Inland Empire 66ers Announce 2015 Tentative Roster
San Bernardino, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers announced its tentative 2015 roster on Saturday in preparation for the club's Opening Night on April 9th at San Manuel Stadium. Field Manager Denny Hocking and his entire field staff return to the Inland Empire. In 2014, Hocking led the team to the second-half championship in the California League's Southern Division. His club went 36-20 down the stretch and made it to the second round of the playoffs.
Headlining the 2015 edition will be Los Angeles Angels' prospect Roberto Baldoquin. The 20-year-old shortstop from Cuba signed a multi-million dollar free-agent contract in the off-season and is expected to make his state-side professional debut in San Bernardino.
The 25-man roster features ten players that have appeared with the 66ers in the past. The club is slated to have 13 pitchers including highly regarded prospects such as RHP Victor Alcantara from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republice and two of the Angel's top-ten round picks from last June's draft in RHP Chris Ellis (3rd round from Ole Miss) and RHP Jordan Kipper (9th round from TCU). Also from the 2014 draft is LHP Greg Mahle (15th round). The UC Santa Barbara product appeared for the 66ers late last season. Righties Austin Adams, Trevor Foss and Michael Smith all return from last year's staff as well. Local product RHP Geoff Broussard joins the 66ers after signing with Angels in the off-season. The Cal Poly Pomona product hails from Rancho Cucamonga.
Joining Baldoquin, among others, on the infield will be former Angels' first-round selection Kaleb Cowart. The switch-hitting third baseman played with the Sixers in 2012. Returning also is Angel Rosa who batted .348 in 28 games with the 66ers in 2014. The San Manuel Stadium outfield will witness the return of Mark Shannon who homered 10 times for the Sixers last year.
To See the Full Roster Click Here: