Wingnuts Strengthen Pitching Through Trade
March 9, 2009 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have announced another addition to their 2009 roster with the acquisition of pitcher Derek Blacksher from the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League.
A 33rd round draft pick of the Florida Marlins in 2007, Blacksher spent the 2008 season with Gateway, posting a 10-8 record with a 4.57 ERA. The 10 wins ranked fifth in the Frontier league. Blacksher struck out 110 hitters in 128.0 innings, while walking 49. The 24-year old right hander soaked up innings for Gateway, pitching into the seventh inning in 13 of his 19 starts, and pitching into the eighth inning in seven of them. On August 8th, Blacksher struck out a career-high 14 hitters in 8.0 innings of work in a win over Kalamazoo. The Orange, TX native struck out five or more hitters in 13 of his 19 starts.
Blacksher comes to the Wingnuts via trade, with Gateway receiving future considerations from Wichita. Blacksher played his college ball at McNeese State University where he struck out 87 hitters in 104.2 IP as a senior in 2007 before getting drafted by Florida. The right hander started his professional career shortly after the draft, latching on with the Marlins' Gulf Coast Rookie affiliate. While in the GCL, Blacksher went 3-1 with nine saves and a 0.49 ERA in 18.1 IP, while striking out 25 and walking seven. The nine saves ranked third in the Gulf Coast League. In between his time in rookie ball, Blacksher earned a callup to the New-York Penn League (Short Season A-Ball) striking out eight in 7.1 IP and notching two more saves.
Blacksher joins returning Wingnuts Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Richard Salazar, Brenan Herrera, Brad Davis, Steve Pearson, Blake Gailen, Doug Hurn, Justin Young, and Amad Stephens, as well as fellow newcomers Derek Jennings, Zach Goldberg, Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, Jeff Reekers, Gabe Medina, Dustin Smith, Tyler Rhoden, Nathan Parker, and Drew Holder to give Wichita 21 players under contract for the 2009 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through Spring Training. Beginning Wednesday, the Wingnuts expect to make three high-profile player announcements.
The Wingnuts open their second season on May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium at 7:05 p.m. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Meanwhile, the Wichita Thunder return home this weekend for two games, beginning with a contest versus Texas on Friday at 7:05 p.m. at the Kansas Coliseum. For more information, call the Wingnuts/Thunder office at (316) 264-4625.
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American Association Stories from March 9, 2009
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