Loons Announce 2012 Opening Day Roster

MIDLAND, Mich. - The Great Lakes Loons are excited to announce, in conjunction with their parent club the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team's Opening Day roster for the 2012 season. The 2012 Loons boast 16 players from last year's Ogden team that finished runners-up in the Pioneer League's Championship Series, 9 international players, and 8 players selected by the Dodgers at the 2011 draft, including third-round selection Pratt Maynard and fourth-round hurler Ryan O'Sullivan.

The Loons 25-man active roster consists of five players selected by the Dodgers in the top 10 rounds of the draft and four players ranked by Baseball America as Top 31 prospects in the Dodgers organization.

Topping the crop of prospects is the Dodgers 2010 fourth-round draft choice James Baldwin III, an outfielder with natural speed and raw offensive talent out of Pinehurst, North Carolina, who Baseball America ranks as the Dodgers No. 11 prospect. Baldwin was a three-sport standout in high school, signed away from Elon University by the Dodgers. At 19, Baldwin hit .250 in Ogden last season, collecting 10 home runs and 22 stolen bases in 50 games.

Other prospects expected to standout include right-handed pitcher Ryan O'Sullivan (BA No. 23); catcher Pratt Maynard (BA No. 25); and left-handed pitcher Eric Eadington (BA No. 31).

The Loons have only two players returning to the team from past seasons - pitcher Gustavo Gomez, who pitched in five games for the Loons last season before having his season end premature; and Jesse Bosnik, the 2011 squad's majority third baseman.

John Shoemaker returns as manager, after leading the Loons to a 72-67 record in 2011. The upcoming season his 36th year working within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization as a player, coach, manager or coordinator, which he began in 1977. He holds a 1,228-1,191 record in that time, winning league championships with Single-A Savannah (South Atlantic League, 1996) and Double-A Jacksonville (Southern League, 2005). Shoemaker will be joined by hitting coach Razor Shines, whose son (Devin) will also be suiting up as a Loon this season; and pitching coach Hector Berrios.

The Loons 2011 Opening Day roster is as follows: Pitchers: Jose Dominguez, Eric Eadington, Yumi Garcia, Gustavo Gomez, Matt Laney, Jarret Martin, Brandon Martinez, Juan Noriega, Ryan O'Sullivan, Arismendy Ozoria, Matt Shelton, Mike Thomas and Jason West.

Catchers: Andrew Edge, Pratt Maynard and Jan Vazquez. Infielders: Jesus Arredondo, Jesse Bosnik, Justin Boudreaux, Delvis Morales, Kevin Taylor and Joe Winker. Outfielders: James Baldwin, Noel Cuevas, Scott Schebler and Devin Shines.

A printable roster is attached to this release. As well as a Media Availability schedule.

The Great Lakes Loons are the sixth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and members of the Midwest League. Tickets for the 2012 season home opener on Monday, April 9, are now available, start at just $6 and can be purchased by visiting the Loons ticket office at Dow Diamond, going to Loons.com or by calling 989-837-BALL.