Mannheim Tornados sign Alexander Burkard

The Mannheim Tornados are replacing Mauro Schiavoni with Alexander Burkard. The 26-year-old is an American left-hander from Atlanta with an Italian passport. He played together with former German national team pitcher Martin Dewald at a college in the United States. With the Los Angeles Angels he reached High-A. This winter he played with the Perth Heat, winning the Australian Baseball League. Schiavoni originally was announced to come back for a second season in the German Baseball-Bundesliga. The Tornados celebrate their 40th anniversary this year and will host the German All-Star Game on July 12.