Mike Breyman, Slammers begin building 2013 roster
From Staff Reports January 15, 2013 10:58PM
New manager Mike Breyman and the Joliet Slammers are mixing veterans with newcomers with their first seven signings of 2013.
Right-hander Jacob Sanchez, who started 11 games in 2012 for Joliet and was 5-2 with a 2.89 ERA, is returning. In his first season of pro ball, he struck out 45 and walked 15 in 65⅓ innings.
Mokena native Andrew Brauer signed a contract extension and will compete for a starting spot in the outfield. He hit .295 in 13 games for the Slammers after completing his senior season at Lewis.
Dependable short reliever Chase Doremus, the potential closer, also returns. The rookie right-hander posted a 2.76 ERA in 41 appearances in 2012. He struck out 49 in 51 innings.
Right-hander Matt Sommo, a second-year pro, played for three teams as a rookie in 2012, finishing with Joliet, where he went 1-1 in six games.
New to the Slammers is right-hander Jonathan Gonzalez, who pitched for the Gateway Grizzlies in 2012, his first pro season. He was selected in the 33rd round out of high school by the Los Angeles Dodgers but did not sign.
Infielder and Northern Illinois alum Alex Jones also signed after leading the Huskies in batting average (.322), hits (68), doubles (21), triples (4), runs (33), on-base percentage (.379), slugging percentage (.474) and assists (148). He was among 25 finalists for the Brooks Wallace Award, given to the nation’s best shortstop.
Right-hander Dan Marcacci enters his third pro season but first with the Slammers. The right-hander with an 8-4 career record pitched the past two seasons with the Evansville Otters. Last year he was used strictly in relief in 25 appearances after starting 14 of 20 games in 2011.
