Riversharks Sign First Six Players for 2012 Season
Published on March 13, 2012 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Camden Riversharks News Release
Camden, NJ - The Riversharks have announced that the first six players for the 2012 season have been signed. Pitchers Carlos Vasquez and Mike McGuire, as well as catcher Alvin Colina, first baseman Raul Padron, and infielder Jake Eigsti will be returning to the team, while former Braves farm hand Mariano Gomez will make his Atlantic League debut with the Riversharks.
"With Jeff Scott and Ron Karkovice's hard work, our roster is starting to come together," said Riversharks General Manager Adam Lorber. "We are very excited to see so many returning players and look forward to contending for an Atlantic League Championship."
Vasquez is entering his second season with the Riversharks. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Chicago Cubs in 2000. He spent four seasons in the Cubs farm system and from 2007-2009, he played for the White Sox, Red Sox, and Marlins organizations. Last season, he had a 3.47 ERA and led the team in wins (10).
McGuire rejoins the "ËSharks after a brief stint with them last season. He was originally drafted in 2008 by the Cleveland Indians. In 2010, he was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies and spent three seasons playing in their farm system. McGuire is one of the five pitchers responsible for last year's no-hitter against the Somerset Patriots on September 16.
Colina returns to the Riversharks after joining the team in July of last year. He was originally signed by the Colorado Rockies as an amateur free agent in 1998. In 2011, Colina signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers and was traded to the Riversharks. He had a .269 BA, 14 homeruns and hit two grand slams in one game for the "ËSharks.
Padron joined the Riversharks in 2010 and is returning after being signed last season by the Cleveland Indians. His professional career started in 2002 as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Athletics. Before being signed by the Indians, heled the "ËSharks in batting average (.335) and OBP (.385). He was also tied for the team lead in homeruns (7).
Eigsti returns to the Riversharks after playing 12 games for the team last season. He was originally selected in 2006 by the New York Mets. During his time with the "ËSharks, he recorded 12 RBIs and had a .356 BA.
Gomez was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cleveland Indians in 1999 and spent eight years in their farm system. In 2009, he joined the Gwinett Braves, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, and recorded a 1.99 ERA. This is his first season in the Atlantic League.
The team will play their home opener on Wednesday, May 9 at 7:05 p.m. at Campbell's Field. The Riversharks are also hosting the 2012 Atlantic League All-Star Game, presented by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, on Wednesday, July 11 at 7:05 p.m. To purchase tickets, call 1-866-SHARKS-9.
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