CalL1 Inland Empire 66ers

66ers Add Cedar Rapids Top Starter

Published on May 4, 2012 under California League (CalL1)
Inland Empire 66ers News Release


San Bernardino, CA - The 66ers have a new man in the mix in their starting rotation as left-hander Ryan Crowley was transferred to Inland Empire today from Low-A Cedar Rapids. Crowley and outfielder Chris Giovinazzo were added to the roster today replacing outfielder Jeremy Cruz who was transferred to AA-Arkansas, and starter Donn Roach who was traded to the San Diego Padres in the deal that brought the Angels Ernesto Frieri.

Ryan Crowley is making his first trip to the California League and appears ready for it. The southpaw was dominating Midwest League opponents, allowing just three earned runs in his last 17 1/3 innings pitched for a 1.56 ERA over his last three starts. Crowley has shown solid control as a professional, allowing just nine walks in 64 professional innings..

Joining Crowley in the Inland Empire locker room is Chris Giovinazzo who joins his first club out of extended spring training in 2012. Giovinazzo was an organizational soldier for the Angels in his 2011 rookie year, making stops on four teams from the Rookie level all the way to AA. He hit .213 in 56 total games last year, but in the Rookie stops of the Arizona Summer League and Pioneer League he was much stronger at the plate, hitting .263 with two home runs and nine RBI in 99 at bats.

The newcomers have some large shoes to fill. One of the counter moves sends outfielder Jeremy Cruz up the ladder to the AA Arkansas Travelers in the Texas League. Cruz was batting .280 with three home runs and 11 RBI at the time of his promotion. He was coming off one of his best series of the season, hitting .583 (7-for-12) with a home run and six RBI in a three game series at rival Rancho Cucamonga.

The final move of the day sees the 66ers and the Angels organization say goodbye to right-handed starter Donn Roach. Roach and AAA infielder Alexi Amarista were traded to the Padres in exchange for reliever Ernesto Frieri. Roach was leading the California League in wins (5), and innings pitched (41.2) at the time of the move, and was also fifth in ERA (2.16) and WHIP (0.94). Roach is expected to join the Lake Elsinore Storm roster in the Padres organization.

Inland Empire continues its six game road trip with a stop in San Jose for a three game series with the Southern Division leading Giants. Inland Empire's next home game will be Monday May 7th when the 66ers host Rancho Cucamonga and Bakersfield for three games apiece. Included in the homestand festivities will be Albert Pujols bobblehead night on Saturday May 12th. Tickets are on sale now both at the 66ers box office and online at www.66ers.com . For more information on the Inland Empire 66ers please contact Sam Farber, Director of Broadcasting, at 909-495-7632.

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California League Stories from May 4, 2012


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