Blue Sox opening day roster
Tyler Collins
The Sydney Blue Sox, in conjunction with the Australian Baseball League released the team’s Opening Day Roster today. The majority of the roster is from within Australia, however there is some new talent joining the club from overseas.
The entire infield, including third basemen Josh Dean, shortstop Michael Lysaught second basemen Jacob Younis, first basemen Boss Moanaroa and utility man Shannon Pender, return for their second season with the Blue Sox. The outfield sees just one returning starter from last year’s roster, the 2010/11 ABL Rookie of the Year winner Trent Schmutter. Joining him this year is Moko Moanaroa who saw some at-bats last season and newcomer Tyler Collins from Lubbock, Texas. Tyler comes to the Blue Sox after spending the 2011 season competing for the Connecticut Tigers in the New York Penn League, where he batted .313 with 8 homeruns, 31 RBI’s eight stolen bases.
The Blue Sox return the majority of their pitching staff from the 2010/11 season, which finished first in the ABL in ERA (3.31) and allowed the fewest walks (101). Sydney has a total of 14 pitchers returning, including Blue Sox Pitching coach Chris Oxspring, 2010/11 ABL Reliever of the Year Dae-sung Koo and left-handed pitcher Craig Anderson. The Blue Sox will add 4 new arms to their staff, right-handers Lee Ingram, Josh Wells and Luke Wilkins and left-hander Aidan Francis. These young arms will add to the depth of this successful staff led by Oxspring.
While the Blue Sox have a strong contingent from New South Wales they will also add 3 prospects from the USA minor league system to their roster, including Tyler Collins (Tigers), Gift Ngoepe (Pittsburgh) and Breland Brown (NYY). Gift Ngoepe was the first black South African to sign a professional contract when he signed in October 2008 and Breland Brown, who is originally from Harvey, Louisiana consistently gives back to his hometown following Hurricane Katrina. These three players had successful seasons in the states and look to bring their talents to the Blue Sox in hopes of defending their minors premiere title from a year ago.
Here is a listing of the roster for the Blue Sox on opening day:
Pitchers: RHP – Todd Grattan, Vaughan Harris, Wayne Lundgren, Chris Oxspring, Lee Ingram, Josh Wells, Matthew Williams, LHP- Craig Anderson, Aidan Francis, Dae- Sung Koo, Matthew Rae,
Catchers: Pat Maat, Trent D’Antonio,
Infielders: Josh Dean, Michael Lysaught, Jacob Younis, Boss Moanaroa, Shannon Pender, Alex Johnson, Outfielders: Moko Moanaroa, Tyler Collins, Trent Schmutter,
Coaching Staff: Kevin Boles, Manager, Chris Oxspring, Pitching Coach, Coaches: Grahame Cassel, Jason Pospishil, Glenn Williams
