VAN HEKKEN STARRING FOR TEAM USA AND BRANDON SING STARTS STRONG IN MEXICO

We reported on the great success of former Atlantic League hurler Andy Van Hekken (Somerset) as the ace of Team USA in Thursday's Independent Baseball Insider, but he is certainly not the only former Independent player making news on the diamond these autumn days.

Brandon Sing, who annually hits at least 20 home runs, is the early-season leader in the Mexican Pacific League with four round-trippers in his first six games along with seven runs batted in and a .409 average (9-for-22). Sing played in all 100 games for Sioux Falls, SD of the American Association this season, hitting .303 with 24 dingers and 70 RBI. He also had an outstanding year for Bridgeport earlier.

A PAIR OF ATLANTIC LEAGUERS GET NEW AFFILIATED MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACTS

Left-handed pitcher Andrew Dobies has earned both a new contract in the Kansas City organization and a promotion to Triple-A Omaha. He was a reliever at Somerset last season and early this year until his contract was purchased by the Royals.

Another Atlantic Leaguer getting a new contract is catcher Dayton Buller with Milwaukee's Class AA club. He played at Camden.

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