Explorers strike deal with Schaumburg
Published on March 17, 2007 under American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release
SIOUX CITY, IA - The Sioux City Explorers announced today that they have acquired OF Pete Pirman and RHP Brian Hewitt in a deal with the Schaumburg Flyers of the Northern League. In exchange, the X's have sent LHP Billy Keppinger to the Flyers. Since the trade became final, both Pirman and Hewitt have signed American Association contracts with the X's and will be in Sioux City when the team opens spring training on the 28th of April.
"Keppinger had a couple good years for Sioux City, but he felt it was in his best interest to move on," comments manager Ed Nottle. "We thank Billy for his efforts in Sioux City and wish him the best in Schaumburg."
Pirman, 27, joins the X's after playing the past five seasons in the Frontier League with Evansville, Richmond, and Kalamazoo. He has a career .300 batting average with 47 home runs and 247 RBI's coming over the 5-year stretch (35 HR and 146 RBI in 2005 and 2006). His best season came in 2005 when he ranked in the top ten in most Frontier League offensive categories (1st Total Bases (238),1st Runs Batted In (100), 1st Extra Base Hits (47), 1st At-Bats (409), 2nd Stolen Bases (35), 2nd Runs Scored (82), 2nd Hits (142), 4thHome Runs (23), 6th Batting Average (.347). For his efforts, Pete was named to the Baseball America All-Independent First Team as an outfielder. With the X's, Pirman will play either Center or Right Field.
Hewitt, 25, has spent most of the past two seasons with the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks of the Northern League. In 2006, Brian was called upon primarily in a set-up role and was very successful. In 46 appearances, he posted a 1-1 record with a save in 65 innings of work. His 46 games pitched ranked him fourth among Northern League pitchers. Most recently, Brian played winter ball in the Liga de Veracruzana de Profesional Beisbol league with the San Andres Tuxtla Los Brujos. His winter league numbers were impressive to say the least. In 21 appearances, Brian posted a 3-1 record with 6 saves and held opposing hitters to a .097 batting average. With the Explorers, Hewitt will enter the season as the favorite to win the closers job.
"Obviously we have given up a great pitcher, but I love the two players we landed in this deal," comments Nottle. "Pirman is a huge addition to our lineup and I fully expect Hewitt to jump into the stopper role. On top of these guys being great players, both are quality individuals that and will fit well with the other players we have coming."
American Association Stories from March 17, 2007
- Explorers strike deal with Schaumburg - Sioux City Explorers
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