Sioux Falls Canaries Add All-Stars to Roster [VIDEO]

With opening day a little more than a month away, the Sioux Falls Canaries have added a pair of former All-Stars to the 2-13 roster, outfielder Nick Van Stratten and right-handed pitcher Jordan Whatcott.

Van Stratten spent seven seasons in the Kansas City Royals organization, where he was the Player of the Year for Class A Burlington and as a Midwest League Mid-Season All-Star in 2009. He was the Royals’ Arizona Fall League Player of the Year in 2006.   Last year Van Stratten split the season between Class AA Northwest Arkansas and Class A Wilmington, where he combined to hit .312 with 10 doubles, one home run and 27 RBI. He has a career .289 average with 107 doubles, 25 triples and 80 stolen bases.

In a Canaries press release, manager Steve Shirley said:

Along with veteran experience, Nick brings speed and the ability to lead off.  He’ll be setting the table for our power hitters and plays the outfield well.

Whatcott, was an All-Star in the Eastern with the Class AA Reading Fightin' Phils last season.  He went 1-3 in 38 appearances with a 4.42 ERA, fanning 50 men in 71 1/3 innings. He began the year at Class A Clearwater and pitched 12 scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts before his promotion to Reading.

In his career, Whatcott is 9-4 with a 3.80 ERA in 107 appearances with 132 strikeouts in 173 innings pitched.

According to Steve Shirley:

I anticipate Jordan being part of our starting rotation.  He has a good arm and will add depth to our starting pitching.

The Canaries open their 21^st season May 16th at Sioux City.  The home opener is the next night against the Explorers.