Montgomery- The Alabama State University baseball team signed five recruits during the early signing period, addressing some much needed areas of concern.

"One of the things we wanted to address was the voids that we will have next year," head baseball coach Mervyl Melendez said. "A big concern every year is pitching, I believe that we have signed some quality pitchers that will help us next year. I want to believe that when these players get here they're going to be surrounded by upperclassmen that will lead the way and get them to play at a different level."

The group of signees includes four pitchers: Brannon Miller (Rockledge, Fl.), Mckenzie Mills (Marietta, Ga.), Daren Osby (Stone Mountain, Ga.), and Charles Perdue (Atlanta, Ga.). The fifth, a short stop Alexis Pantojas from Vega Alta, PR. Pantoja is the No. 1 rated shortstop in Puerto Rico, according to Perfect Game. Perfect Game is the most respected scouting service in the country. This organization is devoted to furthering the development and career of the talented high school baseball players.


"We are very excited to have Brannon as a part of our signing class. He brings a unique ability to not only throw a plus fastball, but one with a lot of movement as well. We feel that he will make an immediate impact at the Division I level right away."
"He's a tall left handed pitcher, rated one of the best in the country and top 10 in the state of Georgia, McKenzie should compete for a spot in the rotation immediately. His upside is great and we are extremely excited that we get to develop his talent and his abilities as a pitcher."
"Osby has the potential to a weekend starter for us right away. He has a great frame and will continue to develop as he adds strength. He is a power pitcher that can throw 3-4 pitches for strikes at any time."

"He hits from the left side and is a plus runner. It's not often you get a five tool player these days but Pantojas has shown that ability at a premium position. We expect him to be our everyday shortstop once he arrives."
"Finding quality left handed pitching was one of our biggest needs with this class and CJ definitely provides that. He is long and loose with above average off-speed pitches. He will greatly benefit from our weight training program and should give us another left handed option right away."