Wingnuts Add Catcher by Topping Dean's List
Published on July 11, 2014 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS (July 11, 2014) - With J.T. Wise having recently been signed by the Texas Rangers and currently applying his trade in Round Rock, Chris McMurray has been the only true catcher on the Wichita Wingnuts' roster for the last three games. On Friday, the team announced a move to add much needed depth to one of the most crucial positions on the squad. Former Sioux City Explorer, and four-year Milwaukee farmhand, Brent Dean, has been added to the roster.
Dean, 27 years old, began his collegiate career with two seasons at L.A. Harbor Junior College, before transferring to UCLA for his final two seasons. He helped lead the Bruins to consecutive NCAA Regional appearances in 2007 and 2008, including the NCAA Super Regionals at Cal State Fullerton in 2007. Dean compiled a .276 batting average in two seasons with the Bruins, prior to serving as an undergraduate assistant coach with UCLA in 2009.
As a junior in 2008, he threw out nine of 27 attempted base stealers (33.3 percent), leading UCLA's defense to the highest caught stealing rate among all Pac-10 teams (44.9 percent). Dean played in 29 games, making 26 starts, during his junior season.
After going undrafted out of school, Dean made his professional debut, playing in six games with the Sioux City Explorers in 2009. The following winter he was a free agent signee of the Brewers. In his first full season as a pro, he hit .272 with four home runs and 30 RBI for their Rookie League affiliate in Helena. Dean also began the 2011 season with Helena, but was promoted to Advanced-A after just eight games. The Culver City, California native spent parts of three seasons with the Brevard County Manatees before he was released following the 2013 campaign. He is a career .236 hitter, with seven home runs, and 57 RBI. The backstop has thrown out 27% of base stealers during his five seasons in professional baseball.
The Wingnuts have released rookie outfielder Cody Robinson to free up a roster spot for Dean.
For information on season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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