Eleven Champions Return for 2012 Fisher Cats
"What a special way for us to begin a championship celebration with so many players who were integral in our success last year," said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. "Our fans will be excited to see so many familiar faces while also getting to greet the new players during our Meet-and-Greet on Tuesday night at the Executive Health and
This year's starting rotation is well-stocked with some of the highest rated prospects in the Blue Jays minor league system. Drew Hutchison headlines the talented group after spending the bulk of spring training in Blue Jays' major league camp. The right-hander skyrocketed through the Blue Jays system a year ago, dominating hitters in Lansing (Class A) and
Hutchison will be followed in the rotation by a stable of talented pitchers. Deck McGuire, a first-rounder in 2010, returns after making a handful of starts for the Fisher Cats late last season. He also made a pair of appearances in the playoffs, including a start in the clinching Game 4 victory over
The 2012 bullpen will be graced by a steady mix of veterans and newcomers. Yohan Pino, owner of two dazzling playoff starts last season, is back for his first full year with the Fisher Cats. He'll be joined by fellow champions Ronald Uviedo, who began and ended last season with the Fisher Cats, and Evan Crawford, the winning pitcher in the clinching game against
Fisher Cats closer Danny Farquhar, a member of
Five positional players from last year's championship celebration are back for another shot at an Eastern League title. The infield features Mike McDade, an All-Star a season ago, who returns to man first base again in 2012. The slugger had 16 home runs, finished second on the team with 74 RBI, and won the Eastern League Home Run Derby at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in his Fisher Cats debut. Championship Series MVP Kevin Howard returns after carrying the load offensively with six hits and six RBI against the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Shortstop Jon Diaz and third baseman Mark Sobolewski are also back on the
In the outfield, John Tolisano is back for the title defense. He's joined by Justin Jackson, a Fisher Cat on two separate occasions during last year's regular season. Two new outfielders make their Double-A debuts this season. Slugger Brad Glenn earns a promotion from
After watching the Eastern League MVP, Travis d'Arnaud, a year ago, Fisher Cats fans will once again be treated to a pair of outstanding catchers in 2012. Former Eastern League All-Star Brian Jeroloman is back after earning a trip to the major leagues for the final month last season. A.J. Jimenez is the No. 14 prospect in the Jays system according to MLB.com. He earned the the R. Howard Webster Award as
The Fisher Cats arrive in
Single game tickets for all 2012 games are available in-person at the Northeast Delta Dental Stadium box office, by phone at 603-641-2005, and at www.nhfishercats.com. Fans can secure the best seats, enjoy free gifts and exclusive benefits, and win an iPod Touch or an iPad 2 by purchasing 2012 Mini-Ticket Plans or Full- and Half-Season Tickets.