Wingnuts Acquire Bell for Thompson, Sign Pair of Rookies

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced sevreal roster moves on Saturday, including the acquisition of third baseman Michael Bell from the CanAm League's Quebec Capitales.

Bell hit .214 with one home run and 11 RBI in 37 games this season for the Fort Worth Cats before being traded to Quebec earler in the month.  Bell finished fourth in the American Association last year with a .489 slugging percentage and hit 12 home runs for the Cats.  The Santa Rosa, CA native has reached double digits in home runs each of the last four seasons.

In exchange for Bell, the Wingnuts sent third baseman Michael Thompson to Quebec.  Thompson hit .298 with two home runs and 19 RBI in 52 games for the Wingnuts this season.

Wichita's second trade of the day sent right-hander Doug Hurn to the Fort Worth Cats, completing the off-season deal that brought the Wingnuts Ryan Patterson.  Hurn posted a 5.70 ERA in 19 games this season over 30.0 IP.  The Wingnuts also released right-hander Clint McKeever who was 0-0 with a 2.35 ERA in four games.

Wichita added two rookie relievers to their bullpen, signing left-hander David Jensen and right-hander J.R. Boling.  Jensen pitched in 16 games this season as a senior at Northwestern University, striking out 27 in 46.1 IP.  Boling served as the closer for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, saving eight games with a 4.38 ERA in 22 appearances.

Bell, Jensen, and Boling are all available for Saturday's game versus Grand Prairie.

The Wingnuts continue their four-game series versus Grand Prairie tonight at 7:05 p.m.  For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS.

-Wingnuts-