Candidate for Naturals Rotation Named Royals 2007 Minor League Pitcher of the Year

The Kansas City Royals have named left-handed pitcher Rowdy Hardy as a recipient of the Alex George Royals Minor League Player of the Year award for 2007. Hardy is viewed by the organization as a potential rotation candidate for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals this season.

Hardy, 25, dominated in the Carolina League in 2007, compiling a 15-5 mark with a 2.48 ERA in 26 appearances, including 22 starts for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the Royals affiliate at the Advanced-A level. The 6-foot-4, 170-pound southpaw started for the Carolina League in the Carolina-California League All-Star Game and was also named the Carolina League Pitcher of the Year following the season by a vote of the league managers. A control specialist, Hardy tossed three complete games and issued just 16 walks in 167 innings. Hardy is a Bethel Springs, TN resident and was signed by the Royals as a non-drafted free agent in 2006.

Triple-A infielder Mike Aviles was the position player named to receive the same award. Aviles hit .296 with 17 homers and 77 RBI last season for the Omaha Royals, the Royals' Triple-A affiliate.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and will begin play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale, on Thursday, April 10th against the San Antonio Missions. You can purchase season tickets and group outings with the Naturals by calling (479) 927-4900.