LINCOLN — The Saltdogs re-signed two key members of their bullpen. Left handers Moises Melendez and 2012 Rookie of the Year Conor Spink will both be donning Lincoln uniforms once again in 2013.
Melendez, a 26-year old from Maracaibo, Venez., boasts a career ERA of 3.17 with 353 strikeouts in 352 innings over the course of six professional seasons.
Melendez posted a 3.82 ERA in 21 games for the Saltdogs in 2012 after beginning the campaign in Wichita.
The burly port sider played five seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, reaching as high as Single-A Lakewood (where he went 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA in 2008) before joining Florence Freedom (Frontier League) and the independent ranks in 2009.
Spink, hailing from Eagle River, Alaska, baffled the veteran-laden American Association as a true rookie in 2012, going 1-1 with a 3.91 ERA in 31 appearances.
The 24-year old southpaw was especially dominant against left-handed hitters, holding the opposition to just five hits in 10 innings, good for a .143 batting average against.
A product of Seattle University, Spink earned the Saltdogs Rookie of the Year honors last summer, as voted by fans and coaches.
Spink was officially signed January 29, and Melendez inked his offer February 1.