Colina And Eckert Ink Affiliated Deals
Published on February 5, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Newark Bears News Release
NEWARK, NJ, Feb. 5 -The 2007 Atlantic League Champion-Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club announced today that both second baseman Javier Colina and right-handed pitcher Harold Eckert, have signed contracts with affiliated organizations.
Colina, who was with the Bears all of last season has signed this winter with the Chicago White Sox. In his one year with the Bears, Colina establish career highs in home runs (26), RBI (101), extra-base hits (59), and slugging percentage (.509).
The 10-year veteran was among the top five players in the Atlantic League in home runs, runs-batted-in, hits (144), slugging percentage, extra-base hits, and runs scored (92). Colina was also selected by Baseball America to its 2007 All-Independent League All-Star Team and played in the 2007 Atlantic League All-Star team.
Eckert, the Edison, NJ native who was acquired last July by the Bears signed this winter with the Houston Astros organization. Appearing in 10 games including postseason, last year for the Bears, Eckert posted a 5-0 record, 2.59 ERA, 59 innings pitch, and 79 strikeouts with the team. He also was the starting pitcher for the Bears in Game 1 of the playoff semi-finals against the Long Island Ducks and in Game 3 of the Atlantic League Championship against the Somerset Patriots.
Eckert, is entering his eighth professional season in which his best year was in 2002 with Columbia of the South Atlantic League. He set career highs with 13 wins, 22 games started, 139.1 innings pitched, and 149 strikeouts. Eckert finished that season ranked third in the league in wins and fourth in strikeouts.
"Both Javy and Eck are extremely deserving of their returns to affiliated ball, after being such important members of the Bears family in 2007," said Newark Bears Assistant General Manager of Baseball Operations Jim Cerny. "Javy was a legitimate MVP candidate in the Atlantic League last year; and Eck became our ace in the second half of the season. We couldn't have won the championship without the efforts of either."
The Newark Bears will begin their tenth season at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium on Tuesday, April 29 against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Fans attending all home games may park in the spacious parking garage located behind the wall in right field. For more information and up-to-date news on the Bears, log on to the team's official website www.newarkbears.com or call 1-866-55-4BEAR.
Atlantic League Stories from February 5, 2008
- Colina And Eckert Ink Affiliated Deals - Newark Bears
- Barnstormers Sign First Two Players For 2008 - Lancaster Stormers
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