The seventh-ranked team in the 2008 French Elite League season CLERMONT-FERRAND is replacing Brett Murray (22.1 IP, 22 SO, 4 BB, ERA 2.42, BA .289) and Doug Grant (154.1 IP, 174 SO, 31 BB, ERA 2.45, BA .250) with two European-experienced players. They are signing Daniel Hayes and Dale Brewer for the 2009 campaign.
Hayes is a 26-year-old shortstop and pitcher, who played for the German Baseball-Bundesliga club MAINZ ATHLETICS in 2008. He batted .291 (OBP .459/SLG .309) with 17 runs scored and six RBI in 15 games for the A’s, before the club had a chance to bring back Keigo Miyagi and replaced him half way into the season. On the mound he had a 2-3 record with one save and an ERA of 7.17. In 37 2/3 innings he struck out 25, while walking 20. He also has played for the Oklahoma Baptist University and in the Canadian Intercounty League in the past.
His teammate in Mainz Raeff Hobbs-Brown, a former Elite League player, informed him about the French League and he is looking forward to 2009. Hayes said to Mister-Baseball.com that he loved his first year in Europe and he can’t wait to get back. He is optimistic to help the ARVERNES to achieve their goal and to get into the playoffs. Back at his natural position at short, he also thinks that he will have a better season in France, as he had to fill in behind the plate for the injured Shu Sasaki with the A’s.
Brewer is a 24-year-old pitcher, who is coming from the Czech Extraliga club SKOKANI OLOMOUC. He had a 2-1 record with three saves in 24 1/3 innings in the Czech Republic. His ERA of 0.74 was good enough for fourth place in the league among pitchers with at least ten innings pitched. He struck out 38 and walked 17. He allowed just six hits all year long, as his opponents batted just .107 against him. He also had a solid year at the plate with a .348 batting average (OBP .388/SLG .457) in 14 games. Brewer is from Jackson, Mississippi and played for the GATEWAY GRIZZLIES of the Frontier League in 2006. He also received an invitation to spring training with the MINNESOTA TWINS organization once, but didn’t make the cut.
French Elite League – 2008 in Review – Arvernes de Clermont-Ferrand