Ayala named Independent League Top Prospect to Watch by Baseball America
Published on October 27, 2009 under United League Baseball (ULB)
Amarillo Dillas News Release
AMARILLO, TX Over the last four years Baseball America has presented their survey of the top talent, playing independent professional baseball, to professional scouts, independent league commissioners, and field managers. The list of top talent includes prospects that are playing in the independent leagues who are projected as having the talent to move on to affiliated baseball, with the hope that a couple of them will eventually play for a major league team. Included in this list is Baseball Americas Independent League Top Prospects to Watch which is where they recognized right-handed relief pitcher Albert Ayala, of the Amarillo Dillas.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2007 by the River City Rascals of the Frontier League, Ayala was signed by the Amarillo Dillas on August 11, 2009 after being released by the Worcester Tornadoes of the Canadian American League of Professional Baseball.
Upon his arrival to Amarillo, Ayala quickly found a home in the Dillas bullpen where he proved to play an integral part in the clubs success down the stretch, leading into the post season. During his short time on the roster, Ayala appeared in 8 games pitching 11 innings earning 2 wins against no losses, while posting a 3.09 ERA during the regular season. His abilities were most impressive during the playoffs when he appeared in 3 games while pitching 7.1 innings earning 2 big victories and giving up just 2 earned runs posting a 3.00 ERA.
Our bullpen did a more than an adequate and sufficient job of keeping us in games which is their role, Dillas Field Manager Brady Bogart said. Picking up Albert only made our relief pitching that much better and he was solid for us down the stretch and particularly in the playoffs.
Ayala is one of twenty-two players that the Dillas have exercised a Club Option on for the 2010 season and the club fully expects him to remain with the team and continue his role as a prominent relief pitcher. And, former major league pitcher and current Dillas General Manager Mark Lee thinks highly of Ayalas abilities, as well.
I really like what I saw in him Dillas General Manager Mark Lee. He is the type of pitcher you like on your team because of his willingness to take the ball every day which, in my opinion, is something that is missing today at this level of baseball.
The Amarillo Dillas Baseball Club is a charter member of United League Baseball, a Professional Independent League, with six teams playing in Texas. ULB teams are located in Amarillo, Coastal Bend, Edinburg, Harlingen, Laredo, and San Angelo.
United League Baseball Stories from October 27, 2009
- Ayala named Independent League Top Prospect to Watch by Baseball America - Amarillo Dillas
- Roadrunners Add To The Roster - Edinburg Roadrunners
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