Colts Sign Pair of Pitchers
June 14, 2012 - North American League (NAmL)
San Angelo Colts News Release
San Angelo, Texas --- The San Angelo Colts announced Thursday they have signed pitchers Mike Hart and Jose Sanchez. In addition to the signings, the Colts have also released pitchers Stephen Nikonchik and Reece Cross, as well as infielder K.C. Judge.
Hart joins the Colts after beginning this season with the Grand Prairie AirHogs of the independent American Association. He made three relief appearances in Grand Prairie, and finished one game.
The 25-year-old righthander was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2008. Hart spent four years in the A's organization, reaching as high as the Class A-Advanced Stockton Ports of the California League in 2010.
Now in his fifth professional season, Hart has a 7-11 career record with a 3.02 earned-run average and 10 saves in 96 games and six starts.
Sanchez was the first overall pick in the league draft during the offseason. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Kansas City Royals in 2010. The lefty spent two years in the Royals organization, posting a 3-5 overall record with a 6.55 earned-run average in 34 relief appearances.
Manager Doc Edwards is planning to use Sanchez in the starting rotation as early as Friday evening when the Colts play the Edinburg Roadrunners. The 23-year-old is now in his third pro season.
In order to make room on the active roster for Hart and Sanchez, the Colts cut ties with Nikonchik, Cross and Judge.
Nikonchik went 0-1 with an 11.12 earned-run average in four games and a start, and Cross posted a 6.23 earned-run average in three relief appearances. Judge batted .214 in six games between San Angelo and the Abilene Prairie Dogs.
The Colts begin a four-game series against Edinburg tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Foster Field. It is a $1 Beer Night, sponsored by Miller Lite. Gates open at 6:05 p.m.
The Colts are a member of United League Baseball who are in their 13th season. Tickets are on sale now, and available at the Colts' front office at Foster Field.
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