Hoops Approved

15Sep/110

Bears Pick Up 2012 Options For 14 Players

Starting pitcher Alex Smith was one of 14 players to have his contract excerised for the 2012 season. Credit: Phil Hoops

According to the Can-Am League transaction wire, the Newark Bears have picked up contract options on a total of 14 players for the 2012 season. Of course things will likely change down the road, but it gives you somewhat of an idea idea as to the direction the team is headed moving forward.

Looking back over the past few seasons, it appears that only a few of the players whose options are picked up generally return to their ball club the following year so this is by no means a guarantee that these players will return to the Den. Keep in mind also that the Sussex Skyhawks exercised contract options on a number of their players for the 2011 season, a year in which they didn't even operate.

Below is a list of the Bears players who have had their contracts picked up for the 2012 season:

C Billy Alvino (.305/.391/.386)

C Eric McGee (.276/.329/.513)

INF Paddy Matera (.292/.378/.396)

INF Ryan Walsh (.292/.360/.412)

OF Burt Reynolds (.232/.291/.445)

OF Caleb Stewart (.281/.397/.561)

SP Alex Smith (10-3, 3.39 ERA, 56 SO)

SP Brian Parker(0-3, 3.33 ERA, 22 SO)

RP Matt Fitton (0-1, 3.43 ERA, 31 SO)

RP Kyle Morrison (3-4, 6.02 ERA, 67 SO)

RP Pedro Rivera (0-2, 11.85 ERA, 8 SO)

RP Chris Rollins (3-2, 3.72 ERA, 30 SO)

RP Anthony Pluta (2-2, 3.63 ERA, 39 SO)

CP Mikey Mehlich (1-4, 3.29 ERA, 29 SO)

4Jul/110

Photos: Pittsfield Colonials at Newark Bears (June 29, 2011)

Newark Bears center fielder Tim Raines Jr. Credit: Phil Hoops

The Newark Bears did battle with the Pittsfield Colonials (formerly the Nashua Pride franchise) on a beautiful Wednesday evening at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark last week.

Casey Gaynor took the ball for the Bears, in only his second start of the season for the team. He gave up five runs in five innings of work. Patrick Moran took the mound for the opposing Colonials and similarly gave up five runs in 5.2 innings of work. The game was left in the hands of the bullpen. T.J. Hose held the Colonials off of the board for two innings before handing the ball over to reliever Chris Rollins, who gave up three runs en route to a 9-5 Bears loss.

Offensively, Eric McGee led the charge for the Bears, going 3-for-4 with an RBI. Brandon Young, Danny Santiesteban and Billy Alvino all had multi-hit games as well.

Below is a photo gallery from the game for you to enjoy in between your Fourth of July barbecue. To view the complete set of photos, check out the Flickr gallery here.