ATLEE SOLD TO BREWERS

Little Falls, NJ – The New Jersey Jackals have announced that pitcher Tom Atlee has been sold to the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

Atlee, acquired near the end of the 2007 season, played in three games for the New Jersey Jackals recording one save and five strikeouts in 2.1 innings of work. Prior to being traded to the Jackals, Atlee played for the Coastal Bend Pelicans of the American Association. In 36 games, Atlee recorded 17 saves and 53 strikeouts in only 37 innings of work.

Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs organization in the 19th round of the 2002 draft, Atlee started his career with the Cubs’ Single-A affiliate Boise Hawks of the Northwest League. In 19 games, he recorded 5 saves with 21 strikeouts in 27.1 innings of work. In 2006, Atlee reached his highest level playing for the Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate Iowa Cubs of the Pacific Coast League. Atlee played 10 games for the Iowa Cubs with seven strikeouts in 13.1 innings of work.

“We are very excited for Tom.” Manager Joe Calfapietra commented. “He is another great example of what the Can-Am League is all about.”

With the purchase of Atlee, the Jackals have now had 13 players sign with a major league organization since the beginning of the 2006 season. Guillermo Reyes will be reporting in February to spring training with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Brad Voyles (Florida), Jaime Cerda (Seattle), and John Lindsey (Los Angeles) are all playing at the Triple-A level. Alex Fernandez (Pittsburgh) and Raul Valdes (New York Mets) are playing at the Double-A level. Rusty Tucker (Milwaukee), Hunter Davis (Tampa Bay) and Jason Wylie (Philadelphia) are playing at the High Single-A level. Michael Vicaro (Arizona) is playing at the Rookie league level. Randy Rapp (Oakland) and Isaac Pavlik (Chicago Cubs) have returned to the Independent Leagues after playing part of the 2006 season in High Single-A and Double-A levels respectively.

“We are very proud as an organization to help players get their first or second chance with a major league organization. The success of players that have moved on shows the value of independent baseball as a whole.”

The Jackals wish Tom Atlee the best of luck for the 2008 season.