Canaries add four to pitching staff
Published on March 30, 2007 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
SIOUX FALLS, SD (March 30, 2007) - The Canaries bolstered their pitching staff today, with the signing of four pitchers. The Birds signed right-handed pitchers Trey Keopple (pronounced co-pull) and Lenny Bays, along with southpaws Micha Posey and Sean Donlin.
Trey Keopple was acquired from the Yuma Scorpions of the Golden League on March 23. In 2006, Keopple played for the United League's San Angelo Colts, where he was managed by former Canaries Manager Doc Edwards. Keopple was 4-1 with a 4.11 ERA in 11 appearances. He started in the Colts bullpen before earning a role as a starting pitcher a month into his tenure with the team. As a starter, Keopple was 3-1 with a 2.14 ERA, 42 strikeouts, and only 17 walks. In two of his seven starts, Keopple reached double digits in the strikeout column, including striking out 10 in seven shutout-innings against the Laredo Broncos on August 13.
The trade for Keopple completed a March 20 deal that sent catcher George Branch to the Scorpions. The Birds had Branch only briefly, acquiring him from the Quebec Capitales of the Can-Am League on March 16 in exchange for second baseman Ralph Santana. Santana hit .276 and stole a club record 40 bases for the Canaries last season.
The Canaries signed Micha Posey off the free agent market. A 15th round draft pick of the Angels in 2001, Posey sat out the 2002 season injured but returned in 2003 to pitch for the Angels rookie league team, the Low Single-A Cedar Rapids Kernals, and the High Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes over the last four seasons. Posey was 4-10 with a 5.65 ERA for the Quakes in 2006.
Lenny Bays and Sean Donlin return to the Canaries after having up and down years with the Birds in 2006. Bays finished the season 2-4 with three saves and a 4.50 ERA. In July, Bays was briefly named the team's closer and picked up three saves in four opportunities. Donlin was 0-7 with a 5.93 ERA in 2006. Donlin struggled in eight starts, but his 19 relief appearances proved more fruitful for the Canaries. In relief Donlin was 0-1 with a 3.67 ERA.
The Sioux Falls Canaries will begin the 2007 season on Thursday, May 10, when the team hosts the Sioux City Explorers for their Season Premier, presented by First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard. Opening night will feature a magnet schedule giveaway and a post-game fireworks display.
American Association Stories from March 30, 2007
- Saltdogs to host local tryout camp April 14 - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Cats sign Maitland - Fort Worth Cats
- Saints Strike New TV and Radio Deals for 2007 - St. Paul Saints
- Canaries add four to pitching staff - Sioux Falls Canaries
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