Wingnuts Add Pair of Young Arms
Published on March 4, 2009 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have announced two more player acquisitions, with the signing of pitchers Tyler Rhoden and Nathan Parker.
Rhoden, a 22nd Round draft pick by Cincinatti in 2007, spent each of the last two seasons in the Reds' organization. The 24-year old right hander reached High-A with Sarasota in 2008. In 37 career appearances, 36 of them out of the bullpen, Rhoden has posted a 5-1 record with a 4.82 ERA. The Jacksonville, FL native has struck out 47 hitters in 71.0 professional innings. Prior to being drafted, Rhoden played collegiately at Vanderbilt University, where he was teammates with several recent high-profile draft picks, including Tampa Bay's David Price and Pittsburgh's Pedro Alvarez. Rhoden helped the Commodores to the 2007 NCAA Super Regionals and a #1 national ranking for virtually the entire season.
Parker, a 23-year old left hander, will be in his first professional season. The Tulsa, OK native played his college ball at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Over the last two seasons, Parker has struck out 72 hitters in 82 innings pitched. Parker appeared in 35 games, 13 of them starts, during his final two years with the Trojans.
The Wingnuts also announced their first trade of the offseason, sending right handed pitcher Gustavo Mata to the Grand Prairie AirHogs in exchange for outfielder Drew Holder. Mata was 4-7 in 18 appearances, 17 of them starts, with a 3.69 ERA. Holder hit .283 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI for the AirHogs last season, helping them reach the American Association Championship Series.
Rhoden, Parker, and Holder join newcomers Derek Jennings, Zach Goldberg, Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, Jeff Reekers, Gabe Medina, and Dustin Smith, as well as 2008 returnees Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Richard Salazar, Brenan Herrera, Brad Davis, Steve Pearson, Blake Gailen, Doug Hurn, Justin Young, and Amad Stephens, giving the Wingnuts 20 players officially signed for 2009. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through Spring Training, which will begin in early May. The Wingnuts expect to announce several more player signings in the coming days, including several high-profile signings.
The Wingnuts open their second season on May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
American Association Stories from March 4, 2009
- Cats re-sign Kirsten - Fort Worth Cats
- Kite Debuts With Perfect Spring Outing - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Wingnuts Add Pair of Young Arms - Wichita Wingnuts
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