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Firesale in Abilene

August 23, 2012 - North American League (NAmL)
Abilene Prairie Dogs News Release


ABILENE, TX -- With the Prairie Dogs' playoff hopes in the rearview mirror, Abilene has shipped many of its most productive members to playoff contenders across independent baseball in preparation for the stretch run. The Dogs' traded Joe Weik and Billy Petrick to Edinburg, sent Jason Martin and Eddie Browne to San Angelo, and traded Kyle Nichols to Laredo of the American Association. To fill the vacancies, Abilene activated Bryan Fogle, re-signed Angel Sierra, added infielder Todd Alls, and outfielder Braden Embry.

With the slew of transactions, Abilene loses major offensive firepower. Weik and Martin are among the league leaders in nearly every statistical category - Weik leads in R.B.I.s (61), total bases (174), and doubles (26) while Martin heads the league in hits (118) and is second in runs scored (61).

Despite his recent struggles, Nichols is in the top five in the league in home runs (11), R.B.I.s (57), doubles (21) and showed signs of breaking out when he homered, doubled twice and knocked in four runs in San Angelo on Sunday night.

Browne was a solid contributor and, to this point, a season-long member of the club. Abilene used Browne at second base, shortstop, and third base. He batted .255 over 225 plate appearances and drove in 53 runs to go with a 20 walks.

Petrick, who is currently recovering from a staph infection, has not pitched since August 10 when he turned in eight innings and allowed five runs to Fort Worth in a 5-0 loss. Petrick went 5-3 with a 4.34 ERA over 13 games started this season.

Fogle has been on the Inactive list since suffering a contusion in his right thigh after colliding with Joe Weik in the outfield on August 12.

Abilene signed Angel Sierra on August 15, traded the switch-hitter to McAllen on August 21, and reacquired him this afternoon.

Both Alls and Embry have yet to compete at the professional level.

Abilene gets set to close out its home schedule with a pair of games against the Fort Worth Cats tonight and tomorrow at Walt Driggers Field, both games start at 7:05. Friday marks fan appreciation night at the park where the Prairie Dogs will greet fans with an assortment of giveaway items at the gate. If you cannot make it to Walt Driggers Field, hear each Prairie Dogs' game live on 106.9 KLGD or on the internet at abileneprairiedogs.com beginning with the First Financial Pregame Show at 6:55.

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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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