Former Bluefish charting new waters
Published on February 20, 2007 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Bridgeport Bluefish News Release
Bridgeport, CT- February 16, 2007 The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club announced that several members of their 2006 roster have been signed by Major League organizations for the 2007 season.
Gary Burnham, who played in 19 games for the Bluefish, was re-signed by the Philadelphia Phillies. Burnham, who split time between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, hit .348 and belted 17 homers with 68 RBI's during his time in the Phillies organization.
Jason Simontacchi, who pitched in 10 games for the 'Fish in '06 signed a Minor League contract with the Washington Nationals. Simontacchi, 33, also has three years of Major League experience with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Luther Hackman, a 2006 Atlantic League All-Star, was re-signed by the Milwaukee Brewers and given an invitation to spring training. Hackman kept busy during the winter, going 3-4 with a 4.85 ERA for Naranjeros de Hermosillo of the Mexican Winter League. Hackman, 32, has five seasons of Major League experience with the Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres.
Eduardo Villacis, who pitched for the Bluefish in 2006, was recently hired by the Colorado Rockies to coach in their minor league system. Villacis will serve as the pitching coach for the Rookie-level Casper Rockies.
Finally, Willie Upshaw, the first manager in Bluefish history, was named as the first-base coach and outfield instructor for the San Francisco Giants. Upshaw had previously served as an assistant to hitting coach Jim Lefebvre and as the Giants Minor League Hitting Coordinator.
Atlantic League Stories from February 20, 2007
- Former Bluefish charting new waters - Bridgeport Bluefish
- 14 former Somerset Patriots in Spring Training - Somerset Patriots
- Barnstormers re-sign playoff MVP Jeremy Todd - Lancaster Stormers
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