Palica Picked up by Philadelphia Phillies
Published on June 22, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Lincoln Saltdogs News Release
LINCOLN - Another Saltdogs pitcher is joining a Major League organization as the Philadelphia Phillies purchased the contract of the club's strikeout leader Tommy Palica Tuesday.
Palica will be assigned to Class-A Advanced Clearwater in the Florida State League, and it is unclear whether he will begin as a starter or reliever.
It was an emotional moment at Haymarket Park Tuesday when manager Marty Scott came out to remove Palica from the game at the start of the fifth inning. A public address announcement followed, relaying the details to the fans and the 'Dogs pitcher walked back to the dugout after hugging teammates to a nice ovation.
"Tommy worked very hard the entire time he was here," Scott said. "He's a talented young man and I'm sure he'll make the most of this opportunity."
The 23-year old from Huntington Beach, Calif. was originally selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 10th round of the 2007 MLB draft, and averaged more than 10 strikeouts per nine innings in four seasons with the organization, reaching as high as Class-AA Mississippi.
Palica went 2-1 with 3.12 ERA in 11 games - including six starts - for the Saltdogs in 2011. The southpaw led the team in strikeouts with 43 in 43 1/3 innings, against just 13 walks.
He becomes the second former Saltdogs pitcher to be picked up by a MLB club in 2011, joining Jim Paduch, who is pitching for Class-AA Montgomery in the Tampa Bay Rays system after beginning the year in Chico.
Earlier Tuesday, the Saltdogs signed former Colorado Rockies farmhand Steve Junker, a left-handed pitcher from Parma Heights, Ohio. The club placed Brett Harker on the disabled list.
Tonight is a Westfield Wednesday featuring 'Bark in the Park.' Fans can bring their dog to the game for free! There will be on-field contests for biggest and smallest dog. For team and ticket information please call 402-474-BALL or visit www.saltdogs.com.
American Association Stories from June 22, 2011
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Saltdogs Run Away with Rubber Match Against Saints - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Captains Snap Another AirHogs Streak - Grand Prairie AirHogs
- RailCats Shut out Fargo for Fifth Straight Victory - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Goldeyes Finish Road Trip on Winning Note - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Saints Woes in Lincoln Continue in 9-2 Loss - St. Paul Saints
- Cats Use Big Inning to Beat Wingnuts - Wichita Wingnuts
- Saints Pitcher Jake Schmidt Discovering the Inner Working of Team Chemistry - St. Paul Saints
- Pheasants Rebound Against T-Bones - Sioux Falls Canaries
- T-Bones Fall in Matinee Matchup, 6-3 - Kansas City Monarchs
- Come to QuikTrip Park this Weekend - Grand Prairie AirHogs
- Palica Picked up by Philadelphia Phillies - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Saints Recharge Their Battery, Sign Catcher and Pitcher - St. Paul Saints
- 'Dogs Split Twin Bill with Saints - Lincoln Saltdogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
