Miners Add Depth With Two Rookies
Published on April 6, 2009 under Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners have signed two rookies, Blaine Rutledge out of Central Missouri State University and infielder Tyler Kmetko who played last season with the Corpus Christi Beach Bums of the Continental League.
Rutledge, 22, was a Division II All-American outfielder and hit .395 last season with a .460 on-base percentage. He also had 16 doubles, seven home runs and stole 22 bases in 25 attempts. He was a college teammate of new Miners infielder Gered Mochizuki.
"Blaine hits from the left side and also has speed to impact a game," Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. "Although we have some experienced guys in our outfield right now, we expect him to compete for some playing time and a key role with us this season."
Kmetko, 24, played last season for the Corpus Christi Beach Bums of the Continental League where he hit .300. A former 37th round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Kmetko played his college baseball for four seasons at the University of Utah.
"Tyler brings a lot of versatility in that he plays shortstop, second base and third base," Pinto said. "He will compete for a utility role with us this spring. Bart Zeller and Ralph Santana worked with Tyler out in Arizona and helped him prepare for what we are looking for with the Miners."
The Miners will begin the 2009 season in Evansville on Friday, May 22. The home opener is scheduled for Friday, May 29 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Frontier League Stories from April 6, 2009
- Rascals Announce 2009 Promotional Schedule - River City Rascals
- Beach Bums Sign Game-Changer In Lapin - Traverse City Beach Bums
- Mondays Are Dollar Days At Florence Freedom - Florence Y'alls
- RiverHawks sign three - Rockford RiverHawks
- Miners Add Depth With Two Rookies - Southern Illinois Miners
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