NEWSLETTER
Although it’s a roster that figures to get tweaked frequently and soon (especially with an influx of draft pick signees), the Chicago Cubs’ short season Low-A affiliate Boise Hawks have revealed their opening roster.
The Hawks’ season kicks off on Friday.
The roster comes courtesy of the Boise Hawks’ Twitter account, which tweeted a picture of a dead tree version of the roster:
Here's a looking at YOUR 2013 Boise Hawks! #BoiseHawks #Cubs #NWL #BOISE #Roster pic.twitter.com/Yy7KZjXNRJ
— Boise Hawks (@BoiseHawks) June 10, 2013
The names that jump out at you include 2012 draftees Paul Blackburn and Duane Underwood, each of whom was a top high school pick for the Cubs last year (Blackburn was a supplemental first rounder, Underwood was a second rounder). That they’re starting out at Boise this year is excellent news with respect to their development. If they can hold their own at Boise at just 19 (indeed, Underwood doesn’t turn 19 until July), it’s a very good sign.
Other names of interest: Shawon Dunston, Jr. will get another shot at showing he’s ready for Boise, and Trevor Gretzky will get his first shot. Kevin Encarnacion is an interesting player who tore up the Dominican Summer League for a couple years, and is now getting a chance to transition to the States. Carlos Penalver is a legitimate shortstop prospect, and just turned 19 last month. Carlos Martinez was a modestly touted Cuban signing last year.
Jose Dore was actually a Cubs trade acquisition earlier this year.
