Roster Ready For Opening Day

The Moose Jaw Miller Express are pleased to announce additions to their 2016 roster. The Millers will welcome position players Brooks Benson, Cole Distler, Jackson Schnurbusch, Lane Harvey, Lance VanNoy, Cutter McDowell, and Zak Kellogg, as well as pitchers Bo Sheridan and Ragan Cole.

“As an organization we feel like we've addressed every need, particularly experience and defense. The majority of the middle of our diamond has two to three years’ experience and are plus defenders at their positions,” commented Millers Head Coach Michael Hunt. “To a man, each player is salty and good at what they do. Successful teams are at least average every day and we feel that we've collected a roster that has equal parts sand, salt, and flash - with the ability to replicate performance day to day”.

“The heart of our lineup looks to be VanNoy, McDowell, and Benson. All three had great years at the plate and were their teams respective go to bats. They bring line drive power and the ability to keep the line moving for the next guy up,” added Hunt. “Schnurbusch and Distler are both gritty and hard nose kids with game changing ability.”

McDowell, OF/C/6’4”/210lbs, is from Friendswood, Texas and attended Lamar University. McDowell played in 52 games this season and had 213 at-bats, he hit 13 doubles, one triple, five homeruns, 28RBI’s, and had a .300 batting average.

VanNoy, OF/5’10”/180lbs, is from Elkins, Wyoming and attended Davis & Elkins University. VanNoy had 178 at-bats in 48 games this season, he had 12 doubles, three triples, four home runs, 42RBI’s, and a .360 batting average.

Benson, OF/6’2”/205lbs, is from Parker, Colorado and attended Garden City College this year. The sophomore had 243 at-bats in 62 games, Benson hit 19 doubles, one triple, eight home runs, he had 49RBI’s, and a .333 batting average.

Distler, 3B/5’10”/175lbs, is from Jefferson City, Missouri and is currently attending Central Missouri. Distler had 148 at-bats for the Mules in 43 games, he hit ten doubles, four triples, seven homeruns, 33RBI’s, a .331 batting average, and was 6-for-11 in stolen base attempts.

Schnurbusch, SS/5’11”/175lbs, is from Lee’s Summit, Missouri and also attended Central Missouri this year. Schnurbusch had 189 at-bats for the Mules in 55 games this season, he had seven doubles, two home runs, 20RBI’s, a .238 batting average, and a .959 fielding percentage.

Harvey, 2B/SS/5’7”/170lbs, is from Sydney, Nebraska and went to Indian Hills College. Harvey had 138 at-bats in 48 games this season, he had seven doubles, one homerun, 16RBI’s, and a .246 batting average. “Lane Harvey will be in the middle infield mix at both positions and gives us a lot of different combinations to play with. He's cut from the same cloth that Schnurbusch and Distler are, so it should be exciting to see the wheels turn,” said Hunt.

Kellogg, C/5’11”/195lbs, is from New Castle, Indiana and went to Indiana-Purdue Ft. Wayne University. Kellogg had 64 at-bats in 22 games this season, he had two doubles, 6 RBI’s, a .219 batting average, and a .984 fielding percentage. “Zak Kellogg will share time behind the dish with Jeremy Stidham. He’s a solid defensive catcher and will be a valuable resource for our staff.”

Sheridan, RHP/6’1”/195lbs, is from Sugar Land, Texas and attended the University of Houston-Victoria. Sheridan appeared in 17 games this season and posted a 2-4 record, in 38.2 innings he had 23 strikeouts, 26 walks, and a 6.75ERA. He is a teammate of current Miller Grant Westmoreland.

Cole, RHP/6’0”/215lbs, is from Alamogordo, New Mexico and attended Eastern Nazarene. Cole started four games this season and appeared in nine, in 34.2 innings he had a record of 1-3 with 17 strikeouts, 11 walks, and a 4.41ERA.

“The starting pitching rounds out with Bo Sheridan and Ragan Cole. Both are pitch-to-contact guys, which should bode well for the defensive formula this year and keep them in games longer,” Hunt said on the additions of Sheridan and Cole.

The Moose Jaw Miller Express open the 2016 Western Major Baseball League season Saturday, May 28th against the Swift Current Indians in their home opener presented by RBC Royal Bank. Season tickets are available by calling 306.630.8108.