Bluefish Sign Quartet
April 21, 2015 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Bridgeport Bluefish News Release
(Bridgeport, Conn. - April 21, 2015) - The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced that Tim Gustafson has been named player/Pitching Coach. The team has also announced the signings of outfielder James Simmons, and former big league pitchers Luis Perdomo and Sam Gervacio. In a corresponding roster move, pitcher Greg Smith had his contract purchased by the Atlanta Braves organization and will report to Triple-A Gwinnett.
"This is a tremendous group of players we just added," says Bluefish manager Ricky VanAsselberg. "Tim will take the reigns as the team's Pitching Coach and will also be a strong asset in our bullpen. James had a career year with the 'Fish last season and has proven himself as one of the top players in the Atlantic League, while Luis and Sam add a veteran presence to our bullpen."
Gustafson makes his way back to Bridgeport for his second season with the Bluefish and first as pitching coach during his ninth year of professional baseball. Last season with the 'Fish, he appeared in 57 games and compiled a 2.39 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 64.0 innings of work.
The 30-year-old was originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the ninth round of the 2006 MLB Amateur Draft, and made his professional debut in 2007 with Single-A Rome of the South Atlantic League. He spent five seasons within the Braves organization reaching as high as the Triple-A level in 2010, before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2011. He again reached the Triple-A level in 2012 with Louisville of the International League. Tim then spent one season with Tulsa (AA, Colorado Rockies) before joining the independent ranks with the Bluefish in 2014. In 236 career minor league appearances (119 starts), Gustafson owns 36 victories with a 4.80 ERA and 557 strikeouts over the course of 762.1 innings pitched. Before beginning his professional career, Tim attended and played ball at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Simmons makes his way back to Bridgeport for his fourth season with the 'Fish and tenth of professional baseball. He began this season with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League, where he hit .273 in 33 at-bats. Last year, the 29-year-old appeared in 133 games for the Bluefish, recording a .295 batting average with 67 RBI, 103 runs scored, 15 stolen bases and a .349 on-base percentage.
The Texas-native was originally drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 24th round of the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft. He spent six years with the Giants organization, before joining the Bluefish in 2012. In 2012, he also appeared in 5 games for Washington of the Frontier League, and in 2013 and 2015 he spent time with Monclova of the Mexican League. In 900 career minor league appearances, Simmons owns a .259 batting average with 92 home runs, 380 RBI, 495 runs scored, and 134 stolen bases. Before beginning his professional career, James attended and played ball at Vernon College in Texas.
Perdomo is making his Atlantic League debut with Bridgeport during his 10th season of professional baseball. The right-hander spent the 2014 season with Campeche of the Mexican League. He currently owns 28 wins with a 3.88 ERA and 427 strikeouts over the course of 352 minor league appearances.
Luis was originally signed by the Cleveland Indians in 2006. He made his Major League debut in 2009 with the San Diego Padres, where he spent two seasons. In 2012, he played in 15 games for the Minnesota Twins. In 51 big league relief appearances, he totaled 78 innings with a 4.50 ERA and 63 strikeouts.
Gervacio is making his Atlantic League debut with Bridgeport during his 10th season of professional baseball. The right-hander made his last professional appearance in 2013 with the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League, where he went 4-2 with a 5.35 ERA, 16 saves and 38 strikeouts.
Sam signed with the Houston Astros as a free agent in 2002, and made his major league debut in 2009. In two seasons with the Astros, he appeared in 35 games and went 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 24.2 innings of work. He holds a record of 31-25 with a 3.80 ERA and 546 strikeouts over the course of 414.2 innings in 332 minor league appearances.
The Bridgeport Bluefish are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. For further information, call 203-210-BLUE (2583) or visit BridgeportBluefish.com.
• Discuss this story on the Atlantic League message board...
Atlantic League Stories from April 21, 2015
- Skeeters Wrap up Perfect Spring Training Slate with 3-1 Win - Sugar Land Space Cowboys
- 2015 Ducks Kids Clinics Announced - Long Island Ducks
- Bluefish Sign Quartet - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Bluefish Introduce Two Roads Beer Garden for 2015 Season - Bridgeport Bluefish
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.
