Riversharks Announce First Signings Of 2009
Published on March 20, 2009 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Camden Riversharks News Release
CAMDEN - The Camden Riversharks announced their first signings of the 2009 season today. The team has agreed to terms with pitchers Brian Lawrence and Julio Guerrero, as well as infielder Brett Bonvechio. All three players were part of the Riversharks' opening day roster in 2008; Lawrence and Bonvechio signed with major league organizations mid-season.
Brian Lawrence, 32, was originally selected by the San Diego Padres in the 17th round of the 1998 draft. He spent five seasons in the major leagues with the Padres, from 2001 to 2005. He also spent part of the 2007 season with the New York Mets. As a major league pitcher, Lawrence amassed a career record of 50-63 with a 4.19 ERA.
Last season, Lawrence appeared in 8 games for the Riversharks, and compiled a 2-2 record with a 3.21 ERA. In 47.2 innings pitched, he struck out 32 batters while walking only 9. Mid-season, he signed with the AAA Richmond Braves of the International League.
Brett Bonvechio returns to Camden for a second spell with the Riversharks. Last season, he played both first and third base for the team, and compiled a .227 batting average while driving in 39 runs. Mid-season, he signed with the Winston-Salem Dash, the White Sox's A team in the Carolina League.
Also re-signing with the Riversharks this week was right handed pitcher Julio Guerrero. Last season, Guerrero appeared in 47 games for the Riversharks, and finished the year with a 4.04 ERA. He pitched 91.1 innings, allowed 41 earned runs, and struck out 58 batters. The 28 year old pitcher is expected to work out of the bullpen again this season.
"We're expecting big things from Brian, Brett, and Julio this season," said Riversharks Director of Baseball Operations, Jeff Scott. "They're they type of players that led this team to the first half divisional championship last season, and we're hoping they can do it again this year," he added.
The Riversharks open the 2009 season on Thursday, April 23rd, against the Somerset Patriots. The team's home opener will be on Friday, May 1st, at 7:05 PM, against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Individual and group tickets are on sale online at www.riversharks.com or by calling 1-866-SHARKS-9.
Atlantic League Stories from March 20, 2009
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- Riversharks Announce First Signings Of 2009 - Camden Riversharks
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