AVON, Ohio — The Lake Erie Crushers have set their opening night roster. After using a three-game exhibition series with the Washington Wild Things over the weekend to closely evaluate talent in game situations, Manager John Massarelli let go of three players to bring the final number to 25 with one player on injured reserve.

The final cuts included two players who were members of the 2009 Frontier League Champions as catchers Brad Griffiths and Nick Maragas were let go. Griffiths hit .218 in 66 games for the 2009 Crushers with a homer and 24 RBIs. Maragas appeared in 32 games last year and batted .167 with a homer and seven RBIs. The final cut was infielder Zach Messer, a third-round choice in the 2010 Frontier League Draft. To reach 24, reliever Cristobal Mata, a Crusher in 2009, was placed on the 14-day injured reserve on May 12.

Lake Erie fans will see many familiar faces on the field in 2010. The opening day roster includes nine returning players (10 with Mata) from the 2009 Frontier League Championship team. The entire starting infield returns with Eddie Tisdale, Drew Saylor, Jodam Rivera, and Andrew Davis. Davis was a Frontier League Midseason and Postseason All-Star selection. Outfielders Wayne Bond and Arden McWilliams are also back in 2010. The returners on the pitching staff include Cardoza Tucker, Ronnie Morales, and Alberto Rolon. Tucker will receive the opening night start. He pitched eight games for the Crushers last season and was 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA. Chosen by the Mariners in the 48th Round of the 2002 Draft, Tucker is in his eighth season of professional baseball.

The catching slot will feature two newcomers in Joel Collins and Julio Rivera. Collins, a former 10th Round Pick, has logged time with three different Major League organizations, spending last season in the Giants system, where he reached the Carolina League (Class-A Advanced). Julio Rivera was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2005 and played for St. Lucie in the New York Mets system briefly last year.

The roster features three veterans, three LS-2’s, four LS-1’s (five with Mata), and 14 rookies. Of the 14 rookies, 10 are on the pitching staff. All but two of the rookies have previous professional experience. Both true rookies are on the pitching staff. Right-hander Chris Smith was chosen in the First Round of the 2010 Frontier League Draft with the seventh overall selection out of Kentucky Wesleyan College. Michael Raymond is also a right-hander out of Belmont Abbey College.

Players come from 11 different states with five Ohio products. Two players hail from Puerto Rico with one coming from the Dominican Republic and another from Canada. The Crushers, open the 2010 season on Friday with a 7:05 p.m. contest against the Traverse City Beach Bums. FANtastic Fireworks will follow the game.

The Lake Erie Crushers, the 2009 Frontier League Champions, play ball at All Pro Freight Stadium located in Avon, OH. Beginning in 2010, All Pro Freight Stadium will also be home to the Cleveland State University baseball team. The Frontier League is an independent baseball league with 12 teams operating throughout the Midwest. Season tickets for the 2010 season are on sale now! For more information on tickets, promotions and team news, visit the team website at www.LakeErieCrushers.com or call 440-934-3636.

by Tim Calderwood