FL Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers Pitching Staff Grows

February 20, 2009 - Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


Avon, OH - The Lake Erie Crushers added three players to their pitching staff this week with the acquisition of Andy Polk (RHP), Ryan Flanigan (RHP), and Nick Tisone (RHP). All three players have a proven track record in the Frontier League and are expected to be strong additions to the roster for the 2009 season.

Andy Polk joins the Crushers after an All-Star season with the Chillicothe Paints of Frontier League. In 2008, he led the Paints in wins (8), strikeouts (89) and complete games (3). He pitched his rookie season for the Charlotte County Redfish, recording two wins and an ERA of 2.19 in 37 innings pitched.

"Polk was the ace of the staff in Chillicothe last season," said Crushers Field Manager John Massarelli. "He has a bulldog mentality and gives his team a chance to win every time he takes the mound."

Ryan Flanigan played three seasons for the Chillicothe Paints (2006-08). In 2007, his ERA of 1.28 led the Frontier League and earned him a place on the All-Star team. That year, he recorded four saves, 56 strikeouts and allowed only nine walks in 77.1 innings of work. Massarelli plans to use him primarily out of the bullpen this summer.

"The ERA champ in 2007, he struggled with arm injuries last season," said Massarelli. "We hope to get him back to his old form."

Nick Tisone played two seasons in the Atlanta Braves farm system before being picked up by the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League in 2007. While in the Braves Minor League system, he recorded a 6-5 record with a 3.81 ERA. In 2007, he led the Miners in wins (8), strikeouts (79), innings-pitched (127.1) and starts (19). He also recorded two complete games.

"Nick has put up solid numbers throughout his pro career," said Massarelli. "We expect him to be in our starting rotation, though he also has the tools to fill in as a reliever or closer as needed."

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Frontier League Stories from February 20, 2009


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