By George Farelli
It’s tough enough to get drafted or signed once.
Right-hander Mike Monster (Kelowna, BC) was drafted in the 25th round by the Cincinnati Reds. Monster didn’t sign and went to school.
And four year later Monster, now 23, has signed.
After pitching for the Okanagan Coyotes in 2012 Monster signed a contract with the Los Angeles Angels by area scout Don Archer. The 6-foot-3 righty played 2012 with the Coyotes going 2-2 with a 2.57 ERA and recorded a save.
Monster struck out 35 in 28 innings and allowed eight runs for coach Geoff White. His fastball has been clocked at 92 mph.
Besides Monster, C George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) signed with the Chicago Cubs INF Taylor Green (Comox, BC) re-signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. Green had been injured in 2013.
RHP Henry Mabee (Victoria, BC) re-signed with the Chicago White Sox and OF Jamie Romak (London, Ont.) signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers to highlight transactions involving Canadians the previous three months.
2013 Transactions for Canadians
OCTOBER, 2013
Ethan ELIAS Released by the Chicago Cubs
Taylor GREEN Free Agent re-signs with the Milwaukee Brewers
Kyle LOTZKAR Signs as Minor League Free Agent with Texas Rangers
Mask HARDY Contract Option for 2014 is picked up by Winnipeg Goldeyes, IND American Association
Chris KISSOCK Contract Option for 2014 is picked up by Winnipeg Goldeyes, IND American Association
RHP Karl GELINAS, given an invite to spring training with the Philadelphia Phillies.
NOVEMBER, 2013
Henry MABEE Minor League Free Agent re-signs with Chicago White Sox
Dave McKAY Signs with Arizona Diamondbacks as their First Base Coach
Adam LOEWEN Six Year Minor Leaguer opted to declare for Free Agency
Skylar STROMSMOE Six Year Minor Leaguer opted to declare for Free Agency
John SUOMI Six Year Minor Leaguer opted to declare for Free Agency
Luke CARLIN Six Year Minor Leaguer opted to declare for Free Agency
Shawn HILL Six Year Minor Leaguer opted to declare for Free Agency
Brock KJELDGAARD Six Year Minor Leaguer opted to declare for Free Agency
Jim VAN OSTRAND Six Year Minor Leaguer opted to declare for Free Agency
Jamie ROMAK Six Year Minor Leaguer opted to declare for Free Agency, signs Minor League Contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers
Rene TOSONI Six Year Minor Leaguer opted to declare for Free Agency
Emerson FROSTAD Released by Trois Rivieres Eagles, IND Can Am League
Ralph DICKENSON Signs with Houston Astros as an Assistant Hitting Coach
George KOTTARAS Designated for Assignment by Kansas City Royals, has his contract purchased by the Chicago Cubs
Jordan LENNERTON Added to Detroit Tigers 40-man Major League Roster
Oscar TAVERAS Added to St. Louis Cardinals 40-man Major League Roster
DECEMBER, 2013
Mike MONSTER Signs as a Free Agent with the Los Angeles Angels
David HATT Signs as a Free Agent with Winnipeg Goldeyes, IND American Association
Rob DUCEY Signs with Arizona Diamondbacks as a Minor League Hitting Coach, is assigned to AZL Diamondbacks in the rookie-class Arizona Rookie League and class-A Missoula.
Scott THORMAN, named coach with class-A Burlington (Royals)
Tim LEIPER Named as the First Base Coach by the Toronto Blue Jays
This post was first published at the Canadian Baseball Network.
