FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Miracle Lose Three Key Players to Promotions; Receive Sawatski From New Britain

Published on June 22, 2006 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


FORT MYERS, FL (June 22, 2006) - The Fort Myers Miracle roster stayed mainly in tact during their attempt at a first half division title. After their 2-1 loss to the Lakeland Tigers on the final day of the first half, which allowed the Dunedin Blue Jays to win the division, the Miracle got the news that All-Star pitcher Kevin Slowey, infielder Matt Tolbert and outfielder Garrett Guzman were all promoted to Double-A New Britain while the Miracle receive pitcher Jay Sawatski from New Britain.

The final image Miracle fans will have of the 22-year-old Slowey is walking off the Hammond Stadium mound on Wednesday night after another incredible performance. He finished his Miracle tenure going 4-2, 1.01 in 14 games. In 89.1 innings pitched he allowed just 19 runs (10 earned) on nine walks while striking out 99. Opponents hit just .164 against him. He did not allow an earned run over his final 28.2 innings pitched. He was the Florida State and Minor League leader in ERA, was first in the FSL in innings pitched and second in strikeouts. His only two losses came to the Tigers and in those starts he allowed three runs (one earned). Slowey was a 2nd round pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2005 out of Winthrop.

The 24-year-old Tolbert began the season with the New Britain Rock Cats before being transferred to the Miracle on May 5. While with the Miracle he hit .303-4-24 in 40 games. In 155 at bats he slugged six doubles, three triples and scored 20 runs. He had an on base percentage of .360 and slugged .458. He was a 16th round selection by the Twins in 2004 out of the University of Mississippi.

The 23-year-old Guzman missed all of last season after getting into a car accident right before spring training where he broke the C-5 vertebrate in his neck. He didn't miss a beat after the year off hitting .274-8-51 n 65 games. In 259 at bats he had nine doubles, one triple and scored 35 runs. He had an on base percentage of .310 and slugged .409. He finished fourth in the FSL in RBI. He was a 10th round draft pick by the Twins in 2001 out of Green Valley High School in Henderson, NV.

The 24-year-old left-handed Sawatski joins the Miracle from New Britain where he was 1-0, 4.28 in 23 games. In 33.2 innings pitched he walked 14 and struck out 30 while the opposition hit .240 against him. Sawatski played for the Miracle in 2005 and was 3-3, 3.94 and 13 saves in 43 games. In 61.2 innings he walked 21 and struck out 50 while the opposition hit .287 against him. Sawatski was an eighth round selection by the Twins in 2004 out of the University of Arkansas.

The Miracle roster now sits at 23, two shy of the league maximum of 25, 12 pitchers and 11 position players.

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Florida State League Stories from June 22, 2006


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