesota Twins). Their workout on Wednesday, April 3rd will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and is open to the public.
Limited tickets are available for 2013 Opening Night at The Diamond presented by Jani-King. To purchase tickets, go to SquirrelsBaseball.com, call (804) 359-FUNN (3866) or visit the Flying Squirrels ticket office at The Diamond.