Roster Set for 2011 Silver Hawks

The South Bend Silver Hawks, in conjunction with the Arizona Diamondbacks, are pleased to announce the 2011 Opening Day roster, highlighted by the return of center fielder Keon Broxton.

Broxton tied the Midwest League record with 19 triples in 2010, but the Diamondbacks are having him repeat at South Bend in an attempt to better his batting average in the leadoff spot. His speed and defense in the outfield will be a big asset as the Silver Hawks look to return to the playoffs after narrowly missing out last season.

Broxton will be joined in the outfield by Chris Jarrett, Roberto Rodriguez, and Bobby Stone. Jarrett, from Hagerstown, Indiana and Anderson University, hit .305 in 20 games for the Silver Hawks at the end of last season.

Ninth round pick Zach Walters and 11th round selection Michael Freeman are expected to form a solid double-play duo in the middle of the infield. They'll be joined around the diamond by Yazy Arbelo, Ramon Castillo, Matt Helm, and Raul Navarro. Raywilly Gomez and Jhoan Pimentel will share the duties behind the plate.

David Holmberg (acquired in Edwin Jackson trade) and second round pick J.R. Bradley should anchor the South Bend rotation, while returning pitchers Brian Budrow and Dan Taylor are two key pieces in an experienced bullpen. High school phenom Patrick Schuster gained national attention in 2009 when he threw four straight no-hitters for his Florida high school, and he hopes to repeat that feat with the South Bend rotation in 2011.

The Silver Hawks will be led by manager Mark Haley, who returns for a seventh season as skipper of his hometown team. Haley will be joined once again by pitching coach Wellington Cepeda, back for his fifth season with South Bend. Former major leaguer Bobby Smith joins the club as hitting coach in his first professional coaching experience. Brian Czachowski returns as the athletic trainer with Michael Schofield taking the reins of strength and conditioning coach.

The Silver Hawks open the 2011 season with an exhibition game at Notre Dame on Tuesday, April 5th at 5:30 PM. Opening Day for the regular season is Thursday, April 7th at the Fort Wayne TinCaps. The home opener at newly renovated Coveleski Stadium is Monday, April 11th against the Lansing Lugnuts on the first Block Party Monday presented by your neighborhood Applebee's and WAOR.

2011 Opening Day Roster:

Pitchers (13): Michael Bolsinger, J.R. Bradley, Brian Budrow, Blake Cooper, Eury De La Rosa, Jeremy Erben, Tyler Green, Bradin Hagens, Kable Hogben, David Holmberg, Patrick Schuster, Jeffrey Shields, Dan Taylor

Catchers (2): Raywilly Gomez, Jhoan Pimentel

Infielders (6): Yazy Arbelo, Ramon Castillo, Michael Freeman, Matt Helm, Raul Navarro, Zach Walters

Outfielders (4): Keon Broxton, Chris Jarrett, Roberto Rodriguez, Bobby Stone