AA St. Paul Saints

Saints Look Ahead To 2010, Trade Pitcher Bille For Two Position Players

Published on November 16, 2009 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN (November 16, 2009) - Proving it's never too early to look towards next season St. Paul Saints manager George Tsamis did some wheeling and dealing sending right-handed reliever Mike Bille to the Grand Prairie AirHogs (American Association) for first baseman Javier Brito and infielder Brandon Carter.

The 28-year-old Bille had two solid seasons for the Saints and this year was 2-6 with a 2.40 ERA and four saves in 36 games. In 56.1 innings pitched he walked 23 and struck out 58 while opponents hit just.217 against him.

The Saints pick up a big bat and some speed in the two players they get in return from the AirHogs. The 26-year-old Brito, who had Triple-A time in 2008 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and 2009 with the St. Louis Cardinals, tore up American Association pitching last season. In 54 games he hit.316 with 12 homers and 62 RBI. In 212 at bats he roped 22 doubles, scored 40 runs while slugging.590 and had an on base percentage of.373. He struck out just 31 times.

Brito began his professional career as a non-drafted free agent by the Diamondbacks in 2002 and worked his way through the system. He is a career.304 hitter in eight professional seasons, averaging about nine homers and 50 RBI over that span.

The Saints, who had the second fewest stolen bases in the American Association last season, will get some help from the 27-year-old speedy Carter. Last season he hit.270 with three homers and 38 RBI in 63 games. In 241 at bats he crushed 12 doubles, two triples and was a perfect 25-25 in stolen bases. He slugged at a.373 clip and had an on base percentage of.359. He too struck out just 31 times last season and spent the last two seasons with the AirHogs.

Carter began his professional career in 2004 as the 40th round draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He reached Single-A Columbus in 2006 before being released and joining Reno of the Golden League.

The Saints currently have 16 players on their roster, five pitchers and 11 position players.

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American Association Stories from November 16, 2009


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