Wingnuts Add Youth to 2010 Roster

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts added five more players to their 2010 roster on Monday, signing right-handed pitchers Brandon Mathes, Brock Piper, and Cole Akins, outfielder Eric Williams, and second baseman Jonathan Dziomba.

Mathes made his professional debut last season with the Northern League's Joliet Jackhammers, making one start in mid-August.  The 23-year old fanned six and walked two in four innings of work.  A native of Oklahoma City, OK, Mathes played two seasons at Kansas Wesleyan University from 2008-2009.  The former Coyote had a brilliant senior season, going 8-1 with a 1.38 ERA and three complete game shutouts.  Mathes struck out 70 hitters in just 65.1 innings of work.  In addition to his work on the mound, Mathes hit .360 over two seasons as the Coyotes primary leadoff hitter.  Mathes earned KCAC Player of the Year honors in both 2008 and 2009.

"Brandon is a guy that will fight for a spot in the starting rotation in spring training", said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper.  "He is small in stature, but has a live arm.  I could tell right away watching him tryout that he had confidence on the mound, which I loved seeing.  He was a two time conference player of the year at Kansas Wesleyan and I am thrilled to be bringing him to camp as a rookie with a lot of upside."

Piper made his professional debut last season with the Texas Rangers' Arizona League rookie affiliate.  The resident Wichitan worked 11.0 innings pitched over nine relief appearances, striking out 13 while allowing just seven hits and four walks.  Piper played his senior season of college in 2009 at Auburn University at Montgomery, posting a 3.15 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 71.1 innings pitched.

"Brock is a local guy that has a year of affiliated experience under his belt and will compete for a job in our bullpen.  He is a bulldog on the mound and wants the ball in his hand at all times.  He has a lot of confidence in his ability and I am excited to see what he can bring to the table."

Akins is a true rookie who pitched four seasons as both a starter and reliever at the University of the Pacific.  Originally from Seattle, WA, Akins showed good command, averaging just 2.25 walks in 176.0 career innings.  The 23-year old hurler also averaged more than six strikeouts per nine innings during his junior and senior seasons for the Tigers.

"Cole is a first class individual who is working hard this offseason to refine his skills as a pitcher to try and make our ballclub.  He is very versatile being able to start or work out of the pen.  Being a rookie, he is only going to get better and better with experience."

Williams spent 2009 with the Continental League's Big Bend Cowboys.  The Carmel, NY native hit .365 to win the league batting crown and had an even more astonishing .547 on-base percentage.  Williams scored 63 runs and drew 73 walks, also league-highs, in just 58 games played.  The left-handed hitting outfielder ranked fourth with 22 stolen bases while getting caught just six times.  Now 25-years old, Williams brings a strong collegiate pedigree having played one season at Arizona State University and three more at Wake Forest University.

"Eric is coming off of a wonderful first year as a professional.  He is my type of guy in all aspects of the game.  He has a great baseball mind and is one of those guys who has a knack for getting on base.  Eric will come into spring training trying to win a spot in the outfield.  He has great speed, plays good defense, and has a great eye at the plate.  If he can translate anywhere close to the numbers he put up as a rookie into our league, he has a bright future ahead of him."

Dziomba is a left-handed hitting second baseman who also made his professional debut in 2009.  The Buffalo, NY native hit .274 in 117 at bats for the Grand Prairie AirHogs with 18 runs scored.  At just 21-years of age, Dziomba collected 32 hits in 33 games last summer.  Dziomba's rights were acquired from the AirHogs to complete a previous deal.

"Jonathan is very versatile, being able to play anywhere on the field.  He is going to come to spring training and battle it out for the second base job.  I have heard nothing but great things about him as a person and a player.  He is willing to do whatever it takes to improve his game and help our team win."

The quintet of players joins Chris Colton, Jeff Giacomini, and Kent Wright to give the Wingnuts eight players currently under contract for 2010.  American Association teams can carry up to 28 players in spring training camp which is set to begin on May 1st.

The Wingnuts open the 2010 season on May 13th at St. Paul.  Wichita's home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18th versus the Sioux Falls Pheasants.  Season tickets and packages are on sale now.  For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS.

-Wingnuts-