T&A San Marino missed the playoffs in the Italian Baseball League with a 21-21 record in fifth place. They want to change that in 2008. They introduced pitcher William LUCENA this week and confirmed the signings and extensions of other players.
The 26-year-old LUCENA leaves Comcor Modena after eight years. Modena was relegated into the Serie A2 (second division in Italy) after the 2006 season, won the B conference (27-9) there, but lost the finals against the Rangers BC (0-3). LUCENA finally decided to accept an offer by San Marino. It is a great opportunity for him as they are playing in the European Cup this season. He dominated the league last year with a 13-2 record and an ERA of 2.07. He struck out 126 (36 BB) in 121.2 innings pitched.
Pitchers Matt MARRONE and Gregory PALANZO will accompany him as new face on the roster. MARRONE had a 2-7 record with an ERA of 3.93 for the relegated team of Avigliana. He got 41 strikeouts (28 BB) in 71 innings pitched. PALANZO was with the Serie A2 team Macerata Angels in 2007. He posted a 4-6 record with an ERA of 2.08 in 99.2 innings pitched, striking out 93 (42 BB).
T&A also confirmed that pitchers Juan FIGUEROA (4-5, ERA 1.94, 97.1 IP, 100 SO, 14 BB) and Brian LOONEY (12.2 IP, ERA 1.43, 18 SO, 1 BB) are returning to the team as well as infielders Dean ROVINELLI (.221/.325/.327) and David SHELDON (.233/.364/.331).