(Courtesy Southern Illinois Miners, Photo Credit: Carmen Arrigo)
The Southern Illinois Miners have acquired the playing rights to right-handed reliever Brett Zawacki from the Joliet Slammers for a player to be named later.
Zawacki is entering his eighth season in professional baseball. Originally drafted in the 12th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, he eventually reached as high as Double-A Springfield in the Cardinals organization.
In 2013, Zawacki pitched for the Joliet Slammers. After switching the bullpen, Brett pitched in 19 games in relief. Of those appearances, 17 were scoreless outings. Over 22 1/3 innings in relief, he struck out 31 while walking only 5 and allowing only 12 hits for an ERA of 2.42.
During the winter, he played his winter ball for the Melbourne Aces in the Australian Baseball League. In 19 games as their closer, he had a 1.75 ERA, striking out 35 in 25 2/3 innings pitched. Opposing hitters hit only .208 against him as he finished the season with 7 saves.
“Brett has a power arm and has really come into his own as a reliever,” Miners manager Mike Pinto said. “His success through the second half of 2013 and through winter ball has him very excited to get started with us. He is a former teammate of former Miner Daniel Calhoun, and was with Miners hitting coach Stephen Holdren last season. We hear great things about him being a great fit for us.”
The Miners have also sent first baseman Trevor Whyte and catcher Shane Street to the Rio Grande Valley White Wings of the United League to complete trades between the clubs in 2013. Both spent the latter part of last season with the Miners, with Whyte hitting .250 in 34 at-bats and Street hitting .206 in 35 at-bats.
“Trevor and Shane are both great guys,” Pinto added. “We wish them the very best with the White Wings this season.”
