2018 INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE PREVIEW

April 5 Opening Day in DurhamApril 6 Opening Day in Indianapolis, Louisville, Norfolk, Pawtucket, Rochester, & Scranton/WBApril 12 Opening Day in Buffalo, Charlotte, Columbus, Gwinnett, Lehigh Valley, Syracuse, & ToledoMay 25 Online fan voting begins for Triple-A All-Star GameJune 27 International League All-Star Team AnnouncementJuly 9 Triple-A Home Run Derby & Skills Competition in Columbus, OHJuly 11 31st Annual Triple-A All-Star Game in Columbus, OHAug. 28 League Postseason All-Star Team & Award Winners AnnouncementSept. 3 End of Regular Season

86th Annual Governors’ Cup Playoffs - Round OneSept. 5-6 South Division Winner at West Division Winner; North Division Winner at Wild Card ClubSept. 7-9 West Division Winner at South Division Winner; (as necessary) Wild Card Club at North Division Winner86th Annual Governors’ Cup Playoffs - Championship RoundSept. 11-12 West/South Division Series Winner at North/Wild Card Series WinnerSept. 13-15 North/Wild Card Series Winner at West/South Division Series Winner (as necessary)

Gildan Triple-A National Championship GameSept. 18 IL Champion vs. PCL Champion in Columbus, OH

Baseball ’s OldestMinor League

135th

Consecutive Season

LEAGUE ITEMS OF INTEREST IN 2018

HESSMAN & SCHNACKEELECTED TO IL HALL OF FAME

Earlier this offseason the IL announced that Mike Hessman, the League’s all-time Home Run King, and Columbus President & General Manager Ken Schnacke, currently in his 42nd season with the Clippers, will be inducted into the circuit’s Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2018. Both inductees will be presented with “The Curtain Call” statue at individual enshrinement ceremonies later this season. Hessman was a three-time All-Star and former League MVP who crushed 288 home runs with Richmond, Toledo, Buffalo, and Louisville. Schnacke is a two-time IL Executive of the Year and the current Chairman of the Minor League Baseball Board of Trustees and the National Association Licensing Committee.

SEVEN INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE TEAMSENTER 2018 WITH A NEW MANAGER

Half of the circuit’s fourteen teams will have a new manager leading the quest to capture the coveted Governors’ Cup trophy in 2018. Four of the incoming skippers are making a return to the circuit, while three will be managing their very first season at the Triple-A level. Randy Knorr is back in Syracuse where he managed in 2011. Former Pawtucket skipper Gary Jones is back in the IL in Lehigh Valley, while Joel Skinner (Rochester) and Pat Kelly (Louisville) return after having managed in multiple IL cities previously. The rookie managers are Bobby Mitchell in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Brian Esposito in Indy, and Doug Mientkiewicz in Toledo. Meanwhile in Durham, Jared Sandberg is back to defend the Governors’ Cup.

PACE OF PLAY AND EXTRA INNINGCHANGES COME TO MINORS IN 2018

In mid-March Minor League Baseball announced rule and procedure changes aimed at reducing the length of extra innings games and the number of mound visits during a game throughout Minor League Baseball. In addition, the Triple-A and Double-Alevels will use a 15-second pitch clock with no runners on base. Extra innings will begin with a runner on second base during the regular season. The runner at second base will be the player in the batting order position previous to the leadoff batter of the inning. Mound visits by coaches and position players will be limited based on the classification level. Triple-A clubs will be allowed six visits per team. For any extra-innings, each club shall be entitled to one additional non-pitching change visit.

ONE COLOR OPENING NIGHT LOGO ONE COLOR OPENING WEEK LOGOONE COLOR OPENING DAY LOGO

FULL COLOR OPENING NIGHT LOGO FULL COLOR OPENING WEEK LOGOFULL COLOR OPENING DAY LOGO

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALLP.O. Box A, St. Petersburg, FL 33731-1950 9550 16th Street N. Petersburg, FL 33716

Phone: (727) 822-6937 Fax: (727) 821-5819

In lieu of the Logo Colors shown, you may use the League Colors or the PANTONE® Colors listed above. The colors shown on this page have not been evaluated by Pantone, Inc. for accuracy and may not match the PANTONE Color Standards. Consult current PANTONE Color Publications for accurate color. The CMYK values shown may not be equivalent to the ones cited in the current PANTONE Publications. PANTONE® is the property of Pantone, Inc.

*Robison-Anton (RA) thread color information: 800-932-0250 Madeira (MD) thread color information: 800-225-3001

The trademark notices (“TM” or “®”) on these pages are for placement purposes only. Licensees will be apprised of the appropriate notice for each product upon submission of product materials to Major League Baseball Properties for Quality Control review.

Trademarks are proprietary to Minor League Baseball entities. Any use of these marks must be approved by Major League Baseball Properties.

Reproduce in dark blue or black only Reproduce in dark blue or black only Reproduce in dark blue or black only

Opening Day 2018LEAGUE COLORS Or Use Solid Color Process Simulation Thread Color*Minor League Baseball Opening Day Dark Blue PANTONE® 289 c 100 m 64 y 00 k 60 RA-2387 or MD-1044Minor League Baseball Opening Day Red PANTONE 186 c 00 m 100 y 81 k 04 RA-2263 or MD-1147Minor League Baseball Opening Day Gray PANTONE 428 c 02 m 00 y 00 k 18 RA-2482 or MD-1011Minor League Baseball Opening Day Brown PANTONE 465 c 20 m 32 y 58 k 00 RA-2568 or MD-1273

OpeningDay 1/18

Manager Jared Sandberg received a celebratory shower after leading the Durham Bulls to the 2017 Triple-A National Championship.

2018 INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE PREVIEW - NORTH DIVISION

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Danny Jansen; 1B - Rowdy Tellez; 2B - Gift Ngope; SS - Richard Urena;3B - Tim Lopes; LF - Dwight Smith, Jr.; CF - Teoscar Hernandez; RF - Dalton Pompey; DH - Jason Leblebijian.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - RH Chris Rowley, RH Deck McGuire, LH Ryan Borucki, RH - Nick Tepesch, RH Luis Santos. Relievers - RH Al Albuquerque, RH Rhiner Cruz,LH Chad Girodo, LH Tim Mayza, RH Murphy Smith, LH Matt Dermody, RH Jake Petricka.

STRENGTHS: The Bisons outfield could be so loaded with talent that it might be tough for last year’s team MVP Roemon Fields, who stole 12 more bases than any IL player, to get in the game. Even without the injured Anthony Alford, the Herd’s outfield core features prospects Teoscar Hernandez, Dwight Smith and Dalton Pompey....... The team could also have a very strong bullpen, in particular from the left side with the flame-throwing Tim Mayza and other southpaws Matt Dermody and Chad Girodo.

WEAKNESSES: Other than Hernandez, no player had more than 11 home runs in 2017. This is where the team could really benefit from a bounce back year from 1B Rowdy Tellez...... While having prospects Ryan Borucki and Chris Rowley, the rotation lacks veteran arms.

TOP PROSPECTS: Three of the Blue Jays top eight prospects were ticketed for Buffalo, but that number was reduced by one with a hamstring injury in camp to outfielder Anthony Alford (#3 prospect). When he returns, the Bisons will have a gifted athlete that also played football in college. Alford has great plate awareness that allowed him to post a .406 on-base pct. at Double-A in 2017...... Pitchers at all levels have raved at how Danny Jansen (#6) calls and catches a game and the backstop proved he could do well at the plate too in 2017 with a .323 combined average at three levels...... LHP Ryan Borucki (#8) has the best change up in the system that plays nicely with a mid-90s fastball to get many groundouts. He threw six shutout innings in his Triple-A debut at the end of last season.

COMING SOON: All eyes in Toronto are on a pair of prospects with Major League lineage. 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (MLB #3 overall prospect) and SS Bo Bichette (#13 overall) each had monster years in 2017, leading Class-A Dunedin to an FSL title. Both figure to start this year in New Hampshire (Double-A), but expectations are that their time there as well as in Buffalo could be brief this year. They are the future, and with questions surrounding Blue Jays stars Josh Donaldson (last year of contract) and Troy Tulowitzki (health), the progress of both prospects will be watched closely.

VETERANS TO WATCH: For the first time since maybe the 2010 season, the Bisons figure to be a very young team with very few veterans (maybe even no position players over 28). It’s hard to call OF Dalton Pompey a veteran at just 25 years old, but this would be the fifth year he’s spent time at Triple-A. Injuries have dogged the switch-hitting speedster for years and he was limited to just 13 games in 2017. He was the Blue Jays Opening Day starter in center in 2015 and if he could return to form and stay healthy, his top-end tool set could help reshape the Blue Jays outfield...... Twenty-seven year old RHP Luis Santos’ record for Buffalo was just 3-14 last year, but he pitched much better than that with a 3.97 ERA. With better offensive support, it’s easy to expect an improved record in 2018.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: The team is entering the final season of their PDC with the Toronto Blue Jays but all expectations are that remaining with their neighbor from the North is a formality... Four former Bisons will be inducted into three Halls of Fame in 2018: Jim Thome (Cooperstown), Mike Hessman (IL), manager Marty Brown and pitcher Joe Roa (Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame).

BUFFALO BISONS Triple-A Affiliate of the TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Manager: Bobby Meacham (2nd year in Buffalo) Coaches: Corey Hart, Bob Stanley, Devon White Governors’ Cups: 1933, 1936, 1957, 1961, 1998, 2004 2017 Finish: 65-76, 5th in North (21.0 GB) Ballpark: Coca-Cola Field (16,907)

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Logan Moore; 1B - Will Middlebrooks, 2B - Jesmuel Valentin;SS - Adam Rosales; 3B - Mitch Williams; LF - Andrew Pullin; CF - Roman Quinn;RF - Dylan Cozens; DH - Matt McBride.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - RH Zach Eflin, RH Tom Eshelman, RH Drew Anderson,LH Brandon Liebrandt, RH Enyel De Los Santos. Relievers - RH Victor Arano, RH Yacksel Rios,LH Zac Curtis, RH Ricardo Pinto.

STRENGTHS: Starting pitching should be a strong point for the IronPigs, led by players who are no strangers to Coca-Cola Park, Zach Eflin and Tom Eshelman...... Fans in Lehigh Valley will be excited to watch one of the game’s fastest players in Roman Quinn...... One of the game’s most powerful young players is also expected in Lehigh Valley, OF Dylan Cozens.

WEAKNESSES: Amongst the infield group, there is very little power. Most of the power this season will need to come from other parts of the lineup.

TOP PROSPECTS: RHP Tom Eshelman, a 2017 IL All-Star and the May IL Player of the Month, is expected back in Lehigh Valley. Baseball America rates him as having the best control in the Phillies farm system...... OF Roman Quinn is also highly thought of by the experts at Baseball America. They say he is the organization’s best athlete, fastest base runner, and the best defensive outfielder...... OF Dylan Cozens enjoyed an impressive debut at the Triple-A level in 2017. He returns rated as the farm system’s best power hitter...... Among the other projected IronPigs considered highly though of prospects are starters Enyel De Los Santos and Drew Anderson, and reliever Victor Arano.

COMING SOON: LHP Cole Irvin is like a left-handed version of Eshelman, smart with excellent control...... RHP J.D. Hammer is a power arm out of the bullpen who arrived in the organization as part of last year’s Pat Neshek trade....... LHP Jo Jo Romero is a strong starter who features four different pitches. His stock is rising along with his velocity, which increased during his first full season in the organization in 2017.

VETERANS TO WATCH: Matt McBride is a versatile player with Major League experience with both the Rockies and the A’s. He will give fans at Coca Cola Park a hometown favorite to root for in 2018. The Bethlehem native attended both Liberty High School and Lehigh University.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: The IronPigs hope to build on an amazing 2017 season. Last year saw Rhys Hoskins become the first player in IronPigs history to win the IL MVP as well as the IL Rookie of the Year awards. By the conclusion of the 2017 season, 28 (88%) of 32 players on the Phillies active roster had at one point been IronPigs...... The Club Level Lounge at Coca-Cola Park, now known as the PNC Club, has undergone renovations for the first time since the facility was opened in 2008...... Pat McCarthy joins Matt Provence on the radio call this year, becoming just the third radio broadcaster in the team’s history. Pat is the son of Tom McCarthy, the TV voice of the Philadelphia Phillies since 2008.

LEHIGH VALLEY IRONPIGS Triple-A Affiliate of the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Manager: Gary Jones (1st year in Lehigh Valley) Coaches: Wes Helms, Dave Lundquist, Sal Rende Governors’ Cups: None 2017 Finish: 80-62, 2nd in North (6.5 GB) / Wild Card Winners Ballpark: Coca-Cola Park (10,000)

2018 INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE PREVIEW - NORTH DIVISION

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Dan Butler; 1B - Sam Travis; 2B - Esteban Quiroz; SS - Tzu Wei-Lin;3B - Ivan De Jesus; LF - Jeremy Barfield; CF - Aneury Tavarez; RF - Rusney Castillo; DH - Steve Selsky.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - RH Chandler Shepherd, LH Jalen Beeks, RH Justin Haley, RH Marcus Walden, RH William Cuevas. Relievers - RH Kyle Martin, RH Ty Buttrey, LH Robby Scott,LH Roenis Elias, RH Ryan Braiser, RH Fernando Rodriguez, LH Tommy Layne.

STRENGTHS: If you remember the 2017 PawSox, that’s a good thing because a number of familiar faces will be back at McCoy Stadium. Many of the position players can play multiple positions and that versatility should provide manager Kevin Boles with plenty of options when filling out the lineup card....... Boles enters his fifth season as Pawtucket’s skipper and oversees a veteran coaching staff that includes Bruce Crabbe (fifth year as coach) and Rich Gedman (fourth year as hitting coach). The lone newcomer is pitching coach Kevin Walker, who spent the previous three seasons in Double-A Portland.

WEAKNESSES: Other than Barfield, home runs could prove challenging for a team that last season was anchored by outfielder Bryce Brentz and his League-leading 31 round trippers...... Due to injuries in Boston, Pawtucket begins the season with several question marks in its starting rotation.

TOP PROSPECTS: 24-year-old 1B/OF Sam Travis begins the season ranked by Baseball America as the No. 7 prospect in the Red Sox organization as well as the system’s best hitter for average. A 2014 second-round pick by Boston, Travis made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in 2017 – one season removed from missing significant time due to a knee injury that required surgery. He’s a career .270 hitter in 129 games with the PawSox.

COMING SOON: Had 2014 first-round pick 3B/1B Michael Chavis not suffered an oblique injury that short-circuited his first-ever appearance in big-league spring training, he would have been a candidate to begin the season with the PawSox. The 22-year-old was named the Red Sox 2017 Minor League Offensive Player of the Year after hitting .282 with 31 home runs and 94 RBI between High-A Salem and Double-A Portland.

VETERANS TO WATCH: OF Jeremy Barfield, son of former All-Star OF Jesse Barfield, joined the Red Sox organization in May 2017 after being named MVP of the Independent Atlantic League in 2016. He hit 28 home runs in 95 games between Portland (92 G) and Pawtucket (3 G)...... 30-year-old OF Rusney Castillo was an IL midseason and postseason All-Star in 2017, establishing career highs in home runs (15), doubles (22), batting average (.314), on-base percentage (.350), and slugging (.507)...... RHP Marcus Walden, 30, proved a valuable swing guy for the PawSox last season, appearing in 15 games out of the bullpen while making 14 starts. Splitting time in the rotation and as a reliever could once again be in order for the recipient of the club’s 2017 Most Valuable Pitcher Award.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: With the exception of the July 3 game, the PawSox will be known as “Osos Polares de Pawtucket” – Spanish for Polar Bears of Pawtucket – for every Tuesday home game this season. The players and coaches will wear special jerseys and caps and Hispanic music will greet fans as they walk into McCoy Stadium and will also be played during the game. Video board information will be provided in both English and Spanish.

PAWTUCKET RED SOX Triple-A Affiliate of the BOSTON RED SOX

Manager: Kevin Boles (5th year in Pawtucket) Coaches: Bruce Crabbe, Rich Gedman, Kevin Walker Governors’ Cups: 1973, 1984, 2012, 2014 2017 Finish: 67-75, 4th in North (19.5 GB) Ballpark: McCoy Stadium (10,031)

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Bobby Wilson; 1B - Brock Stassi; 2B - Gregorio Petit;SS - Nick Gordon; 3B - Taylor Featherston; LF - Nick Buss; CF - Jake Cave; RF - LaMonte Wade;DH - Ryan LaMarre.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - RH Fernando Romero, RH Aaron Slegers, LH Stephen Gonsalves,LH Dietrich Enns, LH Adalberto Mejia. Relievers - RH John Curtiss, RH Jake Reed,RH Alan Busenitz, LH Mason Melotakis, RH Tyler Duffey, RH D.J. Baxendale, RH Ryne Harper, LH Gabriel Moya, RH Nick Anderson.

STRENGTHS: The 2017 Red Wings used dozens of pitchers, but in 2018, pitching should be a strength for the team. There are solid pitching prospects that are nearly big-league ready in the Opening Day rota-tion, but if and when they are promoted, there are more strong pitchers in Double-A Chattanooga ready to contribute. The bullpen also has some very strong arms...... Offensively, the Red Wings will have a good mix of prospects and veterans that should allow them to compete throughout the season.

WEAKNESSES: Veteran catcher Bobby Wilson turns 35 in early April, while backup Willians Astudillo has played just 36 games in Triple-A. Wilson should be a good resource to work with the talented young pitching staff though.

TOP PROSPECTS: Hard-throwing RHP Fernando Romero also has the makings of a devastating slider. He signed with the Twins in November of 2011 out of the Dominican Republic...... LHP Stephen Gonsalves pitched in a handful of games for the Red Wings in 2017 and was added to the Twins 40-man roster this offseason...... Nick Gordon, the son of former MLB pitcher Tom “Flash” Gordon and brother of Seattle’s Dee Gordon, has moved quickly up the Twins system to be among the youngest players in the IL. A smooth, left-handed swing, Gordon was the Twins first-round pick in 2014 out of high school...... OF LaMonte Wade was the Twins 9th round pick in 2015 out of Maryland. He’s moved up quickly and earned an invitation to MLB spring training this year where he impressed many...... OF Jake Cave was claimed when the Yankees designated him this spring. A year ago in 72 games with Scranton/Wilkes Barre, he hit .324/.367/.554 (.921) with 13 doubles and 15 home runs.

COMING SOON: The Twins drafted Brent Rooker in 2016 and again in 2017 out of Mississippi State, where he won the SEC’s Triple Crown. In his pro debut, he hit seven home runs in 22 Appy League games before hitting another 11 homers in 40 games with Class-A Ft. Myers...... Zack Littell came to the Twins last summer (with Dietrich Enns) from the Yankees in a trade for LHP Jaime Garcia. Littell went 19-1 between three teams in 2017 and was named the top starting pitcher in the minors by MiLB.com...... Tyler Jay was the Twins first-round pick in 2016. He fought injuries last year, but when healthy, he can be a dominant reliever...... Kohl Stewart and Felix Jorge, both pitching prospects, made a few starts for the Red Wings in 2017, but they’ll begin their seasons in Chattanooga. Both should get an opportunity in Roches-ter. Jorge made two starts for the Twins last July and then debuted with the Red Wings in August.

VETERANS TO WATCH: Pending injuries, Ryan LaMarre could start the season in the big leagues. The 29-year-old outfielder has played for the Reds, Red Sox and A’s in the majors over the past three seasons...... OF Nick Buss led the Pacific Coast League in 2017 with a .348 batting average (El Paso – Padres).

ITEMS OF INTEREST: Joel Skinner is back in the League as manager of the Red Wings. He was not in baseball last year, but spent the previous five seasons managing in the White Sox organization, including for Charlotte from 2012-15.

ROCHESTER RED WINGS Triple-A Affiliate of the MINNESOTA TWINS

Manager: Joel Skinner (1st year in Rochester) Coaches: Chad Allen, Stu Cliburn, Mike McCarthy Gov.’ Cups: 1939,1952,1955-56,1964,1971,1974,1988,1990,1997 2017 Finish: 80-62, T-2nd in North (6.5 GB) Ballpark: Frontier Field (10,840)

2018 INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE PREVIEW - NORTH DIVISION

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Kyle Higashioka; 1B - Mike Ford; 2B - Gleyber Torres/Jace Peterson;SS - Jace Peterson/Gleyber Torres; 3B - Miguel Andujar; LF - Shane Robinson; CF - Mark Payton;RF - Billy McKinney; DH - Billy Fleming.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - RH Domingo German, RH Luis Cessa, RH Chance Adams,RH David Hale, LH Justus Sheffield. Relievers - RH Ben Heller, LH Caleb Frare, RH J.P. Feyereisen,RH Giovanny Gallegos, RH Brady Lail, RH Cale Coshow, RH Anyelo Gomez.

STRENGTHS: The RailRiders have the talent to chase their third straight Governors’ Cup finals appear-ance. The lineup should be one of the best in the league, which will be enhanced when Clint Frazier returns from a concussion...... The rotation and bullpen both boast power arms and experience.

WEAKNESSES: The RailRiders’ defense has been among the IL’s best over the past few seasons, but some key pieces are no longer here. First base might be a learning process on nights when Billy McKinney or Miguel Andujar are stationed there. The outfield won’t have the range Mason Williams supplied.

TOP PROSPECTS: INF Gleyber Torres might have seen the big leagues last season if not for a freak injury to his elbow on a play at the plate in Buffalo on June 17. In his limited time with the RailRiders last year (23 games), he batted .309 with seven extra-base hits and 16 RBI...... LHP Justus Sheffield was one of the pieces of the deal that sent Andrew Miller to Cleveland in 2016. The 21-year-old (22 in May) spent almost all of last season at Double-A Trenton and also pitched in the Arizona Fall League..... 23-year-old 3B Miguel Andujar is coming off the best season of his career. He batted .315 and slugged .498 between Double-A Trenton (67 games) and the RailRiders (58 games) and named the organization’s hitter of the year by the Yankees...... RHP Chance Adams shot up the prospect lists after his dominant 2016 season, but found the going just a bit tougher in his first stint at Triple-A in 2017...... RHP Domingo German was the RailRiders’ best starting pitcher last season, when he went 7-2 with a 2.83 ERA.

COMING SOON: RHP Domingo Acevedo pitched two games for the RailRiders in 2017, but spent most of the season with Double-A Trenton. Acevedo showed he’s more than just a flamethrower (his fast-ball has been clocked north of 100 mph) and was named the organization’s pitcher of the year by the Yan-kees...... INF Thairo Estrada, if healthy, would likely be on the RailRiders’ opening day roster. The versatile Estrada spent all of 2017 at Double-A, where he batted .301 with 29 extra-base hits in 122 games. While home in Venezuela this offseason, the 22-year-old was the victim of a robbery and was shot in the hip/thigh. The bullet is still in there and has yet to play this spring. He has been doing baseball activity, however.

VETERANS TO WATCH: C Kyle Higashioka may not technically be a veteran -- he’s played only 58 games at Triple-A and nine in the majors -- but this was the 27-year-old’s 10th spring training in the Yan-kees organization. Last season, a back injury limited him to 21 games, but he’s healthy now and has looked very good at the plate in spring training...... C Erik Kratz will likely be the oldest player in the International League (he’ll be 38 on June 15), but Kratz has showed he’s got plenty left in the tank. He batted .270 with an .831 OPS in 86 games for Columbus last year...... This is the 27-year-old INF Jace Peterson’s first year in the organization, but he should see plenty of playing time and brings a lot of big league experience.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: The RailRiders will try to return to the Governors’ Cup finals for a third straight year. They won the Cup -- and the Triple-A National Championship -- in 2016, but lost to eventu-al Triple-A champ Durham last year.

SCRANTON/WB RAILRIDERS Triple-A Affiliate of the NEW YORK YANKEES

Manager: Bobby Mitchell (1st year in Scranton/WB) Coaches: Travis Chapman, Doug Davis, Tommy Phelps Governors’ Cups: 2008, 2016 2017 Finish: 86-55, 1st in North / Lost in Governors’ Cup Finals Ballpark: PNC Field (10,000)

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Pedro Severino; 1B - Jose Marmolejos; 2B - Jason Martinson;SS - Adrian Sanchez; 3B - Matt Reynolds; LF - Andrew Stevenson; CF - Victor Robles;RF - Rafael Bautista; DH - Chris Dominguez.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - RH Erick Fedde, RH Austin Voth, LH Tommy Milone, RH Jeremy Hellickson, RH Edwin Jackson, RH Jaron Long. Relievers - RH Austin Adams, RH Wander Suero, RH Chris Smith, LH Bryan Harper, LH Tim Collins, RH Roman Mendez,RH David Goforth.

STRENGTHS: Team speed is a strength. The Chiefs have a chance to put Andrew Stevenson, Rafael Bautista and Victor Robles in the same outfield, which would have about as much speed as any outfield in all of baseball...... Austin Adams and Wander Suero at the back end of the bullpen could extinguish many an IL comeback attempt.

WEAKNESSES: Depth is a concern. The Chiefs projected starting lineup has a lot of talent and many players who may be insurance for the 2018 Nationals. If there are injuries at the top, who fills those poten-tial voids?

TOP PROSPECTS: Ranked as the Nationals top prospect by Baseball America and #6 in all of baseball, Victor Robles made his MLB debut last September. The outfielder has speed comparable to former Chief Trea Turner...... Wander Suero was named the Nationals Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2017. He posted a 0.95 ERA from July on with Syracuse. Suero was added to the Nats 40-man roster in the offsea-son...... Erick Fedde spent time as both a starter and a reliever with Syracuse before making his MLB debut last year. He is ranked as the Nationals #2 prospect by Baseball America...... Jose Marmolejos, the 2015 and 2016 Nationals Minor League Player of the Year, was a 2017 Eastern League All-Star. He hit over .286 each of last three years...... Andrew Stevenson was a 2017 IL All-Star with Syracuse. The Nationals’ 2nd round pick in 2015 played in 37 MLB games last year...... Austin Adams –owns a career 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings ratio, third best among all minor leaguers since 2012. He will be one of Nationals top bullpen options in case of injury.

COMING SOON: Raudy Read is rated the top catching prospect in the Nats’ system by Baseball America. Read is currently serving an 80-game suspension...... Daniel Johnson was honored as the 2017 Nationals Minor League Player of the Year after posting slashes of .298/.356/.505 between Low-A Hagerstown and Advanced-A Potomac. He may see time in Syracuse by the end of 2018.

VETERANS TO WATCH: Jeremy Hellickson and Edwin Jackson are MLB veterans who will serve as starting pitching depth for Washington this year. Jackson had a 0.44 ERA with Syracuse in five games last season...... Jason Martinson was a 2015 IL All-Star with Syracuse. He hopes to regain his form where he was top ten in the IL in home runs...... Former MLB pitcher Tim Collins missed two full seasons due to a pair of Tommy John surgeries...... Bryan Harper is returning after missing last year due to Tommy John surgery.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: 2018 likely marks the final year of Washington’s affiliation with Syracuse, with the New York Mets having purchased the team during the offseason and set to bring their Triple-A club to Syracuse in 2019.

SYRACUSE CHIEFS Triple-A Affiliate of the WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Manager: Randy Knorr (1st year in Syracuse, 2nd overall) Coaches: Brian Daubach, Brad Holman Governors’ Cups: 1935, 1942, 1943, 1947, 1954, 1969, 1970, 1976 2017 Finish: 54-87, 6th in North (32.0 GB) Ballpark: NBT Bank Stadium (11,071)

2018 INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE PREVIEW - WEST DIVISION

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Francisco Mejia; 1B - Bobby Bradley; 2B - Drew Maggi;SS - Eric Stamets; 3B - Yandy Diaz; LF - Richie Shaffer; CF - Greg Allen; RF - Brandon Barnes;DH - Nellie Rodriguez.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - LH Shawn Morimando, RH Adam Plutko, LH Adam Wilk,RH Stephen Fife, RH Michael Peoples. Relievers - RH Louis Head, RH Josh Martin, LH David Speer,RH Cameron Hill, LH Robert Zarate.

STRENGTHS: As is typical since the move to Huntington Park, the Clippers will likely rank among the leaders in homers. Four Clippers hit at least 15 last year, led by career bests from Richie Shaffer (30) and Eric Stamets (15), plus the team should get plenty of power from the addition of Bobby Bradley.

WEAKNESSES: Starting pitching is a concern. Ryan Merritt, the team’s ace from the last two seasons, is out of options and unlikely to return to Columbus. Julian Merryweather has undergone surgery and will miss the entire season and Cody Anderson is still recovering from surgery that caused him to miss all of 2017. Adam Plutko took a step backward in 2017, carrying an ERA over 6.00 through his first 23 games, though he did finish strong. Shawn Morimando was up and down, turning in three shutouts over a four start stretch mid-season, but he also posted a 6.27 ERA over his final 10 starts.

TOP PROSPECTS: Francisco Mejia was named Cleveland’s top prospect each of the last two seasons and has been among the top ten prospects each of the last four seasons. He was the 2017 Eastern League Rookie of the Year and was also named to All-Prospect Team in the Arizona Fall League. He put together a 50-game hitting streak in 2016 and last year made his big league debut in September...... Cleveland’s #3 prospect is Bobby Bradley. After a slow start to last season, he finished the year with 23 HR and 89 RBI at Akron. He was the youngest player to appear in at least 80 games in the Eastern League last season. His past accolades include being named MVP of the Carolina League (2016) and Arizona League (2014). Greg Allen missed two months of the 2017 season after fracturing his right hand, but he made his Major League debut in September and appeared in two postseason games for Cleveland as a pinch runner. He enters 2018 rated the system’s Best Outfield Defender for a fourth straight year.

COMING SOON: 2016 draft pick Shane Bieber advanced to Double-A in his first full season as a pro. He recorded 162 SO last season with only ten walks. In 2016 he led UC Santa Barbara to the school’s first ever appearance in the College World Series...... Yu-Cheng Chang hit a career best 24 HR at Akron in 2017 despite being among the Eastern League’s youngest players. Chang signed out of Taiwan as a non-drafted free agent in 2013.

VETERANS TO WATCH: Yandy Diaz was named to the 2017 IL All-Star Team after claiming IL Rookie of the Year honors in 2016. He led the IL in batting last season and led the League in OBP for the second straight year. He enters 2018 as the franchise leader in batting (.331) and OBP (.419). Diaz will likely play a variety of positions (3B, OF, 1B, 2B) as Cleveland tries to find room for his bat...... Richie Shaffer has hit 60 HR in the IL over the past three seasons (one every 18.9AB). He missed out on topping the IL leaderboard in homers by one and RBI by two last season, but his 30 HR marked the eighth such season in Clipper history and only the second since 1998 ( Jesus Aguilar, 2016).

ITEMS OF INTEREST: The tenth season of Huntington Park will feature both of Triple-A Baseball’s showcase events, the Triple-A All-Star Game and the Triple-A National Championship.

COLUMBUS CLIPPERS Triple-A Affiliate of the CLEVELAND INDIANS

Manager: Chris Tremie (6th year in Columbus) Coaches: Steve Karsay, Bobby Magallanes, Johnny Narron Governors’ Cups: 1979-81, 1987, 1991-92, 1996, 2010-11, 2015 2017 Finish: 71-71, 2nd in West (8.0 GB) Ballpark: Huntington Park (10,100)

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Jacob Stallings; 1B - Jose Osuna; 2B - Max Moroff; SS - Kevin Newman;3B - Eric Wood; LF - Christopher Bostick; CF - Austin Meadows; RF - Jordan Luplow.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - RH Clay Holmes, RH Nic Kingham, LH Brandon Waddell, RH Alex McRae, RH Austin Coley. Relievers - RH Kyle Crick, RH Tyler Epper, RH Tyler Jones,LH Jack Leathersich, RH Brett McKinney, RH Casey Sadler, RH Bo Schultz.

STRENGTHS: There is a lot of young talent, much of which was competing for a spot on the Pirates’ opening day roster...... Despite playing in pitcher-friendly Victory Field, there should be a lot of offensive potential with this team. Luplow, Osuna and Moroff can all hit for power, while Meadows and Bostick can hit for a high average...... Many guys were in the running for the final few spots in the Pirates’ bullpen. The good news for Indianapolis is whomever didn’t make it with the Pirates will begin with them...... The organization likes to use prospects versatile at numerous positions. This team is loaded with players that will alternate positions, meaning they could field a different lineup every day for the first month.

WEAKNESSES: Starting pitching won’t be as experienced as it has been in previous seasons. Good prospects will fill out the rotation, but it will be hard to replace the productivity that Steven Brault and Tyler Glasnow offered the past two seasons. While different style of pitchers, each had purely dominant stretches...... This team should not have a lot of weaknesses, with good depth offensively, versatility in the field and a lot of quality young arms on the pitching staff.

TOP PROSPECTS: Austin Meadows was previously a top-5 prospect in all of baseball, but injuries have slowed his progress. He’s yet to enjoy an uninterrupted stretch in Indianapolis due to multiple injuries. He projects to be a future starting outfielder in Pittsburgh. If he stays healthy and produces, that could be this season...... Nick Kingham had a dominant second-half last season. He works quickly and efficiently. and has shown he is healthy and can take on an extended workload. Likely a promotion awaits him earlier than later this season...... Kevin Newman took over the starting shortstop duties last season upon being promoted. He has a good combination of hitting and fielding skills, projecting to be a future starter in MLB.

COMING SOON: RHP Mitch Keller, the second-ranked prospect in the organization and one of the top in baseball, should reach Indianapolis at some point this season barring something unforeseen. The starting pitcher has been dominant in the lower levels and had some impressive performances in the Double-A playoffs last year...... Cole Tucker is a middle infielder that ranks high in the organization and could be a future MLB starter.

VETERANS TO WATCH: Catcher Jacob Stallings has had multiple stints with the Pirates. His offensive production has drastically improved over the past year-and-a-half. He would likely be a MLB backup catcher for most organizations...... Christopher Bostick is a versatile player who was one of the best hitters in the International League last year. He will play in both the outfield and infield...... Max Moroff showed an increased level of power last year and found a niche in a bench role for the Pirates. He is a versatile, smart player who causes no problems, and likely will be promoted at some point this season to fill needs...... Jordan Luplow made a quick rise through the organization last year and is another player that could be readily available for the Pirates if any type of need arises. Has shown good power at the plate and his fielding has improved.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: The defending West Division champions will be guided this year by Brian Esposito after former skipper Andy Barkett joined the Boston Red Sox as the assistant hitting coach.

INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS Triple-A Affiliate of the PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Manager: Brian Esposito (1st year in Indianapolis) Coaches: Stan Kyles, Ryan Long, Greg Picart Governors’ Cups: 1963, 2000 2017 Finish: 79-63, 1st in West / Lost in Gov.’ Cup First Round Ballpark: Victory Field (14,500)

2018 INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE PREVIEW - WEST DIVISION

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Stuart Turner; 1B - Brandon Dixon; 2B - Dilson Herrera;SS - Alex Blandino; 3B - Nick Senzel; LF - Phil Ervin; CF - Mason Williams; RF - Sebastian Elizalde;DH - Hernan Iribarren.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters – RH Jackson Stephens, LH Amir Garrett, RH Sal Romano,RH Rookie Davis, RH Keury Mella, RH Tyler Mahle. Relievers – LH Dean Kiekhefer, LH Cody Reed, RH Jimmy Herget, RH Zack Weiss, RH Jesus Reyes, RH Domingo Tapia, RH Barrett Astin, RH Austin Brice.

STRENGTHS: Starting pitching depth seems to be an advantage for the Bats this season......All eyes will be on “can’t miss” infield prospect Nick Senzel.

WEAKNESSES: Questions exist in the bullpen, as roles will need to be defined early in the season...... The Bats roster lacks a true shortstop. Alex Blandino has played a lot of second and third base. Dilson Herrera is primarily a second baseman, while Nick Senzel has played third base.

TOP PROSPECTS: Infielder Nick Senzel is the #7 prospect in all of baseball according to Baseball America. He was drafted second overall in the 2016 amateur draft. Senzel batted .321 with 14 HR and 14 SB in 119 games last season. He is expected to play both third base and shortstop this season. MLB.com says of the budding star, “There isn’t much more for Senzel to prove at the Minor League level, with the prevailing thought he could compete in the big leagues in the very near future. Some more reps at the upper levels certainly won’t hurt, but he should be ready when the call comes.”...... RH starting pitcher Tyler Mahle is baseball’s #90 prospect according to Baseball America. He was excellent in 24 starts between Double-A, Triple-A, and Cincinnati last season (10-7, 2.06 ERA). For Louisville Mahle made 10 starts with a 2.73 ERA. He also made four big league starts...... Baseball America’s “Best Tools” rankings list RHP Jimmy Herget as having the organization’s best slider.

COMING SOON: OF Aristides Aquino is the Cincinnati organization’s #6 prospect. He hit just .216 in 131 games for Double-A Pensacola last season, but also added 17 homers and 56 RBI.

VETERANS TO WATCH: LHP Oliver Perez is with the Reds in Spring Training and could see time in Louisville. The 36-year-old has pitched for three IL teams (IND, NOR, BUF) and has 15 MLB seasons under his belt...... 33-year-old Hernan Iribarren is expected to return to Louisville for a fifth straight sea-son. The true utility man even made 10 relief appearances for the Bats in 2017.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: After leading Double-A Pensacola to a share of the Southern League cham-pionship for the first time in franchise history last season, Pat Kelly has been promoted to manager of the Louisville Bats. Kelly has previously managed in the IL for Ottawa, Syracuse, and Richmond (plus he also piloted Indianapolis when the franchise played in the American Association. Kelly replaces Delino DeShields who is now serving as a roving bunting and baserunning instructor in the Reds system...... Louisville Slugger Field will host the “Bluegrass World Series” in late July, featuring more than thirty former Major League players.

LOUISVILLE BATS Triple-A Affiliate of the CINCINNATI REDS

Manager: Pat Kelly (1st year in Louisville) Coaches: Leon Durham, Jeff Fassero, Dick Schofield Governors’ Cups: 2001 2017 Finish: 56-86, 4th in West (23.0 GB) Ballpark: Louisville Slugger Field (13,131)

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Grayson Greiner; 1B - Edwin Espinal; 2B - Dawel Lugo;SS - Pete Kozma; 3B - Kody Eaves; LF - Christin Stewart; CF - Michael Gerberr;RF - Jason Krizan; DH - Jim Adduci.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - RH Artie Lewicki, RH Grayson Long, LH Chad Bell, LH Ryan Carpenter. Relievers - RH Paul Voelker, RH Zac Reininger, RH Mark Montgomery, LH Blaine Hardy, LH Caleb Theilbar, RH Enrique Burgos, LH James Russell, RH Kevin Comer.

STRENGTHS: Power should not be a problem with the promotion of Christin Stewart and Michael Gerber as well as the return of Jim Adduci...… The Tigers have a strong collection of young prospect pitch-ers at Double-A Erie who may soon be in Toledo...… The rebuilding mode in Detroit has led to an enticing choice for pitchers on the cusp of the majors such as Ryan Carpenter, Kevin Comer, and Mark Montgomery.

WEAKNESSES: With Dawel Lugo learning to play second base, infield defense may be a question...… There are few proven base-stealers on the roster...… The potential volatility of the Detroit roster may lead to player movement in Toledo that new manager Doug Mientkiewicz will have to maneuver around.

TOP PROSPECTS: OF Christin Stewart is the No. 6 prospect in the Detroit organization according to MLB.com after hitting 28 home runs for Double-A Erie last season to earn Eastern League post-season All-Star honors...… OF Michael Gerber ranks tenth on the Tigers prospect list after hitting .291 with 13 homers and 45 RBI for the SeaWolves...… RHP Grayson Long, who ranks 14th on the Detroit prospect charts, was 8-6 with a 2.52 in Double-A before coming to the Tigers in the Justin Upton trade...… INF Dawel Lugo, who is No. 15 on the Detroit prospect list after joining the organization in the J.D. Mar-tinez trade, may see action at third base and second base as the Tigers settle on his final position.

COMING SOON: RHP Franklin Perez, the top prospect in the Detroit organization according to MLB.com, was part of the Justin Verlander trade but will miss three months with a right lat strain...… RHP Beau Burrows, the Tigers No. 4 prospect, split time between High Class-A and Double-A last season and was 10-7 with a 3.20 ERA in 26 starts...… LHP Tyler Alexander, the 13th-ranked Detroit prospect, will look to improve on a 5.07 ERA in 27 games with Double-A Erie last season...… RHP Gerson Moreno had a 2.01 ERA while with Hi-A Lakeland last season, is ranked No. 27 on the Tigers prospect list, and is the latest in a long line of hard-throwing youngsters with a chance to rise rapidly.

VETERANS TO WATCH: OF Jim Adduci hit .228 with four homers and 27 RBI in 55 games with the Hens in 2017 and batted .318 in 13 games with Detroit before he was slowed by injury...… LHP Ryan Carpenter was 10-9 with a 4.15 ERA and 161 strikeouts in 156.0 innings with Albuquerque in the PCL last season and was voted that league’s top left-handed starter...… RHP Kevin Comer was 5-4 with five saves and a 3.68 ERA for Fresno in the PCL in 2017. … RHP Mark Montgomery was 5-1 with five saves and a 2.43 ERA with Memphis in the PCL last year. … 1B Edwin Espinal batted .283 with 15 homers and 72 RBI with Double-A Altoona and was voted the Eastern League’s top first baseman last season...… INF Ronny Rodriguez hit .291 with 17 homers and 64 RBIs for Columbus in 2017.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: The Mud Hens will be honoring Mike Hessman this season as he is inducted into the IL Hall of Fame. The all-time International League and Minor League Baseball home run king spent seven seasons in a Mud Hens uniforms...... The team will auction off game-worn jerseys that pay tribute to Star Wars, Harry Potter, and the city of Toledo, among others.

TOLEDO MUD HENS Triple-A Affiliate of the DETROIT TIGERS

Manager: Doug Mientkiewicz (1st year in Toledo) Coaches: Basilio Cabrera, Brian Harper, Jeff Pico Governors’ Cups: 1967, 2005, 2006 2017 Finish: 70-71, 3rd in West (8.5 GB) Ballpark: Fifth Third Field (10,300)

2018 INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE PREVIEW - SOUTH DIVISION

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Seby Zavala; 1B - Casey Gillaspie; 2B - Jake Elmore; SS - Jose Rondon;3B - Patrick Leonard; LF - Javob May; CF - Charlie Tilson; RF - Ryan Cordell; DH - Matt Skole.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - RH Michael Kopech, RH Chris Volstad, LH T.J. House, RH Dylan Covey,LH Jordan Guerrero. Relievers - RH Thyago Vieira, RH Rob Scahill, RH Chris Beck, RH Bruce Rondon,LH Brian Clark, LH Jace Fry, LH Xavier Cedeno.

STRENGTHS: Starting pitching should be at an all-time high with Michael Kopech solidified as the team’s ace. Add a pitching coach with the resume of Steve McCatty, and the Knights staff should help this team compete for a playoff spot...... The team’s offense should be solid all season and should feature the long ball. Casey Gillaspie, Matt Skole, Patrick Leonard, and Ryan Cordell could all hit 20+ home runs.

WEAKNESSES: With so many young and talented prospects on the horizon, the only weakness at this point in the organization could be enough veteran presence. Players like Chris Volstad, Patrick Leonard, Daniel Palka, and Matt Skole will help Charlotte stabilize that, however.

TOP PROSPECTS: RHP Michael Kopech enters the season ranked as the number two prospect in the White Sox system by Baseball America. Last year, the talented right-hander received a brief taste of Triple-A, making just three starts with the Knights. Before receiving a brief taste of Triple-A last season, he posted a 2.87 ERA at Double-A Birmingham and was named the Most Outstanding Pitcher in the Southern League..... LHP Jordan Guerrero, a 2017 Southern League All-Star, is expected to anchor the ro-tation with Kopech this season...... OF Ryan Cordell will make his organizational debut in 2018 after being acquired from the Brewers in a trade last July while injured. Over his last two seasons, he has launched 29 home runs with 115 RBI in just 175 games combined.

COMING SOON: OF Eloy Jimenez, who is ranked as the number one prospect in the organization by Baseball America and fourth overall in the game, is expected to begin the 2018 campaign with Double-A Birmingham. He was the prize acquisition from the White Sox in their trade with the Chicago Cubs for LHP Jose Quintana......If OF Luis Robert makes a quick transition from Cuba to the United States he could find his way to Uptown Charlotte by late 2018. The talented 20-year-old, who will begin the cam-paign on the DL..... RHP Jordan Stephens enters the 2018 season as the number 16 prospect in Chicago’s system and could find his way to Charlotte before long.

VETERANS TO WATCH: Chris Volstad is expected to return to Charlotte for a third-straight season. The 6’8” right-hander has become a mainstay in Charlotte’s rotation and has played a key role in helping the youngsters develop...... INF/DH Matt Skole is no stranger to the International League. Skole, 28, launched 24 home runs with Syracuse in 2016. In fact, in parts of three seasons with the Chiefs, Skole has recorded 43 home runs and 133 RBI. Skole battled injuries last season and was limited to just 64 games, but if healthy his bat in the middle of Charlotte’s lineup should help the team each night...... INF Patrick Leonard also returns to the International League to play in the same state he was in a season ago. The former Tampa Bay farmhand spent the entire 2017 campaign with Durham where he recorded a career-high 70 RBI.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: The 2018 season marks the 20th that the Knights and Chicago White Sox have been affiliated. Throughout this season, the Knights will honor the history by welcoming former players for special meet and greets at the ballpark. Earlier in the offseason the Knights rolled out a commemorative 20th season logo, along with jerseys and hats that the players will wear on select Sox Sundays and White Sox Wednesdays.

CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS Triple-A Affiliate of the CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Manager: Mark Grudzielanek (2nd year in Charlotte) Coaches: Garey Ingram, Steve McCatty, Andy Tomberlin Governors’ Cups: 1993, 1999 2017 Finish: 61-81, 4th in South (25.0 GB) Ballpark: BB&T Ballpark (10,200)

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Curt Casali; 1B - Jake Bauers; 2B - Kean Wong; SS - Willy Adames;3B - Christian Arroyo; LF - Joe McCarthy; CF - Johnny Field; RF - Justin Williams; DH - Jason Coats.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - RH Chih-Wei Hu, RH Ryan Weber, RH Austin Pruitt, RH Jaime Schultz,LH Anthony Banda. Relievers - LH Adam Kolarek, RH Ryne Stanek, RH Hunter Wood, RH Diego Castillo.

STRENGTHS: The Bulls have an experienced starting rotation. Chih-Wei Hu, Austin Pruitt and Jaime Schultz all pitched for the Bulls’ championship team last season. The newcomer to the staff is Anthony Banda, a lefty acquired from the Diamondbacks in the offseason...... The bullpen will be lead by Ryne Stanek, who posted a 1.21 ERA with Durham last season.

WEAKNESSES: Durham won the Governors’ Cup and the Triple-A National Championship last season without a power-packed lineup, led in homers by Jake Bauers with 13. The team finished eighth in the IL with 111 home runs and ninth with a .393 slugging percentage. Bauers is back, as is Willy Adames (who hit 10 home runs in 2017), but the Bulls will once again have to score their runs without much power.

TOP PROSPECTS: Christian Arroyo was the main piece acquired in the Evan Longoria trade with the Giants. Arroyo batted .396 in 25 Triple-A games at Sacramento last season. With the Giants, he hit just .192 in 34 games, but he’s a career .300 hitter in the minors with a .434 slugging percentage...... Willy Adames was an IL All-Star last season at age 21. Rated as the No. 22 prospect in baseball by MLB.com, Adames batted .364 in 10 big-league games with the Rays this spring...... At age 22, the Rays’ No. 5 overall prospect Jake Bauers returns for his second season with Durham. A first baseman/outfielder, he played 130 games for the Bulls in 2017, batting .263 with 13 home runs.

COMING SOON: Nick Ciuffo was expected to be Durham’s starting catcher this season, but instead he is serving a 50-game suspension for a second failed drug test. Once his punishment is over, the Rays’ 2013 first-round pick will be ready for his Triple-A debut with the Bulls. Ciuffo batted .245 with seven home runs at Double-A Montgomery last season...... RHP Jose Mujica pitched at Class-A Charlotte and Dou-ble-A Montgomery last season, compiling a 14-8 record with a 3.04 ERA. At Montgomery, the 21-year-old struck out 86 batters with 44 walks in 25 starts.

VETERANS TO WATCH: 29-year-old catcher Curt Casali was released three times this offseason, including once by the Rays, but he signed again in March and will start the season back in Durham with the Bulls. Casali has played with Durham in each of the last four seasons while shuttling back and forth between Triple-A and the majors...... Micah Johnson, having played 61 career big league games with the White Sox, Dodgers and Braves, comes to Durham after failing to make Tampa Bay’s roster out of spring training. The 27-year-old Johnson plays second base, third base and all three outfield positions, making him potentially a key player for the Bulls this season.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: Jared Sandberg returns as manager but two trusted coaches have earned pro-motions to Tampa Bay. Pitching coach Kyle Snyder now has that job with the Rays. Hitting coach Ozzie Timmons is Tampa Bay’s first base coach. Replacing them are Rick Knapp (pitching) and Dan Dement (hitting). Knapp was a big-league pitching coach with Detroit from 2008-11. Dement has nine years expe-rience in the Rays organization, the last two at Double-A Montgomery as hitting coach...... The Bulls have converted 1,600 square feet near Durham Bulls Athletic Park into an edible garden.The project’s goal is to connect the community through year-round food collection, education and inspiration.

DURHAM BULLS Triple-A Affiliate of the TAMPA BAY RAYS

Manager: Jared Sandberg (4th year in Durham) Coaches: Dan DeMent, Ben Johnson, Richard Knapp Governors’ Cups: 2002, 2003, 2009, 2013, 2017 2017 Finish: 86-56, 1st in North / Triple-A National Champions Ballpark: Durham Bulls Athletic Park (10,000)

2018 INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE PREVIEW - SOUTH DIVISION

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Kade Scivicque; 1B - Carlos Franco; 2B - Ryan Schimpf;SS - Sean Kazmar, Jr.; 3B - Rio Ruiz; LF - Dustin Peterson; CF - Ronald Acuna; RF - Xavier Avery;DH - Ezequiel Carrera.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - RH Mike Soroka, RH Lucas Sims, LH Kolby Allard, LH Max Fried, RH Aaron Blair. Relievers -LH Jesse Biddle, RH Josh Ravin, LH Phil Pfeifer, RH Akeel Morris,RH Matt Wisler.

STRENGTHS: Starting pitching will be the foundation for success, with numerous top pitching prospects leading the way. Mike Soroka may be the best of the bunch and a strong first half could ticket him for Atlanta by summer’s end.

WEAKNESSES: Like most minor league clubs, scoring runs is always a question mark due to attrition if nothing else. Losing Acuña will be a big blow when it occurs, but the offense will have plenty of time to find its way, with possible mid-season additions like Austin Riley, Alex Jackson and Travis Demeritte all poised to make a potential impact.

TOP PROSPECTS: There is no bigger prospect in baseball than Ronald Acuña, Jr., and he’ll spend a short stint with the Stripers before likely heading to Atlanta for the summer...... Top arms Mike Soroka, Kolby Allard and Max Fried will help comprise one of the best young rotations in the minors. Soroka and Allard will be among the youngest players in the League, each entering the season at just 20 years old after a strong campaign in Double-A in 2017. Fried made it to Atlanta last season and showed glimpses of how special he could be. It could happen sooner than later.

COMING SOON: The Braves have based their rebuild on pitching, but some of the best position player prospects may reach Gwinnett this season, starting with third baseman Austin Riley. He posted back-to-back 20 homer campaigns and opened eyes in big league camp this spring with his prodigious power. Fellow slugger Alex Jackson came into his own in 2017 after returning to catcher and could be the future behind the plate for Atlanta.

VETERANS TO WATCH: The Braves brought in Ezequiel Carrera late in the spring as a versatile bench option to be on the ready this season...... Danny Santana saw time in Atlanta in 2017 and returned on a minor league deal. He could factor into Gwinnett’s plans this season...... Slugging infielder Ryan Schimpf came over from the Rays in March and is hoping to get his career back on track...... In the bullpen, Josh Ravin and Akeel Morris could be among the first arms called upon by Atlanta in the event of injury. Matt Wisler, Aaron Blair and Lucas Sims all hope to reestablish their value as well.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: The 2018 season marks the first for Gwinnett as the “Stripers”, the new team moniker which was unveiled over the winter. The team is named in honor of the striped bass that reside at nearby Lake Lanier. Gwinnett maintained dark blue as a primary color and added a sea-green tone called “striper green” to go along with a red accent color. The rebranded uniforms and logos feature several differ-ent combinations, including a throwback style reminiscent of the 1970’s Braves.

GWINNETT STRIPERS Triple-A Affiliate of the ATLANTA BRAVES

Manager: Damon Berryhill (2nd year in Gwinnett) Coaches: Reid Cornelius, John Moses, Jose Mota Governors’ Cups: None 2017 Finish: 71-71, 2nd in South (15.0 GB) Ballpark: Coolray Field (10,427)

PROBABLE STARTERS: C - Austin Wynns/Andrew Susac; 1B - Garabez Rosa; 2B - Luis Sardinas;SS - Engelb Vielma/Ruben Tejada; 3B - Drew Dosch; LF - Joey Rickard; CF - Jaycob Brugman; RF - D.J. Stewart; DH - Corban Joseph/Mike Yastrzemski.

KEY PITCHERS: Starters - RH David Hess, RH Asher Wojciechowski, LH Tanner Scott, RH Yefry Ramierz, LH Jayson Aquino, RH Tim Melville. Relievers - RH Jimmy Yacabonis, LH Josh Edgin, RH Stefan Crichton, RH Matt Wotherspoon, LH Joely Rodriguez, RH Alec Asher, LH Donnie Hart.

STRENGTHS: Norfolk’s bullpen should be a team strength, led by RHP Jimmy Yacabonis. Yacabonis went 4-0 with a 1.32 ERA and 11 saves in 41 appearances a year ago. LHPs Josh Edgin and Joely Rodri-guez had impressive springs with the Orioles in Major League camp, while RHPs Matt Wotherspoon and Stefan Crichton return after posting strong years with Norfolk last season...... Both catchers Austin Wynns and Andrew Susac have drawn rave reviews for their defensive prowess behind the plate.

WEAKNESSES: Norfolk’s opening roster may not have much in the way of power, as DJ Stewart is the lone position player that hit more than 15 home runs a year ago...... Norfolk’s rotation may be young, with three-fifths of the potential starters never having pitched above Double-A (Tanner Scott, David Hess, Yefry Ramirez).

TOP PROSPECTS: LHP Tanner Scott (#6 O’s prospect per MLB.com) posted a 2.22 ERA in 24 starts for Double-A Bowie in 2017. An Eastern League Midseason All-Star a year ago, he’s rated by Baseball America as having the Best Slider and Best Fastball in the Orioles system...... OF DJ Stewart (#13) was one of just 10 players in all of MiLB to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in 2017...... RHP David Hess (#18) and RHP Yefry Ramirez (#19) are both looking to build on solid 2017 campaigns at Double-A Bowie.

COMING SOON: Outfielder Austin Hays (#1, MLB.com) skyrocketed through the O’s system last year, hitting .329 with 32 home runs, 32 doubles and 95 RBI between Class-A Frederick and Double-A Bowie. He led all of Minor League Baseball in total bases and earned a September promotion to Baltimore. He’s slated to open the year at Bowie...... OF Cedric Mullins (#7) may open the year in Norfolk, as the speedy outfielder was one of the last players sent out of Major League camp...... RHP Hunter Harvey (#4) will open the year at Bowie. When healthy, Harvey has been one of the top pitchers in all of Minor League Baseball.

VETERANS TO WATCH: Garabez Rosa is slated to open the year in Norfolk after being named the Eastern League MVP a year ago. The 28-year-old led the EL in average (.310), hits (162) and RBI (91) last season...... Infielder Luis Sardiñas spent the majority of 2017 with Norfolk, where he hit .375 over his final 50 games of the season...... Third baseman Drew Dosch returns to Norfolk after leading the International League with 36 doubles last season.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: 2018 is the 50th season for the Tides in the International League – the Tides served as a Mets affiliate from 1969-2006 and have served as the top affiliate of the Orioles since 2007...... A covered, three-tiered picnic area has been built behind the left field wall at Harbor Park.

NORFOLK TIDES Triple-A Affiliate of the BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Manager: Ron Johnson (7th year in Norfolk) Coaches: Butch Davis, Mike Griffin, Jose Hernandez Governors’ Cups: 1972, 1975, 1982, 1983, 1985 2017 Finish: 66-76, 3rd in South (20.0 GB) Ballpark: Harbor Park (11,856)