Two for Juan
Published on May 20, 2011 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Bridgeport Bluefish News Release
(Bridgeport, Conn. - May 20, 2011) - The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the signings of pitchers Juan Rincon and Juan Padilla. Both Rincon and Padilla will make their Park City debuts.
"It's great to add two players of this caliber to our pitching staff," says Bluefish manager Willie Upshaw. "We look forward to their contributions."
Rincon will make his Atlantic League debut with the Bluefish in 2011 during his 15th season of professional baseball. Last year, the former Major Leaguer split time between Triple-A Colorado Springs and the Colorado Rockies. He pitched in 47 games with the Sky Sox before returning to the Major Leagues and appearing in two contests with the Rockies. The reliever has spent 10 seasons in the Big Leagues, making his debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2001. He was an important member of the Twins bullpen during the mid 2000's with his best season coming in 2004. The 32-year-old posted a 2.63 ERA in 82 innings pitched with personal-bests in wins (11), appearances (77) and strikeouts (106). He owns a 35-29 career Major League record with a 4.03 ERA and 469 strikeouts in 444 appearances. Juan was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Twins in 1996.
Padilla joins the Bluefish for his third season in the Atlantic League and 12th of professional baseball. Last year, the former Major Leaguer appeared in 25 games for Independent Pittsfield of the Can-Am League. He posted a 2.86 ERA with 17 saves and 27 strikeouts over the course of 28.1 innings of work. The righthander made his Big League debut in 2004 as a member of the New York Yankees and has also made appearances for the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets. His best season in the Majors came during his final year in 'The Show' in 2005 with the Mets. The 34-year-old went 3-1 with a 1.49 ERA in 36.1 innings pitched. He has also spent two years in the Atlantic League with the York Revolution from 2008 to 2009. Juan was originally selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 24th round of the 1998 amateur draft.
The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2011 season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.
Atlantic League Stories from May 20, 2011
- York wins over Long Island - York Revolution
- Riversharks Snap Four-Game Skid - Camden Riversharks
- Patriots Win On Record Breaking Night For Nettles - Somerset Patriots
- Timely Lancaster Offense Leads to Bluefish Loss - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Barnstormers Grab Lead and Never Surrender - Lancaster Stormers
- Patriots Win On Record Breaking Night For Nettles - Somerset Patriots
- DiNardo Signed by Athletics - Long Island Ducks
- Two for Juan - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Barnstormers Ink Former Royal Braun - Lancaster Stormers
- Three as Nice - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
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.
