The Cincinnati Steam announce that 3 former players have signed professional contracts recently.  On Thursday, June 18th, former Cincinnati Steam catcher and current assistant coach, Billy O'Conner (Xavier University/Elder HS) headed for Arizona where he will report to the Texas Rangers squad in Surprise.  O'Conner was signed as a free agent.  Additionally, former Steam pitchers Ryan Kruzska (Butler University) and Matt Winterhalter (NKU/LaSalle HS) signed with franchises in the Independent Frontier League.  Kruzska signed with the Traverse City Beach Bums in Michigan back on June 10th and Winterhalter signed with the Washington Wild Things in Pennsylvania on June 17th.  This now brings the Steam to a grand total of 8 players (5 drafted and 3 free agent signings) for 2009 having been drafted or signed professional contracts. 
 
(Frontier League transaction page with day to day reports)  http://www.frontierleague.com/transactions.php
 
 
Additionally, former Steam member Jordan Conley (Xavier University/Hamilton HS) is coaching with the Hamilton Joes club that the Steam faced last night and it was noted that he may be reporting to the Florence Freedom of the Frontier League in the near future.
 
The other night at the game vs. the Lima Locos, we had a Danny Rosenbaum (Xavier University/Loveland HS) sighting.  Danny will reportedly sign and Tommy Nurre (Miami of Ohio/St. Xavier HS) was seen at the ballpark last night and he and the Reds are working on details of his signing.
 
One last note, Brandon Besl (Ohio U/Oak Hills HS) is now in uniform for the Steam.  Brandon will be working with the hitters and coaching first base for the Steam.