The opening day roster for the Stockton Ports, the A’s Class-A affiliate in the California League, was announced this week. And the Ports’ lineup will be led by the A’s top draft pick from last year, rising star Addison Russell.
The A’s top shortstop prospect will be joined in the Ports’ infield by first baseman Max Muncy, second baseman Antonio Lamas and third baseman B.A. Vollmuth, along with backups Tony Thompson and Wade Kirkland. Returning outfielders Myrio Richard, Josh Whitaker and Dusty Robinson will be joined by newcomer Bobby Crocker, and Ryan Ortiz and Ryan Delgado will be behind the plate.
The Ports’ pitching staff will be comprised of Sean Murphy, Jacob Brown, Drew Granier, Blake Hassebrock, Seth Frankoff, Andres Avila, Tanner Peters, Jose Macias, Jonathan Joseph, T.J. Walz, Pedro Vidal, David Mota and Omar Duran.
You’ll find the Stockton Ports’ complete roster, along with profiles of some of the team’s top players, below…
ADDISON RUSSELL
Right-Handed Hitting Shortstop
Age On Opening Day: 19
Drafted 2012 – 1st Round
The A’s top pick in last year’s draft was not only the star of the A’s 2012 draft class but was also the star of the team’s entire minor league system. And it didn’t take long for Russell to quickly become a favorite amongst A’s fans who have their eyes on the future. The Florida native earned the attention by tearing through three levels of minor league ball at the age of 18, and he’ll be starting the year in the California League at the age of 19. In 217 at-bats in the Arizona League, the NY-Penn League and the Midwest League in 2012, Russell had 10 doubles, 9 triples, 7 home runs and 16 stolen bases with an impressive .369/.432/.594 slash line. He didn’t disappoint in the field either, showing nice range and a good arm. The bottom line is that Russell is very young, very talented and very hard-working, and there’s no reason that he shouldn’t continue to rise as quickly as his performance demands.
MAX MUNCY
Left-Handed Hitting First Baseman
Age On Opening Day: 22
Drafted 2012 – 5th Round
Another promising catch from last year’s draft, Muncy skipped two levels of the A’s minor league system and started the year higher than any other member of the A’s draft class at Class-A Burlington in the Midwest League. And he held his own there, posting a .275/.383/.432 slash line in 64 games. The left-handed hitter also seemed to be developing a little more power this spring in Arizona. And Muncy will be joining Russell, as the two fastest-rising members of last year’s draft class, in Stockton’s infield this season.
–STOCKTON PORTS 2013 ROSTER–
–HITTERS–
Max Muncy 1B
Tony Thompson 3B-1B
Wade Kirkland 2B-SS
–PITCHERS–
Sean Murphy RHP
Jacob Brown LHP
Drew Granier RHP
Blake Hassebrock RHP
Seth Frankoff RHP
Andres Avila RHP
Tanner Peters RHP
Jose Macias RHP
Jonathan Joseph RHP
T.J. Walz RHP
Pedro Vidal RHP
David Mota RHP
Omar Duran LHP
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As usual, you did a great job highlighting the Ports. In fact, such a good job, I think I may go to a game or two while in the Bay Area.
I hope ya do – it’s a nice little ballpark they got there in Stockton. And ya ought to take the chance to see Addison Russel while ya can!