Bullpen Ace Back with Wingnuts
Published on March 15, 2013 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts re-signed closer Josh Dew on Friday.
Dew heads into his third season as a member of the Wingnuts, and is the franchise's all-time leader in saves with 29. Last season, Dew posted a 2.70 ERA in 16.2 innings and notched the record-breaking save with a scoreless ninth on May 18th versus Lincoln. In 2011, the right-hander tied the club's single-season mark with 20 saves, and finished the year with a 1.12 ERA in 40.0 innings. Over his two seasons in Wichita, Dew has combined for 82 strikeouts in 56.2 innings, while allowing just 39 hits and one home run. Dew has helped his team reach the postseason each of the last three years.
"I can't describe the feeling a manager has when you have a guy like Josh Dew down in the bullpen to close things out for your team," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He is arguably the best closer in the league, and we are very fortunate to have him returning for the 2013 season. He has that bulldog mentality and always wants the ball at the end of the game in a save situation."
Dew enters his sixth season of professional baseball with 53 saves and a lifetime 2.88 ERA in 234.1 innings over 200 relief appearances. The 28-year-old Dew has allowed just 197 hits and eight home runs in his career, while averaging 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings. Dew was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 14th round out of Troy University in 2007. The Montgomery, AL native was a two-way star while at Troy and earned All-American honors as a senior. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Dew pitched to a 2.69 ERA and hit .321 with 98 RBI in 110 games during his final two collegiate seasons.
Dew gives the Wingnuts 16 players officially under contract for the 2013 season. American Association teams may carry up to 28 players during spring training, which begins May 4th.
2013 Wingnuts Signings
OF David Amberson
IF Blake Bergeron
C Kieran Bradford
RHP Mike Burns
LHP Anthony Capra
RHP Josh Dew
2B Jake Kahaulelio
SS Ryan Khoury
IF/OF Jared McDonald
3B Abel Nieves
LHP Daniel Schmidt
RHP Bryce Shafer
RHP Chris Smith
RHP Kyle Wahl
C Stephen Yoo
1B C.J. Ziegler
The 2013 season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins Thursday, May 16th against the Kansas City T-Bones at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Prior to the game, a ceremony honoring the life of bench coach Brian Rose will take place. For season tickets, group outings, or party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
American Association Stories from March 15, 2013
- BIGS Sunflower Seeds to be "Official" Seeds for the T-Bones - Kansas City Monarchs
- Bullpen Ace Back with Wingnuts - Wichita Wingnuts
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.
