Blasters Catchers' Contract Purchased by San Diego Padres, Team Adds Former MSSU Player
May 4, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
Joplin Blaster catcher Yenier Bello has been signed by the San Diego Padres and will await assignment to one of their minor league affiliates.
Bello joined the Blasters by way of the Atlanta Braves and the Cuban National Series, the country's top professional league. He looked to compete for the starting catchers position before the Blasters Inaugural 2015 season.
"We are very happy for Yenier to continue his journey towards playing in the Big Leagues," said Blasters GM Shawn Suarez. "We envisioned him being a big contributor for us this season, but wish him nothing but the best with Padres."
The Blasters are a member of the Independent American Association, and it is common for the league's top performers to have their contracts purchased by Major League Organizations. There are currently eight former American Association players currently playing in the MLB, and over 40 on Minor League Rosters for the 2015 season.
Former MSSU Player Jake Taylor Added
Missouri Southern State Baseball fans will recognize a familiar name on the Blasters roster, as Catcher Jake Taylor was added via trade with the Kansas City T-Bones.
Taylor spent the 2014 campaign with the St. Paul Saints where he hit .283 with 9 homeruns and 34 RBIs in 61 games. He looks to bring versatility to the Blasters in their Inaugural Season.
Tinoco added, Chirinos to Lincoln:
The Blasters made two other transactions over the weekend.
RHP Luis Chirinos was traded to the Lincoln Saltdogs in exchange for cash considerations, while INF Steve Tinoco was added from the Sioux Falls Canaries in exchange for a player to be named later.
Tinoco joins the Blasters after spending the 2014 American Association season with Sioux Falls where he went .282 with 7 homeruns and 41 RBIs in 91 games played. Tinoco was originally a Tampa Bay Rays draft pick where he advanced as far as AA in 2013.
The Blasters are the newest members of the South Division in the American Association of Independent Baseball. They will play a 50 home game schedule beginning in May of 2015 at a renovated Joe Becker Stadium, and will be a major entertainment destination for the Four States Community. Ticket information, as well as, general information on the Blasters can be found online at www.joplinblasters.com or by calling (417) 437-6105.
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