Brazell Heading For Japan
Published on December 5, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release
OMAHA, NE - Craig Brazell, who led the Minor Leagues in home runs in 2007, is heading for Japan. The Kansas City Royals have sold his contract to the Seibu Lions.
Brazell was on hand at the Winter Meetings at Nashville on Monday to pick up his trophy as the 2007 Joe Bauman Round-Tripper Award Winner. In addition to the trophy, he received a check for $7,800 -- $200 for each of the 39 home runs he hit during the 2007 season.
The 27-year old first baseman/DH began last season with Double-A Wichita, smacking seven home runs in just over a month. He was promoted to Triple-A Omaha in early May and belted 13 homers in 22 games that month. He wound up leading the O-Royals with 32 home runs and 33 doubles in 105 games.
By season's end, he not only paced the Minor Leagues in home runs, but also in total bases (326), while ranking third in extra-base hits (77) and tied for third in hits (171). For the season, the left-handed hitter compiled a .315 batting average and a .601 slugging percentage.
Brazell's 32 home runs with Omaha was the 4th-highest season total in team history, while his 33 doubles were tied for 3rd-best and his 262 total bases ranks 5th on the team's single-season charts.
He wound up getting a call-up by Kansas City in September and went 1-for-4 with a walk in five games, his first taste of the big leagues since 2004.
Now, he's off on a new adventure with a one-year contract in Japan. He expects to play first base more than DH. "I felt like it was a good opportunity, hard to turn down," Brazell said. "It'll be fun. I'm looking forward to it actually."
"The Omaha Royals extend our best wishes to Craig," said Royals General Manager Martie Cordaro. "He had a terrific season for our ball club last season and we expect him to become a fan favorite in Japan."
Pacific Coast League Stories from December 5, 2007
- Sounds Announce 2008 Game Times - Nashville Sounds
- Brazell Heading For Japan - Omaha Storm Chasers
- River Cats Hitting Coach to Travel to South Africa as Part of MLB Envoy - Sacramento River Cats
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