Miners Sign Lefty Lapinski
Published on February 6, 2009 under Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners have signed former Houston Astros prospect Cory Lapinski. The left-handed reliever was the 11th round pick of the Astros in 2005.
In two seasons with the Astros New York-Penn League affiliate, the Tri-City ValleyCats, he went 3-2 with a 4.22 ERA in 36 relief appearances. He is returning to baseball after successfully rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. His last season with the Astros was 2006 when he posted a 2.41 ERA and recorded two saves in 37.1 innings.
Lapinski signed with the Miners after he was seen by Manager Mike Pinto and Coach Ron Biga at a showcase put on by Pinto for professional pitchers in the Chicago area. Nine major league teams were also in attendance.
"We really liked Cory as did a number of scouts," Pinto said. "He threw the ball exceptionally well at the showcase and showed he is healthy and ready to go. Cory has a firm upper 80s to low 90s fastball while showing a plus major league curveball and command of both pitches. He will be a nice addition to our bullpen this year. This will be a chance for him to showcase his talent to get him back to an organization."
Lapinski played his college baseball at Illinois Wesleyan University where he converted from an outfielder to a pitcher during his junior year. In that season he went 8-1 with a 1.91 ERA, striking out 117 and walking only 39 in 66.0 innings pitched. He was named the Central Region Pitcher of the Year by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association prior to the draft. A native of Niles, Ill., he will turn 25 in March.
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 February 6, 2009
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