Bears shortstop Mendez sold to Minnesota Twins
Published on July 6, 2006 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Newark Bears News Release
NEWARK, NJ - July 6, 2006 - The Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club announced today the contract of shortstop Donaldo Mendez has been sold to the Minnesota Twins, where he will join the triple-A Rochester Red Wings. Former Major Leaguer and newly acquired Orlando Miller will play shortstop for the Bears.
In 51 games with the Bears this season, Mendez batted .272 with 15 doubles, two triples, and five home runs. He drove in 23 RBI, and scored 32 runs, and ranked fourth in the Atlantic League with 18 stolen bases. Mendez, already a former Major Leaguer, played with the San Diego Padres in 2001.
"We are very excited for Donaldo Mendez," said Bears General Manager John Brandt. "His professional experience made him the leader on and off the field this season. We wish him the best of luck."
Newly acquired Orlando Miller will take Mendez's place at shortstop for the Bears. Miller joins the Bears for his 17th professional season after signing as a non-drafted free agent with the New York Yankees in 1989. He first reached the Major Leagues with the Houston Astros in 1994, playing 16 games batting .325 scoring three runs and driving in nine. Miller played a total of 297 games at the Major League level with the Astros and Detroit Tigers, hitting .259 scoring 95 runs and driving in 113 RBI. His Major League career also included 53 doubles, five triples, and 24 home runs. No stranger to the Atlantic League, Miller played with the Somerset Patriots, Atlantic City Surf, and Nashua Pride of the Atlantic League. Last season with the Pride, he hit .317 with 21 doubles, three home runs, drove in 40 RBI, and scored 29 runs.
In addition, the Atlantic League announced the 2006 All-Star rosters for the North and South Divisions for the game to be played Wednesday, July 12 at the Ballpark in Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Conn. The Bears, who play in the North Division, will be represented by outfielders Will Pennyfeather and Jose Herrera, and pitcher Joey Cole and Joe Gannon. Bears hitting coach Victor Torres was chosen to join Bridgeport manager Dave LaPoint on the bench to be North Division's hitting coach.
Atlantic League Stories from July 6, 2006
- Mirabal not enough for Bears, lose to Ducks 4-0 - Newark Bears
- Patriots take three of four from Warriors - Somerset Patriots
- Playoff pulse beating strong - Long Island Ducks
- Pulse returns to flock - Long Island Ducks
- Persails Pitches First No-Hitter in Bernie Robbins Stadium History - Atlantic City Surf
- Bears shortstop Mendez sold to Minnesota Twins - Newark Bears
- Somerset Patriots send six to All-Star Game - Somerset Patriots
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