Bears acquire former Yankee Almonte from Ducks
January 22, 2007 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Newark Bears News Release
NEWARK, NJ - January 22, 2007 - The Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club announced they have acquired the Atlantic League rights to infielder Erick Almonte from the Long Island Ducks in exchange for the Atlantic League rights to right-handed pitcher Travis Wade. Almonte has been invited to spring training with the Colorado Rockies where he will tryout for a position within the Rockies organization.
Almonte spent the 2006 season with the Ducks appearing in 111 games finishing with a .302 batting average, 24 doubles, four triples, and nine home runs. Along with drawing 68 walks, he scored 73 runs and was fifth in the Atlantic League with 77 RBI. In 17 games against the Bears last season, Almonte batted .364 with six doubles, three home runs, 16 runs scored, 11 RBI, and 15 walks.
Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the New York Yankees in 1996, Almonte reached the major league level in 2001 and again in 2003. In 39 career games at the major league level, 35 at the shortstop position, Almonte has a .269 batting average, with seven doubles, one home run, 17 runs scored, and 11 RBI.
"We wish Erick all the best in his spring training invite and hope that he is able to return to affiliated ball," said Bears Assistant General Manager of Baseball Operations Jim Cerny. "If that doesn't work out for him, however, we are very excited to acquire Erick's Atlantic League rights and would very much welcome him to the Newark Bears organization."
Travis Wade has been a member of the Bears organization since 2004 appearing in 128 games, which is second all-time in the Bears record books. In 2006, Wade appeared in a Bears season record and career high 64 games, striking out 53 batters he faced in 72.2 innings pitched.
"We certainly appreciate all that Travis has done for the Bears over the past three seasons," said Cerny. "He's a solid team guy; and we wish him much success on Long Island."
The Newark Bears will begin their ninth season at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium on Tuesday, May 8 against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Fans attending all home games may park in the spacious parking garage located over the wall in right field. For more information and up-to-date news on the Bears, log on to the team's official website www.newarkbears.com or call 1-866-55-4BEAR.
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