RiverHawks Pick up Option on Durand
Published on January 3, 2011 under Northern League (NL)
Rockford RiverHawks News Release
LOVES PARK, Ill. - The Rockford RiverHawks plan to bring back one of the top strikeout pitchers in team history.
Rockford's only professional baseball team announced Monday that it has picked up the 2011 option on right-hander Brett Durand. Though Durand went to the bullpen on August and became a key setup man, he is fourth on the team's all-time strikeout list.
"He's a do-everything guy - a guy who's willing to pick up the ball and pitch no matter what the circumstances are," RiverHawks co-owner and director of baseball operations Dave Ciarrachi said.
Last season, his second with Rockford, Durand was 8-8 with a 4.94 earned-run average in 21 appearances, 16 as a starter. He struck out 106, fourth in the Northern League, and walked just 26 in 113 innings. He allowed a league-high 23 home runs.
"He throws strikes, he works quickly and he challenges hitters," Ciarrachi said. "He's a guy who has a future because he's still young enough to move on (to a major-league organization)."
Durand made five appearances from the bullpen and struck out 21 batters in 14 1/3 relief innings. He had a 1-1 record and 2.51 ERA in relief. Ciarrachi said the current plan is to return Durand to the rotation.
Durand, who turns 25 in May, is a former Florida farmhand. He has 216 strikeouts in two years with the RiverHawks.
The RiverHawks will play their 10th season in the Stateline in 2011. Advertising and ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
Northern League Stories from January 3, 2011
- RiverHawks Pick up Option on Durand - Rockford RiverHawks
- Flyers Hire New Manager - Schaumburg Flyers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
