Top picks add to veteran Miracle roster
The Fort Myers Miracle set their Opening Day roster Tuesday, two days before Thursday’s Florida State League season opener at Jupiter.
The 25-man squad features 15 players returning from last year’s team that won 16 of their last 21 games. Manager Jake Mauer returns for his second season after guiding the team to a 64-74 overall mark in 2010.
Among the returnees is Minnesota Twins 2010 first-round draft pick (21st overall) pitcher Alex Wimmers.
The Ohio State University product had an impressive debut with the Miracle after signing last August. He had a 2-0 record with a 0.57 ERA and a 23-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio, including five no-hit innings in his third outing. Prior to his selection in the draft, the 6-foot-2, right-hander won back-to-back Big 10 Pitcher of the Year awards.
Wimmers’ first start is scheduled for Monday at Hammond Stadium against the St. Lucie Mets.
Texan Kane Holbrooks gets the Opening Day start at Jupiter. He was a pleasant surprise after being promoted from Beloit midseason last year.
He posted a 2.10 ERA in 103 innings between Single-A and Double-A last season, and was 3-3 with the Miracle in seven starts.
The offense features the Twins’ 2008 top selection outfielder Aaron Hicks, who hit .279 with 27 doubles, six triples and eight home runs at Beloit last year. He also drew 88 walks and posted a .401 on-base percentage in 115 games.
Baseball America ranks Hicks as the second best prospect, best strike-zone discipline, best defensive outfielder and best arm in the Twins system.
Another big bat in the outfield is Steve Liddle. The Tennessee native hit 15 home runs and drove in 70 runs for Beloit last season.
Shortstop James Beresford was Beloit’s 2010 MVP and with returning second baseman Brian Dozier will form a solid double-play combo.
Tickets for all 70 home games are available at the Hammond Stadium box office or by phone 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Tickets also are available for online purchase at www.miraclebaseball.com.