NINE FORMER GREENSBORO PLAYERS GET BIG SPRING TRAINING INVITES
January 8, 2008
(Greensboro, NC) The Florida Marlins extended Spring Training invitations on Tuesday to eight former Greensboro Grasshoppers and one former Bat, as announced by Marlins President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest.
Chris Coghlan (INF), played 81 games for the Hoppers during the 2007 season before receiving a mid-season promotion to high-A Jupiter. A solid hitter, Coghlan was also chosen to represent the Marlins organization at the 2007 Futures Game. Last team of 2007: High A Jupiter Hammerheads
Brad Davis (C), appeared in 64 games in Greensboro despite being sidelined with injury for more than two months. He posted a .310 batting average and collected half of his runs batted in during the month of August. Last team of 2007: High A Jupiter Hammerheads
Chris Hatcher (C), made his professional baseball debut during the 2007 season, catching in 96 games for the Hoppers. A standout for the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, Chris continued his momentum with 15 homeruns, 23 doubles and 50 runs batted in. Last team of 2007: Low A Greensboro Grasshoppers
Brett Hayes (C), spent much of the 2006 season as the backstop for the Hoppers. Hayes collected a career-high 68 hits, nine homeruns and 38 runs batted in with his 82 games in Greensboro. Last team of 2007: Double A Carolina Mudcats
Lee Mitchell (INF), appeared in 23 games for the 2003 Greensboro Bats, who played at World War Memorial Stadium. During the final month of the season he hit two homeruns and batted in seven. Last team of 2007: Double A Carolina Mudcats
Brett Sinkbeil (RHP), was a late season addition to the team after the 2006 Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft, but finished the year with 39.2 innings pitched. He started eight games for the Hoppers, ending with a 1-1 record. Last team of 2007: High A Jupiter Hammerheads
Aaron Thompson (LHP), was part of the Hoppers dominating First-Round Draft Pick rotation of the 2006 season. He finished the season with a 3.63 earned run average and a record of 8-8. Last team of 2007: High A Jupiter Hammerheads
Ryan Tucker (RHP), received little run support and as a result struggled much of the 2006 season. The First-Round Draft Pick finished the year at 7-13, having struck out 133 batters in 131.1 innings pitched. Last team of 2007: High A Jupiter Hammerheads
Chris Volstad (RHP), anchored the First-Round Draft Pick rotation of the 2006 season with an 11-8 record. He held opposing teams to 52 earned runs and a .275 batting average. Last team of 2007: Double A Carolina Mudcats
For the sixth consecutive season, the Marlins’ Spring Training headquarters will be based at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. Pitchers and catchers will hold their first workout on February 18, with the first full-squad workout on February 21.
The Greensboro Grasshoppers are the Single-A affiliate of the Florida Marlins and have welcomed over 1,250,000 fans in their first three seasons, becoming the only Class A team in the history of Minor League Baseball to draw over 400,000 fans and grow its attendance for three straight years in a new ballpark. They are the proud recipients of both the South Atlantic League’s Club Merit Award and the General Manager of the Year Award for the past three years.
Season tickets and advertising packages are now on sale for the 2008 season. For more information, please contact the Grasshoppers office at 336.268.BALL or visit www.gsohoppers.com