Nine New Newark Bears

Photo credit: Paul Hadsall

The Newark Bears have announced the signing of nine players this week, giving them at least 12 under contract for 2011.

The new players include:

Nick Renault, a 31-year-old right-handed pitcher who appeared in 12 games for the Bears last season. Renault also pitched for El Paso in the American Association in 2010, where he earned five saves as a part-time closer. The Oregon native has played independent league baseball exclusively during his six-year pro career.

Jeff Hulett, a 23-year-old infielder who was a 12th round draft pick of the Houston Astros in 2008. The Illinois native is the son of former Baltimore Orioles infielder Tim Hulett. Jeff split his 2010 season between El Paso and Shreveport-Bossier, both in the American Association. In affiliated baseball, he advanced as far as the Class A South Atlantic League.

Aaron Kalb, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher who started 13 games for El Paso in the American Association last year. Kalb is a Middletown native who played college baseball with Rutgers. He made his professional debut in 2007, but has never played affiliated baseball.

Eric McGee, a catcher who played for the Emmanuel College (Georgia) Lions last year. The Georgia native will make his professional debut with the Bears in 2011.

Tylor Prudhomme, a 26-year-old infielder who had very limited playing time at the University of Hawaii-Hilo and Lamar University (Texas). The Ontario, Canada native is a switch-hitter.He will make his professional debut with the Bears in 2011.

Dan Ramos-Dominko, a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher who graduated from North Hunterdon High School. He appeared in one game for the 2009 Somerset Patriots and spent last season with Tijuana and Yuma in the Golden League. He has never played affiliated baseball.

Clint Reynolds, a 24-year-old outfielder who played college ball for the University of Southern Alabama. A left-handed batter, Reynolds had doubles power and some speed in college. He will make his professional debut with the Bears in 2011.

John Sciullo, an infielder who played college baseball for Marietta (Ohio). He will make his professional debut with the Bears in 2011.

Tim Stringer, a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher who graduated from North Hunterdon High School and went to Montclair State University, should be a familiar face to Can-Am League fans. He played for the Sussex Skyhawks in 2009 and 2010.

They join pitchers Luke Demko and Matt Morris (not the Seton Hall alum that pitched for the Cardinals) and catcher Arthur Barone, who had previously signed.