16 draft picks - signed first four for 2008 season; Senreiso returns

The Reno Silver Sox had the most picks of Arizona Winter League (AWL) draft with a total of 16 and just signed their first four.

Mike Reeves, pitcher
RHP Mike Reeves was a starting pitcher for Silver Sox manager Jeffrey Leonard with the Blythe Heat in the AWL. Reeves pitched in seven games, starting six, and finished with a 3 – 1 record and a 3.41 ERA. Reeves also had 35 strikeouts to just 12 walks and only gave up one home run. Also, in his one game where he did not start, Reeves recorded a save.

“Reeves is a great all around pitcher. He is the type of guy you want starting a game and if a game goes into extra innings, he’s a guy you can call on in a pinch to close it,” said Leonard.

Shawn Ravenscraft, pitcher
Also signed was RHP Shawn Ravenscraft. Ravenscraft led the AWL in pitching with a 3-0 record and a 1.50 ERA over five games. Ravenscraft struck out 30 batters, walked 12, gave up one home run, and held opposing batters to a meek .145 batting average.

Jason Cline, pitcher
Another starter signed was LHP Jason Cline. Cline went 4-0 over five starts in the AWL with a 4.00 ERA. Like Ravenscraft he had a great K/BB ratio striking out 30 and only walking 9 batters.

“Ravenscraft and Cline will both be great guys to have in our pitching rotation. Along with Reeves, all three should be able to provide quality starts for us every game they pitch giving our bullpen something to build off of,” said Leonard.

Steve Alexander, first baseman and designated hitter
Next to sign was 1B/DH Steve Alexander. Alexander was sixth in the league in batting with a .390 batting average, however he led the league in both RBIs with 33 and home runs with 9. Alexander also only struck out 13 times and walked seven. Alexander also had a great on-base percentage with .513.

“Alexander’s bat is going to really help us this season. The ball just jumps off his bat. He should really provide a lot of power for us in the middle of lineup,” said Leonard.

MVP 2007 re-signs with Reno Silver Sox
Juan Senreiso, the Reno Silver Sox’s MVP for the 2007 season, has re-signed with the Silver Sox after spending spring training with the Washington Nationals.

With the Silver Sox
Senreiso finished the 2007 season for the Silver Sox with a .328 average, 19 doubles, seven home runs, 54 RBIs, 31 walks, and 20 stolen bases.

Career stats
Originally signed as non-drafted free agent by the Texas Rangers in 2000, Senreiso spent six years in the minors reaching as high as Double AA with both the Rangers in 2004-05 and with the Kansas City Royals in 2006. He has a lifetime career batting average of .274 with 144 doubles, 58 homeruns, 391 RBIs, and 192 stolen bases.

“Senreiso really is a great all around player. He can hit for average and power, not to mention that he has great speed on the base paths,” said Silver Sox General Manager Curt Jacey. “We are extremely happy to have Senreiso back for the 2008 season.”