Saltdogs Sign Four More for 2009
Published on April 7, 2009 under American Association (AA)
Lincoln Saltdogs News Release
LINCOLN, NE - The Lincoln Saltdogs continued building their roster Tuesday, re-signing three members of the 2008 squad while adding a new arm in the bullpen. Outfielder Deacon Burns and three left-handed pitchers in Jonathan Figueroa, Adam Daniels and Nolan Chestnut all signed contracts for the 2009 season.
Burns joined the Saltdogs via a trade on August 4 and was installed in center field the rest of the year. Through just 20 games in Lincoln, the 5-foot-8 speedster found a home with the Saltdogs. After a slow start, Burns recorded at least one hit in seven of his last eight games, including four multi-hit games. The hitting barrage raised his batting average 80 points over the eight-game span.
Figueroa, another 2008 late-season acquisition, re-signs with the Saltdogs after starting just once at the end of last season. The 6-foot-5 lefty took the first half of 2008 off, but signed with Long Beach in the Golden League in early July. A little over a month later, the Venezuelan-born pitcher found his way to Lincoln for one start and two relief appearances. This season will be his eighth in professional baseball, after first signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization in 2002.
Daniels jumped around more than most last season, playing for four different ball clubs before ending up in Lincoln. He started 2008 at Class AA Springfield in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, but opted to sign with Minatitlan in the Mexican League later in the year. After just four starts south of the border, Daniels returned to the states to pitch for the Cardinals again, but this time at Class A Palm Beach. The Cardinals released Daniels on August 7, and he signed with the Saltdogs the next day. Through 10 outings in Lincoln, Daniels compiled a 2-1 record, allowing just two hits in six innings of work. Daniels figures to be the main lefty in the Saltdogs bullpen in 2009.
Chestnut comes to Lincoln as a rookie looking for his first regular action as a professional. In 2007, the Detroit Tigers signed the 6-foot-3 lefty as a non-drafted free agent after collegiate stops at Troy University and Daytona Beach Community College. Chestnut made eight appearances at the rookie level in '07, posting an 0-2 record in eight appearances. Chestnut will add yet another left-handed hurler to the Saltdogs bullpen this season.
Lincoln now has 13 players officially under contract for the 2009 season. The Saltdogs plan to announce more signings in the near future, including the return of more players from the 2008 squad. The players will report to Lincoln for the start of spring training on May 1st.
The 2009 Lincoln Saltdogs season begins on May 14 in Wichita, with the home opener scheduled for May 22 against Fort Worth. For more team and ticket information, go to www.saltdogs.com.
American Association Stories from April 7, 2009
- Cats sign right-handed pitcher - Fort Worth Cats
- Saints Add Another Power Hitting Outfielder for 2009 - St. Paul Saints
- Saltdogs Sign Four More for 2009 - Lincoln Saltdogs
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