Rays Honor Hot Rods Trio for '13 Efforts

Bowling Green, KY - The Bowling Green Hot Rods, in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Rays, recognize three 2013 players for their efforts on and off the field during the 2013 season. RHP Dylan Floro has been selected as the Rays Minor League Pitcher of the Year, and OF Andrew Toles has been selected as the Rays Minor League Player of the Year. C Geoff Rowan was also named the Rays 2013 Erik Walker Community Champion.

Floro, 22, posted a 1.77 ERA in 23 starts between Bowling Green and Advanced-A Charlotte andwas a Midwest League Mid-Season and Postseason All-Star. The former Cal State Fullerton Titan was a late-season call-up to High-A and joined the Stone Crabs for their postseason run to the Florida State League Championship Series.

Toles, 21, hit .326 in 121 games with the Hot Rods this season, ranking first in the Midwest League in hits (169) and triples (16). Like Floro, Toles was selected to both the Mid-Season and Postseason All-Star teams in the Midwest League. The third-round pick in 2012 led the Rays organization with 62 steals and was also named the organization's Best Baserunner.  

Rowan, 23, was named the 2013 Rays Erik Walker Community Champion for his strong efforts in the Bowling Green community. The award annually recognizes one Rays Minor Leaguer who best exemplifies teamwork, sportsmanship, and community involvement and is named in the honor of Erik Walker, a former Rays Minor League pitcher who exhibited those attributes before tragically passing away in 2006.

The Bowling Green Hot Rods were recognized at every level of full-season baseball within the Rays system. RHP Kirby Yates ('10) was named the Best Relief Pitcher, notching 20 saves with the International League Champion Durham Bulls. OF Kevin Kiermaier ('11) was named the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits Team MVP and also the Best Defensive Player. OF Willie Argo ('12) hit .308 for Advanced-A Charlotte and was named the Stone Crabs Team MVP.

The Hot Rods sixth season of baseball in South Central Kentucky begins on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Bowling Green Ballpark when the Hot Rods take on the South Bend Silver Hawks (D-backs). 2014 Full and Half Season Ticket Packages are on sale now. Call the Hot Rods at (270) 901-2121 or visit BGHotRods.com to secure your tickets.