I didn’t think it would come out three days before Opening Day, so expected to have more time on my hands in advance of Saturday, so the Top 5 list will be a ‘recap 5 list’, that will come out later this week in one post.

The new roster is the one that will be used on Opening Day, but many promotions/demotions will likely happen after this homestand, as most drafted players are just getting passports, which take 10 days to process.

13th rounder Murphy Smith is in that boat, as is Michael Gilmartin.  Dan Tenholder was rumoured to come to Vancity, so he could be facing the same issue.  It’s not like in years past where players can join the C’s on roadtrips and bus back using just ID, because new border regulations mean you have to have a passport, and many players simply do not.

None-the-less, there are 3 pitchers drafted in 2009, one infielder, and a pair of outfielders who will make their pro debuts this weekend.

Just one pitcher is left-handed (Julio Ramos), but many such as Smith and potential Ryan Quigley will be up here in no time.

Those drafted are Nathan Long (26th, UT Arlington, right), Paul Smyth (Kansas) and Dan Straily (Marshall).  For position players there is Jeremy Wells (Patten), Conner Crumbliss (Emporia State) and Kent Walton (BYU).  

Notable pitchers include Kyle Christensen, a highly touted high school pick from a few years ago, Jose Guzman, last year’s Canadians save leader (all-time as well), Pedro Vidal, Bo Schultz and Juston Street, whose brother Huston is the closer for the Colorado Rockies.

Ronny Morla and Hector Garica are both returning as well.  Joselito Adames has been named Opening Day Starter.

Gabriel Ortiz is back from AA Midland, and Rodney Rutherford has switched to catcher, from 3B in his return to Vancouver.

The infield consists of Wilfredo Sosa at 1B, Marcos Luis, Jeremy Wells, Nino Leyja and Leo Gil up the middle, and Ryne Jernigan at Third.  At least Gil can play the hot corner as well.

Outfielders are Jose Crisostomo, Conner Crumbliss, Rashun Dixon, Tyreace House and Walton.

Full roster, here.