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DURHAM BULLS
Affiliate: Tampa Bay Rays
Last year: 80-63, South Champions (+2.0), lost to Richmond in Gov. Cup Finals
Manager: Charlie Montoyo (2nd year)
Stadium: Durham Bulls Athletic Park (10,000)
PROSPECTS: Joel Guzman, who may see time at first base for the Bulls, was an All-Star shortstop in the Florida State League in 2004 and the Southern League in 2005…3B Evan Longoria was Tampa Bay’s 1st round pick (third overall) in 2006, and was in the running for the Rays’ third base job this spring…SS Reid Brignac, Tampa Bay’s 2nd round pick in 2004, is a tremendous defensive shortstop who was named MVP of the California League in 2006 after hitting .326 with 21 HR and 83 RBI at Class-A Visalia. Last year he hit .260 with 17 HR and 81 RBI at Double-A Montgomery…OF Fernando Perez was the MVP of the 2006 Visalia club, despite the fact Brignac was League MVP. Last year Perez was named to the Topps Southern League and Double-A all-star teams…RHP Jeff Niemann went 12-6 with a 3.98 ERA in 25 starts for Durham last season.
STRENGTHS: The Bulls bring a very strong club into the 2008 season as they attempt to repeat as IL South champions. Hitting, power, speed, defense, and a solid coaching staff are all strengths for this year’s club.
WEAKNESSES: The one weakness on this year’s club appears to be depth in the pitching staff. While Niemann, Mitch Talbot, and Jae Kuk Ryu were all key for Durham down the stretch last season, there aren’t many other proven commodities at the Triple-A level.
Probable Starters
1B – Chris Richard
2B – Elliot Johnson
3B – Evan Longoria
SS – Reid Brignac
C – Mike DiFelice
LF – Justin Ruggiano
CF – Fernando Perez
RF – Jeremy Owens
DH – Jon Weber