The Hackers open the season Monday at Regina's Taylor Field vs. the River Sharks. Skipper Mike Thomas has announced the starting lineup:
Pos/Name/2012 Slash Line
3B Louis May (.287/.405/.486)...4 Career SB's in the leadoff spot?
LF Adrian Figueroa (.305/.391/.536)...Coming off career best OPS+ of 144
1B Julio Ortega (.334/.427/.647)...Won 2012 Grishey Award as league's MVP
C Hyung-jin Park (.294/.378/.485)...Needs to stay healthy this year, no depth at C
CF Sterling LaBrie (.313/.379/.457)....309 OBP in 2011, which LaBrie will show up?
SS Jason Jackson (.315/.374/.435)...2012 All-Star, consistent performer
DH Howard Swain (.260/.335/.421)...Rumored bad work ethic, but coming off solid rookie year
2B Ken Adams (.249/.350/.347) at AAA...Shows flashes of talent, will platoon with Gonzalez
RF Chet Green (.292/.388/.559) at AAA Charlotte...Rookie acquired in the Chen trade. Will start at least until Alberto Perez is back from injury.
SP Guillermo Mendoza (15-9 last season with a 4.04 ERA, 200 K's against 67 BB's) The talented Mendoza is coming off a solid year. A hitter's park and poor defense behind him likely masked a 3.21 FIP.
