Patriots Sign Wright, Rupe, And Quinowski

The Somerset Patriots announced the signings of right-handed pitchers Chase Wright and Jose Rupe, and left-handed pitcher David Quinowski for the 2012 season.

Chase Wright was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 3rd round (95th overall) of the 2001 MLB Amateur Draft. Wright pitched seven seasons in the Yankees organization. In 2006, he had his best season going 12-3 with 1.88 ERA in 119.2 innings of work. He was named to the Florida State League All-Star team that season, and was also named Florida State League Pitcher of the Year. In 2007, he pitched 3 games in the major leagues for the Yankees. He has 2-0 record with a 7.20 ERA in his major league career. From 2009 to 2011, Wright pitched in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Last season, he split time between their Double-A affiliate Huntsville and their Triple-A affiliate Nashville. He has an 80-61 record with a 4.22 ERA in his minor league career.

Josh Rupe was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 3rd round (90th overall) of the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft. Rupe pitched for the White Sox's rookie league team Bristol in 2002. After only a year and a half in the White Sox Organization, Rupe was traded to the Texas Rangers as part of the Carl Everett deal. From 2005 to 2011, he pitched in the major leagues for the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles. He has a 5-3 record with a 5.06 ERA in 157 innings in his major league career. Last season, he split time between the Baltimore Orioles and their Triple-A affiliate Norfolk.

David Quinowski was originally drafted by the San Fransisco Giants in the 46th round (1384th overall) of the 2004 MLB Amateur Draft. He played all of six seasons of his professional career in the Giants organization. He has a career 18-11 record with a 2.44 ERA in the minor leagues.

It seems like every year the Patriots sign a former Yankee pitcher, and his year is no exception with the addition of Wright. He's a solid pitcher who will bring some leadership to a young pitching staff. The same also be said for Josh Rupe who will be another solid addition to their rotation. David Quinowski is a reliever who put up solid numbers through out his career, and could have a break season for Somerset.