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Corner Piece in Title Run Has Contract Purchased

November 25, 2014 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release


WICHITA, KS (November 25, 2014) - There were a number of players who spent the entire record-breaking 2014 season on the roster of the Wichita Wingnuts. However, among that handful of players, there was only one that started in every single contest. That individual was all-star outfielder Carlo Testa, who was arguably the most consistent player from the start of the season through the conclusion. On Tuesday, the Arizona Diamondbacks organization decided to give Testa his second chance in affiliated ball by purchasing his contract from the St. Paul Saints.

Testa was dealt to the Saints as the player to be named later from a late-season trade that brought closer Dan Sattler to Wichita for the playoffs. The 27-year played all three outfield positions in addition to being inserted into the lineup as the designated hitter for 17 games. In his first full season in independent ball, the native of Tallmadge, Ohio was outstanding in all three facets of the game. At the plate, he batted .338 with 10 home runs, and 58 RBI while chipping in 25 doubles and nine triples. On the base paths, Testa helped push the Wingnuts to their American Association record 76 stolen bases. He was one of four Nuts that finished with more than 20 as he nabbed 24 in 32 attempts. Finally, the outfielder was aggressive going after every ball hit his way, running into a wall on more than one occasion to make a tough catch, on his way to a .963 fielding percentage.

The left-handed hitting Testa was an 18th round selection by the Royals in the 2008 draft. He spent six seasons in the organization, reaching as high as Double-A in both 2012 and 2013. Testa is a career.273 hitter in 516 games. His best season offensively came in 2012 when he launched 15 home runs and tallied 54 RBI for Northwest Arkansas. Testa played collegiately at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee where he was a standout as both a pitcher and a hitter. In 2008 he became the first player ever to be named All-Atlantic Sun Conference as both a pitcher and a position player. He led the conference in triples and shutouts and led the team in every traditional offensive category aside from slugging percentage and walks.

Testa becomes the fifth player from the 2014 edition of the Wingnuts to be sold to a Major League organization and the 26th former Wingnut to be purchased all-time. Below is the complete list of players who have had their contracts purchased after playing in Wichita.

Wingnuts Sold to Major League Organizations

OF Dustan Mohr, 2008 - Colorado Rockies

OF Blake Gailen, 2008 - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

RHP Will Savage, 2010 - Los Angeles Dodgers

RHP Ben Graham, 2010 - Washington Nationals

LHP Justin Dowdy, 2010 - Tampa Bay Rays

OF Ryan Patterson, 2011 - Arizona Diamondbacks

LHP Dustin Pease, 2011 - San Diego Padres

RHP Cephas Howard, 2011 - Texas Rangers

OF Kenny Gilbert, 2011 - Chicago White Sox

OF Brent Clevlen, 2011 - Cincinnati Reds

OF Brent Clevlen, 2011 - Philadelphia Phillies

SS Jose Martinez, 2012 - Houston Astros

LHP Nate Robertson, 2012 - Toronto Blue Jays

RHP Matt Nevarez, 2012 - Tampa Bay Rays

RHP Andrew Aizenstadt, 2012 - Philadelphia Phillies

RHP James Hoyt, 2012 - Atlanta Braves

OF David Peralta, 2012 - Arizona Diamondbacks

OF Adam Buschini, 2013 - San Diego Padres

RHP Jon Link, 2013 - Detroit Tigers

LHP Ryan Hinson, 2013 - Atlanta Braves

1B C.J. Ziegler, 2013 - Minnesota Twins

C J.T. Wise, 2014 - Texas Rangers

RHP Matt Nevarez, 2014 - Pittsburgh Pirates

RHP Jon Link, 2014 - Miami Marlins

RHP Chris Peacock, 2014 - Pittsburgh Pirates

OF Carlo Testa, 2014 - Arizona Diamondbacks

The eighth season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins on Thursday, May 21st in Joplin, with the home opener against the Winnipeg Goldeyes taking place on Tuesday, May 26th. For information on season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com .

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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.

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