Danesi Nettuno
Right-handed reliever Fernando Gutierrez, who also has played for the Spanish national team in the past, is continuing his journey throughout the European Baseball leagues. The 30-year-old former minor leaguer in the Baltimore Orioles organization is switching clubs in the Italian Baseball League from Montepaschi Grosseto to Danesi Nettuno. It will be his fifth European different team in the past five years after the Tenerife Marlins (ESP) in 2007, Mr. Cocker HCAW (NED) in 2008, Telemarket Rimini (ITA) in 2009 and Montepaschi in 2010. Last year he had an ERA of 1.93 in 13 relief appearances for Grosseto in the IBL. He struck out 30 batters in 23 1/3 innings, while walking 13.
Piacenza
The Serie A club Piacenza is continuing to produce news this offseason in Italian Baseball. After losing Pete Avvento (T&A San Marino) and Daniel Bittar (Montepaschi Grosseto) to the Italian Baseball League, they were able to sign a former Minor Leaguer. The 25-year-old Dominican outfielder/first baseman Wady Rufino spent four seasons in the United States, playing in the New York Yankees organization up to High-A between 2006 and 2009. He batted .259 (OBP .323/SLG .412) in 133 games. He is now bringing his services to the Federal Championship in Italy. His mother is living in Italy since twelve years and after a tryout he signed with Piacenza.