Valentine inks deal with Sox
The Yuba-Sutter Gold Sox signed three more players to Horizon Air Summer Series contracts Wednesday, including fan favorite A.J. Valentine.
Valentine, a first baseman, transferred to Stanislaus State, where he will be red-shirting after spending two years at Shasta College in Redding. This will be his third season with the Gold Sox.
"Everybody loves A.J.," Gold Sox manager Brad Peek said. "He is as good a guy defensively as anyone. He saves at least one run every two games with his defense. There is still more there as a hitter, but one of these days he is going to click consistently."
Peek also signed right-handed pitcher Steve Alverson from Louisiana Tech University. Alverson is serving as the Bulldogs' closer. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound junior is 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA, one save, 10 strike outs and four walks in 16 innings pitched.
"He is not a big guy but will hit 90 mph and has a good breaking ball," Peek said. "He is one of those bulldog type guys, the type of guy we want on our team."
Alverson attended Shasta with Valentine before transferring to Louisiana Tech.
Peek added pitcher Kyle Hill of Wayne State, as well.
The Warriors have yet to start their season, but the right-handed sophomore finished 2004 with a 5-4 record and 5.08 ERA in 10 appearances. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder fanned 29 batters and walked 17.
"He is slated to be their No. 1 pitcher," Peek said. "He's tall and can throw in the mid- to upper-80s. He has a good change and a good curve."
Appeal-Democrat reporter Justin Miller can be reached at 749-4796. You may e-mail him at jmiller@appealdemocrat.com
