Former Bears Off to Strong Start in Pro Ball

MACON, Ga. – One thing is for sure, through the first week of the minor league season people are starting to find out just how good the Mercer baseball program is.  

Four former Bears (Jacob Tanis, Justice French, Joe Winker and J.T. Odom), who were either drafted or signed free agent contracts earlier this month, are tearing it up in multiple levels and leagues throughout the minor league system.

Tanis, who was taken in the 13^th round by the Oakland Athletics in the 2011 MLB Draft, is currently playing in Short-Season Class A Ball with the Vermont Lake Monsters. Through four games, Tanis is hitting .308 with a double and two runs scored.

 French, who was taken in the 25^th round by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2011 MLB Draft, is currently playing in the Arizona Rookie League with the AZL Reds. Through six games, French has made one appearance, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings to go along with four strikeouts.

Winker, who was taken in the 28^th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2011 MLB Draft, is also playing in the Arizona Rookie League with the AZL Dodgers. Through six games, Winker ranks second among all starters with a .364 batting average while leading the team with five RBI.

Odom, who signed a free agent contract two weeks ago, is playing in the Frontier League with the Evansville Otters. Through six games, Odom had made three appearances and has a 0.00 ERA in two innings pitched.

Stay tuned to www.mercerbears.com throughout the summer for updates on these four as well as current Bears in summer leagues all around the country.