Slugger Lars Anderson Returns to Lead Talented 2008 JetHawks Opening Day Roster

3/27/2008

Slugger Lars Anderson Returns to Lead Talented 2008 JetHawks Opening Day Roster
11 players return from 2007 South Division first and second half champion squad


(LANCASTER, CA) – The Lancaster JetHawks, Class A affiliate of the 2007 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, have released their opening day roster for the 2008 season. The defending California League South Division first and second half title-winners will feature 11 players who donned the JetHawks uniform in 2007, as well as a strong lineup of players advancing from the lower levels of the Red Sox farm system.

Four JetHawks players are ranked by Baseball America among the top 30 prospects in the Boston organization, topped by third-ranked infielder Lars Anderson. The power-hitting first baseman is considered by Baseball America the 32nd top prospect in all of Minor League Baseball. In a brief ten-game call-up to Lancaster last season, Anderson impressed by hitting .343, driving in nine runs, and walking more than he struck out. Other highly-rated Boston prospects include slick-fielding shortstop Argenis Diaz (12th), an athletic former first-round draft pick in outfielder Jason Place (23rd), and 2007 South Atlantic League All-Star outfielder Reid Engel (28th).

While this year’s squad features youth, fans in the Antelope Valley will also see familiar names at each position. Both opening day catchers saw time in Lancaster in 2007. Slugger Jon Still impressed in the AV over the final weeks of the season while Zak Farkes proved a versatile asset defensively and hit ten home runs. Still can also serve as a first baseman while Farkes helped the JetHawks at third base last season.

Anderson and Diaz headline a talented, international infield. Impressive Taiwanese second-baseman Chih-Hsien Chang and power-hitting Puerto Rican third-baseman Jorge Jimenez round out the horn, while returnee Christian Lara will see time at the middle infield positions.

Led by Engel and Place, the outfield will be young as only Mickey Hall has seen regular time at the Advanced-A level. Matt Sheely played briefly in Lancaster last season while Daniel Nava makes the jump from the independent Golden League.

The pitching staff also blends experienced returnees with players moving up on the Red Sox minor league ladder. Travis Beazley leads the way after winning seven of his ten starts with the JetHawks a season ago. T.J. Large leads the bullpen after handling California League hitters last year with a 3.19 ERA and nine saves. Jason Blackey and Blake Maxwell also return to the bullpen.

Among the new pitchers, Josh Papelbon has the most familiar name. The younger brother of star Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, Josh has made his own name as a successful closer with 18 saves in 2007 at Greenville. Brian Steinocher, Jimmy James, Chris Jones, and Richie Lentz move up from Greenville, while Tony Bajoczky, Adam Mills, and Scott Lonergan make the jump from Lowell. The most experienced JetHawks pitcher is Jaymie Russ, who comes to the Red Sox organization after five seasons in the Florida Marlins system, including the last two full seasons at AA.

The JetHawks open the 2008 regular season on April 3 at High Desert before returning to Clear Channel Stadium for the home opener on April 10 against the Lake Elsinore Storm. Tremendous ticket packages starting at only $56 are available for purchase now by calling 661.726.5400.