Two Outlaws Named To Independent Top Prospects List
Published on October 16, 2009 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Chico Outlaws News Release
CHICO, Calif.-The Chico Outlaws announced today that Baseball America has named Chico Outlaws RHP Mikael Ryder and OF Blake Gailen to their annual list of Top Independent Prospects. Ryder was listed as the #10 prospect on the list while Gailen was listed in the "Others To Watch" section.
Ryder, 23, 6-0, 180, right-handed pitcher, went undrafted after playing collegiate baseball at Menlo College in northern California. He was signed out of the Arizona Winter League this February by the Outlaws and started the season in the Chico bullpen. With teammate Donnie Brandt being acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers, Ryder was moved to the starting rotation in July and responded with a complete game shutout of the League Champion Calgary Vipers in his first start. He completed the year with a 5-1 record, led the GBL in E.R.A. with a 3.27 mark (first rookie to ever lead the league in this category), had two saves and posted an incredible 60 strikeouts to only 7 walks for the year as he was named GBL Rookie Pitcher of the Year.
Gailen, 24, 5-9, 175, OF, went undrafted after playing collegiate baseball at UNLV. He played as starting outfielder for the Wichita Wingnuts as a rookie in the American Association in 2008 and hit .298. He developed into a top hitter in the GBL this year as he finished 7th in the league, behind all veterans, in batting average with a .355 mark, 99 hits in 279 AB with 15 doubles, 3 triples and 5 home runs. Gailen was very patient at the plate as he walked 47 times while striking out 39 times and also used his speed to steal 18 bases. He is a fast ballhawk in the outfield and played all three positions with a plus arm. Gailen was selected as a GBL All-Star in 2009.
"It's great to see that these young men are being recognized for their outstanding contribution to the team this past season," said Outlaws General Manager Curt Jacey. "I expect only continued success from both of them as they move forward with their baseball careers."
Other Golden Baseball League players named to Baseball America's Top Independent Prospects List include Reynoldo Rodriguez from the Yuma Scorpions as the #1 prospect and Isaac Hess of the Victoria Seals at #6. The Golden Baseball League led all independent professional baseball leagues in number of players named on the list.
Golden Baseball League Stories from October 16, 2009
- Two Outlaws Named To Independent Top Prospects List - Chico Outlaws
- Golden Baseball League Players Lead Baseball America Top Prospects - GBL
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