04/15/2007

Bums sign pair of ex-MLB draft picks

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Vincent

Kalter

TRAVERSE CITY — The Traverse City Beach Bums have announced the signing of two former Major League Baseball draft picks, outfielder/pitcher Zack Kalter and outfielder Jeff Vincent.

Both players were released from their organizations during spring training late last month.

Kalter, a California native, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 20th round of the 2005 draft out of the University of Southern California after being named No. 2 pro prospect in the New England Collegiate League by Baseball America in the summer of 2004.

Kalter, who bats left and throws right, was used primarily as a pitcher at USC, where he went 2-3 with a 2.25 ERA during his senior season. In 36 innings, he struck out 26 and walked 13.

The Jays shifted Kalter to the outfield, and he batted .268 with Pulaski (Va.) of the Appalachian League in 2005 and finished in the top five in the league in walks (first, 47), stolen bases (fourth, 17), runs (third, 49), and on-base percentage (fifth, .402).

Last summer, Kalter batted .283 for the Auburn (N.Y.) Doubledays of the New York Penn League before being promoted to the Class A Lansing Lugnuts, where he hit .240 in 25 games.

Beach Bums officials said the team will use Kalter both on the mound and in the outfield.

Vincent, a New York native, was drafted in the 20th round by the Boston Red Sox last summer.

He hit .254 for the Lowell (Mass.) Spinners of the New York Penn League, including a .311 mark in August. Vincent also showed good range defensively, collecting 79 putouts and three outfield assists in only 37 games.

Vincent, who bats left and throws right, played four years with NCAA Division I Niagara University. He hit .361 in his collegiate career with with 19 doubles, five triples, seven home runs, 34 RBI and 47 runs. Vincent had 33 stolen bases in 2006, ranking him 17th in the country.

Vincent is ecpected to play either left or center field, although he has the ability to play infield in case of an emergency. The strong-armed Vincent may also get an opportunity to pitch.

The Traverse City Beach Bums will begin their second season in the independent Frontier League on May 23 at Kalamazoo. Their home opener is May 25.