Catcher Andy Larned Highlights Cutters\' Latest Acquisitions

Published on April 2, 2005 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Haven County Cutters News Release


With only six weeks remaining before training camp, the pace has quickened for the New Haven County Cutters to round out the roster Manager Mike Church will send out against Can-Am League competition.

The Cutters have made four recent additions highlighted by trading for onetime Boston Red Sox minor leaguer Andy Larned, who has built a reputation as a solid defensive catcher with a strong arm. Two pitchers and an outfielder also have been added to the New Haven County roster for the team's second season at Yale Field.

Larned, who played his college baseball at Fairfield University, and reliever Brad Foss were acquired in a two-for-one trade with Winnipeg of the Northern League. The Cutters sent outfielder Odannys Ayala to the Goldeyes. New Haven County also signed 2004 New York Yankees draftee Sean Kramer, a 6-foot-6 lefthander, and outfielder Jack Lipari, who last played for the Can-Am League rival New Jersey Jackals in 2002.

"Larned has become an outstanding catcher," praised Church. "He is very knowledgeable, has a good arm and we expect him to do a great job of handling our pitching staff."

The 29-year-old Larned was Boston's 23rd round draft choice in 1998, and he played in the Red Sox organization for four seasons. He caught for perennial Northern League power Winnipeg last summer, hitting .240 with four home runs and 23 runs batted in in 52 games. Larned boasted a fielding percentage of .983, committing only seven errors in 424 total chances.

The Cutters added some depth to their pitching staff with the acquisitions of Foss and Kramer.

Foss, 28, was outstanding at Quebec two years ago, posting a 2.91 earned run average and a 3-3 record for Les Capitales. He allowed 49 hits in 52.2 innings, all in relief. The 6-foot-2 righthander pitched in 29 games last season for Sioux Falls, SD of the Northern League, compiling a 1-7 record and an ERA of 4.92. His career ERA is 3.88 for 89 games.

Kramer, the workhorse of the Iona College staff last spring (6-8, 3.45 for a team which was 21-31), was the Yankees' 26th round draft choice last June. He went 1-3 with a 4.54 ERA for Tommy John's Staten Island Yankees. He was limited to 38 innings because of working 107 innings for Iona, a heavy load for someone who won't turn 22 until this July.

Lipari, a left-handed hitter, was known to both Church and Cutters hitting coach Andy Walker because of his play at New Jersey. They believe he is considerably better than the.215 average (one home run and 23 RBI) he put up during the 2002 campaign. The 25-year-old Lipari improved every month, going from .161 in June to .221 in July and .257 in August. He has not played the last two years.

The Cutters start their season at Quebec May 26-29 before returning for the Yale Field opener on Memorial Day (May 30) at 6:05 p.m. Full and partial ticket plans are available at the Cutters' Yale Field offices or by calling 203 777-5636. Information also may be obtained at the newly redesigned website, _www.CuttersBaseball.com_ (http://www.CuttersBaseball.com) .

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



Canadian American League Stories from April 2, 2005


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