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EL1 Trenton Thunder

P.J. Pilittere transferred from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to Trenton

May 5, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Bowie, MD)- The Trenton Thunder, Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, have announced that C Francisco Cervelli has been promoted from Trenton to New York. Also, C P.J. Pilittere has been transferred from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Triple-A) to Trenton, and RHP Humberto Sanchez has been placed on Trenton's Disabled List retroactive to the date he was re-signed by the Yankees (5/1).

Cervelli has appeared in 16 games for the Thunder this season and is batting .190, with two home runs and seven RBI. He has also scored eight runs and walked six times. Cervelli has thrown out 45% of potential base stealers (9-of-20) which ranks him 4th in the Eastern League among catchers in caught stealing percentage. He entered the 2009 season as the 21st best prospect in the Yankees Minor League System according to Baseball America and was listed as the "Best Defensvie Catcher". He is also on the Yankees 40-man roster. The 6-foot-1 right-hander made his Major League debut on September 18, 2008 as a defensive replacement. He went 0-for-5 in three games for the Yankees. Cervelli hit .315 in 21 games for the Thunder last season with eight RBI. He also appeared in three games for Tampa (High-A) and three games for the Gulf Coast League Yankees. He was originally signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted on March 1st, 2003.

Pilittere had a .317 BA with a home run and five RBI in 12 games for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He appeared in 97 games for the Thunder in 2008, and batted .277 with three home runs and 48 RBI. He was selected to the Eastern League All-Star game, and led the Thunder to the Eastern League Championship. In 2007, he appeared in a career-high 100 games for the Thunder and hit .261 with two home runs and 34 RBI. Pillittere was originally selected in the 13th round of the 2004 draft from Cal-State Fullerton. He led Cal-State Fullerton to the 2004 College World Series Title.

Sanchez was re-signed by the Yankees on May 1st, 2009 after being released by the Yankees April 25th. He split the 2008 season between the New York Yankees, Trenton, Tampa, and the GCL Yankees. He was 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two relief appearances for the Yankees. He made one start for the Thunder. He also appeared in a game for the Thunder in the Eastern League Championship Series vs. Akron. He made two starts for Tampa, and he was 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in 12 games (nine starts) for the GCL Yankees. Following the season, he pitched for the Peoria Javelinas of the Arizona Fall League. He was acquired from the Tigers along with RHP Kevin Whelan and RHP Anthony Claggett in exchange for OF Gary Sheffield 11/10/06. He was originally selected by the Tigers in the 31st round of the 2001 draft.

The Thunder begins a four-game series tonight, with a double-header against the Bowie Baysox (Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles) at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie, MD. RHP Zach McAllister (1-1, 2.53) starts for Trenton against RHP Jake Arrieta (2-0, 2.00) in the first game. In the second game, RHP Ivan Nova (2-1, 2.41) starts for Trenton against Bowie RHP Fredy Deza (1-1, 4.63). Trenton returns Waterfront Park on Friday, May 8 for a six-game home stand with three games each against the Binghamton Mets (Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets) and the Portland Sea Dogs (Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox). To purchase tickets call 609-394-3300 or order online at www.trentonthunder.com

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