Wingnuts Land Veteran Bat and Local Lefty
Published on March 31, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts bolstered their roster on Friday, trading for veteran third baseman Juan Richardson, and signing left-handed pitcher Trent Lare.
Richardson excelled both offensively and defensively in 2010 while playing for the division-rival Lincoln Saltdogs. In 90 games for Lincoln, Richardson hit .313 with 14 home runs and 63 RBI. The 30-year old Richardson hit 17 doubles, drew 51 walks, and scored 61 runs, while compiling a .408 on-base percentage and .488 slugging percentage. On the other side of the ball, Richardson led all American Association third basemen in fielding percentage (.931) and double plays (20). The Wingnuts acquired Richardson from the newly-formed NABL's Chico Outlaws in exchange for cash considerations.
"Juan is a guy we have always had interest in if he ever became available", said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He has a lot of experience and is a very good all-around player. He will play third base for us and hit in the middle of our lineup. I'm excited to add yet another quality veteran to our team."
Richardson brings with him vast experience in affiliated ball, including six seasons at the Double-A level. A native of Bani in the Dominican Republic, Richardson was originally signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1998 as an international free agent. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Richardson has averaged 22 home runs and 92 RBI per 162 games throughout his 1,131-game career. Richardson has hit at least 14 home runs in eight of his last nine full seasons, including 16 for the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals in 2008.
Lare is an independent baseball success story, having been signed by the New York Yankees' organization in 2009 after pitching two-plus seasons for the Frontier League's Kalamazoo Kings. The 26-year old lefty reached the Yankees' high-A affiliate in Tampa last year, producing a 4.00 ERA in 74.1 IP with 73 strikeouts against only 19 walks. Lare appeared in 42 games for Tampa, starting one and finishing 15.
"Trent will be a great addition to our starting rotation", said Hooper. "He is left-handed and is also another Kansas boy that we get to add to the roster. He has had great success so far in his career, and I'm excited to see what he can do for us."
A native of Lyndon, KS, Lare pitched at nearby Coffeyville Community College before spending one season at Oklahoma State University in 2006. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Lare began his professional career in 2007 with Kalamazoo. Lare was 15-12 for the Kings from 2007-2009 with a 3.51 ERA and 176 strikeouts in 228.2 IP. In four years of professional baseball, Lare has struck out 324 batters while walking just 101 in 381.0 innings.
The additions give the Wingnuts 21 players under contract for the 2011 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players during Spring Training which begins on May 2nd. Rosters must be cut down to at least 23 by Opening Day, and then trimmed to 22 after the first two weeks of the regular season.
2011 Wingnuts Signings RHP Cole Akins RHP Kendy Batista C Edwin Bellorin LHP Josh Berry RHP Josh Dew 2B Jason Diaz IF D.J. Dixon RHP Reyes Dorado LHP Eric Gilliland RHP Junior Guerra C Ben Harty SS Josh Horn LHP Trent Lare RHP Brandon Mathes RHP David Miller 3B Juan Richardson RHP Jared Simon RHP Nick Singleton C Jeff Stevens RHP Sean Teague OF Eric Williams
The Wingnuts open the 2011 season on May 12th at Amarillo. Wichita's 2011 home opener is Friday, May 20th versus the El Paso Diablos. Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com
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