AtL Lancaster Stormers

Barnstormers Sign Pitcher, Acquire Shortstop

Published on February 23, 2012 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release


The Lancaster Barnstormers continue to add to their 2012 roster with the acquisitions of right-handed pitcher Dwayne Pollok and infielder Joe Spiers, it was announced today.

Pollok, 31, was signed by the Chicago White Sox in 2003 as their 27th round draft pick out of Texas A&M University. The native of San Antonio saved 38 games for Class A Winston-Salem in 2004, spent two seasons in the bullpen with Class AA Birmingham and advanced to Class AAA Charlotte in 2007 before moving to the Los Angeles Dodgers system. In 2008, Pollok notched 10 wins for Class AAA Las Vegas in a swing role where he made eight starts in his 40 appearances.

For the past two seasons, Pollok was exclusively a starter for the Fort Worth Cats in the American Association. He recorded 10 victories in 2010. Last year, after a brief stint in Mexico, the right-hander returned to Fort Worth. He had a strikeout/walk ratio of 4.75 and only allowed three homers in 72.2 innings of work with the Cats to go along with a 3-5 record and 4.95 ERA.

"He is a strike thrower," said manager Butch Hobson. "He has been both a closer and a starter. He'll open the season in the bullpen, but he gives us another starter when we need it."

The rights to Spiers, 26, were acquired from the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League, where he batted .323, ranking him seventh in the league, with three homers and 40 RBI in 2011. The California native also finished second in the Frontier League with 50 stolen bases, three behind the league leader.

He batted .287 with three homers and 30 RBI in the American Association the previous season. The right-handed batter was signed originally by the Atlanta Braves out of San Diego State in 2007.

"(Spiers) is a speed guy," said Hobson. "He can play second, short, third and some outfield and will be given a chance to compete for a position."

The Lancaster Barnstormers are entering their eighth season as a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit LancasterBarnstormers.com for more information.

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