With only two days left of the New York Penn League off-season, the Lowell Spinners finally announced their roster, giving us just enough time to analyze prior to Opening Day. There's tons of talent on this year's roster, moreso than previous years, and it comes from all angles. There are 2011 draft picks, 2010 international signings, 2010 august 16th draft signings, and more. The roster was set yesterday, and of course, two days seems like nothing, but moves can still and probably will be made leading up to the first pitch of the season.
In fact, the current roster stands at thirty, so they have to trim it down by six, so moves will likely come sooner rather than later. However, you can almost guarantee more than half of the potential Spinners, and let's do just that. Here's how the roster stands as of noon on Wednesday...
- Luis Bastardo
- Kevin Brahney
- Hunter Cervenka
- Luis Diaz
- Jason Garcia
- Swen Huijer
- Christopher Huseby
- Michael McCarthy
- Nefi Ogando
- Miguel Pena
- Dennys Reyes
- Raynel Velette
- Tyler Wilson
- Madison Younginer
Catchers
Infielders
- Garin Cecchini
- Joantoni Garcia
- Boss Moanaroa
- Travis Shaw
- Jason Thompson
Outfielders
- Zach Daeges
- Keury De La Cruz
- Matty Johnson
- Moko Moanaroa
- Roberto Ramos
- Seth Schwindenhammer
- Andrew Turocy
I think the biggest name here is Garin Cecchini, who has a real nice infield bat with a solid glove. Not sure if that glove is best suited for third base, but I think he'll be just fine defensively wherever he plays in the infield. Cecchini has little power, but has nice bat speed and a consistent, through-the-zone swing. He's strong and has good plate coverage, so the power might eventually come, but I think he'll be a solid Major League hitter regardless.
Another two names that jump out are the Moanaroa brothers, to whom we previewed last month. According to a source close to them, they're in great shape entering the year and might very well be primed for a breakout campaign. Boss has more power, and Moko is the better athlete, but both are good hitters with a good plate approach. Boss' swing might be a little too uppercut or violent, but he has plenty of time to work on it.
Miguel Pena, on the pitching end of things, will be the first draft pick from the 2011 draft to debut in the New York Penn League. I've heard nothing but good things about the southpaw, and I expect him to excel in the League. He features a fastball that touches the mid-90's, and a decent curveball. He might be best suited in a relief role going forward, but that doesn't downplay his ability to challenge hitters and use all of his stuff.
The pitcher I'm most excited about on this list, however, is Dennys Reyes. Just kidding. The pitcher I'm really most excited about, you ask? Madison Younginer. At 6'4, he possess a fastball with tons of movement that hits the high 90's and sits in the low-mid 90's. He has a wipeout curveball, and features a nice change up too. He's still raw, but he's made progression every year. Baseball America ranked him 19th on the New York Penn League prospects list last year, and I might have even had him higher.
Again, things change and you shouldn't be surprised if it does. They still need to free up a few spots, and that'll take place in the coming days. This is going to be one of, if not the most fun team to watch this year, so don't hold back. Get to the park, have a beer, peanuts, and take in a Spinners game. You can even do that when the Spinners host the NYPL All-Star Game.
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