WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts, proud member of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AA), added six players to the roster today including pitchers Byron Embry, Aaron Jenkins, Leonard Landeros, Brad Davis and Ronnie Ball, as well as catcher Paul Vargo.
An 11-year pro out of Richmond, Kentucky, Embry joins the Wingnuts after splitting last season with the AA’s St. Paul Saints and the Seattle Mariners triple-A squad in Tacoma. Embry was originally drafted by the Oakland A’s in the 33rd round of the 1995 Draft (904th overall). He has a career minor league mark of 25-33 with a 3.41 ERA.
"Byron is a legitimate closer. He throws extremely hard, topping out at close to 100 mph at certain times in his career”, said Wingnuts Manager Kash Beauchamp. “Being a veteran, he will be the workhorse out of the bullpen. He has great passion for the game which will carry over and make him an excellent coach one day."
A rookie, Jenkins comes to Wichita after spending his college career at Northern Iowa University. Jenkins was drafted by the Oakland A’s in the 22nd round of the 2007 draft (690th overall). He compiled a record of 9-9 at Northern Iowa; and then went 2-0 last season with Oakland’s single-A club in Vancouver.
“Aaron brings an impressive resume to Wichita. He led all of Division 1 baseball in strikeouts last year and was the reliever of the year in the Northwest League”, said Beauchamp. He has incredible breaking stuff, keeps hitters off balance and will be versatile enough to pitch out of the pen or start."
Another Oakland A’s draft pick, Landeros appeared in four games with Oakland’s triple-A team in Sacramento last season. Over his seven-year career, he has a record of 12-12 with 220 strikeouts in 263 innings.
"Leonard is a hard throwing left hander that has a great chance to be in the starting rotation”, said Beauchamp. “He will go after hitters and challenge them. He has great experience with MLB organizations and has the chance to get back to affiliated ball if he dominates this league."
Yet another Oakland A’s draft pick, Davis has spent the past three seasons in Oakland’s system. He appeared in 30 games with their single-A affiliate in Stockton and started one game for their triple-A affiliate in Sacramento - earning the win while pitching seven scoreless innings. He has a career minor league record of 18-8.
"Brad is another left hander who will compete for a spot in the rotation. He commands the plate and keeps hitters off balance”, said Beauchamp. “Many Independent teams offered him contracts and we feel fortunate to be the team to acquire his services."
A 42nd round draft pick of the New York Yankees in 2004, Ball played last season with the Anderson Joes of the South Coast League. Prior to turning pro, he played college ball at Oral Roberts University and was a dominant pitcher at Oklahoma Baptist.
"Ronnie dominated the South Coast League last year when he pitched for me in Anderson and with maturity he has a chance to pitch at the next level”, said Beauchamp. “He has three major league quality pitches and really attacks hitters. He will also compete for a spot in the rotation."
Vargo comes to the Wingnuts after playing last season with St. George of the Golden League. He has a cannon for an arm and will also take a shot at pitching.
"Paul is an interesting player. He can catch and his arm strength is his greatest tool”, said Beauchamp. “We will also look at Paul on the mound. Although inexperienced, if he can pitch and catch, he will be an extremely valuable player with a 22-man roster."
The Wingnuts will hold their second tryout camp for the 2008 team on Saturday. Registration is from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the main gate. The cost is $50 per player and each attendee will receive an agenda for the day as well as an assigned number. Camp begins at 11:30 a.m. and the end time will be based on the number of participants.
There is no pre-registration and all players must bring their own gear. Water, bats and balls will be provided. The tryouts will cover hitting, pitching, defense, running and arm strength.
Wichita’s newest baseball team will begin their inaugural season of play on May 7th, when they host the Sioux City Explorers for a three-game set at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. For more information or to order tickets, please call our office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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