Nuts' Ace Closer Gets Promotion to AA
August 3, 2005 - California League (CalL1)
Modesto Nuts News Release
Jim Miller, who leads the California League with 25 saves and 48 relief appearances this season, has been promoted by the Colorado Rockies to their AA affiliate in Tulsa. Miller, a 9th inning specialist, had been dominant out of the bullpen for Modesto this season. In 2004 Miller was the Northwest League Rolaids Relief Man Award Winner, Northwest League All Star and Baseball America Short Season League All Star. He was well on his way to duplicating that feat in the California League this season. He represented Modesto at the mid season All Star Game in Frederick, Md and has been the league's save leader all season. Miller had not given up a run in 37 of 48 appearances and had held opposing batters to a .213 batting average. The 23 year-old right hander out of the University of Louisiana-Monroe is in his second professional season.
Modesto has added two players to their roster. Right handed pitcher Caleb Balbuena was obtained by the Rockies from the Independent Northern League and added to the Modesto roster. He had been pitching for the Kansas City T-Bones. Balbuena, 6'7" and 255 pounds, is 28 years old. He was originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 26th round of the 1998 draft out of Cal State, Long Beach. Born in Santa Cruz, Balbuena grew up in Toulome City and graduated from Summerville High School. He attended Modesto Jr. College and Cuesta College before moving on to Long Beach.
Modesto also has added a new catcher. Neil Wilson, a 21 year old from Vero Beach, Fl has joined the team from the Ashville Tourists in the South Atlantic League. Wilson was a fifth round draft pick out of Vero Beach High School in 2002. He has earned a reputation as an outstanding defensive catcher. In 62 games at Ashville this season Wilson was batting .270 with eight home runs and 44 RBI's.
Modesto's roster is now at the maximum 25 players.
California League Stories from August 3, 2005
- Armando Benitez To Make Second Rehab Start For San Jose Giants On Thursday Afternoon - San Jose Giants
- Nuts' Ace Closer Gets Promotion to AA - Modesto Nuts
- Nuts Drop One to Bakersfield, 6-3 - Modesto Nuts
- JetHawks Loses to Inland Empire 16-7 - Lancaster JetHawks
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