Top Prospect, NH Native Headline Fisher Cats Projected Roster
MANCHESTER, N.H. - The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, in conjunction with the Toronto Blue Jays, have released the projected opening day roster for the 2014 Fisher Cats. The new group of players is headlined by the Blue Jays' top overall prospect, RHP Aaron Sanchez, and New Hampshire native and 2013 Fisher Cats All-Star Kevin Nolan. That duo is part of a team that features a host of Double-A veterans as well as some key newcomers, all with the hopes of bringing the Fisher Cats another Eastern League Championship.
"Seeing this new batch of players stokes the flames of anticipation for opening day," said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. "We are excited to welcome the team to New Hampshire, and we are ready to create some magical moments for our fans here at the ballpark in just 10 short days."
Sanchez is the headline-grabber, ranking as the consensus top prospect in the organization by multiple publications. After a strong season with Class A Dunedin, he's also ranked as the 23rd-best prospect in minor league baseball by MLB.com. The 21-year old will be joined in the rotation by three former Fisher Cats: Deck McGuire, the Blue Jays first-round pick in 2010, Austin Bibens-Dirkx, and Casey Lawrence. Scott Copeland rounds out the starting staff in his first trip to Double-A.
Following the starters is a bullpen that is relatively new to New Hampshire. Scott Gracey and Randy Boone are the lone returners in 2014. They'll be joined by Tyler Ybarra, John Anderson, and Tony Davis, all integral pieces in Dunedin's playoff effort from a year ago. Lefty Richard Bleier and righty Gregory Infante, two players with Triple-A experience, round out the 'pen in their first year in the Blue Jays' organization.
There is a good mix of veteran experience and youthful talent among the position players. The Jays' top catching prospect, A.J. Jimenez, is back for his third stint in New Hampshire. Ranked No. 14 in the organization by Baseball America, Jimenez started the 2012 campaign with the Fisher Cats, but had Tommy John Surgery that May. He progressed through the system during his rehab process a year ago, making it to Triple-A Buffalo in August. He'll be joined behind the plate by 2011 draftee Aaron Munoz.
On the infield, Nolan is slated to man shortstop again following his All-Star effort for the Fisher Cats last summer. He'll be starting on the infield next to third baseman Andy Burns, No. 19 in the Jays' prospect ranks. Gabe Jacobo (first base) and Jon Berti (second base) are the likely starters on the right side of the diamond. Ryan Schimpf, last year's team home run leader, will be joined in utility roles by Peter Mooney, Yusuf Carter, and Andy Fermin.
The outfield features a good mix of speed and power for the Fisher Cats. Brad Glenn is back after leading last year's club in extra-base hits before a promotion to Triple-A Buffalo. He'll be joined by the speedy tandem of Kenny Wilson (No. 22 rank), a Blue Jays 40-man roster addition in December, and Jon Jones, a late-season addition to last year's club. Double-A rookie Michael Crouse rounds out the group for his maiden voyage to the upper levels of the minors.
In total, 13 players have experience in New Hampshire while an additional three have Double-A experience. Ten players will make their Double-A debut.
The Fisher Cats will begin the season on the road on Thursday night under the tutelage of manager Bobby Meacham, pitching coach Jim Czajkowsi, and hitting coach Jon Nunnally. After a seven-game road trip, they'll return home on Thursday, April 10, at 6:35 p.m. against the Binghamton Mets. Tickets for Opening Day and all other games are available now by visiting www.nhfishercats.com, by calling (603) 641-2005, and by visiting the Ticket Office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. Fans can enjoy exclusive benefits, free gifts, and special events with a Fisher Cats ticket package. For more information, visit www.nhfishercats.com.