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Surf Trade For Pierce, Keel For Stretch Run

August 24, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Atlantic City Surf News Release


Atlantic City, N.J. - The Atlantic City Surf of the Can-Am League announced the acquisition of RHP Tony Pierce and OF Heath Keel from the St. Paul Saints of the American Association in exchange for future considerations.

In 32 appearances for the Saints out of the bullpen this season, Pierce went 1-0 with a 2.63 ERA, registering 16 saves. The Columbus, Ga., native limited opposing hitters to a meager .181 batting average, striking out 58 batters in 37.2 innings of work. He spent 2007 with the Saints as well, going 4-2 and saving 12 games.

Pierce also pitched in nine games for the Surf in 2006, when the club was in the Atlantic League, going 0-1 with a 2.61 ERA, saving two games. He spent the majority of the 2006 season with Pensacola of the American Association, amassing 21 saves for the Pelicans with a 1.83 ERA.

The 32-year-old was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by Atlanta in 1999, and reached as high as AA in the Braves' system.

Keel split the 2008 season between the Saints and the Wichita Wingnuts of the American Association. He hit .254 in 90 games between the two teams, putting together 10 home runs and 39 RBI.

The West, Texas, resident spent 2007 with the Anderson Joes of the South Coast League, his first season as a professional. There, he hit .291 with 14 home runs, third-best in the league, to go along with 56 RBI and 19 doubles. Previously, Keel played collegiately at Texas State University.

To make room for Pierce and Keel on the roster, Atlantic City released catcher Mike Santoro and relief pitcher Derek Barrows. Santoro hit .188 in 14 games, while Barrows went 2-1 with a 4.40 ERA in 21 appearances.



Canadian American League Stories from August 24, 2008


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