T&A San Marino is interested in 28-year-old infielder Anthony Granato according to Maurizio Roveria of Baseball.it. The Toronto native spent three seasons (2004-2006) in the organizations of the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies as high as Single-A advanced before joining the independent league circuit. The past three years he played mostly in the Atlantic League. In 2009 he batted .248 (OBP .377/SLG .355) with seven homeruns, 77 runs scored, 46 RBI and 42 stolen bases for Somerset. Manager Doriano Bindi would likely use him as leadoff hitter for San Marino.
Roveria also takes a first look at a potential roster, which pretty much would be the same as in 2009. As catchers back are expected Ulrich Snijders and Simone Albanese. Granato and fellow newcomer Giovanni Pantaleoni (Bologna) would join an infield with Dean Rovinelli, Francesco Imperiali, David Sheldon and Seth La Fera. Carlos Duran leads the outfield with Max De Biase (or DH), Riccardo Suardi and Ardley Jansen. Martin Vasquez isn’t coming back.
There is some uncertainty at the top of the pitching staff. Tiago Da Silva is coming back as starter for game two. However foreign starter Horacio Estrada had elbow surgery and it seems not clear if he will be fully recovered when the new season starts. Luca Martignoni, William Lucena, Seth La Fera, Gregory Palanzo and Alessandro Ercolani are candidates for game three.
San Marino also has chosen its IBL2 affiliate for the 2010 season. The Macerata Angels will form a franchise like cooperation with the Italian Baseball League club. They played in Serie B (third division) in 2009.
Photo by Ferrini/FIBS