Friday, April 16, 2010 Crushers Pick Up Players from Spring Training Camps

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Travis Vetters

Avon, OH – The Lake Erie Crushers’ Field Manager John Massarelli has been busy the past few weeks. Recent scouting trips to Major League spring training camps in Arizona and Florida have yielded a talented batch of new players ready to help the Crushers compete for back-to-back Frontier League Championships.

Headlining the new crop of players is catcher Joel Collins and outfielders Dom Duggan and Travis Vetters. Collins was a 10th round draft pick in 2007 by the Toronto Blue Jays. The Canadian has four years of affiliated baseball experience, playing for the Blue Jays, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants organizations. In the outfield, Massarelli will look to veterans Duggan and Vetters to fill the void left by all-star Tim Binkoski, who retired this off-season to accept a coaching position at his alma mata Quinnapiac University. Duggan was released from the San Francisco Giants spring training camp after three seasons in their minor league system. Vetters played four seasons in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization before being released this spring.

“We are very excited about the players we have coming into camp this year,” said Massarelli. “We have filled some holes in the middle of our line-up and beefed up our pitching staff. We are obviously in a better position than we were a year ago at this time. We look for spring training to be very competitive with a good group of core guys returning from last season and a new crop of talent challenging for roster spots.”

In addition to the three new position players, Massarelli has also signed six pitchers to the Crushers spring training roster. Dustin Nielson, who played four seasons in Italy will compete for a spot in the starting rotation, while Jesse Orosco, Matt Smith, and Jeff Cinadr will vie for roles in the bullpen. Orasco played two seasons in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ organization and part of last season with the San Diego Padres. Smith, a college teammate of Crusher reliever Ronnie Morales, played two seasons in Dodgers farm system. Cinadr joins the Crushers after time spent in the Tampa Bay Rays farm system. Combined, this talented group brings more than 14 years of professional experience to the pitching staff.

In other transactions, RHP Cristobal Mata has re-signed with the Crushers. Mata earned a contract and roster spot last year at the Crushers 2009 Tryout Camp and was a solid middle reliever for the team last season. Pitcher Chris Rigo has also announced his retirement to pursue other career options.

To date, Massarelli has signed 27 players, including 13 returning players from last season’s championship squad. All players will report to Avon on May 5 for the first day of spring training. The Crushers open the season at home on Friday, May 21 at 7:05 p.m. against the Traverse City Beach Bums.

The Lake Erie Crushers, the 2009 Frontier League Champions, play ball at All Pro Freight 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.