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MLB

Boise Hawks release 2011 roster

By Laura Verillo
June 14, 2011
BOISE, ID--The Chicago Cubs have announced their initial roster of 26 players, who will make up the 2011 Boise Hawks. Currently, there are seven returning players on the squad. While the roster is complete, there are likely to be some changes before the Hawks opening game in Eugene this Friday.

The roster includes 14 pitchers, 2 catchers, six infielders and four outfielders. Ten players will be joining the club from Extended Spring Training in Mesa Arizona, including last year's second round draft pick, outfielder Reggie Golden.

Golden and company will be joined by the Hawks new skipper, former Iowa Cubs player coach, Mark Johnson. Other members on this season's coaching staff include hitting coach Desi Wilson, pitching coach David Rosario, and trainer Bob Grimes. Yi-Chang Chiang will return as the strength and conditioning coach for his fourth season in Boise.

Anchoring the pitching staff will be three returning Hawks. Right-handed pitchers Dustin Fitzgerald and Yao-Lin Wang are toeing the rubber for their second season at Memorial Stadium. Meanwhile, converted southpaw and Cubs 2009 Minor League Player of the Year, Kyler Burke will make his third trip back to Boise. Newcomers to the pitching staff include Willengton Cruz, Jin-Yeong Kim, Luis Liria, Hector Mayora, Austin Reed, Santo Rodriguez, Jose Rosario, Yilver Sanchez, Bryce Shafer, Charles Thomas, and Ben Wells.

Behind the dish for these hurlers will be two righty catchers, Yaniel Cabezas of Cuba and Carlos Romero of Venzuela. Two returning players will help the Hawks go around the horn, Wes Darvill and Dustin Harrington are back for their third and second season, respectively. They will be joined by four new infielders, Vismeldy Bieneme and Willson Contreas who are returning to the Cubs organization, and 2011 draft picks Paul Hoilman and Brad Zapenas out of East Tennessee State University and Boston College, respectively.

Rounding out the Hawks defense will be four infielders, with two familiar faces in D.J. Fitzgerald and Ping-Chieh Chen, both in their third season with Boise. Last year's second-round draft pick Reggie Golden will look to keep his bat hot after spending 2010 in Mesa, while the Hawks welcome this year's 20th round pick Ben Klafczynski from Kent State University.

The Hawks will host Media Day on Wednesday afternoon from 2:30 to 3:45 pm at Memorial Stadium. The 76-game Northwest League season will open Friday with a five-game series at Eugene, before the home opener on Wednesday, June 22 against Tri-City. For a printable version of the 2011 Boise Hawks schedule click here.

The Hawks began Northwest League play as an independent club from 1987-89. The team was affiliated with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from 1990-2000 and have been with the Chicago Cubs since 2001. The club has won 6 NWL Championships, the most recent banner coming in 2004. Season, mini-pack, flex books, group nights, and single game tickets for Hawks games are available at 208-322-5000, or online here.