Versatility Is a Good Compliment for Josh Kroeger

When you are tagged as a versatile player for your coaches, it means they trust your capability of doing many things competently. That's what Chris Chambliss, manager of the Charlotte Knights, said about Josh Kroeger. He also said is feeling comfortable with Kroeger playing any position in the outfield, first base, or designated hitter as well.

Josh Kroeger, a 27 years native of Davenport, Iowa, went to spring training with the White Sox as a non-roster invitee and signed a minor league contract through 2010 to play with the triple-A affiliate Charlotte Knights. He was selected in the fourth round by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2000 first-year player draft. He appeared in 22 major league games with Arizona in 2004 and has been playing in the minors with Philadelphia, the Chicago Cubs, and the White Sox since then.

Kroeger has a .284 AVG in his 10 year professional career. In 2009, he played winter league in Venezuela with the team Leones del Caracas helping them to win the championship and a spot in the Caribbean Series 2010. He played in 43 games as an outfielder for the Venezuelan team hitting .289 with 12 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 23 RBI. He was a "key player to win the championship" said one of the front office executives from Leones del Caracas. When I asked Kroeger if he wants to come back and played winter league, he said: "I would like it, I'm sure will." He also commented that the Venezuelan team called and wants him back for 2010-2011 season.

His expectations for this season are improving on his defense and being more productive as a contact hitter. In the 2010 season Kroeger is leading the Charlotte Knights in home runs (two) and is second in RBI (eight).