One of the new teams in the Italian Baseball League Ronchi dei Legionari has confirmed its first transfers for the 2013 season. The biggest news is probably that they were able to keep ace Matt Litzinger to lead the pitching staff. He went 6.4 with an ERA of 1.04 in 18 games (16 starts) in the Serie A of the Federal Championship last year. He struck out 142 batters in 112 2/3 innings, while walking 28.
Additionally the Black Panthers were able to get three players from Serie A opponent and former IBL club Rangers Redipuglia. Francesco Miani (3-2, ERA 4.10, 37.1 IP, 20 SO, 6 BB), Omar Polo (3-5, ERA 4.24, 74.1 IP, 54 SO, 43 BB) and Ivan Cechet (.291/.373/.437) will come over. The coaching staff will be led by manager Paolo Da Re, assistant coach Alberto Furlani and pitching coach Rolando Cretis.
Catcher Alberto Mineo won’t be available for Ronchi dei Legionari. He will stay in the United States to play for a Chicago Cubs affiliate in 2013.