GERMANY – The Heidenheim Heidekoepfe of the German League continued their impressive offseason with the acquisition of INF/RHP pitcher Brandon Taylor and hard-hitting shortstop Chris Beck.

The Heidekoepfe overcame a two games to one deficit against the Mannheim Tornados in last year’s German finals to claim the first national title in club history.

A former 17th round selection of the Chicago Cubs, Taylor played four seasons of affiliated minor league ball with the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 27-year-old Salt Lake City native, who batted .232 with 15 home runs and 73 RBIs in the minors, also made 16 outings while compiling a 6.15 ERA in 33 2/3 innings.

Beck starred two seasons for the Solingen Alligators and will replace American shortstop Ryan Lilly who retired to take a position at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV). The Aussie slugger, who batted .415 last season, has a career .474 batting average with 59 RBIs, 37 stolen bases and 85 runs scored in 47 German League games.

Photo courtesy of Heidenheim Heidekoepfe

Tags: Germany