Well, technically I haven’t seen their faces yet, but the five newest Hawks are joining us just in the nick of time.  Because of the recent influx of new players, I thought it would be interesting to profile these newbies before they get in tomorrow.  Of course, my info is limited because I have yet to even meet them, but I’ll see what I can dig up.

#3 OF Francisco Guzman
Bats: Left          Throws: Left
Height: 6-1        Weight: 160
DOB: 4/12/88
Hometown: Santo Domingo, DR
Acquired: NDFA 2007

After jumping from team to team this season (started with the Daytona Cubs, went to Peoria and then back to the AZL Cubs), Guzman is now making a stop in Boise.  All of 2008, Guzman played in the Dominican Summer League.  He made the jump to Daytona to take the place of former Hawks Tyler Colvin when Colvin went on the DL .  Guzman hit .263 with one RBI and one stolen base before being sent to Peoria.  There he only went 2-21 with a .095 AVG and three stolen bases.  Most recently in Mesa, Guzman has been showing off his speed with 32 stolen bases.  He also hit .264 with three doubles and two triples.

#36 RHP Dae-Eun Rhee
Bats: Left          Throws: Right
Height: 6-2        Weight: 190
DOB: 3/23/89
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Acquired: NDFA 2008

Rhee is joining Boise as he rehabs his way back up to Peoria.  After being signed, Rhee received a lot of hype but proved it to be legit when he started 10 games for the Chiefs in 2008 with 4-1 record, 1.80 ERA and 33 strikeouts.  All season, Rhee managed to allow 13 runs and 28 hits, also walking 16.  He was placed on the disabled list April of this year and has been with the AZL Cubs all season.  There he’s pitched 4.2 innings, allowing four hits and four runs with a 7.71 ERA.  He has also walked five and struck out three.

#18 LHP Austin Kirk
Bats: Left          Throws: Left
Height: 6-1        Weight: 200
DOB: 5/22/90
Hometown, Owasso, OK
Acquired: 3rd Round 2009 Draft

As this year’s 3rd Round pick, Kirk was the first pitcher selected by the Cubs and was selected out of Owasso HS.  His numbers have been good so far with a 1-0 record and 3.12 ERA, allowing eight hits and three runs.  He walked four and struck out 10.  In high school Kirk led the Owasso Rams with a 9-1 record and 0.45 ERA in his final prep season.  He collected 111 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings, helping is team to State 6A Championship.

#31 LHP Brooks Raley
Bats: Left          Throws: Left
Height: 6-3         Weight: 180
DOB: 6/29/88
Hometown: Uvalde, TX
Acquired: 6th Round 2009 Draft

Raley was selected in the 6th round of this year’s draft out of Texas A&M. So far with the AZL Cubs, Raley has come out with an 0-1 record and 4.15 ERA in 4.1 innings.  He allowed two hits and four hits while walking two and striking out three.

#2 RHP Steve Grife
Bats: Right          Throws: Right
Height: 6-0           Weight: 177
DOB 11/4/86
Hometown: Sheffield Lake, OH
Acquired: 26th Round 2009 Draft

Grife joins the Cubs organization from Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania where he led the Lakers with six wins and a 2.50 ERA in 11 starts this past season.  He struck out 78 and walked 19 in 68 1/3 innings.  In Mesa, Grife was 1.1 with a 6.61 ERA in 16.1 innings pitched.  He allowed 19 hits and 13 runs while walking 15 and striking out 22.

DON’T FORGET: The Hawks are playing their LAST homestand of the season starting Tuesday and going through Sunday.  Don’t miss your chance to see these five brand new players and root on your old favorites!!  Call 322-5000 for tickets or visit www.boisehawks.com.