Revs' All-Time Wins Leader Headlines Latest Batch of Signings
Published on March 23, 2009 under Atlantic League (AtL)
York Revolution News Release
(York, PA): The York Revolution have signed four more players, including three pitchers for the 2009 season, it was announced today by director of baseball operations Adam Gladstone. York's all-time wins leader Wayne Franklin will suit up for a third season with the Revolution, while right-hander Dan Foli returns for another year. The team has also nabbed starter Mike Smith, and outfielder Ryan Goleski.
Franklin's 20 wins are the most all-time in Revs history, and his 12 victories last season established the club's greatest single-season mark. The left-hander worked as both a starter and reliever last year, posting a 5.73 ERA, but a 4.33 ERA over his final 11 appearances, winning each of his final five decisions. A seven-year major league veteran with the Astros, Brewers, Giants, Yankees, and Braves, Franklin has his name all over the Revs' record book, having started the first game in club history in 2007, and earning the first win.
"The great thing about Wayne is his ability to do a lot of different things for us," said Gladstone. "He has also taken to this community, and the community has taken to him. We're lucky to have him back."
After joining the team in late May, Foli began last season as one of Chris Hoiles' most reliable options out of the bullpen, and became a critical member of the starting rotation late in the season. The right-hander went 7-7 with a 4.98 ERA in 40 appearances, including nine starting assignments. It was the first time he served as a regular starter since 2003, and the Revolution won six of his nine starts.
Smith is projected as a member of the starting rotation, bringing 15 games of major league experience to the club. The right-hander made six starts for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002 where he was a teammate of fellow Revs pitcher Corey Thurman, and made one appearance for the Minnesota Twins in 2006. The 31-year-old is 62-60 in nine minor-league seasons with a 4.03 ERA.
Goleski provides the Revolution with right-handed power, having clubbed 102 career homers in six seasons, spent entirely in the Cleveland Indians organization. He has spent the majority of the last three seasons at Double-A Akron, and is a career .267 hitter. A former sixth-round pick of the Tribe in 2003, the 27-year-old broke manager Chris Hoiles' college homerun record, crushing 51 bombs in his career at Eastern Michigan University.
"Foli threw the ball really well for us last year, and like Wayne, gives us options," said Gladstone. "Smith has a proven track record. He's an innings-eater and is looking forward to this opportunity. With Goleski, we're getting a true presence in the lineup. We're excited to help all of these guys get back to organizations."
All tickets for the 2009 season are on sale now. Opening Day is May 1 against the Lancaster Barnstormers.
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