Nuts Make Flurry of Transactions to End March
March 31, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS (March 31, 2015) - The Wichita Wingnuts have 28 roster spots to fill prior to the opening of camp on May 9th. Three separate occurrences this week have left manager Kevin Hooper and General Manager Josh Robertson with three more open spots to fill. Pitcher Jhonathan Ramos had his contract purchased, while both Victor Diaz and Abel Nieves were traded.
The 25-year old Ramos was signed by the Nuts this off-season prior to having his contract picked up by the Baltimore Orioles weeks later. He started his professional career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007 as a 17-year old international free agent. The lefty spent each of the last eight seasons within that organization, reaching Triple-A in 2014 and playing a total of 80 games at the Double-A level. He owns a career 40-24 record with a 3.40 earned run average and seven saves. Ramos is the 28th Wingnut to be signed by a Major League organization. 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
OF Jake Luce, 2015 - Baltimore Orioles
LHP Jhonathan Ramos - Baltimore Orioles
Diaz signed with the Wingnuts in late August and batted .240 with 12 RBI in 12 games with the club. The former New York Met and Texas Ranger was sent to the Grand Prairie AirHogs to complete a trade between the two teams that occurred last season. A native of the Dominican Republic, Diaz is 33 years old and the upcoming season will be his 14th.
Nieves, from Maracay, Venezuela, was fantastic in both of his stints in Wichita, but will now take on a new challenge in the Atlantic League. Dealt to the Bridgeport Bluefish in exchange for a player to be named later and future considerations, the infielder will look to build on an already impressive independent career. Last season, the Nuts acquired Nieves from Grand Prairie in order to fill a void created when Jake Kahaulelio suffered a season-ending injury. In 13 regular season games, Nieves batted .558 and never cooled off during the playoff run. This came on the heels of a 2013 campaign in which he won the American Association batting title courtesy of a .357 average.
After these moves the roster currently stands at 18 players. The roster can include up to 28 players until two days prior to the start of the regular season when the active roster must be trimmed to 22. 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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American Association Stories from March 31, 2015
- Giveaways, Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, and Fireworks Highlight Promo Schedule - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Nuts Make Flurry of Transactions to End March - Wichita Wingnuts
- Haerther Back in Goldeyes Fold - Winnipeg Goldeyes
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