LINCOLN –The Saltdogs are bringing back one of the most dominant closers in franchise history, as they signed P.J. Zocchi Monday.
Zocchi recorded 21 saves – the second highest total in the club’s 11 seasons – and posted a 1.95 ERA in 36 games for the Saltdogs in 2011.
“We’re excited P.J. is returning to stabilize the back end of our bullpen,” Saltdogs manager Chris Miyake said. “With all the new faces this year it will be nice for me to have a guy I know I can count on, a guy who delivered for us many times last year.”
The Bronx, N.Y. native signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers following his fantastic 2011 campaign, in which he was one of the most effective relievers in the American Association.
In his first season as a full-time closer in 2010, Zocchi set a Frontier League record with 26 saves for Oakland County.
Zocchi appeared in three games for Class-A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga in April before his release from the Dodgers. He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2008 out of Clemson University.
The Saltdogs open the 2012 campaign May 17 at Wichita with the home opener at Haymarket Park May 23 against Sioux City. Get your Saltdogs Five Pack (five lower-box tickets for just $50!) now by calling 402-474-BALL or by visiting www.saltdogs.com.