BAKERSFIELD, Calif. ? CSUB baseball Head Coach Bill Kernen announced the addition of twelve transfers to the Roadrunners' 2009 roster. The 12 juniors join 13 previously announced freshmen on the 25-man inaugural squad.
The group includes a middle infielder from the 2008 California Community College State Champion Sierra Junior College, four key players from Phoenix College, which won the 2008 Arizona Community College Athletic Conference title, a former Arizona State High School Player of the Year and a local product who earned California Community College All-American honors after a standout 2008 season at Bakersfield College.
Below is an alphabetical listing of Bakersfield's most recent additions.
Brandon Boren, 2B/3B, 5-8, 170, R/R, Bakersfield, Calif./Bakersfield College
Coach Kernen Says: "Brandon is what I classify as a 'ballplayer' in the toughest sense of the word."
Erik Draxton, RHP, 6-2, 185, R/R, Park City, Utah/Phoenix College
Coach Kernen Says: "One of the top closers in the country at the JUCO level. He will be converted to a starting pitcher in this program."
Richard Escalera, OF/1B, 6-3, 215, L/L, Baldwin Park, Calif./Mt. SAC
Coach Kernen Says: "Able to play first base and left field and is a quality left handed hitter."
Derek Geisinger, 1B, 6-2, 225, L/R, Gilbert, Ariz./Phoenix College
Coach Kernen Says: "Expected to provide power from the left side and is an outstanding first baseman."
JJ Henry, 3B, 5-11, 180, R/R, Denver, Colo./Phoenix College
Coach Kernen Says: "A versatile athlete with speed who will add depth to our roster both offensively and defensively."
Mickey Jannis, RHP, 5-10, 185, B/R, Sparks, Nev./Allan Hancock College
Coach Kernen Says: "Highly sought-after JC pitcher with the best slider I've seen in a long time."
Sam Jones, LHP, 6-3, 185, R/L, Morro Bay, Calif./Allan Hancock College
Coach Kernen Says: "Left handed pitcher who gives us a much needed element of experience on our staff."
Jason Kudlock, RHP/INF, 6-3, 195, R/R, Chandler, Ariz./Chandler-Gilbert CC
Coach Kernen Says: "A true two-way player as a third baseman and right handed pitcher."
Mike McCarthy, RHP, 6-3, 180, R/R, Brentwood, Calif./University of Redlands
Coach Kernen Says: "A transfer right handed pitcher from the University
of Redlands who must sit out one year before competing for CSUB."
Joe Mills, OF, 6-0, 195, R/R, Englewood, Colo./Phoenix College
Coach Kernen Says: "Fast, athletic and capable of becoming a key player for us in center field."
Kyle Richardson, 2B/SS, 5-9, 185, L/R, Sacramento, Calif./Sierra JC
Coach Kernen Says: "A talented middle infielder and left handed hitter who brings championship credentials to the program"
Nick Shannon, INF/RHP, 6-0, 185, R/R, Mesa, Ariz./Chandler-Gilbert CC
Coach Kernen Says: "2006 Arizona State Player of the Year. Will be a two-way player as a second baseman and right handed pitcher."