Bisons have experienced outlook for 2015
While the Toronto Blue Jays took its first win of the season Monday against the New York Yankees, the Buffalo Bisons are preparing to step out on the diamond Thursday as they are set to kick off its season.
The Herd has plenty of additions to keep the team going in the right direction in 2015. 23 of the currently 27 players have Major League experience. Nine of which wore the silver and blue for Toronto last season.
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Led by manager Gary Allenson, the future Blue Jays look to get back to where they left off when they finished off the last month of the 2014 season 19-12, and just short of a final wildcard position.
Andy Wilkins will be looked upon as a power hitter in the middle of the lineup for the Herd after he tallied 30 homers with Charlotte last season. Chris Colabello will add another bat in the lineup after he had 16 homers with Rochester and the Minnesota Twins last season. Colabello was voted the International League’s most valuable player in 2013. Ezequiel Carrrera will look to frustrate more pitchers in 2015. The speedster stole 43 bags for Toledo last season, nine more than any other player.
Returning for the Herd will be fan favorite Josh Thole. The catcher will quarterback the defense while adding his .248 average to the lineup. Ryan Goins, Munenori Kawasaki and Jonathan Diaz will return their hot gloves to the Bisons infield for 2015. Brad Glen will also bring his hot bat into play after he hit .303 in 61 games with Buffalo last season.
On the mound, an experienced rotation will appear for the Herd. Randy Wolf and Jeff Francis will be added into the rotation while Scott Copeland will try to improve on his 11 wins in 2014. 2013 Minnesota Twins’ minor league pitcher of the year Andrew Albers will also take the hill for Buffalo.
Chad Jenkins, American League All-Star Steve Delabar and Rob Rasmussen will take major bullpen roles while the Herd will look to Bobby Korecky for another great year as the team’s closer. He recorded 22 saves for the team in 2014.
The team will look to get off to a fast start on April 9th when the Bisons take the field for the first time. The team will prepare for a 2:05 first pitch against the Rochester Red Wings.
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