Wingnuts Sign Two Backstops; Make Additional Wise Move
April 30, 2014 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS (April 30, 2014) - The Wichita Wingnuts have signed a pair of catchers in Chris McMurray and Mike McCarthy, while also adding power hitter, and former first team All-American catcher J.T. Wise to the roster.
The 27-year old McMurray is entering his seventh season of professional baseball and first in Wichita. A career .247 hitter, the right-handed catcher spent 2013 playing in both the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox farm systems. He began the season in Visalia (Advanced-A, Diamondbacks) where he collected eight hits in 48 at-bats over the span of 15 games. McMurray hit one home run and drove in eight, while drawing 12 walks. He was traded to Chicago in late July and was assigned to Double-A Birmingham. In 14 games with the Barons, the Mission Viejo, California resident hit an even .200 with one long ball, four RBI, and 10 walks.
"Chris is a guy we have had our eye on for a couple of years now. From the first day I saw him play, I was impressed with his abilities," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He could arguably be the best catcher in the league. We have been fortunate in the past to have a great line of catchers and Chris has a chance to be the best one yet."
McMurray was selected in the 18th round of the 2008 MLB draft by the Cincinnati Reds out of the University of California-Santa Barbara. He spent four seasons in the Reds organization, reaching as high as Double-A Carolina in both 2010 and 2011. McMurray began the 2012 campaign with the Diamondbacks Triple-A affiliate in Reno before playing out the remainder of the year with Lincoln and Grand Prairie of the American Association. In 138 independent baseball games he has posted a .287 batting average, 22 home runs, and 85 RBI. In his professional career McMurray has been charged with just 14 passed balls and has thrown out 36% of attempted base stealers.
"From everything that I have heard Wichita runs a fantastic program. In talking to coach Hooper, I love the talent that is on the roster and think we have a chance to make a run at a championship," McMurray said. "I can't wait to get in to town and get the season started."
McCarthy, 24, will be entering his second season of professional baseball in2014. The native of Dayton Beach, Florida has been putting up big numbers since his days at Lyman Hall High School. McCarthy was named team captain, all-league, and all-state in his high school days, while also setting school records for home runs, RBI, and slugging percentage. He played his freshman season of college ball at the University of Vermont in 2009, hitting .313 and was named to the America East All-Rookie team. After transferring to the University of Texas- Pan American, McCarthy led the team in batting average and RBI in 2011 and finished his collegiate career as the First Team All-Great West catcher in 2012.
"I am extremely excited and grateful that coach Hooper is giving me the opportunity to play in Wichita. I have heard nothing but great things about both the city and the Wingnuts' organization," said McCarthy. "It's been a long off-season and I can't wait for camp to begin."
The right-handed backstop began his pro career playing for Roswell of the Pecos League last summer. In 53 games with the Invaders, McCarthy hit .328 with 13 doubles, a triple, five home runs, and 34 RBI. He managed to draw 33 walks last season, which is the same number of times he struck out. Defensively, he was charged with four passed balls and threw out 18 of 57 potential base stealers.
"Mike is another case of using one of our current players as a recruiting tool. He came highly recommended from Erik Lambe, along with many others that I have spoken to," Hooper explained. "He will come into camp battling for the backup spot. I am very excited to see what he is capable of."
Wise spent his college days playing for two traditional powerhouse programs. He began his career at Louisiana State in 2006. Playing mostly third base, he hit 11 home runs and drove in 40 on his way to being named to the All-SEC Freshman and Freshman All-America teams. After being selected in the 45th round of the 2007 draft by Oakland following his sophomore season, Wise transferred to Oklahoma University for his junior and senior campaigns. He put together a solid season in his first go-around in Norman before exploding with a remarkable final year. In 2009, Wise finished in the top five of all Big-12 players in six different offensive categories, led the Sooners in four offensive categories, and threw out a whopping 52% of all potential base stealers. His long list of honors following the season included Big 12 Player of the Year, first team All-Big 12, ABCA Midwest All-Region first team, first team All-American, and Golden Spikes Award semi-finalist. He was also presented the Johnny Bench Award (nation's best catcher) in Wichita that summer.
"In talking to "Hoop" and (General Manager) Josh Robertson the Wingnuts' organization seems to have a positive and upbeat feel to it. They will take care of their players, but expect everyone to work hard. You get out of it what you put into it," said the Orlando, Florida native. "I would obviously love to get picked up by an affiliated club, but I won't treat this as just a stop in the road. This club has the feel of a high-level minor league team, if not better. They went out on a limb for me so I want to pay them back for that."
The 27-year old was drafted once again in 2009, this time in the fifth round by the Los Angeles Dodgers. After completing the 2009 season with the Dodgers rookie-ball affiliate in Ogden, Wise began a steady climb through the L.A. farm system. He advanced a level each season, playing a majority of his games at first base, until peaking at Double-A Chattanooga where he played in both 2012 and 2013. Last year, Wise hit .245 with eight home runs and 35 RBI for the Lookouts. In 106 games he finished with 20 doubles, drew 39 walks, and struck out 88 times.
"Once we got wind that he wanted to play for us, it was a no-brainer to get him signed. He will be a big piece for us in the middle of the lineup," Hooper said. "J.T. will be able to play first base, DH, and also get a day or two a week behind the plate. He had a great college career at Oklahoma and has also put up great numbers in pro ball."
The seventh season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins Thursday, May 15th against the Grand Prairie AirHogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. 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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