Catching again?

[Thorp]

Is Kevin catching again for the Aces?

[Scooterman]

Espinosa got busted for DWI and they released him for breaking team rules. They then signed Kevin Griffen to replace him on the roster.

[Scooterman]

August 31, 2006 - Aces Cut Espinosa for Disciplinary Reasons

Alexandria, LA - The Alexandria Aces released backup catcher Luis Espinosa for disciplinary reasons, manager Ricky VanAsselberg announced Thursday. To replace Espinosa on the playoff roster, the Aces re-signed Kevin Griffin.

Espinosa, a second-year professional from Miami, Florida, caught and played infield this season for the Aces, hitting .258 in 47 games while also missing time due to a fractured finger on his throwing hand. He made only one appearance in Alexandria’s first four postseason games.

“Luis broke the rules of this team,” VanAsselberg said. “I cannot tolerate that type of behavior in this organization.”

To replace Espinosa on the postseason roster, the Aces re-signed Griffin, who the Aces traded to Amarillo on June 22. Griffin played for four different United League Baseball teams this year, finishing the season with the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings. Griffin hit .233 in 61 games this year overall and hit .242 in 21 games with Alexandria.

ULB Chief Operating Officer Byron Pierce approved Espinosa’s release, and Edinburg manager Vince Moore and Rio Grande Valley manager Eddie Dennis approved Alexandria signing Griffin as a replacement.

The Aces host Game 2 of the inaugural United League Baseball Championship Series Thursday against the Edinburg Coyotes. The Aces currently trail the best-of-five series, which concludes in Edinburg, 1-0.