Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees Set for Opening Day

After capturing the International League North Championship in 2009, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees open the 2010 season on Thursday, April 8, at home against the Buffalo Bisons ready to defend their title.

The local Yankees will take to the grass of PNC Field with a number of promising prospects in the lineup who could making an impact in the major leagues before long. You can see the future stars of the New York Yankees right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Catcher Jesus Montero, considered one of the best prospects in the minor leagues, will be in the opening day lineup for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. As will shortstop Eduardo Nunez who was already named to the New York Yankees’ 40-man roster. Nunez batted .322 with 19 steals for the Yankees’ Trenton affiliate in 2009. Centerfielder Greg Golson also made the 40-man roster, suggesting he will play in the majors before the season is over.

Taking the mound for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season will be several excellent pitching prospects in an intimidating rotation. Starting pitchers Zach McAllister and Ivan Nova both have major-league talent. McAllister led the AA Eastern League with a 2.23 ERA in 2009. Nova pitched for the local Yankees at the end of last season and turned in a sterling performance against the Gwinnett Braves in the playoffs to earn the win. Relief pitcher Mark Melancon made 13 appearances in the majors late last year and he’ll start the year in Scranton before, inevitably, making the transition to become a setup man for Mariano Rivera in New York.

The Yankees’ opening night game against the Buffalo Bisons begins at 7:05 p.m. at PNC Field, 235 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, and kicks off a nine-game home stand for the Yanks. The Bisons will be in town from April 8-11, followed by Rochester Red Wings on April 12-13 and Syracuse Chiefs on April 14-16.

Be sure to check out the talented Scranton/Wilkes-Barre team at PNC Field this season. Great seats are always available with special discounts for group outings and promotions scheduled throughout the season. After each Friday night home game, ticketholders can enjoy a post-game fireworks show. Visit the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees website for more information on the Yankees’ schedule, tickets and promotions or call 570-969-2255.