The rumors swirled through the Internet for while. But now we are getting confirmation from the Czech Republic.
Pitcher Jan REHACEK (Arrows Ostrava) signed a one-year contract with Konica Minolta Pioniers in the Netherlands. He posted a 3-4 record with an ERA of 3.56 in 15 games in the Czech Extraleague. He struck out 74 in 55 2/3 innings. The 21-year-old lefthander also pitched for the Czech National Team at the European Championships. In his only start in Barcelona he struck out seven in 5 2/3 scoreless innings.
Though he is one of the promising European pitching prospects in the game. The step into Dutch baseball will be a challenge for him due to the higher competitive playing level. The Pioniers pitching staff ranked third in the league with a combined ERA of 3.42 behind DOOR Neptunus (ERA 1.74) and Corendon Kinheim (ERA 2.26).