Barnstormers Continue to Bolster Staff
Published on March 5, 2015 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release
The Lancaster Barnstormers have signed right-handed pitchers C.J. Fick and Scott Gracey, it was announced today by manager Butch Hobson.
Both are new to the Atlantic League. The signings bring the total number of players under contract for the season to 16.
Fick, 29, signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2007 and advanced to the Major Leagues in 2012. The California native made his Major League debut against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 26 of that season and made two appearances. Two months later, he was claimed off waivers by Houston and returned to the Major Leagues and spent the remainder of his season with the Astros, appearing in 18 games, posting a 4.30 ERA.
His premier minor league season came in 2011 when he went 5-3 with a 2.30 ERA out of a Memphis bullpen that also was home to current Barnstormers pitching Coach Rich Rundles.
Fick spent 2013 with Class AAA Oklahoma City (Astros) and Colorado Springs (Rockies), appearing in 22 total games. Last year, he pitched briefly for Tabasco in the Mexican League.
"(C.J.) has a three-quarter delivery and has a lot of bullpen experience," said Hobson. "But he feels that his best route back to the big leagues is as a starter, and we are going to give him that chance."
Gracey pitched in the Toronto Blue Jays organization over the past seven seasons. After beginning his career as a starter, he switched to the bullpen in 2010. The Albuquerque native split 2013 among three Toronto affiliates, compiling an 8-1 record and 2.70 ERA.
Last year, the right-hander was 3-4 with a 5.50 ERA for Class AA New Hampshire where he was teamed with Hobson's son, K.C. Gracey fanned 53 batters in 52 1/3 innings in 2014 and has a 2.6 strikeout to walk ratio for his career.
Gracey, 28, also joins fellow Albuquerque native and former University of New Mexico Lobo Brian Cavazos-Galvez on the 2015 Barnstormers' roster.
"(Scott) is a sinkerballer who will keep the ball on the ground," added Hobson. "Both these guys will help to shore up the pitching staff."
"Woodall's a 91-93 sinkerballer which should play well in our ballpark," said Hobson. "We can use him in the middle and possibly to start occasionally, something he did last year."
In another move, the Barnstormers have removed outfielder Michael Crouse, who was recently injured, from the roster.
The Lancaster Barnstormers are entering their eleventh season as a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit LancasterBarnstormers.com for more information.
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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.
