Michael NATALE will replace Chris DI ROMA at the top of the pitching staff of Cariparma. The team website published the signing on Monday.
NATALE was born in Whittier, California, but also has an Italian passport. The 28-year-old went to Lewis-Clark College in Idaho. He was drafted in the 22nd round of the 2000 amateur draft by the Kansas City Royals. Between 2000 and 2004 he appeared in 179 minor league games (34 starts) for the organisation as high as Double A. He had a combined ERA of 3.73 and struck out 427 (154 BB) in 439 innings pitched. The Royals released him in 2005.
He signed with the northern league team in Sioux City (ERA 39.1 IP, 23 SO, 10 BB) in 2005. Last year he was with the Orange County Flyers of the Golden League. He posted a 4-5 record with an ERA of 3.93 in 15 games (13 starts). He struck out 116 in 94 innings pitched.