Matt Knox, a former standout at Millersville, will join the Barnstormers at spring training, hoping to earn a spot on pitching staff.
By Jason Guarente
Published Apr 13, 2006 13:29
They want it to be competition.
That’s why they’re still signing players as the team prepares to leave for Lakeland, Fla., on Monday.
The Barnstormers have added three more pitchers to a potentially crowded bullpen mix: righthanders Matt Knox and Mike Ziegler and lefty Steve Hassett.
Knox is a name that might ring a bell with local baseball fans.
The 6-4, 210-pound former Millersville University star was drafted in the 13th round by the Cleveland Indians in 2001. Back then he was known more for his bat than his arm.
Knox, 26, was a corner infielder for his first three professional seasons before being converted to a pitcher in 2003.
Last season Knox appeared in seven games for two of the Indians’ Single-A affiliates. He’s 4-4 with a 2.20 ERA in 31 career games as a reliever.
Ziegler, 26, has six years of pro experience in the Oakland Athletics’ system. He split time between Double-A and Triple-A last season.
The 6-3, 220-pound Baltimore native was 6-6 with a 5.01 ERA in 22 appearances in the Pacific Coast League last summer.
Hassett didn’t play professionally in 2005, but he hopes to make the team as a lefty out of the pen.
The Barnstormers will have at least 13 pitchers with them in spring training and will carry either 11 or 12 on their 25-man roster.
Veterans Denny Harriger, Andy Zwirchitz, Scott Sobkowiak and Cam Smith are expected to earn four of the five slots in the starting rotation. That leaves room for one more starter and six or seven relievers.
Other pitchers coming to camp include: righthanders Enemencio Pacheco, Scott Patterson, Joe Dooley and Charlie Weatherby and lefties Matt Scheuing and Eric Ackerman.
The Barnstormers open the regular season at home against the Road Warriors on April 28.
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