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Can-Am Sussex County Miners

Demchak, Rollins Join Affiliated Teams

August 14, 2018 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Sussex County Miners News Release


Augusta, NJ - The Sussex County Miners and the Can-Am League announced two contracts have been purchased by Major League teams. First, the contract of Alex Demchak has been purchased by the Boston Red Sox. Soon after that, the contract of LHP David Rollins was purchased by the Seattle Mariners. Alex and David become the second and third Miners to have his contact purchased by a MLB club, with Jesse Beal being the other just last year.

Demchak was stellar in his role as the Miners closer this season. In 30 appearances, Alex had a 2-1 record with 10 saves and a sparkling 1.72 ERA. Demchak was not scored upon in his first 20 relief appearances this season, and overall had 35 strikeouts while walking just 10 batters. Opponents hit a total of .233 against him this season.

"(Miners Manager) Bobby (Jones) actually called me and broke the news," said Demchak about finding out about the move, which occurred after yesterday's game was rained out. "It felt surreal. Something I've dreamed of since I was a kid."

Bobby Jones, a former Major League pitcher himself, was pleased with the signing of Demchak. "I'm super happy for Alex," remarked Jones. "I know where he's come from. To be a guy that didn't get drafted and come here out of a tryout camp, to have the success he's had in the last two seasons, and to now get this opportunity is a big thing."

Then later in the afternoon, it was Rollins' turn to get called to affiliated ball as he returns to the Seattle Mariners organization in which he made the Major League roster for in 2015 and again in 2016. The Miners ace this season posted a 9-3 record and a 2.23 ERA for the Miners. Rollins departs as the league's leader in strikeouts with 105 in his 113 innings of work. David went two full months without losing a game. While with Seattle, he posted a 1-2 record in 31 appearances.

"I'm excited to get another opportunity with the Mariners," said Rollins. "I debuted with them and would like to continue my career with them for as long as possible. They are a great organization and have seen a lot in me the past few years."

David also thought back to his being drafted by Seattle. "Drafted two times by them," Rollins would add. "Hopefully this go round sticks for a while."

"David deserves it," added Jones in regards to Rollins. "He is the best pitcher in the league. He's a high-level guy, and for him to come down here and to humble himself to come to this level and to really do his job and to build a winning culture in our locker room, you can't ask for more."

For Demchak, who will report to the Red Sox short-season affiliate in Lowell, and for Rollins, who will go to the Mariners Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma, the signings represent the next accomplishment for the rapidly improving program put in place over the last three years. "This is what we've tried to get to," commented Jones. "This is what it takes in order the bring in good players. Players want to be signed, and now we can actually say we're a winning organization, we're getting guys signed, and this is a great place to play. I think it's going to be huge for the organization, and I think it's going to take us to different levels."

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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.

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