D'Alessandro on the tryout circuit

Here's a link to a story about the Somerset Patriots - a powerhouse in the independent Atlantic League and managed by former major-league pitcher Sparky Lyle - holding a tryout for nearly 100 pitchers. Among them were Brian Holliday, a lefty who was drafted by the Pirates in the 12th round in 2002 out of Moon High School, and Wild Things reliever Joe D'Alessandro, pictured.

According to mycentraljersey.com, Holliday and D'Alessandro are two of four pitchers the Patriots are considering bringing to spring training.

Apparently, D'Alessandro has a contract offer waiting from the Wild Things but is trying his hand at getting into the Atlantic League. D'Alessandro, who was 3-2 with 4 saves and a 2.52 ERA with the Wild Things, said he wasn't happy with his performance at the tryout.

Here is what Lyle said about D'Alessandro: "D'Alessandro, he just seemed to throw with reckless abandon. He threw so many balls in the dirt, they were either in the dirt or up."

Patriots tryout.