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Former Blue Jay to Fly With the Pelicans

May 3, 2006 - American Association (AA)
Pensacola Pelicans News Release


The Pensacola Pelicans announce today the signing of catcher Jose Yepez.

Yepez is coming off a career season with the Northern League Champion Gary RailCats. During 2005 Yepez batted .291 with 21 doubles and 44 RBI in 77 games - all career highs.

This will be the 11th season that Yepez has been involved in professional baseball. The Venezuelan native has had an offensive renaissance over the past four seasons, getting more playing time and developing his skills at the plate. Since 2002 he has driven in 120 runs, amassed 223 hit, scored 113 times and hit 15 of his 17 career homeruns.

Yepez led all Northern League catchers in throwing out base runners, catching 37 percent of attempted base stealers last season. The 24 year-old is known as a strong "catch and throw" backstop who will help shut down the opposition's running game. Yepez reached the finals in the Florida Stae League with the Dunedin Blue Jays in 2003.

"This guy can handle himself on both sides of the plate," Director of Player Procurement James Gamble stated." It's rare to find a catcher who can handle the staff and swing the bat, but this guy can do both."

Yepez originally signed to the Blue Jays Organization and is the second catcher added to the roster. Frontier League standout Tony Sanguinetti was signed early last month.

Pensacola used a combination of Jose Salas, Brian Lentz and George Branch behind the plate last season. The trio combined for a .290 average with six homeruns 46 RBI and 18 doubles. The Combination of Yepez and Tony Sanguinetti at the plate this year projects a .282 average with 28 homeruns 90 RBI and 36 doubles.

The Pelicans spring training camp continues this week at Gulf Breeze High School starting at 3 pm. Starting Saturday the Pelicans will move spring training to Pelican Park at UWF. Practice is open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend. For Opening Day tickets call 850-934-8444 or visit www.pensacolapelicans.com .

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