Padres Today Purchased the Contract of Portland Catcher

Published on August 11, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - The San Diego Padres today purchased the contract of Portland catcher Pete Laforest, recalled right-handed pitcher Mike Thompson and optioned right-handed pitcher Jack Cassel to Portland. Additionally, catcher Justin Hatcher was transferred to Portland from Class A Lake Elsinore.

Laforest, 29, was previously with San Diego from April 12-May 3 after his contract was purchased from Portland. In six games with the Padres, he batted .313 (5-for-16) with a double, an RBI, two runs scored and three walks before being outrighted to Portland on May 3. Over parts of three seasons in 50 major league games with Tampa Bay (2003, 2005) and San Diego (2007), Laforest has a .188 batting average (24-for-128) with six doubles, one homer, 11 RBIs, seven runs scored and 10 walks. With the Beavers this season, Laforest is batting .230 with a team-high 29 home runs and 72 RBIs in 86 games. Laforest, who is currently tied for second in the PCL in homers, hit his fifth grand slam of the year for the Beavers Aug. 8 vs. Memphis, setting a new Pacific Coast League record for a single season.

In six games over three stints with San Diego in 2007, Thompson, 26, is 0-1 with a 6.91 ERA (11er, 14.1ip). Thompson, who is 3-9 with a 6.29 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) with the Beavers this season, has a career major league record of 4-6 with a 5.25 ERA, striking out 40 and walking 36 in 25 games (16 starts) with the Padres over two seasons (2006-07).

Cassel, who made his major league debut Friday night at Cincinnati after having his contract purchased earlier in the day, is 7-11 with a 3.54 ERA in 24 games (21 starts) with Portland in 2007. Cassel, who turned 28 on Wednesday, leads the PCL in complete games (3), ranks fourth in ERA and third in strikeouts (108) and innings pitched (139.2). In parts of three seasons with Portland (2005-07), Cassel is 13-18 with a 4.59 ERA in 65 appearances (35 starts). In his big league debut Friday night, the right-hander allowed two hits and two runs in three relief innings in a no-decision in the Padres' 12-7, 11-inning win over the Reds.

Hatcher, 27, has split time between Portland, Class AA San Antonio and Lake Elsinore this season, combining to hit .160 (8-for-50) with six RBIs over 17 games between the three levels. In nine games with the Beavers this season, Hatcher is batting .148 (4-for-27) with a double and three RBIs. The five-year professional was released by the Beavers on July 28 before re-signing with the Padres organization to join Lake Elsinore.

The Beavers' active roster is now at 21 players.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from August 11, 2007


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.

OurSports Central