IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Canizares IL Hitter of the Week

Published on April 14, 2008 under International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


The International League announced today that Richmond first baseman Barbaro Canizares and Louisville pitcher Justin Lehr have been named the League's first Batter and Pitcher-of-the-Week for 2008. The period covers the first eleven days of the season, from April 3-13.

BARBARO CANIZARES, Richmond Braves IL BATTER OF THE WEEK

Barbaro Canizares established himself as one of the International League's top hitters to begin the 2008 season, posting a .400 average (14-35) with two homers and 10 RBI to lead the defending Governors' Cup champions to the best record in the League so far (8-2). Canizares started things off the right way on Opening Day against Rochester, going 3-5 with 3 RBI. It was one of five multi-hit efforts for Canizares in his first eight starts, placing him among the IL leaders in several categories. He is in the top ten in RBI (T-2nd), hits (T-3rd), average (6th), and home runs (T-6th). Canizares went deep in each of Richmond's games over the weekend at Lehigh Valley, and yesterday added a RBI single in the 7th that put the Braves in front for good. It was his third 3-RBI game already this season. Canizares, who has been used as both a first baseman and designated hitter for Richmond, has failed to get a hit in only one game so far - Friday, April 11 when he was used as a pinch hitter in the 9th inning.

28-year-old Barbaro Canizares is in his third season in U.S. professional baseball. The 6'3", 210- pound player defected from his native Cuba before the 2005 season. Last year he hit .344 with 34 RBI in 49 games with Richmond, but he missed three months of the season while experiencing immigration paperwork issues. He played in six playoff games for the Braves as Richmond stormed to the 2007 Governors' Cup championship. Canizares is a native of Havana.

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