The reigning German champion Heidenheim Heidekoepfe continues to strengthen its roster for the upcoming season. On Monday they announced that they have signed the American infielders/right-handed pitchers Brandon Taylor (picture) and Chris Beck. Together with left-handed starting pitcher Dusty Bergman they will fill the three eligible foreign spots during the European Cup in Brno, Czech Republic.
The 27-year-old Taylor was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 17th round of the 2005 Amateur Draft. He played four seasons in the Minor Leagues for the Cubs and later for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, reaching Single-A. In between he had a short stint in the independent leagues, earning a contract with the Dodgers. During his minor league career he had a combined .232 batting average in 162 games with 15 homeruns, 63 runs and 73 RBI. He also had an ERA of 6.15 in 16 appearances, striking out 13 in 33 2/3 innings, walking 18.
After his release by the Dodgers following the 2008 season, Taylor returned back to college to complete his master degree. At Brigham Young University he also serves as an assistant coach. According to the press release the Salt Lake City native is friends with Heidekoepfe general manager Klaus Eckle and is especially going to help out during the European Cup in June and several games in the German Baseball-Bundesliga.
The acquisition of the 24-year-old Beck was an open secret since his former club, the Solingen Alligators, revealed a few weeks ago that the shortstop will join the Heidekoepfe. He played the past two seasons in Germany, batting .474 (OBP .565/SLG .747) with three homeruns, 85 runs, 59 RBI and 37 stolen bases in 47 games. He was named best batter in each of the two seasons and won the MVP award in the northern division in 2008.
Last week Heidenheim announced that they have signed the left-handed pitcher Martin Almstetter. Earlier this offseason they had extended the contracts of head coach Mike Hartley and of foreign starter Bergman. The Heidekoepfe open the season on April 4th at home against the Saarlouis Hornets.
Photo by Heidenheim Heidekoepfe
