Mister Baseball

After outfielder Adalberto Paulino and infielder Nate Fish, the German Bundesliga club DISCIPLES signed a third player from the Israel Baseball League. The former FLORIDA MARLINS minor leaguer Esequier Pie signed a contract and is supposed to strengthen a pitching staff, which is already fourth in the southern conference with a combined ERA of 4.71.

The 24-year-old right-hander threw two no-hitter in last year’s initial season of the IBL. The league was quit offensive oriented, so this was definitely impressive. He finished 2007 with a 3-3 record and an ERA of 3.11 for RAANANA EXPRESS. He struck out 62 in 46.1 innings pitched, walking 42. Opponents hit just .162 against him, second in the league behind Juan Feliciano.

Pie was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic and signed as an undrafted free agent with the MARLINS in 2000. In three year minor league ball he had 5-10 record with an ERA of 4.82 with 105 strikeouts (72 bb) in 127.1 innings pitched. After reaching the low A level in 2006 and pitching for JAMESTOWN of the NY/Penn-League he was released.

He is scheduled to arrive in time for the road game of HAAR against the MANNHEIM TORNADOS. The DISCIPLES are currently in fifth place of the standings with an 8-10 record, two games behind the MAINZ ATHLETICS in the fourth spot.

Photo: © Haar Disciples