D-Backs Sign Miners Zavada
Published on June 19, 2008 under Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
MARION, Ill. - The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed Southern Illinois Miners relief pitcher Clay Zavada. Replacing Zavada's spot on the roster is newly signed first baseman Brad Miller, who the Diamondbacks released today.
Zavada originally signed with Arizona after college and pitched the 2006 season with the Missoula Osprey, a Diamondbacks' rookie league team. He took off the 2007 season for personal reasons. The lefty went 2-1 with a 1.72 ERA and four saves in 12 appearances out of the Miners bullpen this season. He will be assigned to the South Bend Silver Hawks of the Midwest League.
"We could not be happier for Clay," Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. "He has done a fantastic job for the Miners and has worked hard to earn this opportunity to join the Diamondbacks organization. I look forward to watching him climb the ladder there."
Zavada is the fourth Miner to sign with a Major League organization. He joins the list along with Tim Dorn, Eric Harryman and Brian Logan.
"We at the Frontier League are extremely pleased that the Miners have made a deal with the Diamondbacks," League Commissioner Bill Lee said. "We hope that it sets a great tone for the relationship between Major League Baseball and the Frontier League."
Miller, the newest Miner, was playing this season with the Single-A Visalia (Calif.) Oaks. In just over two years with the D-backs organization, he has hit 38 home runs and driven in 144 including 22 home runs and 91 RBI with South Bend in 2007. He will join the team on Sunday for the Miners game in Evansville.
"I am very excited to get Brad into the lineup," Pinto said. "He has shown big power numbers in his two years with the Diamondbacks. All the reports I have on him show him to be not only a great hitter but a solid defensive player as well. He is a definite middle of the order guy for us."
"I am hoping that this will lead to an ongoing player relationship with the Diamondbacks. They are a class organization."
For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Frontier League Stories from June 19, 2008
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- D-Backs Sign Miners Zavada - Southern Illinois Miners
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