Grizzlies Make Moves; Infield Looks Strong

Hello all!  Opening Day will be here before you know it!  Only 54 days away from the Grizzlies preseason opener.  While some moves will certainly still be made, it's getting to be the time when we have a good idea of what the Grizzlies Spring Training roster will look like.

Photo courtesy of Paul Baillargeon/ActionImaging.com

Overall, the current roster looks outstanding.  What jumps out to me is the Grizzlies infield experience.  Chris McClendon is penciled in as the starter at third, Vlad Frias at shortstop and Jonathan Johnson at second.  Landon Hernandez, who manager Phil Warren says can be the best player in the league, returns as the catcher.  The only question mark right now is who will start at first base after the Jerod Yakubik trade?  The natural first baseman would be rookie Trey Holmes who had a stellar collegiate career at Appalachian State, but he will certainly have to earn that spot.  Two other options could be experienced guys Jet Butler OR Jon Myers.  Warren has said he might flirt with Myers at first base.  Whether he's at first or in the outfield, we know his bat will be in the lineup.  The starting infield for the Grizzlies projects to be strong.

Photo courtesy of Paul Baillargeon/ActionImaging.com

Rogelio Noris was traded recently to the Washington Wild Things for their first round pick in 2013 and a player to be named later.  Rogelio was a fan favorite and a big part of the Gateway surge in the second half of the 2012 season.  He smashed 18 home runs in just 58 games for the Grizzlies and recorded a three home run game in Traverse City in the final week of the regular season when the team needed a win.  Phil Warren has said this is a financial move that needed to be made.  While Phil would love to keep him, the bottom line is you can't keep everyone, especially experienced players.  Rogelio will be missed on and off the field.

Minor League veteran Jose Flores was acquired by the Grizzlies in late February.  He will serve as a utility infielder/outfielder and Warren says he can truly play anywhere on the field.  The 25-year-old Venezuela native has seven years of MILB experience, all coming with the Giants from 2006-2012.  He appeared in a combined 81 games @ Double-A Richmond in 2011 & 2012.

Be on the lookout for Mananger's Chat with Phil Warren for the month of March.  It will be posted on Friday.

Here's the audio I have for today.  Below is the broadcast open on radio for Game 5 of the Divisional Series last season.  Hope it helps you get ready for baseball season.  Go Grizzlies!

   Grizzlies Broadcast Open Game 5 Divisional Series
   
    -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young