PLAYERS LOOKING FORWARD TO THEIR TRIP DOWN UNDER

Former South Carolina Gamecock L.B. Dantzler (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)

DUNEDIN/CLEARWATER, FLA.—With the Instructional League season getting underway in Florida some players are not participating in the daily workout and games.  They are though looking forward to another way to build on their baseball careers, playing in the Australian Baseball League.

The Toronto Blue Jays are sending three players who played for Upper-A Dunedin in 2014 and one from Double-A New Hampshire who will be playing in his third consecutive ABL season.

Those from the Dunedin squad are second baseman Christian Lopes,  first baseman L.B. Dantzler and outfielder Marcus Knecht a native of Toronto.  Playing for his third season will be catcher Jack Murphy.

Marcus Knecht (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)

“All four are looking forward to playing in Australia,” said Blue Jays Field Coordinator Doug Davis, “The will be leaving here around October 25th.”

On the Philadelphia Phillies side, Director of Player Development Joe Jordan said catcher Chase Numate, third baseman Mitch Walding and outfielder Dylan Cozens along with one other player will be making the trip.  All three played with the Lakewood Blue Claws in 2014

“They all want to go, they are excited about going there for the first time” said Jordan.

“They are trying to extend their good years,” Jordan continued, “Getting in additional at bats and for Numate who missed the entire year (injuried) it will get him 200 at bats.

In questioning other Blue Jays staff about Murphy’s continually making that 25-hour flight, one individual suggested that he was a bit of a cult figure “Down Under”, maybe he should have the nickname “Kangaroo Jack.”