Racine native Vinny Rottino has achieved his dream.
The scrappy utility man was promoted from Class AAA Nashville to the Brewers' roster along with right-handed pitcher Dennis Sarfate today, when major-league clubs can expand their rosters from 25 to up to 40 players.
Rottino, 26, who signed with the Brewers as a nondrafted free agent in February 2003, impressed the big-league coaching staff during spring training with his quick bat and strong work ethic. He will serve as a third-string catcher, backup infielder and a pinch-hitter.
In order to clear a spot for Rottino on the 40-man roster, the Brewers moved second baseman Rickie Weeks to the 60-day disabled list.
Sarfate, 26, will pitch out of the bullpen. He was 10-7 as a starter / reliever for the Sounds this season, with a 3.67 earned run average.
Rottino will wear uniform No. 8 with Milwaukee and Sarfate will wear No. 45. Both players will be making their Major League debuts.
The Brewers also announced extension of player development contracts with minor-league affiliates in Huntsville (Class AA), Brevard County (Class A) and Helena (rookie ball). Huntsville and Helena signed two-year extensions; Brevard County signed for four years. The Brewers signed an extension earlier this year with Nashville, where their top affiliate will play through 2010.
The scrappy utility man was promoted from Class AAA Nashville to the Brewers' roster along with right-handed pitcher Dennis Sarfate today, when major-league clubs can expand their rosters from 25 to up to 40 players.
Rottino, 26, who signed with the Brewers as a nondrafted free agent in February 2003, impressed the big-league coaching staff during spring training with his quick bat and strong work ethic. He will serve as a third-string catcher, backup infielder and a pinch-hitter.
In order to clear a spot for Rottino on the 40-man roster, the Brewers moved second baseman Rickie Weeks to the 60-day disabled list.
Sarfate, 26, will pitch out of the bullpen. He was 10-7 as a starter / reliever for the Sounds this season, with a 3.67 earned run average.
Rottino will wear uniform No. 8 with Milwaukee and Sarfate will wear No. 45. Both players will be making their Major League debuts.
The Brewers also announced extension of player development contracts with minor-league affiliates in Huntsville (Class AA), Brevard County (Class A) and Helena (rookie ball). Huntsville and Helena signed two-year extensions; Brevard County signed for four years. The Brewers signed an extension earlier this year with Nashville, where their top affiliate will play through 2010.
Host of “The Drew Olson Show,” which airs 1-3 p.m. weekdays on The Big 902. Sidekick on “The Mike Heller Show,” airing weekdays on The Big 920 and a statewide network including stations in Madison, Appleton and Wausau. Co-author of Bill Schroeder’s “If These Walls Could Talk: Milwaukee Brewers” on Triumph Books. Co-host of “Big 12 Sports Saturday,” which airs Saturdays during football season on WISN-12. Former senior editor at OnMilwaukee.com. Former reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
