The State College Spikes announced their 2008 opening day roster yesterday as they opened the season on the road against Jamestown.

State College's roster is highlighted by shortstops Jordy Mercer and Chase D'Arnaud, the Pittsburgh Pirates third and fourth round picks in this year's MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Either Mercer or D'Arnaud will shift to second base for the Spikes. Neither was in the lineup for the Spikes last night as both signed their contracts Monday.

There will be some familiar faces for Spikes fans, none more than right-handed pitcher Gary Amato who pitched for Penn State.

Of the 30-man roster 15 players were drafted this year by the parent Pirates.

Neither third baseman Pedro Alvarez nor right-handed pitcher Tanner Scheppers are on the roster.

Alvarez, the Pirates first-round pick (second overall) is in negotiations with the Pirates and may not sign until the August 15 deadline. His agent, Scott Boras, is notorious for waiting until the final hours to come to an agreement.

Scheppers, considered by some to be a top-10 talent, fell to the second round because of health concerns. His Fresno State team is still participating in the College World Series. Fifth-round pick, left-hander Justin Wilson is also Bulldog.

Right-handed pitchers: Ramon Aguero, Carlos Amaro, Amato, Maurice Bankston, Owen Brolsma, Zachary Foster, Emilis Guerrero, William Kelly, Alan Knotts, Brian Leach, Yoffri Martinez, Kyle McPherson and Allen Ponder.

Left-handed pitchers: Tyler Cox, Eddy Nunez, Rudy Owens and Mike Williams.

Catchers: Mark Carver, Josue Peley and Chris Simmons.

Infielders: Calvin Anderson, D'Arnaud, Jeremy Farrell, Matthew Hague, Mercer, Matthew Payne, Silvio Pena, Chad Rice and Ciro Rosero.

Outfielders: Andrew Biela, Justin Byler, Victor Igsema, Quincy Latimore, Kyle Morgan, David Rubinstein and Cole White.