Wild Things Sign Three
February 26, 2004 - Frontier League (FL)
Washington Wild Things News Release
Washington, PA - The Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Federal Savings Bank, are adding to this seasonÂ’s roster with the addition of three players: Kevin Nulton, Wes Rynders and Ed Marko, according to Wild Things officials.
“The additions of Nulton, Rynders and Marko give us some flexibility as we head into spring training,” said Ross Vecchio, general manager of the Wild Things.
Second baseman Kevin Nulton, a native of Lakeside, CA, was originally the San Diego PadresÂ’ 10th round selection in the 2000 draft, where he posted a .941 fielding percentage in his rookie year with the Arizona Rookie League Padres while leading the team with a .316 batting average. He also led the team with 52 games played, 59 hits, 29 runs and 17 stolen bases. Nulton went on to play for the PadresÂ’ Idaho Falls team in the Pioneer League in 2001, batting .289, where he ranked third on the team in hits with 54. He spent the 2002 season with the Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest League. Nulton split his time between second base and third base in Idaho Falls and in Eugene. In 2003, NultonÂ’s contract was purchased by the Phillies and he played for the Lakewood Blue Claws of the Southern Atlantic League. Nulton joins the Wild Things with a .263 career minor league batting average.
Outfielder Wes Rynders, a native of Marietta, GA, is a 2002 graduate of Georgia Tech. During his senior year, Rynders led the 8th ranked Yellow Jackets with a .375 batting average. In addition, Rynders turned in his second errorless season of his collegiate career while patrolling center field and was Georgia Tech's lone All-ACC Tournament selection after going 7-for-11 in four games. He went on to hit an opposite field home run in the opening game of College World Series on June 14, 2002 against South Carolina.
Pitcher Ed Marko, a native of Chardon, OH, completed his collegiate baseball career in 2003 at the University of Texas Pan-American where he pitched for two seasons. During his career at Texas Pan-American, Marko appeared in 28 games, starting nine and working 84 1/3 innings. He walked just 37 batters. Last season, Marko pitched for the Selma Cloverleafs of the Southeastern League. As a Cloverleaf, Marko went 1-1 with an ERA of 2.57 in 15 innings. Marko walked none while striking out 20. Marko attended spring training with the Wild Things last season.
“We view Nulton as a guy, who as a rookie, could play any infield position but should settle at second or third base and will be an integral part of the team,” said Vecchio. “The report on Rynders is that he’s a solid outfielder with a strong arm. Anytime you post numbers like he did at Georgia Tech, he should be more than able to hold his own in the Frontier League. Marko pitched last season in the Southeastern League, posting sold numbers. He comes highly recommended and we’ll give him every opportunity to make our staff.”
The Wild Things are scheduled to open the 2004 season on May 21 against the Kalamazoo Kings. Individual tickets will go on sale April 24.
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Frontier League Stories from February 26, 2004
- Wild Things Sign Three - Washington Wild Things
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