Somerset Patriots Sign Infielders Greg Hopkins And David Vidal

Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots have announced the signings of infielders Greg Hopkins and David Vidal.

Hopkins arrives in Somerset after spending his entire professional baseball career in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. In five seasons with the Brewers, he has reached as high as Double-A.

The Mansfield, Massachusetts native split time between High-A Brevard County and Double-A Huntsville in 2014. Combined, Hopkins hit six home runs with 27 runs batted in, 33 runs scored and seven stolen bases.

In addition, Hopkins made appearances defensively at first base, second base and third base over the year, recording just three errors in over 300 chances.

The St. John’s alum has 34 home runs with 241 RBI, 231 runs scored, 88 doubles and 43 stolen bases in his minor league career.

“Hopkins is another young talent we are excited to get our eyes on in camp,” said Somerset Patriots Manager Brett Jodie. “I think our environment will give him an opportunity to shine. He is that hard-nosed player that you cannot get enough of on your team. Talking with numerous people who know Greg, they all attest to him as an outstanding human being and a consistent player.”

Vidal enters his first year with the Patriots after enjoying a five-year stint in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Vidal has spent his entire career to this point with the Reds, reaching as high as Double-A Pensacola in 2012 and 2013.

The San Juan, Puerto Rico native spent all of last year with High-A Bakersfield, hitting four home runs while driving in 34 runs. That year, Vidal split time defensively at catcher, first base and third base.

In 2011, Vidal hit .280 with 20 home runs, 85 RBI and a league-leading 37 doubles with Single-A Dayton. He followed up that campaign in 2012 with 18 home runs and 60 RBI spread across two levels, including 11 homers with Pensacola.

The former 2010 eighth-round draft pick by the Reds has 52 home runs, 240 RBI and 109 doubles in his minor league career.

“Vidal is a very athletic guy who can play corner infield and also add some depth at the catching position. Vidal has shown very good power numbers before, and we think he can have success in the Atlantic league; but he will have to prove it. I believe he is ready and excited for the challenge,” Jodie said.

For information about the Somerset Patriots 2015 Season, stop by the Ticket Office located at TD Bank Ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit the Patriots on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

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