April 4, 200422 yr Knights Announce Roster By AlexErnst April 4, 2003 FutureSox.com The Charlotte Knights were the latest team to announce their roster for the 2004 season. The 24-man roster includes 13 returning players, 15 players with major league experience and nine players who are new faces in the organization. The team will carry 12 pitchers, 3 catchers, 5 infielders and 4 outfielders. The Knights pitching staff looks to be one of the strongest in the International League as they have major league experience in Vic Darensbourg, Courtney Duncan, Jason Grilli, Ryan Kohlmeier, Jon Rauch, Dave Sanders, Jose Santiago and Mitch Wylie. Felix Diaz, Gary Majewski, Enemencio Pacheco and Mitch Wylie are considered top prospects in the Sox organization and could be expected to pitch for the Sox in coming years. Kelly Wunsch is also expected to throw during rehab assignments in Charlotte when his teres muscle gets closer to 100 percent. Versatility is the word used to describe the Knights catchers as Jamie Burke, Ryan Hankins and Mike Rivera will all spend time behind the plate. Rivera can DH, Burke can play third or first and Hankins was the third baseman for the Knights last year. Burke was the last demotion for the Sox this year and could be called up if Gload struggles or if the Sox decide to carry only 11 pitchers. New faces will be seen on the infield dirt in Charlotte in 2004. All players are new to the organization, but Kelly Dransfeldt and Bobby Smith both have major league experience. Dransfeldt was in a battle with Burke for the last spot on the Sox roster. Dransfeldt had a monster spring in Cactus League action but the Sox went with 12 players, opting to send Dransfeldt down. Also seeing time in the infield will be Mike Bell, Bryant Nelson and Rich Paz. If needed, Burke and Hankins could fill in from time to time. Jeremy Reed will headline the Knights outfield in 2004 that has the potential to be tops in the International League. The 2003 Minor League Player of the Year hit poorly in Cactus League action, leading some to think he might head to Birmingham, but he will be playing center in Charlotte as he is on the fast track to Chicago. Joining Jeremy will be Joe Borchard who is coming off yet another injury in Spring Training. This will be Borchard's third year in AAA, and many people, both in and out of the Sox organization, feel this is a put-up or shut-up year for Joe. He has the potential to be a star in Chicago but first he needs to get things going in Charlotte. Scott Bikowski led the Southern League with a .312 average last year, but he won't display power similar to Borchard as he only hit three homers over the course of 2003. Mario Valenzuela will also get time in the outfield.
April 4, 200422 yr Author As always, comments are appreciated....I'm trying to get it out as quick as I can. I hope to get the nice looking roster up ater tonite, also. The only real surprise is that this msut mean Munoz will be in Bham.
April 4, 200422 yr So did we find out where Munoz is now? This is concerning. I bet we sold him to the Nippon Hamfighters.
April 4, 200422 yr Author I jsut read one of Rex's posts....says he'll be in Birmingham's rotation. I guess it makes sense when ya thiink about it as Charlotte's rotation is rather strong.
April 4, 200422 yr I jsut read one of Rex's posts....says he'll be in Birmingham's rotation. I guess it makes sense when ya thiink about it as Charlotte's rotation is rather strong. well either that or since they are moving Arnie from the pen to the rotation they are gonna try it in AA instead. Just a thought
April 4, 200422 yr Nice stuff Alex. Munoz will be in the rotation in Birmingham. He is being converted to a starter, as is Ryan Meaux (Who will also be in Birmingham's rotation) alongside Wing and Honel.
April 4, 200422 yr Author Nice stuff Alex. Munoz will be in the rotation in Birmingham. He is being converted to a starter, as is Ryan Meaux (Who will also be in Birmingham's rotation) alongside Wing and Honel. Jas, get on AIM if you can. God, we need an IM service for the IM service.
April 5, 200422 yr Author http://www.futuresox.com/index.php?module=...=display&ceid=3 Easy to read roster.
April 5, 200422 yr I take it Hankins/Burke are the 1B guys? With an extra catcher in Rivera, those 2 will prob rotate from time to time there.
April 5, 200422 yr Hankins/Burke and Rivera will probably all catch and play 1st. Burke and Hankins will also play some 3rd or at least thats my guess.
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