RailCats Sign Pair of Righties
Published on February 7, 2012 under American Association (AA)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release
GARY, Ind. - The RailCats added a pair of right-handed arms to their pitching staff with the signings of Nolan Nicholson and Chris Allen on Tuesday. Nicholson is returning for his third season with the RailCats while Allen was acquired in November to complete a trade with the Lake Erie Crushers in the Frontier League.
Nicholson, 24, joined the RailCats in late June of 2010 after spending most of spring training with the club. The Fullerton, Calif., native started 16 games in his first season with Gary and was 5-6 with a 4.87 ERA. He was 4-8 with a 7.37 ERA in 25 games, 16 starts in 2011.
"Nolan has been a big part of this club the last two seasons, filling multiple roles, we're hoping he can take that next step and establish himself on the staff even more prominently," RailCats Manager Greg Tagert said.
Prior to joining the RailCats, Nicholson pitched briefly for two teams in the Contintental Basball League and Quebec in the Can-Am Association. He pitched collegiately at Division III University of Redlands where he was a three-time All-Conference performer.
Allen was received on November 9 as the player to be named later in exchange for left-handed pitcher Andrew Weeks, who was dealt to Lake Erie last April. Allen had an outstanding season with the Crushers in 2011, with a 4-2 record and 1.42 ERA in 30 relief appearances. He struck out 37 and walked 11 in 44 1/3 innings. He also made two starts for Worcester in the Can-Am Association.
Allen, 27, began his pro career in 2008 with Southern Illinois in the Frontier League, where he was 6-2 with a 3.39 ERA in 13 games, 11 starts. In 2009 he was 5-8 with a 3.71 ERA for Quebec in the Can-Am League. He split 2010 between Southern Illinois and New Jersey in the Can-Am League and combined for a 3-4 record and 4.57 ERA.
"Chris's former managers speak very highly of him; he's a great fit for our club and his success as a reliever provides us with another nice option out of the bullpen," Tagert said.
The DuBoistown, Penn. native was drafted in the 45th Round in 2003 by the Marlins as a catcher. He pitched collegiately at Clemson and Florida International, where he was 4-4 with a 4.87 ERA as a senior in 2008.
Gary has signed 13 players for the 2012 season. A maximum of 28 players may be under contract during the pre-season and the active roster may hold up to 22 players once the regular season begins.
The RailCats will open the 2012 season on May 17, with the Home Opener on Friday, May 25 at 7:10 p.m. against the Wichita Wingnuts at U.S. Steel Yard.
American Association Stories from February 7, 2012
- AirHogs Finalize 2012 Schedule - Grand Prairie AirHogs
- T-Bones Announce 2012 Promotions Schedule - Kansas City Monarchs
- RailCats Sign Pair of Righties - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Saints Agree to Terms with Third Baseman Bourquin, Re-Sign Hurler Coe - St. Paul Saints
- X's Continue to Build Pitching Staff - Sioux City Explorers
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