Fort Worth Cats Make Three Roster Moves
July 8, 2012 - North American League (NAmL)
Fort Worth Cats News Release
FORT WORTH, TX - In order to improve a Cats roster that is fighting for first place in the United League, the Fort Worth Cats' coaching staff announced three new roster moves on Sunday afternoon.
First baseman Luis Blanco has been released after batting .154 in his four games played for Fort Worth. Blanco struck out in eight of his thirteen at bats.
Replacing Blanco in the lineup is first baseman/outfielder Kenny Gilbert. Gilbert was drafted in the ninth round by the Chicago White Sox in 2007. He played in affiliated baseball until 2009, and then after being released, played two years of independent baseball in the Frontier and United Baseball League. Gilbert batted .288 with 130 RBIs in five seasons, including a break out year in independent baseball with Laredo in 2010 when he batted .363 with four home runs in 55 games.
Right-handed pitcher Tim Haines has been placed on the 7-day inactive list with a forearm and elbow injury. Haines last pitched on July 3 against Rio Grande Valley and was taken out after just one and one-thirds of an inning due to pain in his right arm.
Casey Russell has been added to the roster while Tim Haines is inactive. Russell is the son of former major leaguer and current Cats bullpen coach, Jeff Russell. Casey Russell pitched collegiately for St. Edwards, and in his senior year posted a 3.18 ERA in ten appearances with five strikeouts and one save.
In an attempt to add to an already superb bullpen, the Fort Worth Cats have added Cameron Dulling. Dulling was a third team All-American closer for Texas A&M-Kingsville after being credited for a school record 10 saves in 15 appearances. Dulling posted a 0.00 ERA in 20.1 innings of work with 23 strikeouts to just 10 walks and only gave up one extra base hit all season.
Also announced Sunday morning was the suspension of reliever TJ Bozeman. Bozeman punched Abilene Prairie Dogs' first baseman Joe Weik during a bench clearing scuffle in the third inning of Saturday night's game. United League President Byron Pierce ruled an automatic seven-game suspension effective immediately.
The Fort Worth Cats host the Abilene Prairie Dogs Sunday night at 6:05. Tickets are available online at FWCats.com or by phone at (817) 332-CATS.
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