NewsDiNardo earns Triple-A All-Star honor
Day after opting for free agency, lefty named to Topps teamBy Dick Kaegel / MLB.com
11/12/09 3:55 PM EST
KANSAS CITY -- After an outstanding season for the Royals' Omaha club, left-handed pitcher Lenny DiNardo was named on Thursday to the Topps Triple-A All-Star Team.That could help DiNardo, 30, as he sifts through the marketplace in the offseason. The Royals announced that DiNardo opted to take free agency on Wednesday night instead of accepting an outright assignment to Omaha.
DiNardo had a 10-5 record and a 3.32 ERA in 29 games, including 23 starts, for Omaha in 2009. He struck out 127 batters with just 38 walks in 151 2/3 innings and was named the club's Pitcher of the Year. Called up by the Royals in September, he made five starts, going 0-3 with 10.13 ERA. DiNardo was dropped from the big league roster on Tuesday.
Also named to the Topps team were: first baseman Randy Ruiz (Blue Jays), second baseman Kevin Russo (Yankees), third baseman Andy Marte (Indians), shortstop Alcides Escobar (Brewers), outfielders John Bowker (Giants), Jordan Brown (Indians) and Shelley Duncan (Yankees), catcher John Hester (D-backs) and designated hitter Mitch Jones (Dodgers).
Dick Kaegel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
