Grizzlies Brings in Four New Pitchers for 2013
Published on April 4, 2013 under Frontier League (FL)
Gateway Grizzlies News Release
The Gateway Grizzlies and manager Phil Warren have acquired pitchers Mike Jefferson, Andrew Wall, Ryan Hartman and Jimmy Howick leading up to the 2013 season.
The Grizzlies regular season begins on May 17th when they take on the Lake Erie Crushers in Avon, OH.
Jefferson, 23, comes to Gateway after two seasons in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He was drafted in the 22nd round of the 2010 MLB draft out of Louisiana Tech University. The 6-5 left-hander from Batavia, OH, went 7-7 in 30 appearances (13 starts) at Single-A West Virginia in 2012. He struck out 86 batters in 108 innings.
"Mike threw a lot of innings and performed at a high level last year," Warren commented. "He will come in and battle for a rotation spot with us."
Wall, 23, comes to Gateway after a stint in the Washington Nationals organization at Low-A Auburn in 2012. The 6-3 left-hander from Newfield, N.Y., went 1-0 with a 5.59 ERA in nine appearances that covered nine and two thirds innings (11 strikeouts).
"Andrew is another left-hander that we have brought in to help solidify our pitching staff," Warren said. "Our plan is to have him in the bullpen."
Hartman comes to Gateway with a unique background. The 20-year-old from Mt. Zion, IL has been in professional baseball since 2010 after getting drafted in the 16th round by the Chicago Cubs out of High School. Hartman, a 6-3 right-hander, went 4-2 over the course of three seasons, which included a stint at Single-A Peoria in 2011.
"Ryan is young, but he has experience in pro ball and a lot of upside," Warren pointed out. "He was drafted when he was 17, which means he had to grow up quickly. We're confident he will settle in here at Gateway and help out our club."
Howick, 22, spent 2012 in the Houston Astros organization at Rookie Ball and Single-A Lexington. He was drafted in the 21st round of the 2011 MLB draft out of Jacksonville University. Howick, a right-hander who was an infielder in college and the Astros organization, will transition to pitcher.
"Pitching isn't completely new to Jimmy and we think the transition will be a smooth one. I'm excited to see how he performs on the mound."
The Grizzlies 2013 home opener is on May 21st when the Grizzlies take on the Joliet Slammers at GCS Ballpark. Season, Group and Single Game tickets are on sale now. For more information call 618.337.3000.
Frontier League Stories from April 4, 2013
- Grizzlies Brings in Four New Pitchers for 2013 - Gateway Grizzlies
- Miners Sign Padres Minor Leaguer and Pitcher - Southern Illinois Miners
- Schaumburg Boomers Free Coaches Clinic Set for Saturday, April 27 - Schaumburg Boomers
- Otters Add Two Experienced, Affiliated Players - Evansville Otters
- Open Tryouts for the Slammers Set for Sunday, April 21 - Joliet Slammers
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