Pirates Sign Independent League Pitcher Chris Peacock

Normally when the Pittsburgh Pirates sign a player from the Independent League, we don’t think much about it.  Now that’s changed after the legend of John Holdzkom.  Can the Pirates continue to find gold in the lowest levels of baseball?  The odds are decidely against it, but the Pirates are continuing to dig.  (The Buccos aren’t the only MLB team signing independent league pitchers–three other MLB teams signed players as well.)

The American Association released news Friday that Wichita Wingnuts 25-year old right hander Chris Peacock was signed by the Bucs.

Here is the link and the announcement.

"Peacock joined the 2014 league champions in August and went 2-0 in six relief appearances, striking out four hitters in six innings of work. He also appeared in four of the Wingnuts’ seven playoff games, registering a 2.70 ERA in 3.1 innings pitched.Previously, the native of Daphne, Ala., pitched in the Pecos, North American and United Leagues, and played collegiate baseball at the University of Mobile and at Faulkner State."

Witchita was the league champion and Peacock is a veteran of independent baseball after pitching three seasons for various leagues.  The 6’4″ right hander doesnt have glamorous numbers–he has made 69 appearances with 19 starts and has a 5.58 ERA.  Over 169.1 innings he has walked 81 and struck out 135.

But specifically in 2014, Peacock struck out 47 in 41.2 innings, but walked 22 while putting up a 3.02 ERA in the ULB and American Association of Independent Baseball.

Maybe Holdzkom will teach him a palmball?