USA – The Lincoln Saltdogs announced Tuesday that the contract of right-handed pitcher Chris Cullen was purchased late last month by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Cullen became the third member of the Saltdogs to be picked up by a major-league organization in 2008, following in the footsteps of shortstop Anthony Contreras and pitcher Jason Jarvis.

The 22-year-old Cullen has not appeared in a game for Lincoln. He made his professional debut for Edmonton of the Golden League in 2008, going 5-1 with a 3.20 ERA in 11 appearances, including ten starts.

The Ontario native was traded twice in five days last month. Edmonton traded Cullen to Golden League rival Reno on November 14th, and five days later, Lincoln acquired him from Reno in exchange for cash considerations.

Cullen, who pitched collegiately at Michigan State from 2005 through 2008, is expected to report to the Pirates’ minor-league spring training facilities in March. As is the case with most independent-league players who are picked up by an organization, Lincoln retains Cullen’s rights for 2009 should Pittsburgh choose to release him.

Contreras, the first Saltdog picked up by a big-league organization in 2008, began the season as Lincoln’s starting shortstop. He was leading the team in hits when the San Diego Padres organization purchased his contract on June 27th. Contreras spent the rest of 2008 with Class A Fort Wayne in the Midwest League.

Jarvis, a rookie from Arizona State in 2008, was selected in the June MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants in the 23rd round. He continued pitching for Lincoln until July 31st, when he agreed to terms with San Francisco. Jason made two August appearances for the Giants’ rookie-league team in Arizona, followed two outings for Class A Salem-Keizer in the Northwest League.

In all, 19 different Saltdogs players have been acquired by a major-league organization since the inception of the Lincoln franchise in 2001.

The 2009 Lincoln Saltdogs season begins on May 14 in Wichita, with the home opener scheduled for May 22 against Fort Worth.

For more team and ticket information, go to www.saltdogs.com.

Media Release: Lincoln Saltdogs

Tags: Independent League, National League