July 6, 2009
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State baseball is well-represented in the professional ranks with a number of alums enjoying success this season. Leading the way is current Seattle Mariners closer David Aardsma, who pitched one season for the Nittany Lions in 2001. Nate Bump, Clayton Hamilton and Sean Stidfole are also one step from the major leagues in AAA. Bump recently signed with the Detroit Tigers organization after a standout season with the Camden Riversharks.
Aardsma has enjoyed a breakout first season with the Mariners. He has thrived in the closer's role, picking up 17 saves which is seventh best in the American League and only seven behind the A.L. (and major league) leader Brian Fuentes. Along with his gaudy save total is an ERA of 1.41 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 38.1 innings.
Bump recently signed by the Tigers' organization after pitching for the Independent League's Camden Riversharks, and will take to the hill on Tuesday for the AAA Toledo Mud Hens against the Louisville Bats. Bump, a 1998 first round pick, has major league experience with the Florida Marlins, pitching 148 innings with a 4.68 ERA.
"This is good news, and I haven't been this excited in a long time," said Bump on the Camden Riversharks official website. "This is my opportunity, and I've got to make the most of it."
Hamilton is pitching for the Oklahoma City RedHawks, the AAA affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Ever since being promoted to the RedHawks, he has impressed with a 3.32 ERA coming out of the bullpen. Meanwhile, Stidfole is with the Toronto Blue Jays' AAA affiliate in Las Vegas and owns a 3.77 ERA.
San Jose Giants pitcher Craig Clark made a name for himself on June 2 when he tied a California League record for consecutive strikeouts. He fanned 10 straight hitters bridging the last two hitters of the first inning all the way through the first two batters of the fourth. He has dominated high-A ball, posting a 7-2 record and 2.97 ERA. Opponents are hitting a mere .222 against him.
Scott Gaffney and Drew O'Neil are both playing in single-A - Gaffney for the Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds affiliate) and O'Neil for the Kannapolis Intimidators (Chicago White Sox). Gaffney owns a 3-3 record with a 3.24 ERA, all in relief. He's also struck out 34 in 33.1 innings. O'Neil, a fourth round draft pick in 2008, has a 2.62 ERA and 2-0 record in 34.1 innings.
Another player in affiliated ball is Gary Amato, who signed with the New York Penn League's Vermont Lake Monsters (Washington Nationals). Recent draft picks Scott Kelley and Cory Wine are also in action for the Burlington Royals (Short-Season A) and Gulf Coast League Phillies (R).
Outfielder Matt Cavagnaro is on a Long Island Ducks roster that includes a number of former major leaguers, most notably Preston Wilson, Lew Ford, Ron Flores, and Bill Simas and is managed by Hall of Famer catcher Gary Carter.
Two other recently graduated Penn Staters, Mike Lorentson and T.J. Macy have inked contracts with independent league teams New Jersey and Grand Prairie as well.
Check back to GoPSUsports.com all summer long for updates on all the Penn State baseball alumni. For additional updated, be sure to check out the Penn State Baseball Twitter page by clicking HERE.
Complete List
MLB
David Aardsma - Seattle Mariners
AAA
Nate Bump - Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit Tigers)
Clayton Hamilton - Oklahoma City RedHawks (Texas Rangers)
Sean Stidfole - Las Vegas 51s (Toronto Blue Jays)
High A
Craig Clark - San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants)
A
Scott Gaffney - Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds)
Drew O'Neil - Kannapolis Intimidators (Chicago White Sox)
Short-Season A
Gary Amato - Vermont Lake Monsters (Washington Nationals)
Scott Kelley - Burlington Royals (Kansas City Royals)
Gulf Coast League (Rookie)
Cory Wine - GCL Phillies
Independent League
Matt Cavagnaro - Long Island Ducks (Atlantic League)
Mike Lorentson - New Jersey Jackals (Can-Am League)
T.J. Macy - Grand Prairie AirHogs (American Association)