Versnik ready for season-two of his professional baseball career

Former UW-Whitewater pitcher Ben Versnik is getting set for his second season of professional baseball.

Versnik was selected in Round 38 of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners. The former Warhawk was assigned to the Mariners’ Rookie League affiliate in Pulaski, Virginia.

The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s top relief pitcher was dominating last spring. Ben posted the lowest earned run average( 3.04 in 20 appearances) on the team that finished the season with a 42-5 record. He also posted seven saves, the highest single season total of any pitcher in UW-W history. Versnik posted a 2-1 record in relief making one start and also adding 35 strikeouts over 26.2 innings pitched. He held opposing hitters to a mere .220 batting average.

Versnik appeared in six games last summer after signing his first professional contract. Ben finished his first season with a 3.38 earned run average - giving up 3 runs in 8.0 innings pitcher - all in relief. The West Allis native had just one outing where he gave up more than one run. His 2010 pitching totals included 13 strike outs and just 4 walks in 8.0 innings pitched.

The Mariners have yet to officially release it’s minor league rosters for the upcoming season.

The question is if Versnik will open 2011 at Rookie League affiliate Pulaski (Virginia) or possibly Seattle’s Short-Season A Northwoods League affiliate in Everette Washington. The Mariners’ Class A Midwest League affiliate is located in Clinton, Illinois.