On Tuesday Baseball.it reported that the Italian Baseball League (IBL) club Montepaschi Grosseto is close to signing outfielder Leonardo Mazzanti. Besides his debut season in 1993, the 36-year-old played only for Danesi Nettuno in his career, where he also is a coach at the Baseball Academy. In 653 IBL games he has a batting average of .283 (OBP .365/SLG .413).
The Orioles are planning to use Mazzanti as designated hitter. They originally had intended to give this role to Clinton Balgera, but he seems to return to Telemarket Rimini now, where he already played three years. Another name mentioned was Ramon Tavarez, who split time with Anzio and Nettuno since 2001, but apparently he is now heading towards the promoted Catania Warriors.
Additionally Grosseto is looking to strengthen the pitching staff. Baseball.it connects them to Paul Macaluso (last year playing for Reggio Emilia), Pablo Candotti (coaching in Livorno) and Fernando Gutierrez (Telemarket Rimini).
Photo: © Oldman Pictures/FIBS
