Photo by Mike StrasingerThe smell of boiled crawfish and the sounds of French Quarter Festival, mean spring has finally arrived in New Orleans, however one thing seems to be missing: professional baseball. The motto “Big Easy. Big Fun” signifies the 2011 Zephyrs have a lot in store from their players, and even more for their fans. The Zephyrs will open their home season Friday, April 15 at Zephyr Field in Metairie against league rival Round Rock Express.
This year’s team promises an array of young talent, and will be the first complete season under manager Greg Norton. Norton took the helm mid season last year, after Edwin Rodriguez accepted the same position for the Zephyrs major league affiliate, the Florida Marlins.
“I’m laying down the ground work of how things should go, where last year I was following up on what Edwin Rodriguez had in place and wanted to keep things running smoothly. That’s not to say I have a lot of rules or a genius game plan, but it’s on me now,” said Norton.
The 2011 active roster features major leaguers along with minor league all stars, which includes Elih Villanueva and Tom Koehler. Villanueva and Koehler are both moving up from the AA Jacksonville Suns, and making their debuts with the Zephyrs this season. Villanueva finished the 2010 season 14-4 with a 2.26 ERA being named the Marlins Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Koehler was named the Southern League Pitcher of the Year, leading the league in wins with 16, which tied the Suns franchise record. He ended the season with a 2.61 ERA and 145 strikeouts. Between them, they share 30 wins; something Norton believes is the key to the starting rotation.
“We have two young horses with 30 wins between them last year and then we have three guys with big league success,” said Norton.
Louisiana native Sean West returns to the Zephyrs, along with Alberto Mendez and Mark McLemore. West, a 2005 first round draft pick, also, having pitched two games with the Marlins last season, finished 4-3 with a 3.12 ERA in New Orleans. Mendez compiled a 5-4 record and 4.14 ERA in New Orleans, also pitching 5 games in Florida with the Marlins. McLemore will return to the mound for the first time since 2009.
“Everyone in the infield can be considered a leader,” said Norton.
This year’s infield includes veterans Reuben Gotay, Josh Kroeger, Mike Cervenak, Joe Thurston and Ozzie Martinez. Martinez earned a spot on the World Team in the Futures Game in 2010, and was named the Florida Marlins Minor League Player of the Year. Gotay along with outfielder Chris Aguila spent time in New Orleans under a different affiliate; the New York Mets. Both return to New Orleans as prominent starters. Matt Dominguez, a Marlins top prospect will return to the line-up in four to six weeks, having suffered a fractured elbow during spring training.
The Zephyrs outfield will feature former Zephyr Aguila, who is just (25) homeruns shy of the New Orleans franchise record, along with Bryan Petersen, Aarron Matthews and Vinny Rottino. Rottino and Aguila will provide quality hitting for the Zephyrs this season.
“I expect timely hitting and a bulldog approach to the game. I expect this team to play with a lot of energy,” said Norton.
The 2011 season will be a great example of generations of players working together to compete for a championship.
“Our guys with big league experience will really be able to help our young prospects with how to play the game.” said Norton.
While the main attraction is baseball, the Zephyrs have an array of promotional events and give aways surrounding the 2011 season every night of the week. Monday night features “Baseball Bingo”, the Krafts Singles Tuesday Ticket Special on Tuesdays, Wined Down Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, Fireworks after every Friday home game, the Zatarians Zaturday Concerts as well as theme nights at the park which include: Beatles Night, Salute to Scrubs and British Invasion Night. This season will be full of great baseball, entertainment and specials for you and your family.
Zephyrs baseball officially marks the beginning of spring. For ticket and other information, visit www.zephyrsbaseball.com
