AZL Cubs 2008 Roster Set

The initial roster for this year’s Cubs Arizona Rookie League team features several recent 2008 draft picks that have signed contracts with the organization and will begin their professional careers in short-season rookie ball.

Chris Carpenter, a right-hander taken with the Cubs’ third-round pick in this year’s draft from Kent State, informed InsideTheIvy.com earlier this month of his intention to sign a professional contract and did so early last week in Mesa.

Joining Carpenter on the AZL Cubs’ roster are fellow 2008 draft picks, including: RHPs Justin Bristow (fifth round), Toby Matchulat (11th round), and Dan McDaniel (14th round); INF Sean Hoorelbeke (33rd round); and OFs Jericho Jones (20th round), Kurt Calvert (32nd round), and TeWayne Willis (28th round).

Additionally, many of the Cubs’ top young prospects from Latin America will be making their U.S. debuts for the Mesa team. Those players include INFs Starlin Castro and Junior Lake. INF Dwayne Kemp, whom the Cubs signed in the Netherlands last October, will also make his U.S. debut for the Mesa team.

The breakdown of the active roster includes 20 pitchers, three catchers, seven infielders and five outfielders. Also, five players are listed on the disabled list.

Pitchers (20)

Francisco Acosta
Eric Allen
Jeff Antigua
Jeff Beliveau
Justin Bristow
Rogelio Carmona
Chris Carpenter
Manolin DeLeon
Yohan Gonzalez
Oswaldo Martinez
Toby Matchulat
Dan McDaniel
Dionis Nunez
Julio Pena
Cedric Redmond
Carlos Rojas
Jose Severino
Miguel Sierra
Luke Sommer
Larry Suarez

Catchers (3)

Jose Guevara
Roberto Sabates
Alvaro Sosa

Infielders (7)

Starlin Castro
John Contreras
Sean Hoorelbeke
Bryan Jost
Dwayne Kemp
Junior Lake
George Matheus

Outfielders (5)

Kurt Calvert
Jericho Jones
Nelson Perez
Kevin Soto
TeWayne Willis

Disabled List (5)

Ryan Acosta
Leon Johnson
Kitt Kopach
Tarlandas Mitchell
Jonathan Nagel