AA St. Paul Saints

Saints Feel The Need For Speed With Recent Signing

Published on April 20, 2010 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN (April 20. 2010) - In 2007 when the St. Paul Saints reached the American Association Championship Series they set a single season record for stolen bases by a team. They may try to do that again in 2010 and it will start with their new lead off man, outfielder Coby Smith. The Saints also signed infielder Hector Estrella.

The 29-year-old Smith was third in the Texas League last season in stolen bases with 41. His career high for stolen bases was set in the American Association with the Shreveport Sports in 2006 with 42. Last season Smith split time between Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Salt Lake in the Los Angeles Angels organization. With Arkansas he hit .262 with eight homers and 47 RBI in 116 games. In 450 at bats he scored 68 runs, had 18 doubles, three triples and was 41 of 53 in stolen bases. He slugged .369 and had a .325 on base percentage. He played four games at Triple-A and was 2 for 14.

His career began in 2004 with the Alexandria Aces in the Independent Northeast League and despite a .206 average he still finished fourth in the league in stolen bases with 20. Many Saints fans may remember Smith from his brief time with the club in 2005. After spending most of the season with the Sports he went 4 for 15 with the Saints in six games and also played in the post-season.

The Angels purchased his contract from the Sports following the 2006 season and he spent the next three seasons with them moving from Single-A to Triple-A.

The 25-year-old Estrella also spent last season with the Angels organization at Single-A Cedar Rapids and Rancho Cucamonga. With Cedar Rapids he hit .208 with one homer and 11 RBI in 16 games. In 53 at bats he scored seven runs, had three doubles slugged .321 and had a .354 on base percentage. He spent the majority of the season at Rancho Cucamonga and hit .263 with four homers and 45 RBI in 90 games. In 315 at bats he scored 48 runs, had 14 doubles, three triples and swiped nine bases. He slugged .365 and had an on base percentage of .356.

Estrella was a 40th round pick in the June Amateur Draft by the Angels in 2007. He spent that season in Orem of the Rookie League and spent all of 2008 at Single-A Cedar Rapids. He set a career high that season with a .302 average.

The Saints have signed 20 players during the offseason, 11 pitchers and nine position players. Clubs may carry a maximum of 27 players into spring training and must have the roster pared down to 23 for the first 14 days of the season. After those 14 days the roster must be down to 22 players.

The Saints 2010 season begins on May 13 with a six game home stand, three with the Wichita Wingnuts and three with the Lincoln Saltdogs. Single game and group tickets are on sale. For more information regarding tickets contact the Saints Ticket Office at 651-644-6659 or visit saintsbaseball.com.

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American Association Stories from April 20, 2010


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