AtL Lancaster Stormers

Barnstormers Sign Two Lefty Relievers

Published on April 1, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release


LANCASTER, Pa.-The Lancaster Barnstormers added left-handed depth to their bullpen today with the signings of relievers Ryan Cullen and Patrick Cassa.

Cullen, 27, signed initially with the Texas Rangers in 1999 and was later sent to the Oakland A's as part of a package that brought infielder Randy Velarde to Texas. The southpaw has spent the last three seasons in the New York Mets system, including two stints at the Triple-A level. A product of Sayre High School in northeastern Pennsylvania, Cullen went 2-4 with a 3.06 ERA in 40 appearances for New Orleans of the triple-A Pacific Coast League.

"He (Cullen) was in the Oakland organization my first year," Barnstormers manager Von Hayes said. "He has good numbers throughout the minor leagues, including the last two years at double- and triple-A. He can pitch anywhere from the first to the ninth inning, a really versatile reliever. Ryan is a good kid, and he'll fit in well."

The southpaw has an excellent career strikeout/walk ratio, having walked only 151 while striking out 444 in 531.1 innings. He has an overall ERA of 3.76 in eight professional seasons.

Lancaster also inked lefty reliever Patrick Cassa, a 2007 graduate of the University of California-Riverside. The 22-year old from Cypress, Calif., was a four-year performer at the Division I level of college baseball, spending three years with the Highlanders and one season with the Arizona State Sun Devils. He also posted a 2.87 ERA pitching against wooden bats in the Northwoods Summer League in 1996.

"He has four years of major college, and that's why we took a chance on him," said Barnstormers vice president of baseball operations Keith Lupton. "He's a mature guy, and Pac-10 baseball is certainly comparable to rookie ball. In fact, some of the elite teams are much better. We're anxious to see how well he does in spring training."

The 2008 Barnstormers now have 20 players under contract. The club will head to Lakeland, Fla., for spring training on April 14 and will return to open the 2008 season at home against the Bridgeport Bluefish on Friday, April 25.

Tickets to Opening Night will go on sale during the Barnstormers annual FanFest on Saturday, April 5. Single-game tickets to all other regular season games are available online only at www.LancasterBarnstormers.com.

Check out the Lancaster Stormers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Atlantic League Stories from April 1, 2008


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.

OurSports Central