The Solingen Alligators have found a new American shortstop for the 2011 season in the northern division of the German Baseball-Bundesliga. They are signing the 24-year-old Phil Ortez. He is replacing Evan Porter, who wouldn’t have been available before May due to his work as a coach at a University. Ortez attended Scottsdale Community College and the California Polytechnic State University. After graduation he joined the Independent League team Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball League. The switch hitter didn’t play much, collecting just three hits in 16 at-bats through 14 games this summer. He was also selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 30th round of the 2006 amateur draft, but didn’t sign.