Fresh Faces: Initial Roster Announced

CHARLESTON, WV (April 4, 2011) - The West Virginia Power, a Class-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are pleased to announce their initial roster for the 2011 campaign. The initial roster features 16 players drafted in the last two years, four with South Atlantic League experience, and four rated within the organization's top 25 prospects according to Baseball America.

Gary Robinson begins his first season as the Power manager after two years in the New York-Penn League with the Pirates' short-season team at State College. Robinson compiled a record of 71-80 during his stint with the Spikes.

Pittsburgh has utilized high draft choices in recent years to stock the pitching depth across its minor league affiliates, and the Power roster will showcase those dividends this season. Zach Von Rosenberg, Colton Cain, and Zach Dodson rank ninth, 13th, and 18th, respectively, according to Baseball America. Each player was selected within the first ten rounds of the 2009 draft, and each pitched for State College last year.

Five players from the 2010 draft will man positions in the field for Robinson's club this season. Infielder Matt Curry hit .299 for State College last season, while Mel Rojas Jr., son of longtime Montreal Expo Mel Rojas, is expected to patrol centerfield after being selected in the third round of last year's draft.

Rogelio Noris is one of four players returning to Charleston as the new season begins. Noris finished 2010 with 15 home runs, second most on the team last year, and will be joined by holdovers Zach Foster, Jairo Marquez, and Andy Vasquez.

The 2011 regular season begins on Thursday, April 7 as the Power host the Savannah Sand Gnats at 7:05 pm at Appalachian Power Park. West Virginia will play eight straight home games before embarking on their first road trip of the new season.

For more information contact the Power front office at (304) 344-2287 or visit www.wvpower.com.