Barnstormers Sign Big League Veteran Fossum
May 19, 2015 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release
The Lancaster Barnstormers have signed veteran Major League left-hander Casey Fossum to a contract, it has been announced today. He will replace right-hander Bryan Evans on the roster and in the rotation as Evans has been signed by the Colorado Rockies.
Fossum, 37, spent nine seasons in the Major Leagues with five different clubs.
The native of Cherry Hill, NJ went to high school in Waco, TX and signed with Texas A&M. He was drafted by Boston in the first round of the 1999 draft and made his debut at Fenway Park on July 28, 2001. The first of Fossum's 40 big league wins came nine days later with two shutout innings against the Texas Rangers. He jumped into Boston's starting rotation later that year and made 33 starts for the Red Sox over a span of two-plus seasons.
Fossum later went to Arizona in the deal that brought Curt Schilling to the Red Sox. Later, he pitched at the Major League level with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Detroit Tigers and the New York Mets.
His overall Major League record is 40-53 with a 5.45 ERA. He appeared in 237 games, of which 120 games were starts.
Fossum last pitched in the big leagues since 2009 and has not appeared in the US since 2011.
"I tried to sign Casey three or four years ago," said manager Butch Hobson. "He is a true professional who will add to our club."
Evans, 28, was scheduled to make his sixth start of the season on Tuesday evening against Sugar Land but will be headed to the Rockies' Class AA affiliate in New Britain, CT instead. The right-hander was 1-2 with a 6.04 ERA in five starts for the Barnstormers, in his first Atlantic League season. He had spent seven previous years with the Miami Marlins' minor league system, peaking at Class AAA New Orleans last year.
"It was surprising that Bryan was even available to come here in the first place," said manager Butch Hobson. "He did what he had to do, and we are happy for him that he gets to go with the Rockies."
Evans becomes the third player to sign with a Major League organization in 2015, joining P.J. Walters (Dodgers) and David Cooper (Mets).
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