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Three '07 Tobs set for 2008 return

February 5, 2008

Wilson, NC — Dan Taylor will headline a three-man returning cast for the Wilson Tobs in 2008. The Central Michigan left-hander has signed on for a third season, and will have a few familiar faces around him when he returns in May. Joining him for another summer in Wilson are outfielders Jerry Sands and Carlton Floyd.

Already the ace of two playoff teams in Wilson in 2006 and 2007, Taylor will have some lofty statistical standards to live up to in year 3. After compiling a 4-3 record and 1.73 ERA in 2006, Taylor won a team-high 6 games last season with a 2.70 ERA. He was named the teams' pitcher of the year (voted on by his teammates) in 2007.

"Having Dan back for another summer is going to be outstanding for our younger guys. Along with headlining a staff at Central Michigan, Dan has been our ace for the last two summers," said Tobs Head Coach Jeff Steele. "He is an exceptional competitor and his work ethic and confidence will allow him to be successful at the next level."

Sands also returns for his third season in the CPL, and his second with Wilson. After a solid 2006 campaign with the Spartanburg Stingers, Sands electrified the league in 2007 with his tape measure power.

He led the Tobs with 42 runs scored, setting a new team record in the process, as well as slugging percentage and on-base percentage. He was also second on the team in hits, batting average, doubles, home runs, RBI, walks and total bases. His prowess with the bat as well as the glove earned him a spot on the list of the league's best professional prospects, as voted on by CPL coaches.

"Already proven as one of the most talented players in the CPL, Jerry is only going to get better as he gets stronger and continues to learn the game," said Tobs General Manager Ben Jones. "We are extremely excited to have him return to Wilson and he is going to be a fixture in the middle of our lineup."

Carlton Floyd began the 2007 season on a two week conditional contract, and had it not been for some early season injuries he may have gone home without getting a chance to prove himself. He ended the year firmly entrenched in left field, and totaled the third highest batting average on the team (.277) with 12 doubles, 1 home run and 19 RBI. He also played nearly flawless defense, committing only one error in the field in 45 games.

"Carlton had a very nice summer for us in 2007," said Steele. "He was consistently one of our best hitters and his gap power is a nice fit in the spacious Fleming Stadium."

The Wilson Tobs are a member franchise of the Coastal Plain League. With fourteen teams in the Carolinas and Virginia, the league attracts top players from collegiate programs throughout the country, playing all home games at Historic Fleming Stadium.

Contact:
Ben Jones
252-291-8627