AtL Lancaster Stormers

Barnstormers Ink Former Orioles Reliever Rleal

Published on March 25, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release


LANCASTER, Pa.-The Lancaster Barnstormers are turning to a former Major League reliever to continue their tradition of dominant closers. The Barnstormers signed former Baltimore Orioles right-hander Sendy Rleal to a 2008 contract, Barnstormers vice president of baseball operations Keith Lupton announced today.

Rleal (pronounced Ray-AHL), 27, spent the bulk of the 2006 season with the Orioles, finishing with a 1-1 record and 4.44 ERA in 42 appearances, all in relief. He worked 46 2/3 innings for the Birds.

Even more impressive are Rleal's minor league numbers. The native of San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic was 32-26 with 32 saves and a 3.56 ERA in the Orioles minor league system. Over three tours of duty with AA Eastern League Bowie ('04-'05-'07), he went 13-7 with 20 saves and a tidy 2.60 ERA. In 163 innings of work with the Baysox, he walked only 49 while fanning 170. Sixteen of his saves came in 2005 when he posted a 2.04 ERA and struck out 75 batters in 70.1 innings pitched.

"Sendy had an outstanding minor league career in the Orioles organization," Lupton said. "He was called up to Baltimore in '06 and did a good job for them. He's a young pitcher with great potential. That's why we're looking to him to be our closer."

Rleal is heir to a position previously held by Barnstormers closers Scott Patterson, Charlie Weatherby and Derrick DePriest. Patterson currently owns a 0.00 ERA in spring training as a reliever for the New York Yankees.

Rleal's signing brings the total number of players under contract with the 2008 Barnstormers to 16. The club will head to Lakeland, Florida for spring training on April 14.

The Barnstormers will open 2008 season at Clipper Magazine Stadium on Friday, April 25, 2008 against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The only way to guarantee seats for Opening Weekend is by becoming a Barnstormers season ticket holder. For more information on the Barnstormers numerous flexible ticket plans, call (717) 509-HITS or visit www.LancasterBarnstormers.com.

Tickets to Opening Night will go on sale during the Barnstormers annual FanFest on Saturday, April 5. Single-game tickets to all other regular season games will go on sale during a special internet pre-sale on Monday, March 31.

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