by Ethan Kassel / A’s Farm Stockton Correspondent
The opening day roster for the 2018 Stockton Ports features an intriguing mix of fresh faces and returning players, a combination that could make for an exciting season for the Ports.
A trio of talented young players who’ve joined the A’s organization in the past year – pitcher Jesus Luzardo, shortstop Kevin Merrell and outfielder Greg Deichmann – highlight the group of new arrivals.
The 20-year-old Luzardo, who was acquired from the Nationals in the Sean Doolittle/Ryan Madson trade last summer, will headline the rotation for the Ports and will serve as Stockton’s opening night starter. After returning from Tommy John surgery last season, the Stoneman Douglas High school alum from Florida put up an impressive 1.66 ERA while throwing just 43 1/3 innings for three different teams in the low minors. He got a taste of big-league competition during spring training, and he more than impressed, throwing six shutout innings while looking dominant for the A’s. After finishing last season with the Vermont Lake Monsters, he’ll skip Beloit completely and jump straight into Stockton’s starting rotation in the hitter-friendly California League, but it looks like Luzardo may be more than ready for the challenge.
The 22-year-old Merrell, who was drafted 33rd overall in 2017 with the A’s competitive balance pick after the first round, hit .320 in 31 games for Vermont last year and went 6 for 15 with a pair of stolen bases for the A’s during spring training. Known for his blazing speed, he almost beat out a routine grounder to second base during a spring game against the Padres. And in the California League, a circuit full of inexperienced young infielders, his ability to bolt up the line could put lots of pressure on opposing defenders. Though he wasn’t known to have much power when he was drafted, Merrell managed to bash a home run and a triple in his limited action for the A’s this spring. And the small parks of the California League could provide the opportunity for him to show off even more pop.
The 22-year-old Deichmann, the A’s second-round pick last year out of LSU, will have the chance to see what kind of power numbers he can put up in the California League after slugging eight home runs in just 46 games for Vermont last summer. With his natural power stroke, Deichmann should be able to provide plenty of punch in the heart of the Ports lineup this season.
Merrell and Deichmann will be joined on the Ports roster by three of the A’s other top ten picks from last year’s draft. Third baseman Will Toffey, 23, will partner with Merrell on the left side of the infield, while pitcher Parker Dunshee, 23, and 6-foot-9 hurler Brian Howard, 22, are projected to slot into Stockton’s starting rotation alongside Luzardo.
Zack Erwin, acquired from the White Sox in the Brett Lawrie trade prior to the 2016 season, struggled that year with Stockton, putting up a 6.53 ERA for the Ports before being sent down to Beloit and then having his season cut short by an injury. But Erwin rediscovered himself in Beloit in 2017, where he posted an impressive 2.08 ERA across 19 starts while allowing just four home runs for the Snappers. And his second season in the California League could prove to be a make-or-break one for the 24-year-old pitching prospect.
Though he pitched exclusively out of the bullpen last year, 25-year-old hurler Jake Bray, who was acquired from the Orioles in the Jaycob Brugman trade this offseason, is expected to shift into Stockton’s starting rotation this season. At Class-A Delmarva in 2017, the righty struck out a whopping 82 batters while walking just 14 in 51 innings of work.
There are 11 players on the team’s opening day roster with past experience in Stockton, including infielders Nate Mondou and Edwin Diaz and outfielder Luis Barrera, all of whom split last season between Stockton and Beloit. Mondou and Barrera could combine to provide some speed and on-base ability near the top of the order, while Diaz could provide some pop in the middle of the Ports lineup.
Another noteworthy player joining the Ports roster this season is 25-year-old Cuban outfielder Dairon Blanco, whom the A’s just signed in December. He’s known to possess impressive speed, and he could combine with Merrell to provide an electrifying element on the base paths for the Ports this season.
Stockton is set to open the 2018 season at home against Lake Elsinore on Thursday night with Jesus Luzardo on the mound for the Ports.
You can check out the Stockton Ports’ complete opening day roster here.
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