Avon, Oh - The Lake Erie Crushers are pleased to announce the return of four pitchers from their 2009 Frontier League Championship team. The team has received contracts for starter Brent Lysander and relievers Ronnie Morales, Alberto Rolon and closer J.J. Pacella.

Righty Brent Lysander was drafted by the Oakland Athletics after a successful collegiate career at Sonoma State University. He played two seasons in the Athletics’ farm system, spending time with the Vancouver Canadians of the Class A Northwest League in 2007. In 2008, he split time between Vancouver and the Kane County Cougars of the Class A Midwest League. As the number two pitcher in the starting rotation for the Crushers last season, Lysander recorded nine wins and three losses in 19 starts. In 102.1 innings pitched, he posted an ERA of 4.75 with 54 earned runs, 39 walks and 57 strikeouts.

“Lysander was a solid starter for us last summer,” said Field Manager John Massarelli. “With the departure of Paul Fagan, we will look for him to be one of the inning-eaters in the rotation.”

Lysanders college roommate and teammate at Sonoma State, Alberto Rolon, was a true rookie for the Crushers last season. The right-handed pitcher earned four wins and one loss in 15 appearances. Rolon spent time between the starting rotation and the bullpen, starting seven games and closing five and earning one save. In 53 innings of work, he recorded 20 earned runs, 20 walks and 28 strikeouts. Rolon was recognized by Baseball America for his outstanding season this past fall when he was named to the Independent League’s Prospect List.

“Solid rookie year for Alberto,” said Massarelli. “We are going to move him back to the bullpen this season. Rolon, Morales and Pacella will form a tough trio out of the bullpen this summer for opposing batters.”

Submarine pitcher, Ronnie Morales was a solid middle reliever last season for the Crushers. The lefty was drafted out of Wichita State University and played two seasons in the Chicago White Sox’s farm system. His best professional season was last year when he recorded two wins and no losses for the Crushers. In 23 appearances, he recorded an ERA of 2.43 with one save. Over 29.2 innings, he allowed only eight earned runs, 12 walks and recorded 30 strikeouts while holding opposing batters to a meager .204 batting average.

“Morales was a solid addition to the bullpen last summer,” said Massarelli. “We will look to him to take an even bigger role this season.”

Closer J.J. Pacella joined the Crushers midway through the season after beginning the year with the Lancaster of the Class A Carolina League. The right-handed pitcher played college ball with fellow Crushers Andrew Davis, Drew Saylor and Todd Balduf at Kent State University. He began his professional career with the River City Rascals of the Frontier League before his contract was bought out by the Houston Astros organization after the 2007 season. In 2008, Pacella split time between the Astros farm teams in Lexington, KY and Salem, VA. While with the Crushers in 2009, he earned three wins and two losses, with nine saves as the teams closer.

“J.J. is a big reason the bullpen became the strength of the staff last year,” said Massarelli. “We will rely heavy on J.J. to be a dominant reliever again for us in 2010.”

The Lake Erie Crushers, the 2009 Frontier League Champions, play ball at All Pro Freight Stadium, a 5,000 capacity stadium located in Avon, OH. Beginning in 2010, All Pro Freight Stadium will also be home to the Cleveland State University baseball team. The Frontier League is an independent baseball league with 12 teams operating throughout the Midwest. Season tickets for the 2010 season are on sale now! For more information on tickets, promotions and team news, visit the team website at www.LakeErieCrushers.com or call 440-934-3636.