Fort Myers' roster sustains multiple changes

By David Dorsey
Fort Myers News Press

The second half of the Florida State League season began Thursday, and it has started with a new look to the Fort Myers Miracle roster.

The Class A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins welcomed five new players.

The additions included right-handed pitcher Jeff Manship, a Midwest League All-Star in low-Class A Beloit.

Manship, 22, compiled a 7-1 record, with a 1.51 ERA, in 13 starts at Beloit, striking out 77 batters in 77 2/3 innings. The 14th-round draft pick out of the University of Notre Dame held opponents to a .185 batting average.

"He was very competitive," Miracle manager Kevin Boles said. "Good makeup. Good presence on the mound. His numbers in Beloit were tremendous."

Second baseman Brian Dinkelman, third baseman Daniel Valencia, first baseman Johnny Woodard and relief pitcher Adam Hawes also have joined the Miracle from Beloit.

Other newcomers

Dinkelman: An eighth-round pick in 2005 out of McKendree College in Lebanon, Ill., he hit .283, with seven homers, 21 RBI and 10 stolen bases, in Beloit. He is the NAIA all-time leader in career hits (373), doubles (96), runs scored (303) and total bases (670), and he holds or shares 25 McKendree records.

"He looks like he's a hard-nosed player," Boles said. "He looks like a grinder and a gamer."

Valencia: A 19th-round pick in the 2006 draft, the former University of Miami Hurricane hit .302, with 11 home runs, 35 RBI and three stolen bases, earlier this season in Beloit.

Woodard: The 6-foot-4, 205-pound slugger and third-round pick in the 2003 draft out of Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, Calif., hit .181 in 23 games for the Miracle last season. He hit .276, with 10 home runs and 31 RBI, in Beloit before his promotion.

"Last year, it was tough for him," Boles said. "He had a knee injury that was bothering him. I don't think last year was a fair way to grade."

Hawes: A 40th-round pick in 2003 out of Connors State College in Warner, Okla., he compiled a 3-7 record and 4.37 ERA, with 39 strikeouts, in 70 innings for Beloit before his promotion.

Woodard will see time at first, with Juan Portes moving from third to center field and Edward Ovalle switching from center to right.

Valencia will see playing time at third.

"These guys played well in Beloit," Boles said of the newcomers. "Hopefully they can make some adjustments here."

Three Miracle players were sent down to Beloit on Friday: infielder Matt Betsill, infielder Whit Robbins and outfielder Eli Tintor.

"This happens every year," Boles said. "It's a chance for guys to get a clean slate and get their feet underneath them."

Jay Rainville is scheduled to start for the Miracle at 7 tonight in Palm Beach against the Cardinals. Oswaldo Sosa is due to start when the Miracle return home at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday against the St. Lucie Mets. Boles said the changes to the rotation will be announced later this week.