SIOUX FALLS, SD (January 23, 2007) - The Sioux Falls Canaries added an All-Star closer and a Triple-A outfielder to their roster with a pair of acquisitions on Tuesday. Canaries skipper Steve Shirley made a deal to bring Lincoln Saltdog stopper Jerrod Fuell to Sioux Falls and signed former Rangers prospect Will Smith. Fuell saved 11 games for the Saltdogs last season, while going 0-2 with a 4.
08 ERA. He struck out 28 batters while walking only three in 26.2 innings pitched.
On January 12, the Saltdogs traded Fuell to the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Northern League to fill a need at the catcher position. Shirley acquired Fuell from the Goldeyes on Tuesday. "When the Canaries were winning games last year it was important to have closers like John Wesley and Matt Montgomery finishing those games off," said Shirley.
"Jerrod Fuell has proven he can be a successful closer in this league." Originally, Smith was a sixth round draft pick of the Florida Marlins in 2000. In 2003, Smith was traded with two other minor leaguers to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Ugueth Urbina, a key acquisition in the Marlins' World Championship run.
With the Rangers, Smith reached the minor league's highest level, playing 91 games with the Triple-A Oklahoma RedHawks in 2005 and 2006. Last season, Smith hit .273 with three home runs and 15 RBI for the RedHawks before being released.
Smith then signed with the Winnipeg Goldeyes and hit .265 with four homers and 22 RBI in 51 games. "Will Smith adds a good left-handed stick to our lineup," said Shirley.
"I am fortunate to have first-hand knowledge of what he can do, having seen him in Winnipeg last season." Shirley isn't the only one with first-hand knowledge of Smith. Fuell and Smith played together in the Florida Marlins organization, and both reside in Tucson, Arizona.
Bird Seeds: Last Friday, the Canaries signed right-handed pitcher Kevin Cheppenko to a new contract for the 2007 season. The Birds acquired Cheppenko in a December 18 trade. .
.. The Canaries will host the Sioux City Explorers on May 10 in the team's "Season Premier" presented by First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard.
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
News RSS