Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Return 15 Players From 2013 Season

The 14 man pitching staff is comprised of eight Volcanoes veterans, including two that made a significant impact on the 2013 South Division champion Salem-Keizer squad.

2013 Giants 1st-round pick Christian Arroyo. Photo Courtesy: sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com

(KEIZER, Ore. ) - The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, in conjunction with the San Francisco Giants, released the initial 2014 roster Monday afternoon highlighted by 15 returning Volcanoes players.

The roster is made up of 27 players: 14 pitchers, three catchers, six infielders and four outfielders. Second-year manager Gary Davenport returns an experienced lineup to begin the Northwest League campaign Friday, June 13, against the three-time defending champion Vancouver Canadians.

The roster includes the Salem-Keizer debut for 2013 Giants 1st-round pick Christian Arroyo. The 25th overall pick a year ago was the Rookie Arizona League MVP, leading the league in runs scored (47), doubles (18), RBI (39) and slugging percentage (.511) in his first season inside the Giants system.

The 14 man pitching staff is comprised of eight Volcanoes veterans, including two that made a significant impact on the 2013 South Division champion Salem-Keizer squad. Lefty Andrew Leenhouts, who won a NWL-best nine games last season, returns to Keizer along with stud closer Raymundo Montero (2-2, 1.82 ERA), who racked up 14 saves in 2013, good for second-most in the league.

EJ Encinosa (2013), Ian Gardeck (2012), Cameron McVey (2013), Steven Neff (2013), Armando Paniagua (2012-13), and Jose Reyes (2013) all bring previous NWL game action to the table. Encinosa (0-0, 3.12 ERA) and Reyes (2-1, 2.00 ERA) both return after landing on the DL with Salem-Keizer early last year. McVey (3-2, 3.19 ERA) was solid out of the bullpen and ate up innings, logging more than three outs 16 out of 22 appearances. Neff and Paniagua both add some firepower to the relief efforts, combining for 45 strikeouts together with the Volcanoes a year ago.

Jason Forjet, who started for Advanced-A San Jose in 2013, along with Nick Gonzalez, Jake McCasland, Ethan Miller, Eury Sanchez and Kirk Singer will all make their Volcanoes debuts this summer. Sanchez was impressive in a closing role for the AZL Giants last season, notching seven saves over 14 outings with an impressive 26 strikeouts compared to just four walks.

The catching core should be a strength for Salem-Keizer. Geno Escalante, who logged some platoon time in left field with Low-A Augusta this spring, was one of four .300 hitters from last year’s squad and a mid-season NWL All-Star. Leo Rojas will start his season with Salem-Keizer after showing some serious offensive fireworks in August last year. The Falcon, Venezuela, native hit .306 with seven doubles, one grand slam and nine RBI over 17 games with Salem-Keizer.

Alongside Arroyo in the infield are returnees Jonathan Jones (2013) and Ryan Jones (2012-13). Ryan Jones has battled injuries the last two seasons with the Volcanoes, but looks to be a regular staple at second base with his two-year Salem-Keizer resume: 102 games, .273 average, 20 doubles, 43 RBI, .359 on-base and a .973 fielding percentage. Travious Relaford, the 2011 NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year, can play three infield positions. Both Will Callaway (37th Round - Appalachian State) and Brett Kay (20th Round - Illinois State) come from the 2013 Draft.

The Volcanoes outfield could anchor the top of the lineup. The speedy center fielder Tyler Hollick, who stole 20 bases while hitting .262, and Randy Ortiz will see time atop Davenport’s lineup card. Shilo McCall, the Salem-Keizer everyday left fielder from 2013, hit 14 doubles and drove in 30 RBI. Craig Massoni served time with the AZL Giants a year ago.

Source: Salem-Keizer Volcanoes

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