WEST VIRGINIA — Yes, you read the headline right. The veteran pitcher, Vernon Sullivan will keep his Alleghenies uniform after all. Sources reported that Sullivan and Imasa had a private chat in Imasa’s office couple days ago. This deal came out of no where, to say the least. Last week, several sources reported that the Alleghenies were talking to closer, Martin Cantin about contract extensions. Martin quickly denied the reports after it was leaked. Cantin might be saying the truth this time around. Perhaps there is no deal on the table yet for the 30-year-old closer.

Instead, the Alleghenies extended their home-grown pitcher for another two years. Sullivan was originally drafted by West Virginia Coal Sox in the second round in 2010 first-year player draft. He played in the Minor Leagues for three years and made his PEBA debut in 2014.  Sully’s first year in PEBA was not something to write home about. It was decent at best. After that year, Sullivan had a couple of good seasons in 2017 where he won 18 games for the Alleghenies and posted a 3.30 ERA and this season, Sully won 14 games for the Alleghenies and has an ERA of 3.86 and 2.4 WAR.

According to reports, the deal was worth $6,800,000. Sullivan will  be getting $3,220,000 next season, and $3,580,000 in 2021. In addition, sources reported that the Alleghenies offered a 4-year deal, but the 27-year-old pitcher preferred a shorter deal.

“We wanted long-term, he wanted short. We kept it simple and met in the middle.” GM Imasa said to press yesterday. “We are happy to have him back for a couple more seasons here in West Virginia. He may not be the most popular player here, but he still gives back to the community and play his rear off everytime he goes on the mound.” The GM added.

Some tidbits on Vernon Sullivan. To this date, Sullivan holds the franchise record in games started (181), innings pitched (1123), wins (66) and second in strikeouts with 661.