Reno Silver Sox Sell 3B Edgar Varela to Florida Marlins
Published on July 17, 2006 under Golden Baseball League (GBL) News Release
(Pleasanton, CA. July 17, 2006) The Golden Baseball League today announced that Reno Silver Sox all-star third baseman Edgar Varela has had his contract purchased by the Florida Marlins. According to the Marlins, he will report immediately to the Florida State League Jupiter Hammerheads.
"Edgar really deserves this opportunity," said Reno Silver Sox Manager Les Lancaster. "He has been one of the dominant hitters in the league and has been a vacuum at third base for us all season long. He was a key contributor as we won the first half title and will really be missed."
Varela, 25, was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 31st round of the 2002 amateur draft out of Long Beach State University. Chicago assigned him to Bristol in the Appalachian League where he finished as one of the top hitters with a .330 average. He was promoted to Kannapolis in the South Atlantic League the next season but was later traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Triple-A outfielder Nate Murphy. Arizona sent him to Lancaster in the High-A California League where he spent the next two seasons and finished 2005 as the starting 3rd baseman for the JetHawks and one of their leading hitters batting .309 for the season with 30 doubles. Slated for Double-A this year, he was a surprising release by Arizona in spring training of 2006 and was immediately signed by the Silver Sox.
Varela has been one of the dominant hitters in the GBL this season and currently stands amongst the league leaders in batting average at .344 (4th), home runs with 9 (3rd), and RBIs with 43 (2nd) in the first 40 games of the season. He also leads the league in hits with 62 and in doubles with 19 while playing brilliant defense at the hot corner. He was selected to the GBL All-Star team and to the All-Star Home Run derby, but will now miss both as he is on his way to Florida.
"Edgar is a great example of the value of independent leagues," said GBL Commissioner Kevin Outcalt. "He was one of the finest hitters in High-A last year, but couldn't fit into the plans of the Diamondbacks. Playing in Reno allowed him to continue to improve his game, gain exposure, and be available when the opportunity arose with Florida."
Varela is now the 5th Reno Silver Sox player to be acquired by a major league organization in their inaugural season, which leads all of independent baseball. He follows teammates Chris Key (Philadelphia-AA), Milko Jaramillo (Milwaukee - AAA), Jorge Rodriquez (San Diego - Rookie League), and Victor Hall (New York Yankees - High A) who all had their contracts sold since spring training.
The 2006 Reno Silver Sox play at Peccole Park on the University of Nevada campus. Tickets, merchandise, and sponsor opportunities are all still available at www.silversoxbaseball.com.
Golden Baseball League Stories from July 17, 2006
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- Armada Splits Pair With Flyers - Long Beach Armada
- Reno Silver Sox Sell 3B Edgar Varela to Florida Marlins - GBL
- Varela Fifth Silver Sox Player Sold - Reno Silver Sox
- Flyers Split Doubleheader - Orange County Flyers
- Gregg, Outlaws top Yuma, 4-0 - Chico Outlaws
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