WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts made two more additions to their roster, signing left-handed pitcher and former Wichita State University Shocker Ronnie Morales as well as right-handed pitcher Lance Odom.
Drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 45th round in 2007, Morales is entering his third professional season. The southpaw has appeared in 51 pro games, all in relief, notching five wins, five saves, and 69 strikeouts in 79.2 career innings. Morales posted a 3.67 ERA in two seasons pitching for the White Sox' rookie level affiliate in the Pioneer League. The Austin, TX native appeared in seven games for the Shockers in 2007, striking out four in 3.1 IP. Prior to his time at Wichita State, Morales pitched at the University of Texas-Pan American.
Odom is a sidearming right hander from Winter Park, FL. The 29-year old's career began in the Minnesota Twins' farm system in 1999 when he pitched for the Twins' Gulf Coast League affiliate. Odom earned a promotion to the Midwest League in 2000 before injuries slowed his career. Odom has played with several independent teams since 2004, most recently pitching for the Joliet Jackhammers of the Northern League last season. Odom has appeared in 43 professional games, all of them in relief.
The Wingnuts also cleared a roster spot by trading outfielder Chris Colton to the Flornce Freedom of the Frontier League in exchange for a player to be named later. In the Wingnuts inaugural game on May 8th of last year, Colton collected the first hit and RBI in team history.
The two additions join returning Wingnuts Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Richard Salazar, Brenan Herrera, Brad Davis, Steve Pearson, Doug Hurn, Justin Young, Amad Stephens, and Leonard Landeros, as well as fellow newcomers Derek Jennings, Zach Goldberg, Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, Jeff Reekers, Gabe Medina, Dustin Smith, Tyler Rhoden, Nathan Parker, Derek Blacksher, Kelly Hunt, Greg Porter, Josh Horn, and Louis Curcio to give Wichita 26 players under contract for the 2009 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through Spring Training. The Wingnuts' final two roster spots will be announced soon.
The Wingnuts also announced that they will host another job fair on April 11th for those who could not attend the fair this past weekend due to inclement weather. The April 11th job fair will take place from Noon to 3:00 p.m. at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.
The Wingnuts open their second season on May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium at 7:05 p.m. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
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