Big Leaguers flock to Long Island
Published on May 21, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 21, 2008) - Long Island Ducks team officials today announced the signings of pitcher Todd Williams and outfielder Alex Sanchez. Williams pitched with the Baltimore Orioles in each of the past four seasons, and split last year between the Orioles and Colorado Rockies organizations. Sanchez, a five-year big league vet, hit .359 in 103 games last year for Charlotte (AAA, White Sox) of the International League.
"These guys bring invaluable experience to our clubhouse and Major League talent to our team," says Ducks manager Dave LaPoint. "We're excited to have them on board."
Williams made his Major League debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995. After making stops with the Reds, Mariners and Yankees early in his career, Williams found a home with the Baltimore in 2004. The Syracuse native enjoyed his most successful season in the big leagues in 2005, earning five victories in 72 relief outings with a 3.30 ERA. The righthander is a veteran of 227 contests at the game's highest level, all in a reliever's role. He has pitched in an additional 654 games as a minor leaguer, with 50 career victories and a 3.40 ERA. The 36-year-old was originally selected by the Dodgers in the 1990 draft.
Sanchez is a career .296 hitter in 427 big-league games with Milwaukee, Detroit, Tampa Bay and San Francisco. The speedster owns 122 stolen bases in the Majors, in addition to 21 triples and 111 RBI. He enjoyed his best big league season in 2003, hitting .287 with eight triples, 32 RBI and 52 stolen bases in combined stints with the Brewers and Tigers. The 31-year-old was selected by Tampa Bay in the fifth round of the 1996 draft. He has hit .292 with 317 steals in 430 minor league contests.
To make room on the 25-man roster, team officials today announced infielder Rob Cafiero has been placed on the inactive list and pitcher Mike Myers has been released.
The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are entering their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit www.liducks.com, or call (631) 940-3825.
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