LA CROSSE, WIS. – The La Crosse Loggers on Wednesday announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Ryan Mota and outfielder Denz’l Chapman, both freshmen from San Diego State University.
Mota, 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, will work mainly out of the bullpen for the Aztecs this spring, then use his summer with the Loggers to develop as a starting pitcher. San Diego State’s coaches expect him to move into the weekend rotation as early as 2016. Mota was a second-team all-CIF performer for Kaiser High School in Fontana, Calif.
“Ryan Mota is a big, strong right-hander who has all the makings of being a productive workhorse,” Loggers General Manager Chris Goodell said. “His ability to throw strikes with a nice three-pitch mix will set him up to play an important role for both the Aztecs and for us this summer. We’re looking forward to him developing and being a big part of our pitching staff.”
Chapman, who is from Los Angeles and played at Junipero Serra High School (Calif.), was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 32nd Round of the 2014 Draft before heading to San Diego State. Chapman, 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, was selected to play in the Area Code Games and the 2013 18U National Team and was named a Perfect Game Preseason High School Underclassmen All-America first team selection during his prep career. Chapman will bring pro speed to the outfield and the basepaths for the Aztecs and the Loggers, having been timed at 6.31 seconds in the 60-yard dash.
“Denz’l Chapman has game-changing speed and will be able to use that to put pressure on the defense all summer long,” Goodell said. “He’s been playing on big stages throughout his prep career and will certainly be ready to take his game to the next level. He’s going to be a fun one to watch.”
The signing of Mota and Chapman extends a long and successful developmental relationship between the Loggers and San Diego State.
The Aztecs have sent a total of 13 players to La Crosse. That history includes Mike Paluzzi (2003), J.R. Murphy (2006), Nick Romero (2006), Lance Sewell (2006), George Snyder (2006), Troy Hanzawa (2007), Cory Vaughn (2008), Brandon Meredith (2009-10), Blair Moore (2010), Steven Pallares (2011), and T.J. Kendzora (2012). Vaughn was a 2008 South Division and Post-Season All-Star and was drafted in the 4th Round in 2010, finishing last season with Class AAA Las Vegas. Romero, Sewell, Hanzawa, Moore also were drafted and played professionally after their Loggers careers.
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The La Crosse Loggers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Preparing for its 22nd season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (BOS) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League YouTube channel.  For more information, visit www.lacrosseloggers.com.