Phoenix Desert Dogs Roster

Strasburg, Storen, Weeks, Japanese Top 2009 Arizona Fall League Team

Oct 19, 2009 David Hein

No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg and Drew Storen of the Nationals top the Phoenix Desert Dogs roster for the AFLalong with a two Japanese pitchers and Jemile Weeks.

The biggest pitching prospect ever out of college Stephen Strasburg will finally begin his professional career for the Phoenix Desert Dogs at the 2009 Arizona Fall League. The right-handed star has Washington Nationals anxiously awaiting the 2010 season. Also in Arizona is possible Nationals future closer Drew Storen as well as a pair of Japanese pitchers and Oakland second baseman Jemile Weeks.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Roster

Manager Gary Cathcart

Batting Coach Moe Hill

Batting Coach Brian McArn

Pitching Coach R.C. Lichtenstein

Pitching Coach Paul Menhart

Pitchers

Arizona Fall League organizers are so happy to have the presence of number one draft pick Stephen Strasburg making his professional debut in 2009 with the Desert Dogs. Obviously all eyes will be on the Washington Nationals future star. But Nationals fans also can look forward to watching possible future closer Drew Storen, who reached Double-A Harrisburg after getting drafted number 10 overall in 2009. Righty Mitch Talbot is the latest good arm coming up through the Tampa Bay Rays system while the Japanese duo of righty Toshiyuki Yanuki and lefty Hiroshi Katayama could raise eyebrows as well - as both are free agents.

Bat Thw MLB 40-Man MLB Club

Sam Demel R R No OAK

Brandon Erbe R R No BAL

Justin Friend R R No OAK

Eddie Gamboa R R No BAL

Reidier Gonzalez R R No TOR

Matt Gorgen R R No TB

Hiroshi Katayama L L No ---

Jeff Mandel S R No WSH

Josh Perrault R R No BAL

Paul Phillips R R No TB

Robert Ray R R Yes TOR

Heath Rollins R R No TB

James Simmons R R No OAK

Drew Storen S R No WSH

Mickey Storey R R No OAK

Stephen Strasburg R R Yes WSH

Mitch Talbot R R Yes TB

Ryohei Tanaka R R No BAL

Josh Wilkie R R No WSH

Toshiyuki Yanuki R R No ---

Catchers

Nevin Ashley R R No TB

A.J. Jimenez R R No TOR

Sean Rooney R R No WSH

Infielders

Oakland thought they drafted the second baseman of the future after picking Jemile Weeks - Rickie's younger brother - in the first round in 2008. In 2009, Jemile reached Double-A Midland and A's management hopes he can make the next step to the big league with the help of a strong Arizona Fall League. The Washington Nationals also believe they have a future star in the infield in first baseman Chris Marrero, who played at Double-A in 2009.

Josh Bell (3B) S R No BAL

Brad Emaus (2B) R R No TOR

Danny Espinosa (SS) S R No WSH

Chris Marrero (1B) R R No WSH

Shawn O'Malley (SS) R R No TB

Brandon Snyder (1B) R R No BAL

Brandon Waring (1B) R R No BAL

Jemile Weeks (2B) S R No OAK

Outfielders

One of the most interesting players in the Arizona Fall League is the Desert Dogs outfielder Adam Loewen. The Toronto Blue Jays picked up the 2002 first-round left-handed pitcher in 2009 after the Baltimore Orioles released him following Loewen's decision to try to become a hitter after struggling on the mound. The 25-year-old Loewen reached High-A with the Blue Jays.

Matt Angle L R No BAL

Corey Brown L L No OAK

Cody Cipriano R R No TB

Grant Desme R R No OAK

Adam Loewen L L No TOR

The copyright of the article Phoenix Desert Dogs Roster in Baseball is owned by David Hein. Permission to republish Phoenix Desert Dogs Roster in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Stephen Strasburg