It’s been a busy day for Goldeyes manager Rick Forney.

Forney announced today the signing of pitchers Dustin Pease, Dan Leatherman and Andrew Walker. Pease returns to the Goldeyes while Leatherman and Walker are new to the Northern League after spending last year in organized ball.

At the same time, Forney freed up some roster space by releasing pitchers Joel Posey, Bobby Madritsch, Patrick Lawler and Jeff Landing as well as utility player Matt Mann.

Pease, 22, comes back after going to spring training with Kansas City. Signed by Winnipeg last June following his senior year at NCAA Div. I Mount St. Mary’s, the southpaw went 1-2 with a 3.26 earned run average in 29 relief appearances, holding opponents to a team-low .217 average.

Leatherman, 22, arrives following two years in the Twins system. Signed by Minnesota out of an open tryout at the Metrodome following his junior year at NCAA Div. I West Virginia, he is a career 11-5 with a 2.98 ERA in 70 appearances, including a 7-4 mark with a 3.89 ERA last year with Beloit of the Midwest (A) League.

Walker, 24, spent the last three years in the Rangers system following a year as Dodgers property. A career 22-29 with a 4.61 ERA, he went 9-13 last year with a 4.99 ERA with Bakersfield of the California (A+) League, finishing among the league leaders in starts and innings pitched.

There are now 25 players on the Winnipeg roster, 12 of whom are pitchers. Training camp opens at Canwest Park May 1.