The Mainz Athletics announced that they have signed Canadian catcher Mike Blanke and US-American pitcher Tom Fitzgerald. Blanke is a former minor leaguer with the Chicago White Sox. Fitzgerald is coming on recommendation of Austin Gallagher. The former minor leaguer will be back for a second season with the A’s. Additionally another pitcher will be coming, as James Watts, Shane Salley and Connor Little won’t return. Former German national team pitcher Mike Otto meanwhile is trying to make a comeback at the age of 37.