SOMERSET: Two from Pats’ tryout invited for closer look

The Somerset Patriots have invited left-handed pitcher J.D. Reichenbach and infielder Scott Kelly to join the team at spring training from their open player tryouts held at TD Bank Ballpark on Satu

The Somerset Patriots have invited left-handed pitcher J.D. Reichenbach and infielder Scott Kelly to join the team at spring training from their open player tryouts held at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday, April 12.
   Reichenbach has experience in the Cleveland Indians organization, reaching the Triple-A level briefly in 2011.
   He spent most of last season in Carolina, Cleveland’s Single-A affiliate, where he had a 3.30 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 57.1 innings pitched in 41 games.
   He has a minor league career 18-18 record, a 4.18 ERA, and 193 strikeouts in 273.1 innings pitched in 138 games.
   ”J.D. showed good command of the zone and a real good slider. He had a sidearm delivery that created some deception that could prove difficult for lefties to face,” said Brett Jodie, manager of the Patriots.
       Kelly played for the College of New Jersey, where he finished the 2013 season with a .331 batting average, 55 hits, six doubles and 23 RBI in 39 games played.
   For his TCNJ career he had a .346 batting average, 169 hits, 23 doubles, and 64 RBI in 119 games played.
   ”Scott showed very good hands and a quick transfer,” said Jodie. “I think he was the fastest guy at the tryout and showed overall good athleticism and work ethic.”
   Spring training began for the Patriots on Tuesday, April 15, at TD Bank Ballpark. Opening day is Friday, April 25. For schedule and tickets, see www.somersetpatriots.com.