PHILADELPHIA – According to Kevin Callahan of the Courier-Post, the Philadelphia Phillies will sign Cinnaminson, New Jersey native LHP Jeff Singer to a minor-league deal Thursday morning at Citizens Bank Park.
Singer, 22, appeared in 13 games with the Camden Riversharks this past season, allowing 51 hits, 32 runs (29 earned), 30 walks and five home runs over 49 2/3 innings.
Rowland George, the scout who discovered Singer, was hired in January by newly-named scouting director John Almaraz after spending over eight years with the Detroit Tigers.
One of George's scouting responsibilities, according to his LinkedIn page, includes 'reporting on the top players in the various professional Independent Leagues'.
George told the following to the Courier-Post regarding what to expect out of Singer:
"[Singer] has a good curveball and a good change up.
He has a bright future. He's a great kid with a big heart and he’s not afraid of hard work. As long as he stays healthy, I believe he will pitch in the big leagues."
Jeff Singer, Holy Cross senior, pitching for Burlington County in the semifinals of the Carpenter Cup Classic at Citizens Bank Park on June 20, 2011.
Listed as being 6-foot, 195 pounds, Singer will be just the second Rutgers-Camden Scarlet Raptors alumnus to sign a big-league contract.
Over his college career, Singer also attended and played for Gloucester County College (since renamed Rowan College at Gloucester County) and Monmouth University.
As a Roadrunner with Gloucester County College, Singer was a two-time All-American and named the 2013 National Player of the Year. He also holds the school record for career wins, 21.
On April 23, 2014, Singer threw the seventh no-hitter in Rutgers-Camden history, walking four batters and striking out 10.
According to George, Singer was the youngest pitcher in the Atlantic League.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedephia.com.
