UML's Laurin inks pro deal

LOWELL -- UMass Lowell baseball standout Brad Laurin, a native of Dracut and a Central Catholic High School graduate, has signed a one-year deal with the Ohio Valley Red Coats of the Frontier League.

Laurin was drawn to Ohio Valley through the Red Coats' fielding coach, Jon Cahill, who starred at UMass Lowell from 1998-2001. The Red Coats are currently in their first season and are managed by Mark Mason, previously the pitching coach of the Washington (Pa.) Wild Things, where Cahill played the last two years.

“I was hoping for an opportunity to play somewhere,” Laurin said. “Jon Cahill called me Monday night and told me to stay in shape because they might be making a move within a week or two. But then he called me Tuesday morning and said they had a spot for me.”

Laurin drove to Lorain, Ohio, the team's base this season just west of Cleveland, on Thursday and signed the contract soon after. The contract also gives Ohio Valley the option of signing him for an additional year, Cahill said.

A four-year starter for the River Hawks, Laurin will begin the year in the Red Coats' bullpen, but Cahill believes he could break the starting rotation before long.

Fresh off a 5-5 season, Laurin posted a 2.36 ERA with 82 strikeouts and only 28 walks while limiting opposing hitters to a .233 average. He ranked among Northeast-10 Conference leaders in four categories, including games started (12, second), strikeouts (third) and innings pitched (84, third).

“I think it's a great opportunity for Brad,” said UML head coach Ken Harring. “He is a left-handed pitcher who is going to throw strikes and change speeds. If he throws well and impresses the right people, you never know what the next step will be for him. Hopefully, he can use this as a stepping stone.”

Laurin joins several other UML alumni playing in the minors.

Matt Tupman (Wichita Wranglers) and Marc Deschenes (Portland Sea Dogs) are each playing at the AA level, while Allen Mottram is with the Class A South Bend Silver Hawks. Aaron Easton, drafted by the Florida Marlins in 2004, is waiting assignment.