It's that time of the year again!!! The week where the minor league teams usually announce their opening day rosters. The Rochester Red Wings, the AAA team of the Minnesota Twins, will be having 15 players returning from their 2010 squad. To lead off the 2011 season, here are the photos of the returnees from last season (in no particular order):
Right-handed pitcher Anthony Swarzak will be the Opening Day for the Red Wings. This will be his third year with the team.
Right-handed reliever Alex Burnett is expected to be a workhorse for the backend of the Red Wings' bullpen.
Outfielder Brian Dinkelman returns to the Red Wings after being the team's most consistent hitter.
Kyle Waldrop had an outstanding season for the Red Wings and be one of the first pitchers that could be called up to the Minnesota Twins.
Outfielder Brandon Roberts had a impressive short stint with the Red Wings in the last two months of the season and will play center and left this summer.
All-Star Outfielder Dustin Martin, who led the team in RBIs for the 2010 season will patrol right field for the Wings.
Veteran shortstop Trevor Pouffe will return for his third season with the Red Wings. He will be on the shuttle bus between Rochester and Minnesota.
Lefty Ryan Mullins had a solid season with the Red Wings in the first half before missing the rest of the season with an injury.
All-Star Closer Anthony Slama will open the season on the disabled list, but is expected to be the team's closer once he returns from extended spring training.
Infielder Luke Hughes had an impressive offensive spring training for the Minnesota Twins, but will start the season in Rochester in order to work on his defense.