Grizzlies Sign Three at Frontier League Draft
May 2, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Gateway Grizzlies News Release
Gateway Grizzlies manager Phil Warren and his coaching staff signed three players at the Frontier League draft, which was held Monday and Tuesday in Washington, PA. Overall, 45 players were selected by Frontier League teams.
Picking fifth overall, the Grizzlies selected right-handed pitcher Jonathan Gonzalez. He comes to Gateway from Adelphi University, where he wrapped up his college career in 2011. Gonzalez went 7-0 with a 1.91 ERA during his senior season. Among his 12 starts, four were complete games and two were shutouts. Gonzalez struck out 99 batters and walked only 19 in 84 2/3 innings.
"Gonzalez had a lot of success in college and we hope that translates well to our league," Warren said. "He will compete for a spot on our staff in spring training."
Gateway used the 19th overall pick (2nd round) on second baseman Blair Springfield. Springfield was drafted in the 7th round of the 2009 MLB draft by the Chicago Cubs and spent 2009-2011 in the Cubs organization. Springfield spent the three seasons at rookie ball and Low-A Boise. He hit a combined .211 with four homers and 32 RBI in 99 career games.
Springfield batted .206 with two homers and 14 RBI in 32 games with Boise in 2011.
"Blair adds even more depth to our middle infield," Warren remarked. "He also has the versatility to play the corner outfield spots, which is a plus."
The Grizzlies had the third pick in the third round and finished off their draft day by picking local product, catcher Justin Dunning. A native of nearby Trenton, IL, Dunning went to High School at Wesclin and played college baseball at Quincy University.
"Justin is our third catcher heading into spring training and will have the chance to compete for one of two spots," Warren said. "He's a local guy from Trenton who a lot of people from this area know.
Dunning was a four-year starter at Quincy. He batted .272 for his career with the Hawks, collecting 16 home runs and 99 RBI. Dunning was also considered one of the top defensive catchers in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
His best season came as a junior when he hit .306 with ten homers and 31 RBI.
The Grizzlies open their season on May 18th against the reigning Frontier League Champion, Joliet Slammers. Single game, season and group tickets are on sale now. For more information call 618.337.3000.
Frontier League Stories from May 2, 2012
- Grizzlies Radio Network Airing All 96 Regular Season Games - Gateway Grizzlies
- Slammers Select Two Players at Frontier League Draft - Joliet Slammers
- River City Drafts Five - River City Rascals
- Wash Pa Looza Set at CONSOL Energy Park - Washington Wild Things
- Rippers Select Five in Frontier League Draft - London Rippers
- London Rippers Announce Coaching Staff - London Rippers
- Grizzlies Sign Three at Frontier League Draft - Gateway Grizzlies
- Busy Roster Day for the Schaumburg Boomers - Schaumburg Boomers
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