The West Virginia Power have announced their Opening Day roster for the 2011 season, via a team press release. The players who will be at the level are as follows:
Catchers: Elias Diaz, Kawika Emsley-Pai, Jairo Marquez
Infielders: Eric Avila, Matt Curry, Justin Howard, Drew Maggi, Kevin Mort, Gift Ngoepe, Andy Vasquez
Outfielders: Dan Grovatt, Rogelios Noris, Mel Rojas Jr
Pitchers: Ryan Beckman, Colton Cain, Brandon Cumpton, Kevin Decker, Zack Dodson, Zach Foster, Zac Fuesser, Brooks Pounders, Trent Stevenson, Jason Townsend, Zack Von Rosenberg, Tyler Waldron
The normal starting roster will be:
C – Elias Diaz
1B – Matt Curry
2B – Gift Ngoepe
SS – Drew Maggi
3B – Eric Avila
LF – Rogelios Noris
CF – Mel Rojas Jr
RF – Dan Grovatt
DH – Justin Howard
Bench – Kawika Emsley-Pai, Jairo Marquez, Kevin Mort, Andy Vasquez
Rotation – Zack Von Rosenberg, Colton Cain, Zack Dodson, Tyler Waldron, Brandon Cumpton
Bullpen – Ryan Beckman, Kevin Decker, Zach Foster, Zac Fuesser, Brooks Pounders, Trent Stevenson, Jason Townsend
I mentioned in my preview of the rotation and the bullpen at West Virginia that the team could see a lot of platoon scenarios with guys like Pounders, Fuesser, and Stevenson pitching in the bullpen. Waldron and Cumpton profile more as relievers in the long term, although the Pirates are not planning on moving any of the players to full time relief this early.
“We hope that those college arms stabilize that young rotation early, get into a rhythm, and can be pushed to the FSL at some point,” Kyle Stark told me, in reference to Waldron and Cumpton.
The rotation in West Virginia should be one of the most exciting aspects to watch in the minor league system this year, especially with Jameson Taillon and Stetson Allie expected to arrive later in the season. It’s possible that Taillon and Allie could arrive right when Waldron and Cumpton are ready to move up.
I will be attending the West Virginia media day tomorrow, so look for updates on some of the players that I talk to. I also plan on covering plenty of games at the level this year.
