Revolution Sign Stevens, Orioles Sign Stevens
March 26, 2009 - Atlantic League (AtL)
York Revolution News Release
(York, PA): Left-handed pitching is difficult to find, and the York Revolution found out today they are not the only team seeking such services. After signing a preseason deal to join the Revolution starting rotation, southpaw Jake Stevens has flown south to join the Baltimore Orioles organization. He becomes the first Revs player in 2009 to be signed by an affiliated organization.
The talented lefty was originally a third-round pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2003, and is 32-36 with a 4.21 ERA in five minor league seasons, mostly as a starter. His best season came in 2004 with Single-A Rome, when he went 9-5 with a 2.27 ERA. He reached Triple-A Richmond in 2007 and is only 24 years of age.
His path crossed with Revolution general manager Matt O'Brien and assistant general manager Neil Fortier when they were together at Single-A Myrtle Beach in the Braves system in 2005 and 2006. Stevens posted a career-high in wins for the Pelicans, going 10-9 in 2005.
"Stevens took last year off and is excited about getting back into the game," said Adam Gladstone, Revs director of baseball operations. "Seeing him get signed is what we want. We're very happy for him."
Stevens' signing with the Orioles rivals that of Steve Schmoll for quickest transaction in Revs history. Schmoll was with the Revs for all of 24 hours last spring before being plucked by the Dodgers. The Revs also had catcher Josh Johnson inked to a deal this spring, but he was gobbled up by the San Diego Padres.
Ten players who have suited up for the Revolution in their first two years have gone on to sign with major league organizations, including Matt Esquivel who was signed by the Indians this winter after a solid offensive performance in York a season ago. Stevens, in a way, goes the route of Esquivel, who was also with O'Brien and Fortier in Myrtle Beach, and who also went through York to land back with a major league organization, after a successful 2008 Atlantic League campaign.
Stevens works with the same sports agency as Esquivel, York pitcher Corey Thurman, and Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts.
The Revs roster count remains at 12 for the upcoming season, with seven pitchers officially under contract.
All tickets for the 2009 season are on sale now. Opening Day is May 1 against the Lancaster Barnstormers.
• Discuss this story on the Atlantic League message board...
Atlantic League Stories from March 26, 2009
- Ticket Prices Announced For T-Pain & Flo-Rida Show - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
- Patriots Announce Return Of Anthony Granato And Joe Burke - Somerset Patriots
- Revolution Sign Stevens, Orioles Sign Stevens - York Revolution
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
