The Asheville Tourists announced their 2012 Opening Day Roster this morning and out of the 25 players the Colorado Rockies have assigned to Asheville, only 5 will be returning players. Outfielder/ First Baseman Tyler Massey and Centerfielder Delta Cleary, Jr. and relief pitchers Craig Benningson, Taylor Reid and Rafael Suarez will be returning. Cleary played for Asheville in 2009 and 2010 but played for Modesto last season.
Three of the newcomers made Baseball America's Top Thirty Prospects for the Colorado Rockies led by 2011 First Round Draft Pick Shortstop Trevor Story. Baseball America describes Story as having "unusual presence for such a young player (he recently turned 19) and a chance to have five average or better tools."
Shortstop/Third Baseman Rosell Herrera came in at #16 and he will probably be moved around the Tourists infield as he and Story play the same position. Herrera is a switch-hitter and is described by Baseball America as having "exceptional hand-eye coordination" and being a much better hitter from the left side.
Catcher Will Swanner made Baseball America's list at #21 as a power hitting catcher. He hit 17 Homeruns in 235 at bats in Rookie League Casper the past two seasons. Baseball America describes him as hitting "the ball very hard and has above-average power." He should hit plenty of homeruns at McCormick Field. Defensively he "shows leadership qualities behind the plate and has plenty of arm strength."
The Asheville Tourists open at home against the Delmarva Shorebirds on Thursday April 5, 2012, the first Thirsty Thursday of the year.
