CAMDEN - The Camden Riversharks announced today that they have signed right handed pitcher Dewon Brazelton for the 2009 season. Brazelton was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays with the number three overall pick in the 2001 Major League Baseball draft. He made his Major League debut with the team on September 13, 2002.
Brazelton brings nearly five years of Major League pitching experience with him to the Riversharks. From 2002 to 2005, he started 41 games for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and also made 13 relief appearances. His career highlight came in 2005, when he was the opening day starter for the Devil Rays.
After the 2005 season, Brazelton was traded from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to the San Diego Padres, in exchange for third baseman Sean Burroughs. After several impressive performances in Spring training, he earned a spot in the Padres' starting rotation. However, Brazelton struggled to find his form with the Padres, and was eventually assigned to the team's AAA affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. Since that time, he has also pitched for the AAA Omaha Royals and AA Altoona Curve.
Brazelton's signing with the Riversharks comes as somewhat of a surprise to the organization, as he unexpectedly attended the team's open tryouts on Saturday, April 2nd. His accuracy and movement with his pitches immediately impressed the coaching staff.
"Dewon really threw the ball well at the tryout, and it was pretty clear that he still has what it takes to be a dominant pitcher," said Riversharks Manager Joe Ferguson. "I only talked to [Pitching Coach] Jeff Scott for about thirty seconds before we both agreed that we should offer him a contract."
For Brazelton, pitching for the Riversharks is an opportunity to continue improving upon the craft that he has devoted much of his life to. "I'm a guy that plays hard and loves the game," Brazelton said. "I consider it a blessing to be able to play professional baseball, and I'm excited to be joining the Riversharks," he added.
Brazelton currently projects as a starting pitcher for the Riversharks. He will join a roster that also includes former Major League pitcher Brian Lawrence, and right handed reliever Julio Guerrero. Riversharks pitching coach Jeff Scott will finalize the team's pitching staff during Spring training, which will take place in Lakeland, Florida from April 13 to April 21.
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.
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