The Pelicans announced today that former Pelicans pitcher Gerardo Casadiego recently signed a contract with the New York Yankees and will be sent to their double-A team, the Trenton Thunder.The right-handed Casadiego will report to the Yankees' spring training camp in March and then head to Trenton, New Jersey, a member of the double-A Eastern League.
Casadiego played with the Pelicans in the 2004 and 2005 seasons. In his two year span, he compiled a record of 11-6 with eight saves, a 4.17 ERA and 136 strikeouts in 126 innings pitched. In 2004, he was strictly used out of the bullpen and became the "go-to man" registering 43 appearances, the league's second most by a pitcher. He finished 2004 with a record of 6-2 and led the team with eight saves, compiling a 3.29 ERA with 58 strikeouts while walking only 26 batters in 54.2 innings pitched.
In 2005, his role changed to being one of the Pelicans' top starting pitchers. His highlight game came in his third start, a win over the Fort Worth Cats on May 20, 2005. He pitched eight strong innings, allowed only two runs on three hits while striking out 11 batters and walking none.
"Gerardo is a good competitive pitcher who will always give 100 percent," said Pelicans General Manager George Stavrenos. "He showed signs of dominance at this level and I expect he will contribute for Trenton."
Originally signed by the Montreal Expos in 1998, Casadiego spent the next six and a half seasons in an Expo uniform advancing to their double-A team in Harrisburg, VA from 2002 to part of the 2004 season.
Casadiego becomes the twelfth Pelicans' player to sign with a Major League organization. He joins Talmadge "T" Nunnari, Pete Della Ratta, Heath Kelly, Phil Devey, Matt Tindell, Josh Kranawetter, Andy Wilson, Joe Espada, Hunter Vick, Edwar Ramirez and Rafael Alvarez.
The Inside Scoop: *Scoop's Reading Challenge now has more than 8,300 students registered to take part in. *Talmadge "T" Nunnari recently visited children at Sacred Heart Hospital along with John Webb, Dontrell Willis, Derrell McCall, Nate Espy and a few other local athletes. *Scoop's next appearance will be at the Junior Achievement Mardi Gras Bowl at Cordova Lanes on Friday, February 10.
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