Former University of Maine pitcher Garrett Quinn and first baseman Jeff Longo, and Husson College center fielder Sandy McCuaig were among four players retained by the Bangor Blue Ox following Sunday’s tryout session at Mahaney Diamond.

The other was former Lyndon State College catcher Brodie Ingalls.

Those four players will work out with the Blue Ox this week before manager Roger LaFrancois makes his final decision on whether to offer them contracts.

“These guys can compete on this level,” said Blue Ox President Dean Gyorgy. “We have a couple of spots open. We have 20 players signed and we have a 22-man limit. You can always use more pitching. That’s our biggest concern right now. We also have a fourth outfield position open.”

In addition, LaFrancois said he is looking for a utility infielder.

Quinn was the America East Pitcher of the Year this past spring and Longo was used in a relief role. Longo will be looked at as a pitcher as well as a first baseman and utility player.

They will get good looks from LaFrancois as will McCuaig, who can also play the infield. He was Husson’s starting shortstop for two seasons.

“I really like their attitudes,” said LaFrancois. “McCuaig and Longo are versatile. They can each play a lot of positions. Quinn throws three-quarter arm and [because it’s rare] they don’t have to throw that hard [to get people out].”

LaFrancois said he also likes the idea of having some local players on his roster.

Quinn, Longo and McCuaig were satisfied with the way they performed at the tryout and they are looking forward to the week ahead.

“I appreciate getting a good look from them,” said Longo, who hit .332 for Maine with two homers and 40 runs batted in this spring. He was 3-2 with 2 saves and a 3.95 earned run average as a reliever.

“There haven’t been many scouts knocking down my door. All my life, I’ve wanted to play pro ball and now I have to make the best of my opportunity. The advantage I have is I can hit and pitch. The more I can do, the better the chance I have of making the squad,” said Longo.

Quinn said he intends to wait until after the baseball draft on June 5 to sign a contract.

“I just want to keep my options open. I don’t want to jeopardize my amateur status [by signing a contract with the Blue Ox before the draft]. But this a viable option. It would be a lot of fun,” said Quinn, who was 9-3 with a 3.28 earned run average.

“I don’t have Garrett’s problem. I don’t have to wait for the draft,” grinned McCuaig, who hit .404 with 3 homers, 47 RBIs and 17 steals this past spring en route to being named Maine Athletic Conference and NAIA New England Player of the Year. “I just want a chance to keep playing.”