Thursday, April 5, 2012

Opening Day: Minor League Edition - 4/5/2012

Four of the Pirates minor league affiliates - Indianapolis, Altoona, Bradenton, and West Virginia; all full-season squads - will be hitting the ground running over the next few weeks to start their season.  75% of the teams will play today, with Indianapolis not starting their season until tomorrow.

Indianapolis will not play today.  They square off tomorrow at 5:00 PM against the Toledo Mud Hens. The starting pitcher has not yet been announced.

Altoona faces the Erie Seawolves with the first pitch scheduled to be throw at 6:30 PM.  Michael Colla.  Notable prospects that could be playing for Altoona include returning Curve catcher Tony Sanchez and 1B Matt Curry.  Jarek Cunningham and Robbie Grossman could be making their AA debuts.

Bradenton will start off their season playing against the St. Lucie Mets.  Colton Cain will take the mound for the Marauders and the game is expected to start at 6:30 PM.  The pitching staff also includes top prospects Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon.  Positional players of note include Evan Chambers, Alex Dickerson, Wesley Freeman, and Drew Maggi.

West Virginia will play their opener on the road at 7:05 PM against the Hagerstown Suns.  The game will be televised on milb.tv. Nick Kingham is slated to start.  This should be Josh Bell's pro debut. Alen Hanson, Willy Garcia, and Jose Osuna will also suit up for the Power.

Check back tomorrow for results, top players, and info on the games for that day.

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