Frontier League opening night is upon us. That means it must be time for Part Two of my Frontier League draft class progress report. You can check out Part One of my story, Frontier League 2015 Draft Class, for more in-depth details on this year’s draft.

Overall, 34 players were given invites to spring training. This year, 14 of those players have made the opening day roster for their respective teams.

In addition, the number one overall draft pick, Robert Stock, had his contract purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization two days after officially signing with the Normal Cornbelters.

The 2015 draft was actually a good year for Rookies (R1s and R2s).  Of the 14 players starting the season, five are true rookies (R1) with no professional experience, six are listed as rookies with minimal professional/affiliated experience (R2s), and only three have played enough professional baseball to be listed as experienced (E).

Listed below are the 14 players that have earned a spot on an opening day roster.

• Zach Stoner, C, Windy City. R2
• Nick Grim, RHP, Rockford, E*
• Kevin Jeffers, RHP, Normal, R1
• Scott Harkin, RHP, Gateway, R2
• Ty Nelson, C/OF, Lake Erie, E (Drafted as a C – listed as an OF)
• Joe Iorio, RHP, Washington, R1
• Kyle Bogese, RHP, Frontier Greys, R2
• David Russo, LHP, Rockford, R2*
• Robbie Buller, RHP, Gateway, R2
• John Fidanza, C, Washington, R1
• David Duncan, RHP, Florence, R1
• Sheehan Planas-Arteaga, OF, Windy City, R2
• Jack Clearly, C, Joliet, E
• Connor Jones, OF, Frontier Greys, R1

*Grim and Russo both previously played with Rockford last season.

As the season continues, I plan on tracking the progress of these 14 players – which ones become breakout stars or All-Stars, and which ones get released after the games start counting. I am also looking forward to having a few posts featuring some of these players individually throughout the season.

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