Sportman to Start Season in AA

In addition to finding out that Maple Hill graduate Jaime Schultz would be starting the year in AAA with the Rays system, we also learn that LaSalle grad JP Sportman will be beginning his season in AA with the Oakland A's.

Sportman earned a brief call-up to Midland at the end of the year last year. He played well for the Class A Stockton Ports, but had to battle injuries throughout the season to his hand.

He hit .298 in 45 games across two levels a season ago. He also continues to make quite the impression on the A's and their beat writers when he's at Spring Training...

Sportman is not the first Capital Region native to play for the Rockhounds. Shen graduate Murphy Smith played for Midland when he was a member of the A's system as well.

Sportman is a frequent guest on 104.5 The Team and we wish him well as he continues his trek through the minors.