GBL sells contract of Manny Ayala to San Diego Padres
September 19, 2005 - Golden Baseball League (GBL) News Release
September 19, 2005: The Golden Baseball League announced today that Mesa Miner pitcher Manny Ayala has been acquired from the league by the San Diego Padres. The Padres have signed him to a contract today and are sending him immediately to their fall league team in Peoria, Arizona.
"Manny certainly deserves this opportunity" said Les Lancaster, Mesa Manager and former major league relief pitcher "He was a dominant pitcher in the GBL and he's only 20 years old. He's got a big league fastball, size, and control. His breaking pitch showed great development this season and as he fine tunes that he will be very difficult for minor league players to hit. I'm looking forward to watching his progression and seeing him in a Padre uniform in the future."
Ayala, 20, is a 6'4" 210 pound right-handed pitcher out of East Los Angeles Community College. Originally selected and drafted by the Mesa Miners at the GBL League Tryouts in Fullerton in December of 2004 he went on to become Rookie Pitcher of the Year in the GBL this season. He tied for the league lead in wins as he went 12-4 with a 3.05 E.R.A. in 112 innings pitched while striking out 82 batters and walking only 23. He also had 3 complete games and a 2-hit shutout as he garnered Pitcher of the Week and GBL All-Star awards during the season. His efforts led the pitching staff as the Miners won the Arizona Division Title and made it to the GBL Championship Series before losing to the San Diego Surf Dawgs in the final game. No stranger to sparkling records, Ayala got off to a 17-0 start one year during his collegiate career.
"Manny is the 12th alumni of the GBL to go to a major league organization and the first in our post-season" said Kevin Outcalt, Commissioner of the GBL, "We are very pleased that our players are receiving these opportunities and that the GBL is being increasingly recognized as a talent pool for MLB teams. This is our first transaction with the Padres, and is significant as they are very aggressive in acquiring independent league players."
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Golden Baseball League Stories from September 19, 2005
- Nick Guerra wins GBL Rookie of the Year - San Diego Surf Dawgs
- GBL sells contract of Manny Ayala to San Diego Padres - GBL
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