Closer Returns to Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts re-signed right-handed pitcher Josh Dew on Monday.

Photo Credit: Jancy Ireland Photography

Dew had a dominant 2011 season while serving as the Wingnuts' closer.  In 34 appearances, the right-hander was 3-1 with a 1.12 ERA and 20 saves.  Dew struck out 62 hitters, while allowing just 27 hits and 19 walks in 40.0 innings of work.  The Montgomery, AL native also made it through the entire season without allowing a home run.

Dew's 20 saves ranked third in the American Association--which also tied a Wingnuts' single-season record--while his ERA was the lowest among any pitcher with at least 22.0 innings.  Over the last two seasons, Dew has not allowed an earned run in 62 of his 70 appearances.

"Josh was hands down the best closer in the league from what I saw," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper.  "I may be biased because he is a Wingnut, but we would not have had the season we had last year without Josh Dew closing the door in the ninth.

"Josh was a top priority for us to re-sign because he was a free agent.  He had hip surgery this offseason, and should be ready to go in time for Spring Training in May.  Hopefully he will save some more games for us and then get back to affiliated ball, because he deserves another opportunity without question."

A 14th-round draft pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2007, Dew enters his fifth season of professional baseball.  The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Dew is 11-6 with 43 saves and a 2.59 ERA in 153 career games.  Dew, who turns 27 next week, has 230 strikeouts in 188.0 lifetime innings in which he has allowed just five total home runs.  Dew pitched two seasons in the Cardinals' organization, and reached the Double-A level with Springfield in 2008.  After missing the 2009 season due to injury, Dew signed with the Golden League's Chico Outlaws, helping them win a championship in 2010.  Dew was drafted out of Troy University where he spent his junior and senior seasons.  A two-way star for the Trojans, Dew was 12-3 on the mound with a 2.69 ERA while hitting .321 with 25 home runs and 98 RBI in just 110 games at the plate.

Wingnuts' right-handed pitcher Nick Singleton has also signed a contract with the Mexican League's Campeche Pirates.  Singleton is the winningest pitcher in team history, sporting an 18-5 record with a 3.00 ERA in 31 starts and four relief outings over the last two years.  Wichita retains Singleton's reversionary rights.  Campeche's regular season is scheduled to finish July 29th.

The Wingnuts now have seven players under contract for the 2012 season.  American Association teams can carry up to 28 players during Spring Training, which begins May 5th.

2012 Wingnuts Signings
RHP Josh Dew
RHP Alex Kaminsky
LHP Shawn Joy
RHP Josh Lowey
RHP Brandon Mathes
C Eric Rodriguez
LHP Nick Walters

The Wingnuts open the 2012 season on Thursday, May 17th versus the Lincoln Saltdogs.  Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are all on sale now.  For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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