Astros Purchase Contract of Bland

Published on May 4, 2003 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
New Orleans Baby Cakes News Release

The New Orleans Zephyrs, the Class AAA Pacific Coast League affiliate of the Houston Astros are pleased to announce that the Astros have purchased the contract of Zephyrs pitcher Nathan Bland. To make room for Bland on the roster the Astros designated Bruce Chen for assignment.

The Astros obtained Bland from the New York Mets in the Triple-A phase (second round) of the 2002 Rule 5 Draft at the baseball Winter Meetings in December. The 28-year-old Birmingham, Ala., native was originally selected by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 1993 First-Year Player Draft.

In four games for the Zephyrs this year, Bland had no decisions, one save, and a 1.69 ERA in four appearances. He has a career minor league record of 40-39 with nine saves and a 3.83 ERA in 186 games.

The Astros have 10 days to trade Chen, send him to the minors or release him.

Pacific Coast League Stories from May 4, 2003

• Beavs Blank Grizzlies in Seven, But Fresno Gets Even - Portland Beavers
• Express Beat Tulsa, 13-8 - Round Rock Express
• Doubleheader Postponed - Edmonton Trappers
• Tucson Snowed Out Again in Edmonton - Tucson Sidewinders
• Sounds Defeat PCL-Leading 51s, 4-2 - Nashville Sounds
• May 4th Game Rained Out - Omaha Storm Chasers
• Astros Purchase Contract of Bland - New Orleans Baby Cakes
• Zephyrs Defeat Sky Sox, 4-2, in 10 - New Orleans Baby Cakes

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.

Other Recent New Orleans Baby Cakes Stories

• Cakes Win Finale
• 'Cakes Defeat OKC
• Baby Cakes Fall in Home Finale
• Redbirds Roll Behind Seven-Run Seventh
• 'Cakes Split Doubleheader with Memphis