VENTURA & MERRIFIELD NAMED ROCKS PITCHER & PLAYER OF YEAR
Ventura was signed out of Samana, Dominican Republic, as a non-drafted free agent on October 8, 2008. The 5' 11" righty started 2012 with Wilmington, recording a 3-5 record with a 3.30 ERA in 16 starts. He struck out 98 batters in 76.1 innings. He pitched in the SiriusXM MLB All-Star Futures Game this July at Kauffman Stadium for the World team. 21-year-old was bumped to Double-A Northwest Arkansas on July 9.
The 23-year-old Merrifield hit .258 with Wilmington this year, racking up 20 doubles, eight homers, 59 runs scored and 25 stolen bases in 101 games. He was recently promoted to Double-A on August 7. Merrifield was selected in the ninth round in 2010.
The pitchers and players of the year for Triple-A Omaha and Double-A Northwest Arkansas are all Blue Rocks alumni.
Odorizzi took Pitcher of the Year for Omaha with 11 wins and a 2.93 ERA. He was originally acquired with shortstop Alcides Escobar, outfielder Lorenzo Cain and right-handed reliever Jeremy Jeffress from the Milwaukee Brewers on December 19, 2010. He pitched last season with the Blue Rocks. He was named Wilmington Pitcher of the Year that campaign with a 2.87 ERA in 15 starts.
Myers received Player of the Year accolades for Omaha, hammering 36 total home runs for the year. He was originally a third-round selection in 2009. Myers hit .346 in 58 games for Wilmington in 2010. Myers also took part in the SiriusXM MLB All-Star Futures Game for the U.S. squad.
Mariot received Pitcher of the Years honors for Double-A Northwest Arkansas. He was an eight-round choice in 2010. He pitched to a 3.41 ERA in Wilmington last season, working in 28 games.
Colon was named Player of the Year at Double-A. He was also drafted in 2010; he was the club's first-round pick (fourth overall). With Wilmington last season, he hit .278 in 60 contests.
A majority of the players are expected to be at Kauffman Stadium for Futures Night on Friday, September 14, where they will take part in an autograph session at Gate A from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., as well as be honored in an on-field presentation prior to the Royals game against the Angels. The Blue Rocks open up their final regular season homestand of the year on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. when the Potomac Nationals come to town. Call 302-888-BLUE for ticket information or visit bluerocks.com.