The Kansas City T-Bones of the Independent Northern League have announced that pitcher Travis Schlichting has signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers assuring him an invitation to Spring Training.  Schlichting, 22, is the second member of the 2007 roster to be signed by a Major League organization.

Schlichting, a converted infielder, was second on the team in relief appearances with 41 while compiling a 2-1 record and a 5.29 ERA.  In 51 innings he struck out 47 batters while walking just 29 in his first full season on the mound.

“I am very happy that Travis will be getting an opportunity to return to organizational ball with the Dodgers,” said T-Bones manager Andy McCauley.  “It was only a matter of time until someone else recognized his potential.  I have wished him the best of luck, and hope he succeeds as far as he can.” 

Schlichting was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2003 before getting traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for catcher Josh Paul.  After spending most of 2006 as an infielder in the Angels system, Schlichting went back to rookie ball to convert to a pitcher where he appeared in only five games before his release.