The Mallards are excited to announce the team has signed a pair of freshman from the University of Florida for the first time in the franchise’s now-11 year history.

A right-handed pitcher from Okeechobee High School (Florida), Johnathon Crawford was selected in the 42^nd round of last June’s MLB Draft by the Florida Marlins. He was ranked No. 19 in the state of Florida and No. 137 overall in the Class of 2010 Final Rankings from Perfect Game. Crawford recorded a 1.06 ERA with 89 strikeouts in 52.2 innings as a senior and was the Brahmans’ Pitcher of the Year.

This spring, Crawford has appeared in two games and has allowed one run over two innings.

Mallards Field Manager Greg Labbe thinks Crawford has a great chance to be a member of his starting rotation this summer.

“He can run it up into the mid-90’s, with a great 12-to-6 breaking ball, and has been working on refining his change-up. The coaches at Florida feel that he is going to contribute right away for them as a freshman.”

Zack Powers was selected in the 28^th round of last June’s MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates and was rated No. 43 in the state of Florida according to Prospectswire.com. He also was ranked No. 28 in Florida in the Class of 2010 Final Rankings from Perfect Game. As a senior, Powers hit a team-best .411 with 18 RBI, seven doubles, three home runs, and one triple. On the mound, he turned in a 9-1 record with a 1.51 ERA. In the postseason, he was even better, posting a perfect 3-0 record and 1.09 ERA with two complete games.

This spring, Powers has started four games and has two hits, including one double.

“Zack has all of the tools to be a great player in the Northwoods League,” said Labbe.

“He can play third-base, shortstop, or second base, and gives us a left-handed bat with power. Zack is another player with great character whose abilities are off the charts.”

The Mallards are excited to announce the team has signed a pair of freshman from the University of Florida for the first time in the franchise’s now-11 year history.

A right-handed pitcher from Okeechobee High School (Florida), Johnathon Crawford was selected in the 42^nd round of last June’s MLB Draft by the Florida Marlins. He was ranked No. 19 in the state of Florida and No. 137 overall in the Class of 2010 Final Rankings from Perfect Game. Crawford recorded a 1.06 ERA with 89 strikeouts in 52.2 innings as a senior and was the Brahmans’ Pitcher of the Year.

This spring, Crawford has appeared in two games and has allowed one run over two innings.

Mallards Field Manager Greg Labbe thinks Crawford has a great chance to be a member of his starting rotation this summer.

“He can run it up into the mid-90’s, with a great 12-to-6 breaking ball, and has been working on refining his change-up. The coaches at Florida feel that he is going to contribute right away for them as a freshman.”

Zack Powers was selected in the 28^th round of last June’s MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates and was rated No. 43 in the state of Florida according to Prospectswire.com. He also was ranked No. 28 in Florida in the Class of 2010 Final Rankings from Perfect Game. As a senior, Powers hit a team-best .411 with 18 RBI, seven doubles, three home runs, and one triple. On the mound, he turned in a 9-1 record with a 1.51 ERA. In the postseason, he was even better, posting a perfect 3-0 record and 1.09 ERA with two complete games.

This spring, Powers has started four games and has two hits, including one double.

“Zack has all of the tools to be a great player in the Northwoods League,” said Labbe.

“He can play third-base, shortstop, or second base, and gives us a left-handed bat with power. Zack is another player with great character whose abilities are off the charts.”