Key cogs return to Goldeyes lineup

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This article was published 19/01/2017 (2646 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Rick Forney appears to be taking an “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach towards building his roster for the upcoming season.

The diamond at Shaw Park may be buried under several feet of snow, but the Winnipeg Goldeyes manager has already inked several key pieces of last year’s championship team. Five returnees are now under contract — all-star slugger David Rohm, ace starter Kevin McGovern, closer Victor Capellan, Canadian third baseman Wes Darvill and outfielder Josh Romanski.

More signings are expected soon. Fan favourite and reigning league home-run king Reggie Abercrombie, veteran hitters Willie Cabrera and Casio Grider, slick shortstop Maikol Gonzalez and starting pitchers Edwin Carl, Mikey O’Brien and Duke von Schamann are among those whose future remains unclear. They are all under Goldeyes control provided they opt to return for another season to the American Association.

The Goldeyes also added a pair of promising rookies this week to help meet the American Association requirement of four rookies (five if a team chooses to carry the maximum roster of 23 players). First baseman Kellen Marruffo just finished up his college career at the University of Utah, which won the Pac-12 Conference championship. The Arizona native batted .314 with three home runs and 27 RBIs in 51 games

“Kellen had a stellar collegiate career and I look forward to seeing him compete for a spot on our roster,” Forney said earlier this week.

Caleb Kellogg joins the Goldeyes bullpen after being cut loose by the Baltimore Orioles organization, which drafted him in 2013 out of the University of Tampa. He last pitched in 2015, sitting out last season.

“Caleb is hungry for another opportunity to continue his professional career. Reports on Caleb were all positive and I feel like he will fill a very important role in our bullpen,” Forney said.

It’s clear Forney is having a fairly productive off-season so far as his squad looks to defend its title in the 12-team loop. Still, there are some key holes to fill.

Adam Heisler helped drive the Goldeyes high-powered offence last year, batting .300 with eight home runs, 49 RBIs and 27 stolen bases. The speedy outfielder from Alabama won’t be back, having chosen to retire from baseball at the age of 28 following six pro seasons, including the past two in Winnipeg.

“This game has given me much more than I could have ever imagined. This decision was a very emotional and difficult decision to make because I have dedicated my life to being the best ball player that I could be,” Heisler said in a statement earlier this week.

“To my most recent team, the Winnipeg Goldeyes, this past season may have been the most fun that I have ever had playing baseball. You guys are the best, and whenever I speak of the Goldeyes organization, it will be in the highest of praise.”

Winnipeg is also without a catcher at the moment.

Starter Carlton Tanabe has also announced his retirement, while backup Tanner Murphy had his contract purchased by the Colorado Rockies earlier this month and will now play in their minor league system.

Winnipeg also announced Friday that Jacob Rogers has signed a contract with the Texas Rangers to join their organization as a converted pitcher. Rogers played first base for the Goldeyes last season, hitting .275 with eight home runs and 44 RBIs.

With the signings of Rogers and Murphy, MLB teams have now picked up the contracts of 68 Goldeyes in their history.

Winnipeg kicks off its 24th season with spring training May 6. They’ll begin their 100-game regular season schedule May 18 with a 10-game trip through Texas and Kansas. The Goldeyes play their home opener May 29 against the Sioux Falls Canaries.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca