Miners Deal Carrasco for Mochizuki
Published on February 24, 2009 under Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners have agreed to a deal that will send reliever Armando Carrasco to the Orange County Flyers of the Golden League in exchange for shortstop/centerfielder Gered Mochizuki.
Mochizuki, 23, hit .314, ninth best in the Frontier League, as a rookie for Evansville in 2008. The left-handed hitter also led the Otters in hits (92), stolen bases (19) and on-base percentage (.409) in 75 games. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2003 out of Baldwin (Hawaii) High School but did not sign. Instead he attended Yavapai (Ariz.) Community College and then the University of Central Missouri, which is also the alma mater of Miners closer Mike Phelps. As a senior in 2007, Mochizuki led the team with a .383 batting average and a .505 on-base percentage.
"Gered brings a number of things to our mix," Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. "He really can run, has great discipline at the plate and can either play the infield or the outfield so we have a number of options there. I like his passion for how he plays, and to be in the top 10 in hitting his rookie year, I think he is only going to get better. (Miners Coach) Ralph (Santana) will have the chance to work with him on his base stealing and I see him as impacting our offense this season."
Carrasco was a clutch performer out of the Southern Illinois bullpen in 2008. He began the season in River City but joined the Miners in June. With the Miners he went 2-2 with a 2.87 ERA and tied for the team lead with six saves. The trade will be a homecoming for him as his hometown of Orange, Calif. is roughly 10 miles from Orange County's ballpark.
"Armando did a great job for us last season," Pinto said, "but we are limited with the number of two year players we can have. I wanted to be sure to get him some place that would be a good fit for him, and this is near his home. I loved his attitude and wish him only the best."
The Miners will begin the 2009 season in Evansville on Friday, May 22. The home opener is scheduled for Friday, May 29 at 7:05 p.m. For a complete schedule, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Frontier League Stories from February 24, 2009
- Kids Club Memberships Available - Rockford RiverHawks
- Miners Deal Carrasco for Mochizuki - Southern Illinois Miners
- Williams To Return For Third Season - Traverse City Beach Bums
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