Holt & Long Join X's
April 4, 2014 - American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release
SIOUX CITY, IA - The Sioux City Explorers announced today that they have added two new arms to the pitching staff for the 2014 season under new X's field manager, Steve Montgomery. With the signing of RHP Greg Holt and LHP Kenny Long, The X's now have  12 pitchers and 8 position players signed to 2014 contracts.
 Holt, a 24-year-old Clemmons, North Carolina native, whom played collegiately for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 8th round of the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft. In three seasons in the Nationals farm system (2011-2013), Holt appeared in 100 games and compiled a 15-4 record with a 3.91 ERA while recording 129 strikeouts in 184 innings pitched.
 Long, a native of Fox River Grove, Illinois, was drafted in the 22nd round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft by the Houston Astros out of Illinois State University and spent the last two seasons in the Astros farm system (2012-2013). In 2012, Long appeared in 29 games between two of the Astro's farm teams (Tri-City Valley Cats and Lancaster Jethawks) and accumulated a 1.61 ERA in 22.1 innings of work, while recording 38 strikeouts to just 7 walks. In 2013, Long started the season with the Jethawks in the California League and went 2-0 with a 2.83 ERA in 28.2 innings and fanned 27 hitters and only walked 4, while holding left handed hitters to a miniscule .158 batting average before being promoted to AA.
 "Getting two great arms is a huge boost to our pitching staff, as we have received great scouting reports on both of these guys," comments manager Steve Montgomery. "Both have live arms and throw a lot of strikes and I cannot wait to see both of them compete during spring training."Â
 The Sioux City Explorers 2014 home opener is set for Saturday, May 17th at 7:05pm, when they take on the Sioux Falls Canaries at Lewis & Clark Park and its Magnet Schedule Giveaway night with a post-game fireworks show by Lantis Fireworks! 2014 Season Tickets, Group Tickets, Flex Tickets are on sale now...to reserve your 9 Innings of Vacation stop down to the X's Box Office, located at Lewis & Clark Park or call 277-WINS.Â
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American Association Stories from April 4, 2014
- Experienced Arm from Both Sides Back to Lead Rotation - Wichita Wingnuts
- Holt & Long Join X's - Sioux City Explorers
- Saints Hit the Trifecta; Sign Infielder, Outfielder and Pitcher - St. Paul Saints
- Retherford Brings Bat Back to RedHawks - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
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