The Kansas City T-Bones and manager Andy McCauley have announced the signing of pitcher Nate Cotton to a contract for the 2009 season.

Cotton, 29, originally signed as a nondrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Reds on June 13, 2000.  The right-hander spent four seasons in the Reds system before being released in May 2004.  He was picked up just 12 days later by the St. Louis Cardinals. 

After his release from the Cardinals in May 2005, Cotton made his Northern League debut with McCauley and the Schaumburg Flyers.  He stayed with Schaumburg through the 2006 season before joining the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks for the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

“Nate has been a premier closer in this league for the past four years,” McCauley said.  “He has tremendous ability and a strong work ethic.  He’ll be a solid addition to our bullpen.”

In 2006, Cotton finished with 17 saves while boasting a 0.68 ERA in 26 and two-thirds innings.  He was named the Northern League Relief Pitcher of the Year in 2007 after ending the season with 22 saves and a 2.44 ERA in 44 and one-thirds innings of work.  After finishing second on the saves list in 2006 and 2007, the closer led the league with 22 saves last year, posting a 1.48 ERA in 30 and one-thirds innings.  In 2008, Cotton was named Player of the Week for the week ending July 20.

To make room for Cotton, pitcher Blair Johnson was released.

The T-Bones prepare for game two of a three-game set against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks tonight.  Justin James is set to take the mound for Kansas City opposite Nick Fellman for the RedHawks.  First pitch is set for 7:05.  Single-game tickets for the 2009 season start at just $6 and are available now.  Group and season tickets are available as well.  Call 913-328-5618 or visit www.tbonesbaseball.com for more information and to reserve your seats today.