Barnstormers Cut Three-Way Deal with York, Grand Prairie
February 13, 2012 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release
The Lancaster Barnstormers obtained left-handed submariner Ronnie Morales from the York Revolution as the player to be named later in the deal that sent southpaw Kris Regas to the Revs last September.
Morales did not stay a Barnstormer for long. He was subsequently dealt to the Grand Prairie Air Hogs of the American Association for slugging first baseman Cesar Nicolas.
Nicolas, 29, was Arizona's fifth round draft choice out of Vanderbilt University in 2004. He batted .302 with 21 home runs for Class A South Bend in his first full season in 2005 before eventually reaching Class AA with the Diamondbacks. The Queens, New York native arrived in Grand Prairie in 2009, drove in 103 runs in 96 games for the Air Hogs, then added four homers and nine RBI in 10 games for Southern Maryland down the stretch.
He was signed by the Detroit Tigers following the 2009 season and hit a solid .279 with Class AA Erie in 70 games during the 2010 season. He spent a short time with the Tigers' Class AAA affiliate in Toledo last season before returning to Grand Prairie and batting .353 in 84 games.
"Nicolas is a very, very good hitter; he stays inside the ball really well," said manager Butch Hobson. "Plus, he's a good, solid first baseman."
Morales, 27, set the Atlantic League single season record for appearances with 70 last year, posting a 2-2 record with a 3.81 ERA. He allowed 59 hits in as many innings, but also struck out 56 while walking only 25 while being used primarily as a lefty specialist out of the York bullpen.
The former Wichita State Shocker previously pitched in the American Association with Wichita in 2009.
Nicolas becomes the fifth player on the Lancaster roster for the 2012 season.
The Lancaster Barnstormers are entering their eighth 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.
Atlantic League Stories from February 13, 2012
- Somerset Patriots Welcome Back All-Star Third Baseman Jeff Nettles - Somerset Patriots
- Revs Sign Pair of Southpaws - York Revolution
- Barnstormers Cut Three-Way Deal with York, Grand Prairie - Lancaster Stormers
- Crabs Ink Two More to 2012 Roster - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
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