Four Inked By Ducks
Published on March 12, 2010 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
(Central Islip, N.Y., March 12, 2010) - Long Island Ducks team officials today announced the signings of catcher Robinson Cancel, pitchers Joselo Diaz and Jerome Gamble, and outfielder Billy Kovatch for the 2010 season. The signings bring the Ducks roster to a total of 14 players.
"All four players are excellent additions to our ballclub," says Ducks manager Dave LaPoint. "We are confident that they will all help us achieve success during the upcoming season."
Cancel brings 16 years of professional baseball experience to the Ducks. The Puerto Rico native has spent parts of three seasons in the major leagues, including time during the last two years with the New York Mets.
Cancel began his career in the Brewers organization, where he played for eight seasons. After stops in the Athletics, Devil Rays, and Cardinals systems, Cancel spent the last three campaigns in the Mets organization. For his minor league career, the right hander compiled a.263 average to go along with 74 home runs and 499 RBI in 1,134 games. Cancel was originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 16th round of the 1994 draft.
Former big leaguer Diaz begins his first season in the Atlantic League and first in independent baseball. He last played in 2008, splitting time in the Texas Rangers and New York Mets organizations. He began the season with Triple-A New Orleans of the Mets organization where he went 1-5 with a 6.69 ERA in 12 games. The righty then spent time at the Double-A level with the Rangers before being called up to the big leagues in July. The Dominican Republic native has played in eight seasons of professional baseball. Diaz was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dodgers in 1996.
The 29-year-old Gamble is entering his 11th season of professional baseball. Last season, he split time with Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett in the Atlanta Braves organization, where he combined for a 3-4 record with a 3.77 ERA in 35 games. The Alabama native spent six seasons with the Boston Red Sox organization, where he compiled a 13-10 record along with a 3.07 ERA in 64 games, reaching as high as Double-A Portland in 2004.Gamble was originally selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 4th round of the 1998 draft.
Florida native Kovatch enters his second season in the Atlantic League and second tour of duty with the Ducks. During the 2008 season, he played in 12 games for the Flock, hitting.316 with two RBI and nine runs scored in 12 games. He also played for New Jersey and Atlantic City of the Can-Am league that year. Last season, Kovatch spent the entire year with the New Jersey Jackals of the Can-Am League. He posted a.247 batting average along with 23 RBI and a career-high 56 hits. Kovatch played his collegiate baseball at the University of North Florida.
The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park in Central Islip, NY and are entering their 11th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit www.liducks.com or call 631-940-DUCK.
Atlantic League Stories from March 12, 2010
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- Four Inked By Ducks - Long Island Ducks
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- Blue Crabs Fan Fest Is April 10 - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
