Chukars release pitching staff roster
The 2012 pitching staff has been announced for the Chukars, and it includes two players who spent part of last year in Idaho Falls.
David Middendorf (LHP) and Spencer Patton (RHP) are both returning to Idaho Falls for a second campaign this season, joining 14 more pitchers on the Chukars staff. The 16-name list includes six players either drafted or signed in 2012, headlined by left-handed pitcher Sam Selman who was drafted in the 2nd Round out of Vanderbilt.
Kevin Allen (RHP) – TCU
Bryan Brickhouse (RHP) – The Woodlands (TX) HS
Fernando Cruz (RHP) – Puerto Rico Advancement College
Cory Hall (RHP) – Taft CC
Chase Hentges (RHP) – Shakopee (Minn) HS
John Killen (LHP) – San Jacinto North CC
David Middendorf (LHP) – Northern Kentucky
Alec Mills (RHP) – UT Martin
Spencer Patton (RHP) – Southern Ill. Edwardsville
Clayton Schulz (LHP) – Unv. North Florida
Sam Selman (LHP) – Vanderbilt
Kyle Smith (RHP) – Santaluces HS
Zeb Sneed (RHP) – Northwest Nazarene Unv.
Matt Strahm (LHP) – Neosho County CC
Adnrew Triggs (RHP) – USC
Ali Williams (RHP) – Charleston Southern Unv.
Selman finished his junior season leading the Commodores with a 9-3 record and 80 strikeouts over 76 innings pitched while also posting a 3.55 ERA. Other notable 2012 draftees include former Twin Falls (ID) High School standout pitcher Zeb Sneed (11th Round), USC right-hander Andrew Triggs (19th Round), Neosho County CC lefty Matt Strahm (21st Round), UT Martin RHP Alec Mills (22nd Round) and TCU righty hurler Kevin Allen (23rd Round).
Sneed led his Northwest Nazarene team in wins (7), games started (12), innings pitched (66.2) and strikeouts (61). Triggs leaves the Trojans after posting a career best 3.49 ERA his senior season, while also leaving with an incredible 269/89 career strikeout to walk ratio. Strahm shattered several Panthers records his final season, finishing with a record 99 innings pitched, three shutouts and 129 strikeouts. Strahm also left Neosho County CC as the school’s all-time leader in ERA (2.02), WHIP (1.16), strikeouts (206), complete games (20) and wins (18). Mills turned his first season as a starting pitcher into a successful one at UT Martin, leading the team in starts (14) while placing in the top 10 in the league in strikeouts, ERA and total innings pitched. Finally, Allen appeared in 28 games out of the bullpen for the Horned Frogs this season, holding opponents to just a .202 BAA while posting a 2.97 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 30.1 innings pitched.
The remaining eight players are all from the Royals system and their bios/stats are available at the Minor League Baseball website (www.milb.com).
Both Brickhouse and Smith are expected to make one start for the Chukars before moving up in the Royals system.
The Chukars kick off their season with an exhibition game on Friday, June 15th against the American Legion Idaho Falls Bandits. The fundraising contest is the first of its kind in Idaho Falls, with all ticket proceeds going to support Legion Baseball. GA tickets start at just $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors, with just a $1 upgrade fee for a box seat. Season seat holders and suite owners have complimentary tickets for the contest included in their packages.
The Chukars Pioneer League season opener is on June 18th with a home game against the Orem Owlz. Single game tickets are now available on the team’s website (www.ifchukars.com) or by calling or visiting the front office at 900 Jim Garchow Way. Season seats, BBQ picnics, group outings and 10 ticket bonus/box books are also available by calling the Chukar’s front office at (208) 522-8363.
