ThunderWolf alum Williams on cusp of Major League roster

Related: Williams' Minor League Baseball profile

SCRANTON, Pa. - Former CSU-Pueblo pitcher, Jeff Williams, was called up to the AAA-Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees this weekend, and will be pencilled in as the SWB Yankees' closer as they enter the International League Playoffs this week, Williams reported to CSU-Pueblo head baseball coach, Stan Sanchez.

Williams, who had been playing with the Yanks' Class-A affiliate, the Charleston RiverDogs, got the call when Yankees' closer, Mariano Rivera, went down with an injury, prompting the call up of Scranton closer, Jonathan Albaladejo, paving the way for Williams with the AAA-club.

In 13 games with Charleston, Williams has gone 2-2 with a 3.66 ERA, notching three saves.  As Scranton enters the playoffs, Williams will get the closing opportunities.

Williams began 2009 with the Traverse City Beach Bums in Traverse City, Mich. in the independent Frontier League, where he converted on 26 straight save opportunities dating back to 2008.  Traverse City's all-time saves leader, Williams was signed by the Yankees on July 21. 

Williams, a 25-year old native of Castle Rock, Colo., was initially signed by the Red Sox after CSU-Pueblo, but never appeared in a minor league game.  He later caught on with Traverse City.

Williams is one of the top pitchers in CSU-Pueblo history, having posted back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2005 and 2006, the only pitcher in school history who can claim two 10-win campaigns.  His 20 career wins is the fourth-highest win total in CSU-Pueblo history, and his career ERA of 3.70 is the fourth-lowest in school history.

Williams is one of three former ThunderWolves currently playing affiliated pro ball.  Joey Newby is currently pitching for the AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx in the Settle Mariners' organization, while Tony Pechek is playing in the Arizona League with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.