In one of the more surprising announcements I've ever come across, former Somerset Patriots right-handed pitcher Sam Marsonek has signed a contract with the Washington Nationals. It is unknown at this time which minor-league affiliate Marsonek will report to.
Marsonek accumulated a 6-8 record, a 5.03 ERA, and 59 strikeouts in 93 innings over 35 appearances for the 2007 Patriots. He made 14 starts.
Marsonek, who was coming off major shoulder surgery when the season began, was 3-1 with a 4.88 ERA in six games pitched in August and had a 0.93 ERA and ten strikeouts in five games pitched in September.
His struggles returned during the postseason, however, and his ineffectiveness out of the bullpen was a major reason why the Patriots lost Game 1 of the Atlantic League Championship Series.
But the key word with Marsonek last season was "potential." Pitching coach and director of player procurement Brett Jodie saw that potential in Marsonek, and it is the reason he never was released despite constant rumors that he might be sent home.
A former first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers, Marsonek has three seasons of Triple-A experience with the New York Yankees and made one major-league appearance for the club.
Off-the-field, Marsonek is a quiet person who largely kept to himself and that was often taken for arrogance by members of the Patriots. I had little interaction with him, but found he never shied away from talking after a performance -- no matter how good or bad -- and that is rare in the Atlantic League.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
What happen with Adams? Does he have a job??
Anonymous,
Good point asking about Adams.
Last I heard, Adams went to Mexico for winter ball and did not fare too well.
He has no affiliated job right now and I'm not sure if he is going to continue to pitch. He told me he thought about retiring before last season, and if he cannot get picked up following the kind of year he just had, that must be disheartening.
Adams' situation makes the Marsonek story even more perplexing, especially since they are about the same age.
To bad Adams can't get shot. It makes no sense. I think he should keep pitching, he shouldn't give up now. He was incredible last year in the playoffs.
Found this cool video on the Superbowl Radio Row, check it out.
http://www.boston.tv/clips/631741639.html
Post a Comment